Theme Park Trends That Can Transform Your Haunt: Lessons from Universal’s Fan Fest Nights and Beyond
When marketing haunted attractions, I constantly remind haunt owners of one fundamental truth: understanding emerging trends in entertainment can provide valuable insights for your own business strategy. Recently, I joined Tyler Barnett on the Fearworm Wormhole show to discuss how major theme park innovations could transform haunted attractions. As someone who juggles multiple roles—running the […]
Midwest Haunters Convention 2025: Complete Guide
The Midwest Haunters Convention (MHC) returns to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, for three action-packed days on June 6-8, 2025. Produced by TransWorld Trade Shows, MHC welcomes everyone from professional attraction owners and actors to home haunt enthusiasts and Halloween-loving families. Best of all, the show is open to the public – […]
Marketing Your Haunted Attraction: Getting the Right Message to the Right Person at the Right Time
When marketing haunted attractions, I constantly remind haunt owners of one fundamental truth: marketing hasn’t changed. While tactics and technologies evolve rapidly (especially with today’s AI-powered tools), the core principle remains the same—getting your message in front of the right person at the right time. As someone who juggles multiple roles—running the Haunted Attraction Network, […]
Eli Craig Reveals How “Clown in a Cornfield” Blends Horror, Comedy and Gen Z Anxiety
Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with director Eli Craig to discuss his latest film, “Clown in a Cornfield,” now playing in theaters nationwide. Craig, known for cult classics like “Tucker and Dale vs Evil” and “Little Evil,” brings his signature blend of horror and humor to this new slasher film. As haunted […]
East Coast Haunters Convention 2025: Complete Guide
The East Coast Haunters Convention (ECHC) returns for its second year to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, offering four days of haunted attractions, special effects workshops, vendor exhibits, and exclusive events (like a private party inside the legendary Eastern State Penitentiary). Produced by TransWorld Trade Shows LLC, the convention will run April 24-27, 2025, bringing together professional haunters, home enthusiasts, […]
Inside the World’s Largest Haunted House Trade Show: TransWorld 2025 Vendors
The haunted attraction industry descended on St. Louis, Missouri from February 27 to March 2, 2025, for TransWorld’s Halloween & Attractions Show, the largest trade show of its kind in the world. The Haunted Attraction Network was on-site, capturing interviews with over 25 key vendors to spotlight the latest innovations in props, costumes, animatronics, and […]
From Plant to Predator: Nocturne Theatre Reimagines Little Shop of Horrors’ Iconic Monster
In the world of theatre monsters, few are as instantly recognizable as Audrey II, the bloodthirsty botanical villain from “Little Shop of Horrors.” But at the Nocturne Theatre, this iconic creature has undergone a fascinating evolution that sets this production apart from traditional stagings of the beloved musical. I recently sat down with Justin Meyer, […]
Universal Horror Unleashed: Will Year-Round Scares Succeed Off the Vegas Strip?
Universal’s upcoming Horror Unleashed attraction in Las Vegas represents the company’s first foray into a permanent, year-round horror experience. Set to open on August 14, 2025, at the AREA15 District, this 100,000-square-foot warehouse promises four immersive haunted houses, themed bars, food venues, and entertainment spaces under one roof. But can Universal translate its successful seasonal […]
Field of Screams Montana: A Legacy of Family, Fear, and Frontier Spirit
How a small corn maze became a 26-year haunt tradition—earning a Legacy Haunt Award and thrilling guests across Big Sky Country From Smoky Beginnings to Haunt Sensation When Sandy and Quinn Kirkland opened a corn maze in Victor, Montana, back in 2000, they never planned on running a full-scale haunted attraction—let alone one that would […]
The Haunted Attraction Association’s 2025 State of the Industry Seminar
Introduction Held annually at TransWorld’s Halloween & Attractions Show, the State of the Industry Seminar brings together HAA board members, haunt owners, operators, and vendors for a candid look at the past season and the challenges ahead. Moderated by newly seated President Jim Werner (PennHurst Asylum) and outgoing President Spencer Terry (Fear Factory), this year’s […]
