Haunted Attraction Network

Nightmare on Chicago Street cancelled for 2022; Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment and Egan Escape Productions present the "Escape IT" experience in Las Vegas; Ghost Bus Hawaii offers year-round Japanese-themed horror; Book Your Hotel for TransWorld's Halloween & Attractions Show 2023; Celebrate Halfway to Halloween with the Idaho Halloween & Horror Convention's mini event on April 30th; Read the stories: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/haunt-news-april-18

Fearworm is the first and largest full-service marketing agency dedicated to haunted houses; Today, we’ll learn about their firm and get a tip for managing your haunt’s social media. This interview was recorded during Transworld, conducted by Scott Swenson, and features Tyler Barnett. Show notes: https://www.haunt.news/fearworm-2022

We’ll review the most important new attractions openings and break down why they’re all continuations of ongoing trends. Show Notes: https://www.haunt.news/green-tagged-trend-convergence

Wristband Resources is one of the largest manufacturers and suppliers of identification wristbands and accessories in the world – and for the past 16 years, Bonnie has been building relationships in the haunted house space. This interview was recorded during Transworld, conducted by Max, and features Bonnie Lewis. Show notes: https://www.haunt.news/wristband-haunt-2022

We check in with Von Grimm Productions to hear about their 2022 products. The owner has worked in the haunted attraction and special makeup effects industry for over 14 years, in attractions large and small; Von Grimm settled into making masks and started with their signature burlap designs.This interview was recorded during Transworld by Darryl Plunkie and features Matt Scott from Von Grimm Productions. Show Notes: https://www.haunt.news/von-grimm-2022

Reaper’s Revenge, in Scranton Pennsylvania, started in 2006. A founding member, Travis oversees most of the things that involve the employees. With a staff of 240 every show night, there’s certainly a lot to keep track of. Over the years, Travis has developed a family philosophy to retain team members, and today, we’ll explore some concrete things you can do to retain you haunt team. Show Notes: https://www.haunt.news/haunt-retention-travis-rhoad-reapers-revenge

Since 2006, minispotlight has been providing LED lighting solutions for haunts. They have the standard stuff sure, but as you’ll hear, their real differentiation is in custom creations like the LED Warp Tunnel and Jacob’s Ladders. This interview was conducted by Scott Swenson during Transworld 2022 and features Bert Zelten; it’s part of our vendor showcase series in partnership with the Haunted Attraction Association. Show Notes: https://www.haunt.news/minispotlight-2022

Midsummer Scream announces the theme and participants for this year's Hall of Shadows - plus 40% off GA tickets; The Ohio Haunters Association welcomes their new Board of Directors; ScareCON announces their shortlisted nominees for their 2022 awards ceremony; The next FearWorm Wormhole virtual event will take place April 22nd and feature Abe Robinson of Blind7Photography; This Thursday's Fear Expo Live will feature Patrick Voss of VFX Creates; Halloween Haunt & Camp Spooky will return to Canada's Wonderland in 2022; Celebrate Halfway-to-Halloween alongside baby kangaroos at Cobb's Adventure Park; Stranger Stays AirBnB rentals are selling their Big Bear Lake properties. Read the stories: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/haunt-industry-news-april-11

For 19 years, Creepy Collection has been providing its unique style of static props to the industry. Today, Brian is discussing the 2022 line with Creepy Collection owner Jerry Dalessandro. This interview was recorded during Transworld. Show Notes: https://www.haunt.news/creepy-collection-bodies-2022

This week we explore stories of staffing, acquisition, diversification, and breaking the 4th wall. https://www.haunt.news/green-tagged-the-staffing-balance

Celebrating their 10th anniversary, Shattered FX debuted several new designs in 2022 including the popular necromancer. Beyond their designs, Shattered FX is also set apart by its lifetime warranty. Max interviewed Jared Alcala during Transworld’s Halloween & Attractions Show 2022 from the show floor. Show Notes: https://www.haunt.news/shatteredfx-2022-necromancer

Making Monsters since 1978 is a Distortions Unlimited, a Halloween manufacturing company and online Halloween store based in Greenly, Colorado. Distortions is prolific in the industry, having, as you’ll hear, their hands in nearly every piece of it. Darryl wedeled some time out of Ed Edmunds during Transworld’s Halloween & Attractions show 2022, primarily to discuss the new Mutant and jack lines. Show Notes: https://www.haunt.news/distortions-unlimited-2022

