I am considering joining one of the major magic organizations, and am looking for the pros/cons of the Society Of American Magicians (SAM), the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM), or any others.

My initial reaction is to join up with SAM because I live in Northern, VA, they have a local chapter not too far away, and this year's SAM national convention is just a few miles away from my house.

Thanks for any insight you can lend!

NO WAY! I, too, live in NOVA. I am only a member of SAM 252 in Fairfax, VA. It's a small, friendly club. It's always a lot of fun. Since I am not part of the IBM rings, I do not have knowledge of that club, but any involvement in magic is usually good.
I am currently 17 years old, so I am part of the SYM (but won't be allowed once I turn 18 in a few months). I don't know how old you are, but we would need more youth in our club. We only have 3-4 youths in our club.
The only downsides are that you have to pay, but the benefits far out-weigh the negative(s).
I definitely encourage you to come!
Thanks, Drew

Thanks, Drew. I saw on the local SAM website that you meet at the K of C hall in Fairfax. I'll send and email to the contact listed there and stop by this month or next. I'm afraid that I won't do much to raise the "youth" presence, but I've been working on my magic in a vacuum for many years and would like to spend some time with fellow practitioners.

Thanks for the rec. If I say you invited me and I become a member, do they give you a free toaster or something:)

Chris