HaunTopic Radio: Haunted Attractions | Haunted Houses | Hallow...

Everything you need to know about the HAuNTcon: Haunted Attraction National Tradeshow and Convention and The Halloween & Party Expo in 2018. Located at New Orleans, Louisiana on January 12-15 . Well...almost everything.

  New Orleans...scary stuff....Haunters...costume ball...Haunt Tours...Haunt classes...oh and so much more!   In this podcast episode, we go behind the scenes of HAuNTcon 2018 with Liz Irving, the Vice President of Marketing and wearer of many hats behind the show.  We discuss new events for HAuNTcon, what's included with each admission ticket, the new tours in New Orleans, and much more.

If you've never been to a HAuNTcon gathering, then this will be a great opportunity for you to visit the history of New Orleans and get your Haunt On during the show.  

To see the complete lineup of events and pricing go here HAuNTcon.com. (Use code HAUNTOPIC to get a free show pass)  

Overview of HAuNTcon 2018: a Haunt Show for all Haunters

• 3 days of HAuNTcon education. Learn from the best in the haunt industry.
• HAuNTcon and Halloween & Party Expo trade shows. So much ground to cover.
• Show floor networking events. Meet new friends.
• Live hands-on demonstrations. Get messy and learn.
• Thursday pre-show inspiration tour. See the heart of New Orleans.
• Friday Costume Ball. Party with other Halloween freaks like you.
• Saturday night lights off tour at the Rise Haunted House
• Sunday Garage Sale. Buy at huge discounts!
• Monday advanced workshops. Dive deep into one topic.

-Come say Hi to us at Booth 110!-

  This will be the second time that the crew of HaunTopic Radio will be together and we want you to join us at HAuNTcon this year. We will be in Booth 110 grabbing sound bytes from Haunters and any attendee that wants to say Hi. We will also be floating around the show floor capturing video and audio interviews from cool people like you.  

What is HAuNTcon? (watch this video for your answer)

We hope to see you in New Orleans in January!

The forgotten audio recordings of the Transworld Halloween & Attractions Show. We got so busy with Haunt Season that we almost forgot part 3 of our compilation from the Transworld Haunt Show. We've compiled the last remaining interviews and stories behind the Scares...just for you! And some Scary tunes too!!

What is the Transworld Halloween & Attractions Show?

Transworld is the largest trade show focused exclusively on Haunted Attractions, Corn Mazes, Escape Rooms, and Halloween. With hundreds of supply vendors, how-to classes, live demonstrations, and networking parties to meet other passionate scary people like yourself. Their website is http://haashow.com  

Who is on this special audio podcast from the TransWorld Haunt Show?

• Haunters Against Hate
• Scott Swenson Creative Development
• McKamey Manor
• Don't Be a Monster
• VFX Creates
• Mad Monster Masks
• Doomsday Haunt
• Robot Costumes USA
• Pale Night Productions
• Missing Finger Productions
• Little Jars of Horror
• Sinister FX

Haunt Music played in this podcast:

• "Building the Monster" -Midnight Syndicate
• "Halloween Night" -Sam Haynes
• "Dark Vesper" -Music for Haunts
• "Grim Grinning Ghosts" -Haunted Mansion at Disney

Haunted Attraction Events coming up:

• Legendary Haunt Tour - Philadelphia, PA - Nov.10-11, 2017
• IAAPA - Orlando, FL - Nov.13-17, 2017
• HAuNTcon - New Orleans, LA - Jan.12-15, 2017

More good stuff from HaunTopic Radio:

• Training videos to Start and Grow your Haunted Attraction
• Get our future podcasts..and a few oldies but goodies...in your email.

What Haunt or Halloween Shows Do YOU go to?

"Excellent Show! Lots of exhibits, friendly and scary people, good makeup demos, and an amazing body paint contest." -Mike Murray

  In this podcast episode of HaunTopic, we get Steve Colberg on the mic to chat with us about his upcoming convention Halloween & HauntFest in Texas. We cover all things going on at the show in 2017 and dig a little deeper to find out the real story behind Steve and why he puts this event together for other Haunted House/Halloween junkies.  

Thanks to Philip Hernandez (Haunted Attraction Network) and Tristin Pierce (Flatline Radio) for helping with this interview!    

Inside the Halloween and Hauntfest:

  The Halloween & HauntFest Show is the premier Halloween event in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.   Halloween & HauntFest is a gateway event to the Halloween season. Guests will get sneak peeks of local Halloween attractions, the newest costumes and greatest decorations for the Holiday.  This family-friendly weekend convention is open to the public.   Convention elements include a vendor show floor, seminars and workshops.  

