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, actors, and Halloween fans for a celebration of all things spooky—six months before the traditional haunting season begins. Tthe show is completely open to the public—no trade credentials required—yet it still delivers the pro‑level education and networking TransWorld is famous for.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts & Event Overview
Four‑day format:
Thu–Fri · exclusively off‑site haunt tours
Sat–Sun · full Convention at the Expo Center + events
Two conventions, one badge: Your pass also grants entry to the adjoining East Coast Christmas Show.
20 + classes & workshops: Learn scenic tricks, pneumatics, projection mapping, actor training, ADA compliance, and more (details below).
Epic party: Saturday‑night takeover of Eastern State Penitentiary—haunted house, historic tours, dinner, and dancing.
Family‑friendly: Kids under 12 enter the trade‑show floor free with an adult badge.
The East Coast Haunters Convention combines elements of a traditional convention with immersive haunted experiences, educational workshops, and exclusive after-hours events. Open to the public, the convention offers attendees the opportunity to shop from top Halloween industry vendors, learn from seasoned professionals, and experience some of the East Coast’s most acclaimed haunted attractions through special guided tours.
New for 2025, the convention will share space with the inaugural East Coast Christmas Show, allowing attendees to access both events with a single ticket. This addition brings holiday decorators, lighting experts, and Christmas design professionals into the mix, creating a unique blend of Halloween and holiday cheer.
Four‑Day Schedule at a Glance
| Date | Where / When | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Thu 24 Apr | Off‑site tour · Bus check‑in 2:30 PM Hilton Garden Inn Valley Forge/Oaks (500 Cresson Blvd) | Brighton Asylum Boxed dinner en route Fright Factory Return ≈ 12 AM |
| Fri 25 Apr | Off‑site tours · 1:15 PM–12 AM | Choose: • Hersheypark Dark Nights (1:15 PM–9:30 PM) • Field of Screams (6:45 PM–12 AM) • Combo (both) |
| Sat 26 Apr | Expo Center 9:30 AM–5 PM | Vendor floor · Kids’ Makeup Zone · Ticket‑giveaway stage · Haunt Olympics heats · 11 classroom sessions |
| Off‑site evening | xLights Holiday‑Lights Tour 6:30 PM–11:45 PM or Eastern State Penitentiary Party 8 PM–11:30 PM | |
| Sun 27 Apr | Expo Center 10 AM–3 PM | Vendor floor · Trick‑or‑Chic Costume Contest 11:15 AM · Haunt Olympics finals 1:15 PM · 21‑Haunt Grand Prize 3 PM |
- Thursday, April 24.
The convention kicks off with a pre-show haunt tour visiting Brighton Asylum in Passaic, New Jersey, and Fright Factory in Philadelphia. Attendees will receive a boxed dinner between attractions, with transportation returning to hotels around midnight. - Friday, April 25.
Friday offers a choice between tours of Hersheypark’s Dark Nights experience, Field of Screams in Mountville, or a combination of both. The Hersheypark option includes exclusive coaster rides, dinner, and a fully operational haunted house, while Field of Screams provides behind-the-scenes access to multiple attractions and a preview of their 2025 additions. - Saturday, April 26.
The convention floor opens from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, featuring vendor exhibits, the Kids Makeup Zone sponsored by Pro-Aiir, and a full schedule of entertainment including East Coast’s Got Talent, haunt features, ticket giveaways, and Haunt Olympics competitions. The evening brings the signature event—a private party at Eastern State Penitentiary featuring haunted attractions, historic tours, and authentic Philadelphia cuisine. - Sunday, April 27.
The final day runs from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, highlighted by the Trick or Chic Ultimate Costume Contest, more Haunt Olympics events, and the grand prize ticket giveaway. The day also features the final round of educational seminars, covering topics from foam prop creation to holiday-themed makeup designs.
Exclusive Haunt Tours
Thursday Pre-Show Tour
- Brighton Asylum: This former psychiatric hospital features three attractions—Brighton Asylum, The Bleeding Grounds, and Subculture—each offering a different horror experience from disturbed patients to twisted experiments.
- Fright Factory: Set in a 120+ year old warehouse in Philadelphia, this attraction invites brave souls to navigate through the Industrial Nightmare, South Side Sanatorium, and Fright Factory UnHoly.
- Schedule: Depart Hilton Garden Inn at 3:00 PM; arrive at Brighton Asylum at 6:00 PM; depart at 7:30 PM; arrive at Fright Factory at 9:30 PM; return to hotels by midnight.
Friday Options
- Hersheypark Dark Nights: A rare off-season opportunity to experience Hersheypark’s haunted attractions, plus exclusive coaster access and a complete dinner.
- Field of Screams: Access includes two haunted houses with live actors, a self-guided lights-on tour of the Nocturnal Wasteland trail, and exclusive peeks at new attractions for 2025.
- Combo Tour: Experience both locations in one evening, with transportation between venues and dinner included.
- Schedules vary by option, with all tours returning to hotels by midnight.
