[1] The organization hosts a self-named "FISM" conference every three years, where magicians compete for "Best of" categories.
The roots of the FISM began in Paris, France, in 1937, at a meeting of the 34-year-old ASAP, Association Syndicale des Artistes Prestidigitateurs (Association of prestidigitation artists), which had a monthly magazine Le Journal de la Prestidigitation.
There were lectures, exhibits of antique books and apparatus, tours of Amsterdam, a public show, and a contest in which 20 magicians took part.
First prize went to amateur French magician Jean Valton, for an exceptional routine of card juggling and manipulation; second went to Scotland's amateur magician John Ramsay, and third to a professional husband-wife duo, De Flezkis, who combined magic and dance.
Meetings at that convention were held to discuss the creation of a formal international organization, and that was where the FISM title was proposed.
It also serves a capacity in the realm of intellectual property, fighting against the copying or inappropriate release of magical inventions or routines.
[3] The 2000 convention was held in Lisbon, Portugal, where the Grand-Prix award in stage magic was won by Scott & Muriel from Netherlands.