Jim Werner is the Operations Manager for both Pennhurst Asylum Haunted Attraction and Eloise Asylum, which debuted just last season. Today, we’ll hear from Jim on: his journey as a haunter, how both attractions create a fantastical experience while also maintaining the local history, and disaster preparedness. This is the 3rd episode in our mini-series introducing the new Haunted Attraction Association Board Members. Show Notes: https://www.haunt.news/jim-werner-pennhurst-training

Pittsburgh Poster is a large format printer and manufacturer of screen printing, digital and hybrid products. Their parent company Design Dynamics, Inc. is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. They’re known for their retro, vintage, and 3D Designs. Today, we’ll hear about their haunt division and its most popular products for haunters. This is part of our vendor showcase series, in partnership with the Haunted Attraction Association; this interview was recorded by Scott Swenson and features Melanie Paul. Show Notes: https://www.haunt.news/pittsburgh-poster-2022

This week’s Haunt News: Attendee Registration now available for the Midwest Haunters Convention; Attendee Registration now available for Texas Haunters Convention; The HAA adds 5 new Board Members for 2022; Submissions are now open for The Book of Haunters Volume 8; Lake Hickory Haunts announces Halloween season schedule and special events; InPark Magazine features dozens of themed entertainment industry job posts; Scareactors wanted at The American Horrorplex; Home Depot's 2022 Halloween lineup leaked. Read the stories here: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/haunt-industry-news-april-05

Now in its 22nd year, The Dark Attraction & Funhouse Enthusiasts (DAFE) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to documenting, preserving, and enjoying dark attractions, haunts, and escape rooms. Today, we’ll hear about what DAFE has planned for 2022. This is part of our vendor showcase series, in partnership with the Haunted Attraction Association; this interview was recorded by Brian from HaunTopic Radio / Haunter’s Toolbox and features Rick Davis. View our list of Haunt Groups here (https://hauntedattractionnetwork.com/haunted-attraction-associations-groups/) Show Notes: https://www.haunt.news/dark-attraction-enthusiasts-2022

After a round of Quick Hits, we discuss the recent string of acquisitions and Universal’s new housing project. Find all the stories we discussed in our show notes: https://www.haunt.news/green-tagged-curation-community

Over the past 10 years, Hallucinations Creations based out of Orland Hills, Illinois, has developed into providing the backbone for your animatronics. Today, we’ll hear about the 14 new DIY mechanisms they brought to Transworld. This is part of our vendor showcase series, in partnership with the Haunted Attraction Association; this interview was conducted by Maximus and features Mike Yazumbek. Show Notes: https://www.haunt.news/hallucinations-creations-diy-mechanisms-2022

Founded in 2006 by BJ Winslow and his wife Eileen, Dapper Cadaver is a death-related prop house. Based in Madison Wisconsin they’ve provided props to thousands of film and TV productions, top haunted houses, and exclusive Halloween parties. Today, we’ll hear how the Transworld show went for them, and how they’re expanding their diversity of characters. This is part of our vendor showcase series, in partnership with the Haunted Attraction Association; this interview was recorded by Darryl from HaunTopic Radio and features BJ Winslow. Show Notes: https://www.haunt.news/dapper-cadaver-prop-2022

This new pro-haunter is using his background in logistics to grow his show year after year. Benjamin Gagne is the owner of The Thirteenth Hour Haunted Attraction in Indianapolis Indiana. As a tween growing up in Connecticut he got involved with a local haunted house. That inspired him to start a home haunt – The 13th Hour – which he continued throughout high school. After college, he settled in Indianapolis to work for Amazon, but couldn’t shake the Haunt Bug. Here’s Ben to pick up the story. Show Notes: https://www.haunt.news/benjamin-gagne-the-13th-hour

Fire codes, Building Codes, Zoning, and leases – every haunter will face one of these issues. It’s complicated but there are some big pitfalls you can avoid. Brent Wilson from Planet Doom has over 30 years’ experience with these, and today we’ll outline some common issues. We’ll also talk about Planet Doom’s Halfway to Halloween event. Brent is one of the 5 new Haunted Attraction Association board members, and we’re doing this series to introduce each new board member to you. Show Notes: https://www.haunt.news/leasing-tips-brent-wilson

Presented by The Haunted Attraction Association at TransWorld’s Halloween & Attractions Show in St. Louis, the OSCARES awards are the highest achievement in the Halloween and Haunted Attraction industry. Today we’re taking you to this year’s award ceremony. We recorded this live on March 19th - you’ll hear the winners and their acceptance speeches, plus some bonus interviews we caught after the ceremony. Show Notes: https://www.haunt.news/oscares-2022

