Rethinking The Haunted House Guest Experience!

Ben Armstrong NETHERWORLD Haunted House
www.Fearworld.com

　
The Process of Design:

When you design your haunt what shapes your choices? Usually it is very straightforward things like the building you are in, the theme, the budget, what your crew (or you) can do, movies or other Haunted Houses you like, even what sort of props you have access to. Many haunts have tons of space and the big question is “how to fill it”. Some have more junk than space and the question is the opposite, “where can I cram all this junk?”. In general most of us just “do” and don’t really think about why we are building the way we are, the reason is just because it feels right. I think the two biggest things that drive us are A) making it detailed or cool and B) making it scary. I know in general that is what I think about. But perhaps an examination of what your GUESTS want is an even more important focus to have, after all they are paying to be there. But then that begs the question: what do they want?

　

What Do They Want?

Ask ten Haunters what their guests want and seven will say “to be scared” and three will say “to be entertained”. Both very worthy and related answers, but first needing a deeper examination of exactly WHO your guests are. After a great deal of thought I have a new answer to this eternal question that perhaps has even more relevance: TO HAVE A MEMORABLE GROUP EXPERIENCE.

Think about it, does anyone come to a haunted house by themselves, that is of course except for a haunter sneaking out during the season? Almost everyone comes to have an experience, an adventure, with their family or friends. So we are NOT dealing with individuals, we are dealing with a GROUP. It is ultimately the group experience that shapes how successful your event is and what they are going to tell their friends.

How Many are in a Group?

So how many are in your average group? My best guess is anywhere from 2-6 based on how many can fit in one car. Certainly there are larger groups of all shapes and sizes, but I think this is the most common size. How do I know? I asked the box office manager (my wife) and that’s what she told me. You guys do the same and see what you find out! It only makes sense, after all with a fair amount of travel to get to a haunt, the cost and/or difficulty in finding parking, and the intimacy of the group dynamic that this would be the magic number. Think about when you go out to eat dinner with a large group…often you can only actually talk to the 5 or 6 people closest to you . It is the same in a haunt – the dark and twisting path eliminates interaction beyond a few people in front of you or behind you anyway. So even if a huge group comes to a haunt in multiple vehicles, the guests will only experience it with the few ahead of and behind them. Let’s assume for the sake of the argument that I am right, what can we do with this knowledge? We can craft the experience to best work for this group size – EVEN while a conga line is running.

So What Does The Group Want?

Now is when it gets complicated…and interesting! In each group of guests there are many different motivations. Let’s look at some of the most common types of guests one finds in a group:

1) The Offering: Usually terrified, they are pushed out in front often by a boyfriend or husband and offered to the monsters. They sometimes relish playing the role, screaming and smiling all the while. Sometimes however they really are terrified and want nothing more than to GET OUT!

2) The Offerer: What they want most is to see what the Offering does. They are more interested in the reaction of this person than they are in what is going on around them. Sometimes they are actually very scared themselves and are using the Offering as a shield. Sometimes there are many Offerers in a group and they constantly tell the monsters to “ get her!” and tell the name of the Offering to any actor they see.

3) The Brave One: Occasionally this person is in the front, and they plunge on bravely to attain more status from their friends. Sometimes they really want to get scared but have a high tolerance level and it just doesn’t happen very often. They are often very happy if someone actually gets them to flinch. Sometimes what they want is NOT to be scared. They are trying to prove something to themselves and the group about how much they can take. The funny thing about the Brave One is that they often spend so much time worrying about how they are reacting and what the group will think about that reaction that they miss most of the show!

4) The Punk: Very similar in many ways to the Brave One, The Punk is defined more by how they externalize the experience, to both the actors and their friends. They are totally fixated on performing to the group, acting tough, etc. But deep inside they either crave the thought of actually getting freaked out or they deeply dread it!

5) The Thrill Seeker: Unlike many of the others discussed this person is totally open to the experience. The most delightful type of patron, they scream and laugh at all the right times and are a joy for the actors. Like the Offering this sort of person is fixated on by the group, as group members get huge delight in every gasp and scream. Often you can get entire groups of Thrill Seekers that barrel through the halls of the haunt having a great time and not remembering anything about what actually happened inside.

6) The Detail Seeker: More entranced by the sets and props, this person loves haunted houses, but is often annoyed by the actors. Unless the actor is very unusual or has stellar make-up and costuming, they tend to ignore your monsters to study every detail and prop in the room. Once in a while this allows them to be really shocked as they are so distracted by the details. Group members often continually ask this person what they think about this or that because the Detail Seeker is usually the haunt “expert” in the group.

7) The 5th Wheel: Usually a lone male this person is the one most outside the group dynamic, and usually trails at the end. They almost always miss most of the scares triggered by Offerings and Thrill Seekers, placing themselves in a spot to watch the group they wish they were in the middle of from behind. If the 5th Wheel actually gets nailed by a few actors they often will really start enjoying the Haunt, but if they don’t they will be even more bitter as they watch all of their friends have all the fun.