The trade show will be a "cash and carry" show featuring:

• Local Halloween attractions and events
• Local artisans
• Decoration and costume stores
• Makeup
• Masks
• Creepy dolls
• Creepy contact lenses
• Day of the Dead merchandise

  Education will have themed tracks:

• Making Monsters – Classes about makeup, costumes, scare acting and more
• Halloween Hosting – Learn recipes, mixology and decorating for the coolest Halloween parties
• Creep Your Crypt – How to decorate your yard and house for the holiday
• Terror Tech – Take your haunt to the next level! We'll teach you how
• Halloween Preview – Previews and behind the scenes of local haunted attractions

  Paid attendees will have free access to entertainment activities running continuously while the show floor is open.  Entertainment includes:

• Celebrity guests
• Makeup demos
• Dance troops
• Body painting demos

  Contact: Steven Colberg (949) 427-0255 [email protected]  

Are you a learner?

Improve your Haunted Attraction with these Training Videos by our Specialists.

Midsummer Scream is a weekend full of Halloween and Haunted Attractions located in Long Beach, California. Interactive mini-haunts, classes to improve your Haunted House, celebrity guests, special events and parties, and over 225 exhibitors selling their products & services.

  In this podcast episode, Darryl Plunkie and Phillip Hernandez chat with David Markland about the purpose of Midsummer Scream and the new things you can expect if you attend. Plus, we dive a little behind David's background before Midsummer Scream and how he spends Halloween night in California.

Where is Midsummer Scream?

Midsummer scream is located at the Long Beach Convention Center at 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802. Special hotel rates and tickets can be purchased here at the Midsummer Scream Website. Check out the new classes and celebrity guests too!  

What's NEW for Midsummer Scream 2017?

• Bigger rooms and space for presentations and classes.
• More expert panelists and presentations by the folks behind Halloween.
• New topics and workshops to focus on specific challenges you may have.

What we would do if we were going to Midsummer Scream?

• Go through the Hall of Shadows (14 mini-haunts) until they kick us out.
• Stalk Elvira until she tattoos her name into our skin.
• Sit, listen, and take numerous notes on every expert panel hosted...even if we have to be in two places at once.

A little about David Markland.

• Check out his other Horror website Creepy LA: Creepy Happenings and Events around Los Angeles.
• Stalk him on LinkedIn.
• He's really excited about the Ben Cooper Costumes: Past and Future  presentation at Midsummer Scream...since David used to wear the original Star Wars costumes when he was little.

  We hope you can make it out to Southern California to attend Midsummer Scream one day. And hopefully we can meet you out there! Take advantage of the other great events coming to California within the month of August...listen to the podcast to find out where they are.

Having a difficult time recruiting and training Scare Actors?

Don't know where to start when it comes to Marketing your attraction?

Check out our Online Training Videos....Click Here to Learn More.

In this podcast episode, we chat with Michael Bolton from ScareCon Europe about what's new for UK's only Scare Attraction Convention and the future of the scare attraction industry. Plus ways to improve your Haunt Business.

  ScareCON is Europe's ONLY show dedicated to the ever expanding scare attraction industry and is the highlight of the year for attraction owners, designers and scare fans alike. Whether you are looking to expand a commercial attraction, build a home haunt or whether you just want to celebrate the success of others, ScareCON has something for everyone.

This year's event will be held at the Alton Towers Convention Center and will include a dedicated program of workshops and seminars, the largest ever trade floor, access to one of the park's scare attractions, the ScareBALL costume party, live entertainment, evening meal and entry to the SCAR awards. Meet, socialize, network and learn from many of the industry's biggest names.

ScareCON will be held at the Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire in 2017

Stay informed with our FREE Monthly Newsletter. Click here.

Did you miss the Transworld Halloween & Attractions Show this year? Don't worry. We were there and recorded a bunch of audio with Haunt Owners, Scare Actors, Vendors, and Haunt Marketers...and we unearthed some amazing value for you! And this is just Part TWO. Stay tuned for Part THREE as well.      SUBSCRIBE HERE so you don't miss the next one.

Alright Haunters...I'm going to make this a quick post and just include a list and description of WHO we recorded during our trip to the Transworld Haunt, Halloween, and Escape Room Show in St.Louis, MO. (haashow.com) This is Part Two. Go here to listen to part one: http://hauntopic.com/transworld-2017

But first, I must thank my team of media partners once again that help record some great guests and brought a new perspective to these interviews!