Applications now open for the 2023 Haunted Attraction Association Scholarships; HAA announces 2022 scholarship winners; West Coast Halloween Convention class schedule available; Halloween & Party Expo will return to Las Vegas January 10th - 12th, 2023; Spooky Swap Meet's Trick or Treat House Sponsors announced; The next Haunters Toolbox Masterclass takes place Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. PDT - "Haunt Safety: Preparing Your Haunt the Safe Way"; Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando will open for a record-breaking 43 nights in 2022; SeaWorld's Howl-O-Scream dates announced; Knott's Scary Farm returns September 22nd - October 31st; Kersey Valley Inc. hosts new Paranormal Investigations; Monsterama Arcade opens May 1st in Des Moines, Iowa; Paranoia Haunted House will open in July for "A Midsummer's Night's Scream"; Haunted Dome home haunt announces fall schedule; Morris Costumes debuts nine new animatronics. Show Notes: https://www.haunt.news/hhn-2022-tickets-haa-scholarship

NightScream Studios received one of this year’s Vendor Excellence Awards – right after selling out on the show floor. Now in their 24th year at the show, NightScream Studios took home one of the Haunted Attraction Association’s Vendor Excellence Awards this year. NightScream Specializes in Scenic, and by 3PM Friday they already had a waitlist. This is part of our vendor showcase series, in partnership with the Haunted Attraction Association. Scott Swenson from A Scott in the Dark conducted this interview and he caught Rodney on Saturday before the Award Ceremony. Show Notes: https://www.haunt.news/nightscream-transworld-2022

Supply chain disruptions are back as attractions also struggle with training new staff. Meanwhile, it’s full steam ahead for a record fall season. Show Notes: https://www.haunt.news/green-tagged-training-new-growth

Coming up, for over 20 years Ghost Ride Productions has been providing hyper-realistic props to attractions – and their orders for this season are filling up fast. This is part of our vendor showcase series, in partnership with the Haunted Attraction Association. Tyler from the Scare Factor conducted this interview. Show Notes: https://www.haunt.news/the-hyper-realistic-props-of-ghost-ride-productions/

Recorded at the Transworld Halloween, Christmas, and Escape Room show in St. Louis (with a recap recorded in Indianapolis a couple of days later) Scott shares his thoughts and experiences at the show. Show Notes: https://www.haunt.news/asitd-transworld-2022

We catch up with Allen Hopps from Stilt Beast Studios on the Transworld Show Floor. Stiltbeast debuted their ‘Bootanicals’ Line of products and, as you’ll hear, celebrated a record-breaking year. This is part of our vendor showcase series, in partnership with the Haunted Attraction Association. Tyler from the Scare Factor conducted this interview. Show Notes: https://www.haunt.news/stiltbeast-transworld-2022

This Q&A session was recorded live at Transworld immediately following the 2022 State of the Industry Presentation. You’ll hear the Haunted Attraction Association’s Board of Directors take questions from the audience on a range of topics from logistics to staffing, the war’s impact, and whether demand will stay strong. We aired the full State of the Industry presentation on Monday; check back in our feed for that if you want to listen. Notes: https://www.haunt.news/

The Haunted Attraction Association Announced OSCARES Award-winners; TransWorld's Halloween & Attractions Show returns to St. Louis February 2nd - 5th, 2023; Tickets now on sale for Creep It Real Expo; NecroManor Haunted House to host photos with the "Beaster Bunny"; Pirates of Emerson announces fall 2022 operating schedule; Zombie Joe's Undgerground Theatre Group continues their 30th season with "The Unsackable Man"; HAuNTcon partners with Fear Expo for live event March 24th - 26th, 2023; Hudson Haunted House opened for a successful 2nd annual St. Patrick's Day event this past weekend; Rotten Apple 907 celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2021; The opening ceremony for the 3rd annual Haunt Comp will take place Saturday, March 26th; Read more: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/haunt-industry-news-march-21-2

This is the full Haunted Attraction Association’s 2022 State of the Industry Presentation recorded live on Saturday from Transworld’s Halloween & Attractions Show. The presentation begins with board member introductions and then proceeds through the presentation agenda. The HAA will release the slides later next month for you to download. While I snipped a few things out for continuity, this remains mostly unedited; just keep that in mind while listening as this is a longer than usual episode. We will air the Q&A session on Wednesday, so stay tuned for that. Subscribe: https://www.haunt.news/

2 Attractions are stepping up their hiring incentives, plus we go LIVE from this year’s Transworld’s Halloween & Attractions Show in St Louis. Subscribe: https://www.haunt.news/

Join Tyler & Nora as they discuss what’s been happenin’ since last haunt season, and as they look forward to some of what you can expect from The Scare Factor in 2022!. This is an episode from our partner station The Scare Factor, hosted by Tyler and Nora Proffet. Today is Day 3 of Transworld’s Halloween & Attraction show in St Louis. If you’re at the show, come visit us at booth 1903.