As you can see we could probably describe fifty more types of patrons, but the intriguing thing that has been occurring to me lately is how much they are often more interested in EACH OTHER. I think the reactions that folks in the group have to the haunt stimulus is often more exciting to them than the Haunt itself! When tales are told in the car on the way home they will talk about what they saw but more commonly about WHO go scared by what or WHO was the bravest. But there is one more type of guest that we haven’t discussed yet, in my opinion the most important one!

The Ringleader

The Ringleader is the guest who is most responsible for the group going to the haunt. Often they have already been that year or in other years, and they want to see how the group they choose will respond to the various scares and scenes. Sometimes they are a Detail Seeker or a Thrill Seeker drawn in by your marketing and want the personal excitement they can get at your event. But most often they are there for the group, enjoying the position of organizer, relishing the thought of watching their group experience the horrors to come. Often the Ringleader will go to great lengths to convince or bribe chickens to come with the group for everyone else’s entertainment. Sometimes they plan to bring a Punk or a Brave One to see if they will crack.

If you as a marketer can draw the interest of the Ringleader your job is done as THEY will do the rest of the work to round up the group, pick a night and get them to your event. If you are able to give your guests what they want – a memorable experience with their friends, then you will create MORE Ringleaders who may return with groups of their own… the most direct form of “word of mouth”.

　

Rethinking The GROUP Experience

These are not really new ideas, but if you hold them in your mind during the design process what could you do with them? Identify members of the group and give them what they want? Find ways to reward the Ringleader if they make return visits? Train your actors to watch out for the 5th Wheel and give them a special scare? Engage the Detail Seeker more deeply or just get out of the way? Or more importantly realize that you are dealing with a GROUP not a bunch of individuals, and train your actors, especially your lot actors to engage them as such. I am eager to hear your ideas on the topic – lets get on the forums and discuss them. After all what matters more than how your guests experience your event? It doesn’t matter how great your scenes are if groups leave disappointed.

　

Read the History of NETHERWORLD Haunted House!

A collection of screams inside of NETHERWORLD Haunted House 2011! Watch as flying nightmares, huge monsters and massive effects freak people out!

TRANSWORLD’S SEMINAR SERIES

We’re bringing you one more day of seminars! This year we’ve changed from three days to FOUR FABULOUS DAYS of seminars! The Transworld team of seminar speakers will help you make more money, teach you how to market and run a more profitable attraction or retail outlet, AND show you all the special techniques to fully engage your customers.

Thursday March 8, 2012

Make-up Demonstrations

11:00am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm

Show Floor Stage

Sit and enjoy 30-minute make-up demos from 1313 FX Fright Zone (Foam Latex Application & Airbrush Painting), European Body Art (Special FX Only Make-up) and Michael Davy (Watermelon Trauma Wound).

Opening Night Party Sponsored by Ken Donat & Westland Insurance

6:00pm – 8:00pm

Morgan Street Brewery, 721 North 2nd Street

Celebrate with your colleagues at the Morgan Street Brewery while you enjoy complimentary dinner and drinks! Open to all registered buyers.

Friday March 9, 2012

[KEYNOTE PRESENTATION] Facebook Commerce: The tricks to getting the treats

8:30am – 9:30am

Christian Taylor, CEO of Payvment, Inc.

With over a half a billion consumers, Facebook has become the most valuable place on the net for generating new customers and sales. Christian Taylor, founder and CEO at Payvment will share best practices on how to build your Social Commerce empire on Facebook.

Make-up Demonstrations

11:00am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm

Show Floor Stage

Sit and enjoy 30-minute make-up demos from Bloody Mary (Zombie’s Exposed Cheek Bones Stitches Out With Just Make-up), Grex Airbrush (Demo Using Airbrush Make-up and Grex Airbrushes) and Crown Brush (Hollywood Special FX Make-up).

Special Demonstration by Award Winning Pumpkin Carver, Andy Bergholtz of Villafane Studios

2:15pm – 3:15pm

Show Floor Stage

Villafane Studios specializes in the creation of the most astonishing 3D pumpkin carvings you will ever see. Founder Ray Villafane and partner Andy Bergholtz combine over 25 years of sculpting experience to push the boundaries of this unique medium and create characters that will haunt your imagination. Whether it’s a fine art portrait, a scenic snapshot or ghastly ghoul, Villafane Studios excels at capturing 3D images in pumpkins that will take your Halloween to a whole new level. See them demonstrate their abilities LIVE on the show floor!

Haunted Attraction Association Auction

5:30pm – 7:30pm (Doors Open at 5:00pm)

Convention Center

Looking for great deals on brand new props, animatronics and services? Join HAA for its annual auction. Doors open at 5:00pm and the auction starts at 5:30pm with items from the industry’s leading vendors, suppliers and artists. There is no cost to participate and bidding is open to everyone. Cash bar will be available. Open to all registered buyers.

Distortions Unlimited Presents “Making Monsters” and Q&A

7:00pm – 9:00pm

Convention Center

This two-part one-hour series introduces viewers to the innovators and masterminds of the monster and creature animatronics industry. In “Making Monsters,” viewers meet Ed and Marsha Edmunds, co-owners of Distortions Unlimited, the Mom and Pop monster making shop located in downtown Greeley, Colo., and Jordu Schell, a monster-making veteran from Hollywood. Ed and Marsha have led the charge of the animatronics business for the last 30 years. Their unusual animatronics, monster creations, and haunted house designs are mainstays of the dark amusement industry. Jordu is Ed’s right-hand man, bringing Ed’s twisted creations to life. Based in Los Angeles, he is a renowned sculptor, best known for his work on James Cameron’s Avatar.

