The Haunted Attraction Association held its 2025 annual membership meeting on February 28, 2025, during Transworld’s Halloween and Attractions Show in St. Louis (Room 231 of America’s Center). The meeting is open to all association members. Immediately following the annual meeting is the State of the Industry presentation, which is open to the public.
The article incorporates the latest board transitions, the Association’s financial progress from 2022 to 2023, and insights into future initiatives.
Note: All financial observations are my review of available filings, not an official HAA statement.
Table of Contents
Haunted Attraction Association Board of Directors Transitions
Outgoing Board Members
- Spencer Terry (outgoing President)
- Allen Hopps
- Alex Rodriguez
- Brett Wilson (resigned earlier)
Returning/Incumbent Board Members (alphabetical by last name)
- Terri Bernstein (USS Nightmare, Newport, KY)
- Krista Brower-Wood (Requiem Haunted House, Caldwell, ID)
- Kevin Donovan (Everhaunt, Angola, NY)
- Michael Edwards (Terror in the Corn, Erie, CO)
- Ben Gagne (The Thirteenth Hour, Indianapolis, IN)
- Tyler Kozar (Hundred Acres Manor, Mortem Manor, NCV Creative, Post Mortem Horror Bootique)
- Ashley Long (Fright Nights WV, Daniels, WV)
- Peggy McLaurin (Woods of Terror)
- Brett Molitor (Hysterium Haunted Asylum, Ft. Wayne, IN)
- Shalee Mudgett (The Fear PDX, RCFX)
- Mike Quill (Fear Town Haunted House & Factory of Terror, East Providence, RI)
- Aaron Smith (Niles Scream Park, MI)
- Jim Werner (PennHurst Asylum, Spring City, PA)
Newly Elected Board Members
- Dale Little – Aura Haunted House, Peoria, IL
- Anthony Barbosa – Nightmare Acres, South Windsor, CT
- Lee Jordan – Fear on the Farm, Winfield, WV
- Todd Patton – Dread Hollow, Chattanooga, TN
Officers for 2025
- President: Jim Werner
- Vice President: Kevin Donovan
- Treasurer: Terri Bernstein
- Secretary: Krista Brower-Wood
During the meeting, members unanimously approved the incoming slate of officers. Jim Werner stressed the Association’s ongoing commitment to safety, education, and financial resilience.
Treasurer’s Report
- Treasurer Terri Bernstein (USS Nightmare, Newport, KY) announced a balance of $150,000 in Association accounts, with all debts paid. The Board emphasized strategic reserve-building to support members in case of unforeseen crises.
Haunted Attraction Association: Financial Analysis
Below is a concise write-up comparing the Haunted Attraction Association (HAA) ‘s 2022 and 2023 financial data. The figures and commentary reflect my review of the filings and the Board’s public statements, not an official HAA pronouncement; the 2024 numbers are not yet available.
OVERVIEW
- Revenue: The HAA reported $80.9k in 2022 and $91.9k in 2023—a ~14% increase.
- Expenses: Rose from $40.2k to $54.1k (up ~34%).
- Net Assets: Climbed from $66.4k in 2022 to $104k in 2023, reflecting surplus funds and a focus on building reserves.
Expense Breakdown & Trends
While total expenses increased from 2022 to 2023, the HAA prioritizes trade show investments, marketing, and scholarships.
Event Focus
- As discussed during the strategic plan meetings, the Haunted Attraction Association is channeling more resources into flagship trade shows and in-person experiences—consistent with the increased Tradeshow spending. This aligns with statements that in-person gatherings (e.g., TransWorld) remain central to the Association’s membership engagement. Transworld remains the primary show where members gather, and the Association provides multiple events during the show, including the OSCARES, State of the Industry, CHAOS Training, seminars, and new networking lounge.
Healthy Reserves
- From $66.4k to $104k in net assets, the HAA continues to build a cushion. The Board has frequently cited a desire to protect member interests in potential crises, referencing lessons learned from the pandemic. This also provides the association with capital to invest in the new programs mentioned during the state of the industry.
Shift in Marketing Strategy
- The decreased percentage for Marketing reflects a rebalanced approach—funneling funds into event-based promotion, education, and direct communication, rather than traditional marketing lines.
Meeting Closure and Takeaways
Newly-elected President Jim Werner invited any final questions or comments. One member praised the Board for promptly addressing concerns. With no further business, a formal motion to adjourn was moved, seconded, and approved. Thus closed the Haunted Attraction Association’s 2025 Annual Member Meeting. Immediately following the meeting was the State of the Industry Presentation, open to the public.
Key Takeaways
- Financial Stability: The HAA’s $150,000 reserve protects against potential industry crises and gives the association capital to invest in the new initiatives mentioned later during the state of the industry presentation.
- Leadership Changes: Retiring Board members made way for four new arrivals, who joined several returning incumbents.
- New Officers: Jim Werner, Kevin Donovan, Terri Bernstein, and Krista Brower-Wood will guide the HAA for the coming term.
Conclusion
The Haunted Attraction Association emerged from the 2025 Annual Meeting with stronger cash reserves and new leadership. Rising revenues and well-managed expenses will enable expansions in training, event programming, and more—ensuring haunters across the globe benefit from the HAA’s progress.
Additional Information
- Listen to or Read our State of the Industry Seminar recap here.
- Read about the 2025 Haunted Attraction Association OSCARES winners here.
Review the 2024 OSCARES winners here.
Watch the 2023 OSCARES Presentation here.