Today is day 2 of Transworld’s Halloween & Attraction show in St Louis. This show is always pure madness, and this year is no exception. To illustrate what the show is like, I’m going to play an episode we aired last year, which chronicles the Transworld experience via audio diary from 4 attendees. We talk a lot about the haunt community and how important it is. For many haunters, the largest community gathering is the Halloween and Attractions Show in St Louis. But- it’s tough to describe this show to you. Instead, we are taking you inside the perspective of three different attendees. Three days in St Louis told via audio diary from three quite different attendees – a first timer, a first-time vendor, and a veteran. Featured in this episode: Brian Foreman from Haunter’s Toolbox and ScareIt Badges, Max Bryant, Scott Swenson, Scott Tater Lynd, Doug Schaefer, and Dalton Dale. Subscribe: https://www.haunt.news/

Scott shares his suggestions for getting the most out of a trade show. Today is the first day of Transworld’s Halloween & Attraction show in St Louis. If you’re at the show, come visit us at booth 1903. Subscribe: https://www.haunt.news/

Transworld's Halloween & Attractions Show takes place this week March 17th - 20th; Visit the Haunted Attractions Network at TransWorld Booth #1903; Promotions & New Product Announcements from CFX, Creature Corps LLC, Froggy's Fog, Gore Galore, Haunt Shirts, Haunters Against Hate, Henry Monster Designs, ProAiir Body, RCFX, Scareit Badges, Strega Moon Productions, and Zombie Skin FX; Rip City FX Rebrands to RCFX; HauntX offers free home haunter photo op exhibit spaces; West Coast Halloween Convention seeks donations for their annual charity auction; Read the full news: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/haunt-industry-news-march-14

Coming up, Hudson Haunted House in Hudson Ohio is opening this weekend March 18 and 19th for St Patrick’s Revenge (https://www.hudsonhauntedhouse.org/). Hudson Haunted House is one offshoot of the Hudson Jaycees, established in 1972. They’re looking to engage the community year-round, and St Patrick’s Revenge is just a first step in that family entertainment plan. This interview features Jeremiah Greathouse. Subscribe: https://www.haunt.news/

RIP City has rebranded to RCFX after seeing demand for their makeup grow in the mainstream market. In this episode, we’ll learn about the rebranding and why all that extra sanitizing might be here to stay in makeup rooms. This episode features Shalee Mudgett. This is our vendor showcase series in partnership with the Haunted Attraction Association leading up to this year’s Transworld. Subscribe: https://www.haunt.news/

Today’s show is all about the impact of policies on the attractions industry. From Chapek’s latest debacle to the Russian Oil Ban, Tokyo Disney’s new passes, and the cancellation of IAAPA Expo Asia – it’s a policy week on Green Tagged. Subscribe: https://www.haunt.news/

Today we’re previewing the new products from Gore Galore and learning a tip for engaging your actors (https://gore-galore.com/). Now in their 24th season, Gore Galore is known in the industry for pioneering ‘actormatronics.’ Here’s owner and Creative Director Kevin Alvey to explain what exactly that is. This is our vendor showcase series in partnership with the Haunted Attraction Association leading up to this year’s Transworld. Visit Gore Galore in booth 1103. Subscribe: https://www.haunt.news/

Zombie Joe's Underground Theatre Group Kicks-Off Their 30th Season with BLOOD ALLEY HAUNT – this weekend only – and we went on-location to find out more (http://www.zombiejoes.com/). This weekend - Dare to Wind-Your-Way through a Forgotten Passage...Haunted by the Unspeakable Spirits of Its Diabolical Past! Blood Alley is showing March 11-13, 2022 and is only $10 in advance. Featured in this episode: Norman Gidney from Horrorbuzz, Zombie Joe, Jorge Lozano, Charlotte Cocker, and Joe Filippone. Subscribe: https://www.haunt.news/