Saturday Night at Eastern State Penitentiary
- This historic prison transforms into a Halloween festival featuring a fully operational haunted attraction, music, performances, historic cell block tours, and Philadelphia food experiences.
- Schedule: Depart Hilton Garden Inn at 7:00 PM; enjoy the venue until 11:30 PM; return to hotels by 12:30 AM.
Expo Floor Highlights
Vendor Mega‑Floor
Hundreds of booths—masks, silicone suits, animatronics, DMX lights, fog, scenic foam, makeup, costumes, controllers. Haunt actors from The PIT roam for scare‑and‑share selfies.
Main‑Stage Fun
East Coast’s Got Talent · Saturday 11:15 AM
Competitions including the Graveyard Dash, Screamin’ Hot Sauce Challenge, Creepy Creative Costume Challenge, The Great Build-Off, and Battle for the Pit.
Ticket Giveaways: Throughout the weekend, attendees can win tickets to participating haunted attractions for the 2025 season.
- Costume Contest: Sunday’s all-ages contest welcomes participants in three age categories, with prizes for the winners.
Kids’ Makeup Zone
Free face‑painting both days, sponsored by ProAiir—perfect for miniature monsters.
Educational Seminars
The convention features over 20 seminars taught by industry experts. Highlights include:
- “Kinetic Creativity: Using Motors to Bring Props to Life” with Jim Slanker
- “Monsters and Mayhem: Designing Iconic Haunted Attraction Characters” with Shawn Fenner
- “Crafting the Macabre: Mastering Monster Mud” with Cheryl Callender
- “Deep Theming, Wild Characters and Haunt Design” with Allen Hopps, Ben Armstrong, and John Laflamboy
- “Frighteningly Profitable: Unlocking the Secrets to a Thriving Haunted House Business” with John Denley
- “Actor’s Toolkit For Scaring Haunt Customers” with Ben Armstrong
- “Hayrides of Horror! The Ins and Outs of the Haunted Hayride Business” with Randy Bates, Jim Schopf, and Patrick Barberry
- “Pneumatic Nightmares: Bringing Monsters to Life with Air-Powered Technology” with Scott Bibus
- “Upcycling Clothing into Costumes” with Katie Lane
- “Holiday Haunt Makeups” with Alejo Casalotti & Mandy Gibson
- “Beyond the Haunt: Off-Season Thrills & Chills at Pennhurst Asylum” with Jim Werner
All seminars are $45 per person, with registration required.
Week‑Of Pricing
Weekend badge (Sat + Sun): $75
Saturday badge: $60
Sunday badge: $50
Thu Brighton + Fright (bus / drive): $265 / $220
Fri Hershey (bus / drive): $170 / $130
Fri Field (bus / drive): $140 / $95
Fri Combo (bus / drive): $235 / $190
Sat Eastern State Party (bus / drive): $200 / $165
Sat xLights Tour (bus / drive): $75 / $45
Individual 1‑hour seminar: $45
Kids under 12 enter the trade‑show floor free with a paying adult.
Travel Information
Venue Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Ave, Oaks PA 19456
Nearest Airport Philadelphia International (PHL) ≈ 45 min via I‑476/US‑422 · Newark Liberty (EWR) ≈ 90 min
Host Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Valley Forge/Oaks, 500 Cresson Blvd, Phoenixville PA (tour & party bus hub)
Partner Hotels Hampton Inn & Suites Valley Forge/Oaks (12‑seat shuttle van) · Sheraton Valley Forge (full‑size bus loop)
Parking Free at Expo Center; downtown Philly parking around Eastern State is scarce—take the party bus.
Accessibility Single‑level hall; scooter rentals available via the registration desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend the convention? The East Coast Haunters Convention is open to professional haunters, home haunters, actors, and Halloween enthusiasts of all kinds. No industry credentials are required.
Are children allowed at the convention? Yes, children under 12 receive free admission to the convention floor when accompanied by an adult. Note that haunt tours may not be suitable for young children.
Do I need to wear a costume? Costumes are encouraged throughout the convention, with a formal costume contest held on Sunday.
What’s included with convention admission? Basic admission includes access to the convention floor, entertainment, and vendor exhibits. Haunt tours, the Eastern State party, and educational seminars require additional tickets.
Can I attend both the Halloween and Christmas shows? Yes, admission to the East Coast Haunters Convention includes full access to the East Coast Christmas Show running simultaneously at the venue.
Register Now
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Halloween in April at the 2nd Annual East Coast Haunters Convention. Early bird pricing ends April 10, 2025, so secure your spot now for the best rates on convention access, exclusive tours, and educational seminars.
Registration is available online at eastcoasthauntersconvention.com, with options to purchase individual event tickets or create a custom package based on your interests. Whether you’re a professional looking to enhance your haunt business, a home decorator seeking new ideas, or simply a Halloween enthusiast who can’t wait until October, the East Coast Haunters Convention offers something for everyone in the haunt community.