Saturday March 10, 2012

[Early Bird Seminar] How to Survive in the Haunted House Industry Panel Discussion

8:00am – 9:00am

Moderator – Ben Armstrong – Netherworld Haunted House
Panelists – Ed Terebus (Erebus Haunted House/FearFinder), Allan Hopps (StiltBeast Studios), Randy Bates (BatesMotel/Pennhurst)

Ben Armstrong from Netherworld Haunted House moderates this panel featuring a group of talented haunters who have spent years helping others in the industry. Learn from them the critical lessons about how to run a safe, entertaining attraction while avoiding the mistakes that can end an event’s career before it can ever really get started.

Exploring an Exciting Art Form That Will Change the Face of Pumpkin Carving As You Know It!

8:00am – 9:00am

Andy Bergholtz, Villafane Studios

Topics include the art of “sculpting” pumpkins and the potential of pumpkin related displays as a commercial attraction. In addition to providing exposure to an incredible new art form, the seminar will illustrate the vast potential for pumpkin related displays to drive business and create incredible viral marketing as a seasonal attraction.

Make-up Demonstrations

11:00am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm

Show Floor Stage

Sit and enjoy 30-minute make-up demos from Iwata-Medea (Airbrush Horror Make-Up), Graftobian (Airbrush Zombies At Low Cost) and Ill Willed (Showcasing the New Ill Willed Products).

Special Demonstration by Award Winning Pumpkin Carver, Andy Bergholtz of Villafane Studios

2:15pm – 3:15pm

Show Floor Stage

Villafane Studios specializes in the creation of the most astonishing 3D pumpkin carvings you will ever see. Founder Ray Villafane and partner Andy Bergholtz combine over 25 years of sculpting experience to push the boundaries of this unique medium and create characters that will haunt your imagination. Whether it’s a fine art portrait, a scenic snapshot or ghastly ghoul, Villafane Studios excels at capturing 3D images in pumpkins that will take your Halloween to a whole new level. See them demonstrate their abilities LIVE on the show floor!

Free Legendary Haunts Panel Discussion

5:45pm – 6:45pm

Moderator – Ben Armstrong – Netherworld Haunted House
Panelists – Ross Karpelman (The House of Shock), Dwayne Sanburn (13th Gate/Necropolis13), Brett Bertolino (Terror Behind The Walls)

Ben Armstrong from Netherworld Haunted House moderates this discussion of some of the most Legendary Haunted Houses in the nation. Learn how they come up with unique sets and special effects, draw massive crowds, and manage complex operations with a high level of customer satisfaction.

Turning Technology into Sales

5:45pm – 6:45pm

Speaker John Gollnick, Route 66

Using technology to increase sales??? Want other options besides Facebook and Twitter, did you know that a technology exists over Wi-Fi??? With NEWER technology at your disposal, we will show you how to earn more money and build your customer database.

The Zombie Army & John LaFlamboy present “The Moleman of Belmont Avenue”

9:30pm – 11:30pm

Convention Center

This film explores what happens when a terrible situation is dropped into the laps of the two people least equipped to deal with it. The Brothers Mugg can either step up to the plate and finally grow up, or they wait and clean up the resulting mess as a mysterious creature eats every living thing in the building, one by one. This soon-to-be cult classic features horror icon Robert Englund, an ensemble cast of Second City comedy veterans, and set designs from the haunted house industry’s Zombie Army Productions and Pale Eye Productions. (Included Q & A).

Sunday March 11, 2012

Make-up Demonstrations

11:00am

Show Floor Stage

Sit and enjoy a 30-minute make-up demo from Four Fingers (Application of Prosthetic Appliances and Make-up for Haunters).

All TransWorld Exhibits, Inc. Halloween, Costume & Party, and Halloween & Attractions Show seminars are intended solely to provide information to the participants. Results derived by utilizing the information may vary and are not guaranteed. Neither TransWorld Exhibits, Inc., nor the seminar presenters assumes any legal liability or responsibility regarding the content and examples presented. All seminars are subject to change.

TRANSWORLD’S SEMINAR SERIES

We’re bringing you one more day of seminars! This year we’ve changed from three days to FOUR FABULOUS DAYS of seminars! The Transworld team of seminar speakers will help you make more money, teach you how to market and run a more profitable attraction or retail outlet, AND show you all the special techniques to fully engage your customers.

All Day Sunday Workshop Pricing:
$250 pre-show registration
$300 on-site registration

ALL DAY WORKSHOP – 9:00am – 5:00pm

Extreme Detailing for your Haunted Attraction

9:00am – 5:00pm

Speakers: Bad Boys, Scenic Design / Nightmare New England

Are you ready to take your attraction to the next level? Here’s your chance! Always a hit with attendees, this informative how-to (and hands on) seminar will give haunters of all experience levels the techniques to turn an average room design into a highly detailed Disney-level attraction. Detailing techniques, tips, tools of the trade and advanced methods will be demonstrated and discussed. Topics and demos will cover faux painting, distressing, LightScaping, rust, rotted plaster, tiger foam, and, of course, the Bad Boys’ signature Styrofoam Masonry.

This year’s seminar will include special guest designer Christopher de Troy from Loki’s Workshop. Learn how these applications have been used in attractions across the country, including Nightmare New England, SpookyWorld, The Fear at Fenway, ABC’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition, Terror on the Fox (1997 – 2009), and more!

Bad Boys Scenic Design is a group of designers whose artistic skills in set design have earned them the respect and admiration of the most prominent names in the haunted attraction industry. Don’t miss the chance to learn their best tricks, techniques, and methods refined from over two decades of designing and building in the Haunted Attraction industry.

All TransWorld Exhibits, Inc. Halloween, Costume & Party, and Halloween & Attractions Show seminars are intended solely to provide information to the participants. Results derived by utilizing the information may vary and are not guaranteed. Neither TransWorld Exhibits, Inc., nor the seminar presenters assumes any legal liability or responsibility regarding the content and examples presented. All seminars are subject to change.

TRANSWORLD’S SEMINAR SERIES

We’re bringing you one more day of seminars! This year we’ve changed from three days to FOUR FABULOUS DAYS of seminars! The Transworld team of seminar speakers will help you make more money, teach you how to market and run a more profitable attraction or retail outlet, AND show you all the special techniques to fully engage your customers.

Seminar Pricing:
$45 per one-hour session – advance registration! $15 savings if you buy in advance!!!
$60 per one-hour session – on-site registration.

Educational Seminars – Room A
(Seven Seminars)

Hard Core Construction – Building Amazing Haunted Houses,Fast!

9:00am – 10:00am

Speaker: Dan McCullough, House of Torment/13th Floor Haunted Houses

The House of Torment and 13th Floor Haunted Houses are known for their mind blowing sets and stunning realism. Learn from Dan as he discusses how these attractions are designed and built in a limited time frame using modern construction techniques.

Theater Tech – Lighting, Sound and Special Effects for Haunted Attractions Using Modern Show Control

10:15am – 11:15am

Speaker: Robbie Lepree’, Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream

Sound, lighting and special effects are everyday elements in the world of the theater, but theater tech is often underused in haunted attractions. Get a glimpse into the world of modern show control and learn how it can take your event to the next level.

Security at Haunted Attractions: Using Best Practices and Trained Staff to Keep Order at Your Event

11:30am – 12:30pm

Speaker: Mike Jubie, Headless Horseman Hayrides

You will never have a truly successful event until you master the arts of operations, crowd control and facility security. Learn how to deal with critical issues including unruly customers, maintaining order, protecting your box-office, metal detectors at your entrances as well as what the guests think about ALL security/police presence.

Training and Motivating Volunteer Actors

12:45pm – 1:45pm

Speaker: D’Ann Dagen, Hangman’s Haunted House

Properly motivating volunteer actors is an art form unto itself! D’Ann will share over 35 years of professional haunt experience developing skilled casts of performers who are deeply committed to doing an excellent job–without the enticement of a paycheck.

Haunt Acting 101: Teaching Your Actors to Scare and Entertain!

2:00pm – 3:00pm

Speaker: Geoff Beck, Haunt Consultant

Working in a haunted house is not as simple as it looks. Geoff has spent countless haunt seasons working at a multitude of haunted houses, training actors to go that extra mile in their performance. His hands-on approach will feature a special set built in the seminar room and is not to be missed!

Designing Twisted Haunt Characters

3:15pm – 4:15pm

Speaker: Regina Englehart, Svenpuss Acting Troupe

Weird. Twisted. Trippy. Disturbing. These are all words often used by guests when they encounter the absolutely original characters of the Svenpuss Acting Troupe. Learn what inspires them and the techniques, make-up and acts they use to freak out their customers.

Haunt Acting Panel Discussion

4:30pm – 5:30pm

Moderator: Allan Hopps, Stiltbeast Studios

Panelists: D’Ann Dagen, Geoff Beck, Regina Englehart

Allan Hopps, Stiltbeast Studios, moderates this panel on haunt acting, featuring the afternoon’s experienced presenters. Learn different acting styles as the panel members discuss shocking vs. terrorizing, the importance of entertainment and humor, costuming and make-up styles, actor dialogue and the best scares ever.

Demonstration Seminars – Room B
(Five Seminars)

Building a Better Monster – Training Actors to Look and Be Terrifying

10:15am – 12:30pm

Speaker: Allan Hopps, Stiltbeast Studios

In this two-hour demonstration seminar, Allan Hopps will offer in-depth lessons on actor training, including character development, how to be scary, working with the elements of your scene, customer psychology, humor vs. fear, and many more critical topics. Costume design will also be covered in detail so you can learn how your actors can look and play the part.

Shocking Make-up Secrets – Learn The Latest Tricks from Bloody Mary!

12:45pm – 1:45pm

Speaker: Bobbie Weiner, Bloody Mary Makeup

Bobby Weiner digs deeply into her bag of tricks to pull out a new makeup technique, “Zombies in the Flesh”, a simple, fast and fabulous technique designed for the haunted house actor. Everyone attending the class will receive a Bloody Mary “Zombies in the Flesh” make-up kit.

Getting the most from your airbrush investment

2:00pm – 3:00pm

Speaker: Ken Franklin, FaceFX Makeup

Don’t let your airbrush rest after Halloween passes by. Find out how you can use it as a multi-faceted artistic asset during the season and as a money maker throughout the year. It’s one of the few tools that can actually pay for itself!

Designing and Maintaining Air Systems for Your Attraction

3:15pm – 4:15pm

Speaker: Doug Anderson, Fright Props

The biggest, most impressive props in the haunted attraction industry run on compressed air and are useless without an air system to back them up. Learn what you need to know about compressors, CFM, distribution systems, manifolds, avoiding water in the lines and everything else it takes to keep your giant monsters rocking.

Entire Rooms that Scare! – Large Scale Animatronic Environments

4:30pm – 5:30pm

Speaker: Matt Marich, Edge Designs & Themed Décor Inc

How can you escape the terror when an entire room is coming after you! Matt has designed many large format architectural animatronics, including elevators, dropping ceilings, cracking floors – just to name a few. Find out how these effects are made and what they do to your guests’ minds!

Business Seminars – Room C
(Three Seminars)

How to Scare Up Social Media for Your Halloween Season

10:00am – 11:00am

Speakers: Nancy Milton and Mary Hendron, Insight Marketing & Communications

Afraid of Facebook? Terrified of Twitter? These are all useful tools to add to your marketing toolbox. Join us as we review the benefits of various types of social media and how they can help grow your business and your fan base. We’ll guide you on how to fearlessly embrace all forms of Social Media to promote your business.

Guerilla Marketing: Free and Low-Cost Marketing Ideas to Drive More Traffic and Sales

2:00pm – 3:00pm

Speaker: Patricia Norrins, Publisher of “Gift Shop” & “GreenRetailer”

Learn inexpensive and unbelievably effective grass roots marketing strategies to grow your traffic and boost your sales. In this fast paced session, Norrins will share 50+ marketing ideas to help you build stronger relationships with your customers, increase store traffic and sell more products!

Consumer Product Safety: What Every Halloween Retailer Should Know

3:30pm – 4:30pm

Speaker: Dorothy Creamer, Editor-In-Chief at “Selling Halloween” & “Selling Christmas Decorations”

This seminar will update and inform attendees on the latest news from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Learn what laws are being passed to control product manufacturing and what issues are important to anyone providing goods to the masses. A panel of experts from the CPSC and knowledgeable vendors will translate what safety and manufacturing concerns retailers must be aware of when purchasing costumes, makeup or accessories in order to provide the best – and safest – products to the end consumer.

All TransWorld Exhibits, Inc. Halloween, Costume & Party, and Halloween & Attractions Show seminars are intended solely to provide information to the participants. Results derived by utilizing the information may vary and are not guaranteed. Neither TransWorld Exhibits, Inc., nor the seminar presenters assumes any legal liability or responsibility regarding the content and examples presented. All seminars are subject to change.

TRANSWORLD’S SEMINAR SERIES

We’re bringing you one more day of seminars! This year we’ve changed from three days to FOUR FABULOUS DAYS of seminars! The Transworld team of seminar speakers will help you make more money, teach you how to market and run a more profitable attraction or retail outlet, AND show you all the special techniques to fully engage your customers.

Keynote Presentation
(FREE to ALL ATTENDEES)

Facebook Commerce: The tricks to getting the treats

8:30am – 9:30am

Christian Taylor, CEO of Payvment, Inc.

With over a half a billion consumers, Facebook has become the most valuable place on the net for generating new customers and sales. Christian Taylor, founder and CEO at Payvment will share best practices on how to build your Social Commerce empire on Facebook.

Seminar Pricing:
$45 per one-hour session – advance registration! $15 savings if you buy in advance!!!
$60 per one-hour session – on-site registration.

Educational Seminars – Room A
(Seven Seminars)

Want to See Something REALLY scary? Try Getting Started in the Haunted House Business

9:00am – 10:00am

Speaker: Rich Hanf, Haunted House Consultant

Is there anything more terrifying in this business than getting open your first year? Join Rich in a whirlwind presentation of the top do’s and don’ts for beginners, and the best practices it takes to survive in this very competitive business.

Haunted House Law. Legal Issues Affecting the Haunt Industry You Need to Know

10:15am – 11:15am

Speaker: Brett Hays, Fear Fair

Before you put up your first wall, you need a lawyer. Brett Hays, a practicing attorney and haunt owner, will take you through the hot button issues of haunted house law, including forming corporations, contracts, event disclaimers, limiting liability and intellectual property law.

Is Owning Your Building Right for You? Important Information Critical to Purchasing Your Location

11:30am – 12:30pm

Speaker: John Eslich, Factory of Terror

Owning your own building – the greatest goal of most attractions is a complex subject that requires elaborate planning and guaranteed cash flow. Join John as he takes you through the steps to property ownership, and helps you decide if it’s right for you and your business.

The Web in 2012 – State of the Art Web Marketing that WORKS!

12:45pm – 1:45pm

Speaker: Larry Kirchner, Hauntworld.com/Halloween Productions

The Internet is always changing and every season brings new challenges if you are ready to evolve! Larry will discuss the latest web marketing strategies and how he has translated them into huge success for his many websites.

Buying Media – We Do Not Negotiate With Terrorists!

2:00pm – 3:00pm

Speaker: Marc & Eric Fantich, Dead Farms

Share and learn new marketing strategies that will help you to recruit TV and radio stations to “buy in” and help you promote your haunt for less money. Twenty-year ad agency veteran Marc Fantich and his creative genius son, Eric Fantich, will teach you new media techniques. This seminar will save you money, improve your haunt’s branding, and place you on both sides of modern media buying and selling!

Marketing on the CHEAP! How to get PR and Sponsorship Deals with Limited Cash

3:15pm – 4:15pm

Speaker: Rich Strelak, Hotel Fear & The Asylum

In the haunt business you need to make a huge marketing impact with an often limited budget. Learn how strategic partnerships and sponsorships can take the place of cold hard cash in getting your message heard!

Haunt Marketing Panel Discussion

4:30pm – 5:30pm

Moderator: Chris Stafford, 13th Floor Haunted Houses

Panelists: Larry Kirchner, Marc Fantich, Rich Strelak

Chris Stafford, co-owner of 13Th Floor Haunted Houses, moderates this in-depth discussion covering the essentials of haunted attraction marketing. Advertising, public relations, sponsorships and the evolution of modern media will all be discussed.

Demonstration Seminars – Room B
(Five Seminars)

Mind Blowing Horror Face and Body Painting!

10:15am – 12:30pm

Speakers: Nick and Brian Wolfe, Evil Twin FX

In this two hour demonstration seminar Nick and Brian will take you into the world of extreme face and body painting for haunted attractions! You will learn about the proper make-up supplies and the time tested techniques to make hideous monsters and zombies without any sort of prosthetics needed! A must see for the serious make-up artist.

Gore and Blood – Full On Splatter at Its Most Intense!

12:45pm – 1:45pm

Speaker: Jeremy D’Alessandro, Creepy Collection

Do you or have you considered using extreme gore and blood in your haunt? Jeremy will explain how gore effects your customers, all the latest techniques to dress your sets in total carnage, and why you should add more “splatter” to your attraction!

Totally Immersive Detail. Painting and Aging for Your Scenes

2:00pm – 3:00pm

Speaker: Ernie Wilbur – Dead House Productions

Is your haunt just a bit too bright and shiny? Learn the clever theatrical techniques you can use to bring years of rot and deterioration to your event from the masters of painting and aging behind Dead House Designs and the world famous House of Shock!

Advanced Puppetry for Haunted Attractions

3:15pm – 4:15pm

Speaker: Kevin Alvey, Gore Galore

Using his years of puppetry and haunted house experience, Kevin delves into the art of creating the appearance of life and intelligence with inanimate objects. Proper operation of giant monster suits, hand held puppets and full sized actor-controlled monsters will be discussed.

LED Lighting: The Most Effective Ways to Use it in Your Haunted Attraction

4:30pm – 5:30pm

Speaker: Quan Gan, Darklight

Learn the essentials of lighting, including color choices, fixture placement, backlighting, and DMX control. Quan will discuss how modern LED lighting has enhanced the haunter’s special effects arsenal, and how to reveal the detail in a scene while still keeping it dark and scary!

Business Seminars (HCP) – Room C
(Four Seminars)

[KEYNOTE PRESENTATION] Facebook Commerce: The tricks to getting the treats

8:30am – 9:30am (FREE to ALL ATTENDEES)

Christian Taylor, CEO of Payvment, Inc.

With over a half a billion consumers, Facebook has become the most valuable place on the net for generating new customers and sales. Christian Taylor, founder and CEO at Payvment will share best practices on how to build your Social Commerce empire on Facebook.

Promoting Your Business Like a Pro

10:00am – 11:00am

Speaker: Susan Wagner, Editor at “Country Business” Magazine

Do you wonder how other businesses manage to get free publicity time and time again? Do you want to promote your business but don’t know how to begin? Are you thinking of starting a newsletter, but get dismayed at the thought of filling each issue? Don’t fret! In this seminar, you’ll learn how to write powerful press releases, master clever and easy ways to create must-read newsletters and gain tips for designing attention-getting ads. Learn the tricks for getting free media coverage, harness the power of social media and discover other simple ways to get your name out in front of your customers.

Stay on Top! Sharpen Your Competitive Edge to Thrive in Today’s Retail World

11:30am – 12:30pm

Speaker: Susan Wagner, Editor at “Country Business” Magazine

Even in a Wal-Mart world, independent retailers can survive and even thrive. Learn how to reinvigorate your store by casting a fresh eye on everything from public relations to product choices. Discover the importance of branding your business and finding your unique selling point, then learn how to keep your store top-of-mind with your customers.

To app or not to app, that is the question!

2:00pm – 3:00pm

Speaker: Jonathon Gollnick, Route 66

Is making your website a mobile website the right approach or does developing an app makes more sense for you? Learn the pros and cons of both and the business decisions necessary to make those determinations.