Field of Screams is open this Saturday, March 12th, for their 3rd annual St. Paddy’s Day event – and we’ll hear all about it (https://fieldofscreams.com/). The single-day event features uniquely themed building décor, scenes, evil leprechauns, and sinister trolls. If that seems like a lot of work for a one-day event, we’ll get into that as well. This interview features co-owner Jim Schopf. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

This week's news: The Haunted Attraction Association announces their TransWorld events; Tickets now on sale for Midsummer Scream; Exhibit sales begin for West Coast Halloween Convention; Halloween Club Costume Superstore's 9th Annual Spookshow announces date change; Fear Expo announces location and dates for 2023 event; CalHauntS hosts March Zoom meeting and April In-Person Make and Take workshop; Haunt Comp returns for their 3rd annual competition; the next Fear Expo Haunt Master Class takes place Thursday at 5:00 p.m. PST; Hershy Park in the Dark teases "all-new frightening experiences"; Dark Castle discusses creating unique off-season immersive events; Garner Holt Productions inspires the next generation of potential attraction industry members with hands-on workshops; Granite Insurance is hiring two Business Insurance Account Managers; Sir Henry's Haunted Trail selected as location for new indie film; Disney's new Haunted Mansion film to be released March 10th, 2023. Read more: https://mailchi.mp/hauntedattractionnetwork.com/haunt-industry-news-march-07

Rotten Apple 907 in Burbank CA celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2021 with the theme ‘Evil in the London Fog’ (https://www.rottenapple907.com/). They welcomed over 4000 guests for a 6-night run that raised over $6000 to Volunteers of the Burbank Animal Shelter. The home haunt is a local legend and known for their attention to detail and outstanding sets. I visited during Haunter’s Night, which happened in November after the haunt had officially closed to the public. I grabbed Diane Meyer to ask her how it felt to be back with a full walkthrough after having only a display for 2020. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

From free seminars to the auction, CHAOS, and the annual OSCARES awards – the Haunted Attraction Association has a ton of events planned for Transworld. Several events are free and available for both members and nonmembers to participate. Today, association president Spencer Terry previews each event for you. Subscribe to our newsletter: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

This week we discuss the latest SeaWorld earnings, takeaways from the PLASA survey on live events, and why two cedar fair parks are discontinuing scary Halloween events.

Cynthia MacDonald from Zombie Farms in Athens, Georgia shares her experience from start to finish on how she started their outdoor trail and how you can start one too. To get access to this entire Master Class, become a Haunt Master at HauntersToolbox.com Some tips in this podcast: The pros and cons of outdoor haunts How actor management is different in the woods Where to find cheap & free materials to build ohh...and sooo much more....

With 19 seasons under their belt, Fright Nights at the South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach Florida is preparing for their 20th year this coming Halloween season. Today, we'll hear about their 2021 season and what they have planned for their 20th year. I recorded this interview on the closing night of the 2021 season and we've been holding onto it for a little bit. With Transworld looming next month, I figured it's the perfect time to release it. Follow Fright Nights (http://www.myfrightnights.com/). Subscribe to our newsletter: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

How do you manage your haunt’s team? Recently we’ve discussed team empowerment and incentive programs for your haunt, but nothing about management software. So today, Sarah and Matthew, co-owners of Haunt Scheduler, will walk us through specific examples of using software for your haunt’s personnel management. While there’s other scheduling software out there, this is the only product designed by and for haunters. Matt began developing Haunt Scheduler in 2009 while working at a haunt, and it premiered in 2014 at Transworld. It started off as a simple text messaging system, but has grown to touch every aspect of personnel. Support for this episode comes from Gantom Lighting & Controls; See what you’re missing with a free demo (https://gantom.com/demo). Subscribe to our newsletter: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork

If your customers have the same masks as your actors, does that change anything? CFX masks (https://www.compositeeffects.com/) started 17 years ago in haunted houses but have since expanded into other markets. And with that perspective, they’re noticing a few things. More people are aware of silicon masks now because of social media and, due to the expansion in eCommerce, they have access to the same materials as haunts. In fact, CFX is extending their annual Transworld sale this year online to give everyone access. Overall, that’s lowering the barriers for people to create characters. And they certainly are. But what does that mean for haunts? We’ll find out. This interview features Tabitha and Josh from CFX masks. Support for this episode comes from Gantom Lighting & Controls; See what you’re missing with a free demo (https://gantom.com/demo). Subscribe to our newsletter: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork