Thursday Seminars

• Unlock the Secrets to Haunted Attraction Safety with the C.H.A.O.S Safety Course!

  Produced by The Haunted Attraction Association

  8:30am - 12:30pm

  Room 120

  HAA Members: $20, Non-Members: $75

  Get ready to elevate your haunted attraction safety standards and dive into the thrilling world of C.H.A.O.S on Thursday, February 27th, 2024! This dynamic and engaging course is your gateway to mastering the essentials of haunted house safety.Join industry experts for a comprehensive exploration of safety protocols, emergency preparedness, and best practices designed to keep both your guests and staff secure in the heart of the spine-chilling entertainment industry. C.H.A.O.S, the gold standard for haunted attraction safety, will guide you through a variety of essential topics, ensuring you're well-equipped for your CHAOS Certification.This course is more than just a certification—it's a journey into the core of safety excellence, preparing you to face the unique challenges of the haunted attraction world with confidence. Don't miss this opportunity to sharpen your skills and set your attraction apart before you experience the thrills of the Halloween & Attractions Show! Secure your spot now and be part of the ultimate safety training experience that will set the stage for your haunted house's success!

Friday Seminars

Saturday Seminars

HALLOWEEN SEMINARS

• Unlock the Secrets to Haunted Attraction Safety with the C.H.A.O.S Safety Course!

  Produced by The Haunted Attraction Association

  8:30am - 12:30pm

  Room 120

  HAA Members: $20, Non-Members: $75

  Get ready to elevate your haunted attraction safety standards and dive into the thrilling world of C.H.A.O.S on Thursday, February 27th, 2024! This dynamic and engaging course is your gateway to mastering the essentials of haunted house safety.Join industry experts for a comprehensive exploration of safety protocols, emergency preparedness, and best practices designed to keep both your guests and staff secure in the heart of the spine-chilling entertainment industry. C.H.A.O.S, the gold standard for haunted attraction safety, will guide you through a variety of essential topics, ensuring you're well-equipped for your CHAOS Certification.This course is more than just a certification—it's a journey into the core of safety excellence, preparing you to face the unique challenges of the haunted attraction world with confidence. Don't miss this opportunity to sharpen your skills and set your attraction apart before you experience the thrills of the Halloween & Attractions Show! Secure your spot now and be part of the ultimate safety training experience that will set the stage for your haunted house's success!

• Enhancing Guest Experience: Mastering the Art of Pacing as Your Haunt Expands

  Bruce Stanton, Reign of Terror

  Thursday 11:15am - 12:15pm

  Room 123

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Optimizing Guest Flow: Managing Timing Inside Your Haunted Event Timed ticketing is a great start, but managing guest flow throughout the event is crucial for a top-notch experience. Key strategies include: Group Sizes and Entrance Timing: Determine ideal group sizes and staggered entry times, adjusting for busier nights. Strategic Spacing: Use disguised "rescue" areas within the haunt to keep groups properly spaced, maintaining the suspense and actor performance. Handling Challenges: Address slow-moving guests and troublemakers efficiently to avoid disruptions. Communication: Equip key roles with the ability to identify and communicate potential issues promptly. Proper flow management ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for all guests.

• The Krampus Playbook: A Case Study in Crafting the Ultimate Holiday Haunting Experience

  Nick Francis, Jess Francis, Marco D’Andrea

  Thursday 12:30pm - 1:30pm

  Room 123

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Transforming a haunted house into a successful Christmas event requires more than just swapping pumpkins for presents. At Fear Columbus, Krampus: A Haunted Christmas Experience has become one of the most attended holiday haunts in the country by striking a careful balance between Christmas cheer and spine-chilling scares. In this case study, Nick and Jess Francis, along with their GM Marco D'Andrea, will share how they reimagined their haunted attraction to embrace a festive yet frightening theme. From set design and lighting to costumes, sound, and storytelling, discover how they created a fully immersive experience that blends the magic of Christmas with the terror guests expect. This seminar will provide practical insights into balancing two contrasting themes, creating a cohesive event, and finding the sweet spot that keeps guests coming back year after year.

• Nightmare Tales: Surviving the Haunt Industry's Hardest Trials

  Allen Hopps - Dark Hour Haunted House

  Thursday 1:45pm - 2:45pm

  Room 132

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Join us for Nightmare Tales: Surviving the Haunt Industry's Hardest Trials, an unmissable round table featuring some of the most renowned experts in the haunted attraction industry. Dive deep into the darker side of haunting as these veterans share their most harrowing experiences and reveal how they turned their worst days into enduring success stories.In this in-depth session, you’ll hear firsthand accounts of their most notable incidents or mishaps. More importantly, you'll gain valuable insights into the how and why behind these challenges, providing you with the knowledge to avoid similar pitfalls in your own haunted attractions.What Youll Learn: Real-Life Horror Stories: Listen to candid stories of the toughest days faced by top haunt operators, from catastrophic failures to unexpected crises. Survival Strategies: Discover the strategies and solutions these experts employed to overcome their darkest moments and keep their attractions running smoothly. Lessons Learned: Understand the critical lessons learned from these experiences, helping you navigate and manage your own haunt with confidence Interactive Q&A: Engage with the panel during an interactive Q&A session, allowing you to delve deeper into specific issues and gain personalized advice

• Scream Team Essentials: Building an Unstoppable Haunted Attraction Crew

  Bart Butler, Michael Edwards, and Michael Caneva, of Terror in the Corn

  Thursday 1:45pm - 2:45pm

  Room 123

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Join Bart Butler, Michael Edwards, and Michael Caneva, of Terror in the Corn, as they unveil the innovative strategies behind Terror in the Corn 's renowned Fright Squad initiative. They will share their insight, and explore the genesis, implementation, and transformative impact of Fright Squad, a revolutionary approach that not only makes our actors and staff feel important but also secures the best talent season after season while creating an 80% return rate. Unleash the power of team culture, retention tactics, and dynamic engagement methods, all condensed into a high-energy session designed to propel your haunted attraction to new heights. Don't miss this opportunity to revolutionize your team dynamics and elevate your haunt experience to unprecedented levels!

• Frights & Insights: Mastering Haunted Attraction Safety

  Jim Werner, Pennhurst Asylum

  Thursday 3:00pm - 4:00pm

  Room 120

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Prepare to unravel the secrets behind a safe and successful haunted attraction with Frights & Insights: Mastering Haunted Attraction Safety. This captivating and interactive hour-long session is led by Jim Werner, the president of the Haunted Attraction Association and the Operations Manager of the infamous Pennhurst Asylum.In this dynamic class, Jim will demystify the best practices for ensuring your haunted house is both thrilling and secure every night. From top to bottom, you'll learn the critical safety checks that are key to the overall success of your attraction. This isn't just about compliance—it's about creating an unforgettable experience that keeps your guests safe and eager to return.What You'll Gain: Comprehensive Safety Checks: Dive deep into the essential safety checks that should be performed daily to maintain a secure environment. Interactive Checklist Activity: Participate in a hands-on, let's-build-out checklist activity, creating a customized safety protocol tailored to your attraction. Digital Takeaways: Walk away with valuable digital resources, including checklists and best practice guides, to implement in your own haunted house operations

• Crafting an Engaging Daytime Pumpkin Patch Experience

  Jeremy Hastings - The Dead End Hayride & Bud Stross - The Dent Schoolhouse

  Thursday 3:00pm - 4:00pm

  Room 123

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Description Coming Soon

• Making an Interactive Experience - How we Produce Dead by Dark Hour

  Allen Hopps - Dark Hour Haunted House

  Thursday 3:00pm - 4:00pm

  Room 132

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Let’s kill people! Dead by Dark Hour is a show we produced that had amazing results. Styled after a survival horror video game, the guests can be “killed” by the actors. Guests loved this twist on a normal haunted attraction, and even the most jaded patrons were excited by the added elements. This concept changed the haunt and how Dark Hour does off-season shows. Allen will lay out what mechanics are used and how the info is conveyed to guests- all the details to do it yourself! Interactive elements like this are a part of the future of haunted attractions.

• Insuring the Scare: Making Your Haunt an Insurance All-Star

  The Haunted Attraction Association

  Thursday 4:15pm - 5:15pm

  Room 120

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Step into the spotlight and ensure your haunted attraction is as appealing to insurance companies as it is to your guests! Join us for Insuring the Scare: Making Your Haunt an Insurance All-Star, a thrilling seminar hosted by the Haunted Attraction Association. This engaging panel discussion will equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complex world of insurance, making your haunt a shining example of safety and reliability.In this seminar, we'll take a deep dive into the processes, policies, procedures, and standards that can transform your attraction into an insurance company’s dream. You'll receive a crash course on how the insurance industry views haunted attractions and discover actionable steps to enhance your appeal as an owner/operator.What You'll Learn: Insurance Industry Insights: Gain a clear understanding of how insurance companies assess haunted attractions and what they look for in a well-insured haunt. Best Practices for Safety: Learn the best practices in safety protocols, emergency procedures, and daily operations that make your attraction more insurable. Policy & Procedure Development: Discover how to develop comprehensive policies and procedures that meet industry standards and exceed insurer expectations. Risk Management Strategies: Explore effective risk management strategies to mitigate potential hazards and reduce liability. Interactive Q&A: Engage with experts during an interactive Q&A session, addressing your specific concerns and getting personalized advice

• Photography for Haunted Attractions: Techniques to Capture the Scare

  Rania Peet - Markoff's Haunted Forest

  Friday 11:15am - 12:15pm

  Room 123

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Description Coming Soon

• Mastering Terror: Crafting Haunted House Layouts for Maximum Fear

  Jon Cooke - Plague Productions

  Friday 11:15am - 12:15pm

  Room 132

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Join us for an engaging seminar where we’ll dive into the essential tips, tricks, and methods behind designing world-class haunted houses. You’ll learn how to balance key factors like throughput, safety, and logistics, while maximizing space, actors, and scares. Discover how meticulous planning and layout can make or break the experience—because while the devil is in the details, the magic lies in how everything comes together to create an unforgettable atmosphere. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, this session will provide you with the tools to elevate your haunted house design to the next level.

• Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Staff in the Haunted Attraction Industry

  Alex Armstrong & Rachel Armstrong - Netherworld Haunted House & Jess Francis - Fear Columbus Haunted House

  Friday 12:30pm - 1:30pm

  Room 123

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Hiring and retaining staff are always one of the top challenges for any seasonal event, or any business period! Learn some excellent strategies from some of the key staff behind NETHERWORLD Haunted House and FEAR Columbus as they take you through a multi-faceted approach to finding great employees and having them return every season!

• Sculpting Screams: A Haunter’s Guide to Carving Foam

  Jimmy Dilley - Nightmare on 13th

  Friday 12:30pm - 1:30pm

  Room 132

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  A haunters guide to foam carving! As haunters our ultimate goal is to create worlds that submerge our guests into our fantastical nightmares and there’s no material greater to do that than FOAM!!! In this foam carving master class we will take you from the basics of foam carving all the way through advanced tactics that’ll will WOW and amaze your guests! In this class we will cover tools, materials, coatings, planning and execution! So Whether you’re looking to sculpt a beautiful set or carve a giant monster this class Will help you look at foam carving in a whole new light!

• Building Fear: Massive Sets for Indoor and Outdoor Haunted Attraction

  Nick Markoff - Markoff's Haunted Forest

  Friday 1:45pm - 2:45pm

  Room 120

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Description Coming Soon

• Unlock Alternative Revenue Streams: Profiting from Midway Games and Experiences

  Aaron Smith - Niles Scream Park & Bud Stross - The Dent Schoolhouse

  Friday 1:45pm - 2:45pm

  Room 123

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Description Coming Soon

• How much “SCARE” footage does your Haunt have? Maximizing the Fright-Factor in limited space!

  John Denley - Boneyard Productions

  Friday 1:45pm - 2:45pm

  Room 132

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Whether you’re running smaller individual haunts or mega-haunts made of different themes, this class is for you! With over 35 years of creating haunts around the world, I will share my secrets and techniques that will help maximize your space without breaking the bank! We will discuss and see examples of: Design techniques and common mistakes to avoid. How to add more scares in smaller spaces. How to make your show appear larger! How to reduce payroll! How to make more money from your existing show!It doesn’t matter whether you’re new to the industry or a well-established haunted house or hayride, I can help you take things to the next level. You can’t afford to miss this class that I have jampacked with frightful information!

• Critical Topics In Haunted Attraction Ownership and Management: What You Need To Know to Thrive and Survive!

  Ben Armstrong - Netherworld Haunted House

  Friday 3:00pm - 4:00pm

  Room 123

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Starting a Haunted Attraction and growing it into a thriving business is a very difficult proposition. This seminar will dig deep into the essential factors you need to understand to be successful and see growth year after year, and reveal some of the pitfalls that can send you crashing to earth before your event can reach its true potential.

