With tens of thousands of haunters and hundreds of hours of programming, TransWorld’s Halloween & Attractions Show can feel overwhelming. From networking events and free seminars to after-hours meetups, here’s your quick-start guide to making the most of February 27 – March 2, 2025, at America’s Center in St. Louis, MO.
1. The Expanded Marriott Bar: The Ultimate After-Hours Hub
Where: Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel, Lobby Bar & Lounge
Hours: 9:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m. (Nightly, Feb. 27 – Mar. 2)
Every veteran haunter knows the Marriott bar is the place to connect once the show floor closes. For 2025, the bar has been expanded to accommodate even more attendees. This free after-hours lounge is a prime spot for impromptu business discussions, socializing, and unwinding. Grab a drink from the cash bar and get ready for lively conversations in a relaxed setting!
Tip: All TransWorld attendees with a valid show badge and wristband are welcome to the Marriott Bar. It’s a can’t-miss opportunity to network and chat shop—long after official events wrap up.
2. Pre-Show Networking Night Out
Date/Time: February 26, 7:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m.
Location: Holiday Inn – Ballroom
Cost: $75 (Pre-Show), $90 (Onsite)
Kick things off before the show officially begins. TransWorld’s Networking Night Out features structured roundtable discussions covering Halloween, Christmas, Interactive Entertainment, and more. Expect a pasta bar (served 7:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.), cash bars, and facilitators guiding topics like marketing, ticketing, scenic design, and customer service. It’s a relaxed yet productive environment to build valuable connections early.
3. 500+ Exhibitors on the Show Floor
Where: America’s Center Expo Hall
With over 500 exhibitors (including 90+ new ones this year), it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Popular vendors can sell out of their hottest products quickly, so map your route in advance. Prioritize the booths you don’t want to miss, and schedule extra time for demos and randomly running into fellow haunters.
4. C.H.A.O.S. Safety Seminar
Date/Time: Thursday, Feb. 27, 8:30 a.m.
Cost: $20 (HAA Members), $75 (Non-Members)
If you operate a haunted attraction, the Certified Haunted Attraction Operator Safety (C.H.A.O.S.) Program is essential. Completing its eight-hour coursework earns certification valid for three years—a requirement for haunts seeking HAA’s Top Haunts designation. This seminar covers fire marshal regulations, insurance requirements, and best practices for keeping guests and staff safe.
5. HAA State of the Industry Seminar
Date/Time: Friday, Feb. 28, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Location: Room 231, America’s Center
Cost: Free
Hear from HAA President Spencer Terry, incoming President Jim Werner, and the HAA Board of Directors. They’ll review the past haunt season, offer forecasts for the year ahead, and answer attendee questions on marketing, safety, operations, and more. This free seminar qualifies for one C.H.A.O.S. credit, so arrive early to secure a good seat.
6. OSCARES Awards Banquet
Date/Time: Saturday, March 1, 5:00 p.m. (Doors); 5:30 p.m. (Ceremony)
Location: Room 241, America’s Center
Cost: Free
Celebrate the best of the haunt industry at the OSCARES Awards. This ceremony honors excellence in haunted attractions, vendors, home haunts, and lifetime achievement. Enjoy complimentary food (while it lasts), a cash bar, and exclusive swag bags for the first 100 guests. HAA members who renew on-site receive a free drink and priority seating. It’s the biggest night in the haunt world—don’t miss it!
7. Daily & Nightly Events
Free Seminars & Activities:
View the Full Schedule
From panel discussions to hands-on demos, there are multiple free seminars happening daily. Between paid sessions and show-floor visits, slip into a free seminar for expert insights at no cost.
City Museum Party | Feb. 27
Experience a private takeover of St. Louis’ City Museum, renowned for its immersive exhibits, slides, tunnels, and rooftop attractions. Expect DJ performances, food, and drinks in this one-of-a-kind setting.
Darkness & Lemp Brewery Tours | Feb. 27 & 28
Go behind the scenes at two of the nation’s top haunted attractions—The Darkness and the old Lemp Brewery. See how these iconic haunts construct their legendary scares.
The Vampire Circus | Feb. 28
Gothic aesthetics meet high-energy acrobatics in this spooky twist on a traditional circus show. Expect jaw-dropping stunts and immersive theatrics.
Zombie Prom | March 1
Dress to distress for this horror-themed dance party with live DJs, eerie cocktails, and optional zombie makeup stations—perfect for letting loose on a Saturday night.
8. Special Screening: “The Fright Stuff”
Date/Time: Saturday, March 1, 9:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m.
Location: Convention Center, Rooms 123 & 124
Cost: Free
Details: More Info
Produced by Zombie Army Productions and Yokai Films, “The Fright Stuff” delves into the history and passion behind the haunt industry, from professional attractions to innovative home haunters. A Q&A with the filmmakers follows this 76-minute documentary. This is the only scheduled showing this year—don’t miss it!
9. Co-Located Shows: Expand Beyond Halloween
TransWorld’s Halloween & Attractions Show is co-located with:
- TransWorld’s Christmas Show – Gain off-season ideas for holiday-themed attractions, decor, and events.
- The Interactive Entertainment Show – Explore escape rooms, axe throwing, and other immersive activities to diversify your revenue.
Pro Tip: A single badge gives you access to all three shows. Mix and match sessions to spark new ideas for your haunted attraction’s off-season or secondary business ventures.
Ready to Haunt St. Louis?
- Dates: February 27 – March 2, 2025
- Location: America’s Center, St. Louis, Missouri
- Registration & Info: TransWorldTradeShows.com
By mapping out your top vendors, making time for key seminars like C.H.A.O.S. and the State of the Industry, and hitting up can’t-miss events like the OSCARES and Zombie Prom, you’ll be well-prepared to conquer TransWorld’s 2025 Halloween & Attractions Show. And of course, don’t forget to head over to the expanded Marriott Bar nightly from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. to network and unwind.
See you in St. Louis—and happy haunting!