Thanks Media partners and other interviewers!

• Haunted Attractions Network: Phillip Hernandez
• Gantom Lighting and Controls: Quan Gan
• Flatline Radio: Tristin Pierce
• Haunt Collective: Dan Doble
• Haunt Collective: Kyle Krueger
• Haunt Collective: Liz Mistele

WHO and WHAT is inside this podcast??

• Haunt House Tour: Finding your target market for your themed event.
• Fear Worm Haunt-vertising: Advertise your Haunt on SnapChat and other social platforms.
• Scareview Gradeschool: Great ideas and themes for your Haunted House.
• Gantom: Using Z-tag to add profit to your Haunt Business.
• Ticket Leap: Online ticketing for your haunted attraction or home haunt.
• Allen Hopps/Haunt Dawgs: Scare acting resources and supplies for your haunt actors.
• Madness Haunted House: Going from Home Haunter to Pro Haunter.
• Immortal Masks: Silicone masks and accessories for Haunted House Actors.
• Shadows Haunted House: How to operate a adult themed haunted attraction.
• Fog It Up: Why it's important to use the right FOG in your haunt.
• Poor Man's Props: Building props for your Haunt or Halloween event.
• Gantom: The magic and value of Color Piano Lights.

A peek at Scare Factory Props in the Dark Zone:

Interested in Starting or Growing your Haunted Attraction? Start learning with our Online Training Videos instantly. Click Here to view our training library.

Miss TransWorld? Listen to this podcast episode to hear the latest innovations within the Haunt Industry.

The West Coast Haunter's Convention is a Charity Haunt Show with vendors and education located in Portland, Oregon focused around Haunters of all types. Home Haunts, Halloween Fans, Haunted Attractions, Special FX Artists, Scare Actors, and anyone with a spooky side. Ask about the NERF WARS and staying the weekend on the 13TH FLOOR!

Who is on this podcast?

Chris and Jeff Davis of the Davis Graveyard in Milwaukie, Oregon are directors behind the West Coast Haunters Convention (WCHC) and teachers in front of eager Haunters that are willing to learn. They explain how the WCHC is a unique Haunt/Halloween show that does things a little differently with a more relaxed atmosphere and a kick-ass costume ball. Dan Doble from Haunt Collective asks questions that Phillip Hernandez (Haunted Attractions Network) and I didn't cover.  

5 Reasons to go to the West Coast Haunters Convention.

• It's for a great cause. The WCHC is a 501(c)3 organization that gives grants to professionals who work with children with hearing impairments and/or autism.
• It's affordable. You can get in for one day starting at $40. If you want the all access pass for the entire weekend plus costume ball ticket, daily buffet, Haunt Tour, and T-shirt for just $176.
• You'll learn a lot! In person seminars hosted by specialists like Leonard Pickel and Jon Cooke from Knotts Berry Farm. Plus experts from all areas of the Halloween and Haunt Industry.
• Free Beer. Go to the Meet-and-Creep on Thursday from 6:30 pm-9 pm to meet up with friends and enjoy beer on the house!
• Stay the weekend on the 13th Floor. Yes...the Doubletree hotel has a 13th Floor. The WCHC reserves the entire 13th floor and has a decoration contest by judging those who wish to participate. There's also a bar just for this floor.

More links and information about the West Coast Haunters Convention:

• All about the West Coast Haunter's Convention and the Nightmare Factory
• The main website for the WCHC
• The Nightmare Factory Haunted House

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Did you miss the Transworld Halloween & Attractions Show this year? Don't worry. We were there and recorded a bunch of audio with Haunt Owners, Scare Actors, Vendors, and Haunt Marketers...and we unearthed some amazing value for you! And this is just Part One. Stay tuned for the next one. SUBSCRIBE HERE so you don't miss the next one.

Alright Haunters...I'm going to make this a quick post and just include a list and description of WHO we recorded during our trip to the Transworld Haunt, Halloween, and Escape Room Show in St.Louis, MO. (haashow.com) But first, I must thank my team of media partners that help record some great guests and brought a new perspective to these interviews!

Thanks Media partners and other interviewers!

• Haunted Attractions Network: Phillip Hernandez
• Gantom Lighting and Controls: Quan Gan
• Flatline Radio: Tristin Pierce
• Dan Doble
• Kyle Krueger
• Liz Mistele

WHO and WHAT is inside this podcast??