All TransWorld Exhibits, Inc. Halloween, Costume & Party, and Halloween & Attractions Show seminars are intended solely to provide information to the participants. Results derived by utilizing the information may vary and are not guaranteed. Neither TransWorld Exhibits, Inc., nor the seminar presenters assumes any legal liability or responsibility regarding the content and examples presented. All seminars are subject to change.

TRANSWORLD’S SEMINAR SERIES

We’re bringing you one more day of seminars! This year we’ve changed from three days to FOUR FABULOUS DAYS of seminars! The Transworld team of seminar speakers will help you make more money, teach you how to market and run a more profitable attraction or retail outlet, AND show you all the special techniques to fully engage your customers.

Convention Center – Room B
(C.H.A.O.S. Safety Seminar: HAA Members $45, Non-Members $65)

C.H.A.O.S. Safety Seminar

9:00am – 12:00pm

Sponsored by: Haunted Attraction Association

HAA and TransWorld Exhibits have teamed up to bring you C.H.A.O.S., the association’s safety course that is highly recommended to anyone running a haunted attraction. This 3 hour introductory course will explore the historical origins of the NFPA 101 “The Lifesaving Code” and how other NFPA codes and standards impact your overall risk reduction and safety strategy for your haunted attraction. The course will count towards your 8 hours required to receive your certification. You may choose from any of the additional C.H.A.O.S. certified seminars offered at TransWorld to help complete your 8 hours. Upon completion of the 8 hours, participants will receive their certificate once their C.H.A.O.S. course sheet is received by HAA Headquarters.

Seminar Pricing:
$45 per one-hour session – advance registration! $15 savings if you buy in advance!!!
$60 per one-hour session – on-site registration.

Educational Seminars – Room A
(Seven Seminars)

Building your Haunt Army! How to Recruit and Train Key Staff for Your Attraction

9:00am – 10:00am

Speaker: John La Flamboy, Zombie Army Productions

The Zombie Army is well known in the haunt community for its intense acting and extremely loyal staff. Learn the secrets of finding, motivating and maintaining a powerful core group, one of the most essential elements in any haunted attraction.

Getting Your Haunt Open! Surviving The Horror Of Zoning and Code Compliance

10:15am – 11:15am

Speaker: Shane Dabbs, Disturbia Haunted House

There are so many rules and codes you need to be aware of before opening a haunted house, it will make your head spin! Join Shane as he covers the most critical issues that affect haunters, including zoning, fire, electrical and building codes.

20 Years of Timed Ticketing: How to Control WHEN Your Guests Visit Your Event

11:30am – 12:30pm

Speakers: Brett Bertolino and Jason Ohlsen, Terror Behind The Walls

Eastern State Penitentiary is arguably the most attended non-theme park haunted attraction in the United States. Discover how, for the last 20 years, they have used timed ticketing and elaborate planning to spread their attendance more evenly over the entire season!

High Production Value, Low Budget Cost – Getting Massive Production Value Without Breaking the Bank

12:45pm – 1:45pm

Speaker: Louis Brown, Darkwood Manor

Darkwood Manor is an extremely detailed haunt known for its unusual themes, custom costumes, weird characters and wicked sets. Learn how staff achieves Hollywood production levels through hard work and creativity on a limited budget.

Instant Horror! – Construction and Striking of Elaborate Modular Haunted Attractions

2:00pm – 3:00pm

Speakers: Tim and Ann Marie Gavinski, Wisconsin Feargrounds

Planning, planning, planning! Learn how the crew of the Wisconsin Feargrounds is able to construct and strike a world class attraction in a VERY short timeframe while still maintaining a high level of detail and complexity in their production.

Extreme Haunting – Pushing Your Audience to the Limits!

3:15pm – 4:15pm

Speaker: Ross Karpelman, House of Shock

Everyone has heard the rumors about the House of Shock…Fire! Gore! Grabbing Patrons! The Devil! Learn just how far a haunted house can go with its audience while still producing a safe, successful, rock show kind of event!

Haunt Design Panel Discussion

4:30pm – 5:30pm

Moderated by Scott Simmons – The ScareHouse

Panelists – Louis Brown, Tim Gavinski, Ross Karpelman

Join Scott Simmons, creative director of Scarehouse, as he moderates a lively discussion on the theories and practices of designing jaw dropping haunted houses. Themes, scare techniques, room design and the customer experience will all be discussed.

All TransWorld Exhibits, Inc. Halloween, Costume & Party, and Halloween & Attractions Show seminars are intended solely to provide information to the participants. Results derived by utilizing the information may vary and are not guaranteed. Neither TransWorld Exhibits, Inc., nor the seminar presenters assumes any legal liability or responsibility regarding the content and examples presented. All seminars are subject to change.

PRE-SHOW SPEED SEMINARS

DATE:

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

TIME:

9:00 a.m. – 5:10 p.m.

DESCRIPTION:

Pre-Show Seminars: The Tradeshow kicks off with TransWorld’s innovative ALL DAY PRE-SHOW SPEED SEMINARS! Industry experts will share their knowledge in multiple power-packed 30 minute seminars that focus on a precise subject. These seminars will get right to the meat of a topic, exposing attendees to an amazing amount of new ideas in a very short time. Hosted by Rich Hanf.

PRICING:

$115 FOR ALL 13 PRE-SHOW SPEED SEMINARS, LUNCH INCLUDED

Build this MAJOR Scare for Your Haunt…The EREBUS Spiked Spindle!

9:00am – 9:30am

Speakers: Ed and Jim Terebus, EREBUS Haunted House

Ed and Jim Terebus are known for their innovative and over the top special effects. Now, for the first time, they will be revealing all the details in one of their most famous gags, the Spiked Spindle. After seeing this presentation you will be able to create a similar effect in your haunted house.

Designing Your Haunted Attraction in Sketch Up

9:30am – 10:05am

Speaker: Tyler Barnett, Screampark/M80 Productions

Using this amazing program, you can create 3D visualizations of your attraction before you ever build a single wall panel. Tyler discusses the nuts and bolts of the program used by Universal Studios to design “Horror Nights”, and demonstrates just how easy it is to get started.

Sock Masks – What You Need to Know to Make Your Own!

10:10am – 10:40am

Speaker: Josh Monroe, Legion of Terror

Sock masks are a hybrid between masks and prosthetic make-ups, a quick way to get amazing characters without the time required for normal prosthetic application. Josh will cover all of the basics, from construction to painting sock masks, and help you avoid the common pitfalls in their use.

15 Minute Break

Zombified! How to Create Costumes of the Living Dead

10:55am – 11:25am

Speakers: Val and John Beteag, Phantom Foundry

Zombies are all the rage these days, and everyone can use a few more zombie costumes! Val and John demonstrate where to find the raw material you will need and the aging and painting techniques that will make it look like your actors just crawled out of the ground. Learn how amazing zombies can be made even on the lowest of budgets!

Insurance Essentials: Liability, Property, Workman’s Comp

11:30am – 12:00pm

Speaker: Ken Donat, Westland Insurance

Insurance can be a very complicated subject, especially for haunted attractions. Ken explores the essentials of haunted house coverage and all of the areas you need to be aware of to make sure you business is fully protected.

Mind Bending 3D Artwork with the Airbrush

12:05pm – 12:35pm

Speaker: Stuart Smith, Stuartizm Designs LLC

3D haunted houses have made a comeback in the last few years, spurred on by the popularity of Hollywood blockbusters. Join Stuart as he uses the airbrush in making freaky artwork sure to confuse the senses when coupled with Chroma Depth glasses and a little black light.

Phoenix from the Ashes -The Rebirth of Talon Falls (Lunch Seminar)

12:35pm – 1:35pm 1 Hour Lunch – Lunch Provided

Speaker: Todd Ferren, Talon Falls Screampark

Last year, as Todd was preparing his haunted attraction for the TransWorld Haunt Tour, Talon Falls burned to the ground. Todd will show in detail the devastation caused by the fire and discuss the amazing reconstruction that created an all new – and even more elaborate – Talon Falls!

Adding Interactive Storylines to Your Haunt

1:35pm – 2:05pm

Speaker: Ricky Dick, Castle Blood

For many years, Castle Blood has been famous for treating its guests to an expansive, interactive haunting experience. Ricky will explain how, with deep characterizations, hidden paths and elaborate puzzles, his cast scares and entertains guests with a new tale every year.

Drive PR with Rock Bands and Celebrities!

2:10pm – 2:40pm

Speaker: Tim Bunch, House of Horrors

GWAR and the Misfits are but a few of the powerhouse bands and celebrities who have appeared at the House of Horrors. Tim will detail how bands and celebrities can energize your marketing, boost your attendance and pump up your staff!

Street Magic in the Queue Line!

2:45pm – 3:15pm

Speaker: Chris Handa, Spooky Magic

Your guests spend more time in line than they do going through your attraction. Chris will dive into the world of street magic, illusions and mental games that you can use to confound and entertain customers in the queue and prime them for the terror to come!

15 Minute Break

Walls of Steel – Building a Haunt with Shipping Containers

3:30pm – 4:00pm

Speaker: Stuart Beare, Tully’s Farm

Shipping containers are a quick and innovative way to add additional scenes and extra attractions to your event. Join Stuart as he teaches how to acquire containers and modify them into shocking scenes of horror.

Sonic Shock! How to Soundscape Your Haunted House

4:05pm – 4:35pm

Speaker: Randy Bates, The Bates Motel

Half of your attraction is how it SOUNDS (especially for the people covering their eyes)! Randy will uncover the secrets of powerful sound systems, including driving subwoofers, 70 volt systems, and the use of battery powered speakers for outdoor events.

Creating Icon Characters They Will Never Forget!

4:40pm – 5:10pm

Speaker: Bud Stross, Dent Schoolhouse

What would Disney be without Mickey Mouse? Bud delves into the world of iconic haunted house characters, and shows just how critical they can be for marketing and themeing your attraction.

All TransWorld Exhibits, Inc. Halloween, Costume & Party, and Halloween & Attractions Show seminars are intended solely to provide information to the participants. Results derived by utilizing the information may vary and are not guaranteed. Neither TransWorld Exhibits, Inc., nor the seminar presenters assumes any legal liability or responsibility regarding the content and examples presented. All seminars are subject to change.