• Venom VFX: Innovations with Haunt Lighting and Controls

A peek at Scare Factory Props in the Dark Zone:

Interested in Starting or Growing your Haunted Attraction? Start learning with our Online Training Videos right now. Click Here to view our training library.

  Haunt Shirts with Tristin Pierce, Kyle Krueger, and Dan Doble

*Special Announcement for Transworld Halloween and Attractions Show 2017*

Would your Haunt Business or Haunted Attraction like to be heard & seen by 1,000s of Haunters from all over the world?

We are hosting special audio spotlights, recorded video sessions, & LIVE streaming straight from the TransWorld show floor. All in one spot so you don't have to track us down.  

These brief interviews will be shared across these popular Haunt Networks:

-Haunted Attraction Network

-HaunTopic Radio

-Inside the Haunt Industry

-Flatline Radio

-The Haunt Journal  

Book your spot now before space runs out: http://hauntopic.com/interview

This will secure your session & help us streamline our days. Interview sessions will be no longer than 30 minutes. We will also be hovering around Booth 623 all day, but interview spots will be first come first serve. Stop by and say HI anyway!  

Daily Events at Booth 623 (Gantom Lights/Media):

-Book your interview now: http://hauntopic.com/interview  

-PreShow LIVE Facebook stream hosted each morning before the show opens.

Go to the Haunters Toolbox Facebook Page at 9:30am CST on Fri, Sat, Sun. to hear our instant updates! http://www.facebook.com/groups/haunterstoolbox  

-FREE Haunt Journal subscriptions & magazines.  

-Flatline Radio LIVE on Friday 3-4:30pm.  

-Home Haunting Tips by Dr.Terror Eyes on Saturday at 1-3pm.  

-Daily free media opportunities to be seen & heard by Haunters across the globe & in your state.  

Hope to See you there!!

The Transworld Halloween and Attractions Show is the world's largest trade show focused on Haunted Attractions and Escape Rooms. Place your orders for new Haunt Products, search out the new innovations for the industry, and meet up with like-minded people like you. Innovation within the Haunted Attraction Industry starts here!

Who is on this podcast talking about the Transworld Haunt Show?

Shattered FX

A premier silicone mask company that has been vending at the trade show for many years and believes in the magic that happens on the show floor. Jarred Alcala, the founder and owner, explains some great vending ideas for Haunters and How to survive a Halloween Convention. Plus, he explains the benefits between different types of silicone masks...just in case you want to buy one. Check them out at Shattered FX.  

Mindtrap Creations/Mindtrap HauntedAttraction

Bill Bornder, the mastermind of both of these companies, describes his reactions when he stepped on the trade show floor for the first time at the TransWorld Haunt Show. He also dives into the making of his Haunted Attraction Mind Trap and how he plans on spending his time for year two at the show. Find Bill's Haunt Mind Trap Here.

What is NEW at Transworld for 2017?

• A larger Escape Room floor area and training classes for Escape Games.
• An airbrush makeup class by Allen Hopps.
• A Voodoo themed buffet and party
• Midnight Syndicate workshops and anniversary.
• Check out and register at HAASHOW.com

Why do you need to go?

If you're wanting to start or improve your own Haunted Attraction Business, Escape Room, Themed Attraction, Halloween Event, Haunted House...then Transworld is the place to get a good grasp on what the Haunt Industry has to offer. Transworld has the most Haunt vendors of any of the Haunted Attraction Trade Shows in the world. Take advantage of the after-parties, community events, and free dinners. You'll gain so much knowledge from talking to other people and just listening. Now's the time to be a learner. Soak it all up. Take notes and LOTS of PICS!  

Special training and meet up with Ed and Gavin on Saturday! We play their music in this podcast.

When and Where is the Transworld Halloween and Attractions Show?

The Transworld Haunt Show is located inside the America's Center Convention Complex in downtown St.Louis, Missouri. Address: 701 Convention Plaza. For 2017 the dates are March 23th through March 26th. There are plenty of restaurants, grocery store, bars, and hotels (book now) close to the convention center.  

Tips for making your TransWorld experience easier:

• There is a Schnuck's grocery store 3 blocks from the America's Center. Great place to grab snacks and beverages.
• Try to stay as close to the show as possible. This allows you to come and go with ease. Maybe a short afternoon nap? If you need to travel, use Uber or the transit.
• Hang out in the lobbies and bars with other Haunters. This is a great place to find opportunities and friends. Just remember that classes start early. ;)

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