• Unlocking Success: Proven Methods to Elevate Your Attraction’s Marketing & Branding (Sell More Tickets and Grow Your Audience)

  Brad Weinstein - Newbridge

  Friday 3:00pm - 4:00pm

  Room 132

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Want to learn how to dramatically improve your attraction’s marketing & branding so you can sell more tickets (and grow your fan base) in 2025? This fast paced seminar is designed to help people of all experience levels (newbies to industry veterans) and will cover a spectrum of tactics, tips, and methods you should know for this upcoming season. With over a decade of experience that includes top attractions and brands (such as Disney World and Google) Brad Weinstein will share valuable insights and takeaways with you that will make the small cost of this seminar more than pay for itself! Topics covered in this seminar include: Critical factors to keep in mind when developing and shaping your attraction’s brand (to increase success). Why your marketing is probably not as effective as it should be (and how to fix it). Expensive marketing mistakes you should avoid. Strategic tweaks you can make to your ads and messaging to increase success (small tweaks can make a big difference). How to adjust your marketing elements to increase long term success. Insights on how to create the right brand personality & ads for your specific audience and market (to grow your fan base). And more!

• Building an Insanely Skilled Makeup Team for Your Haunted Attraction!

  Aryn Stross - The Dent Schoolhouse

  Friday 3:00pm - 4:00pm

  Room 120

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  This class focuses on assembling and leading a team of makeup artists and costumers to bring amazing haunted house characters to life. It covers where to look for talent, the usefulness of training, and how to align everyone with a shared creative vision. Aiming to foster passion, creativity, and teamwork to craft unforgettable, immersive creatures.

• DISGUSTING Walls? 10 Quick Tips to Grime Up Your Haunted Attraction!

  Teddy Summers - OuterWorlds

  Friday 4:15pm - 5:15pm

  Room 120

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  The final 10% of any project can be the hardest to conceptualize. Those gross details and decaying walls may seem random, but there is an art to creating constisently nonconsistent grime in your attraction. I’m here to assist you in making the right decisions, and finding the right materials, tools and mindset when adding those final details, to ensure that your sets, and props have that extra bit of YUCK to lock in customer immersion, and ensure that your work looks professional!

• Attracting and Managing Massive Crowds at Your Attraction

  Jim & Gene Schopf - Field of Screams

  Friday 4:15pm - 5:15pm

  Room 123

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Two of the most challenging problems for Haunt owners is how to draw large crowds to their event and providing a quality show to customers when they get there. In this class the owners of the highly regarded and heavily attended Field of Screams will explain effective techniques to manage massive throughput and still leave their guest screaming for more!

• Introduction to Molding and Casting

  Alex Lohmann - When Hinges Creak

  Friday 4:15pm - 5:45pm

  Room 132

  $80/attendee (pre-show) $95/attendee (on-site)

  Unlock the secrets of mold making and casting. Perfect for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Alex will guide you through the fundamentals of creating custom molds and casting your very own props. Whether you're into model-making, cosplay, or other creative projects, this seminar will equip you with essential skills and techniques. Key Topics Covered: Overview of Mold Making: Learn about different types of molds and their applications. Materials and Tools: Discover the essential materials and tools needed for successful mold making and casting. Step-by-Step Demonstrations: Watch as Alex demonstrates key techniques, from preparing your model to pouring the casting material. Tips and Tricks: Gain insider tips on how to avoid common pitfalls and achieve professional-quality results. By the end of this seminar, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to start creating your own custom props and take your projects to the next level. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned expert and connect with fellow creators!

• Fun with Phobias

  Allen Hopps - Dark Hour Haunted House

  Saturday 10:15am - 11:15am

  Room 123

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  We will explore 15 phobias that can be exploited in haunted attractions and go over a few examples for each of how to use them in your show.

• Foundations of Fear Part 1:The BEGINNERS conversation to Developing, Starting, and Sustaining Your first 5 Years in Today’s Haunted Attraction Market

  Spencer Terry - Fear Factory Haunted House

  Saturday 10:15am - 11:15am

  Room 132

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  The BEGINNERS conversation to Developing, Starting, and Sustaining Your first 5 Years in Today’s Haunted Attraction Market (optional 2 part series). Change is in the air for our industry, and we're seeing shifts from consumers and the overall industry. If you're thinking of opening an attraction, small or large, join Fear Factory Utah GM/Equity Owner and Haunted Attraction Association President Spencer Terry, as he lays out plans to open an attraction successfully in today’s changing market.

• Halloween to Ho Ho Ho: Multiple Holiday Design

  Scott Swenson,Scott Swenson Creative Development

  Friday 10:15am - 11:15pm

  Room 120

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Halloween events now start in late August and Christmas/Winter Holiday events begin in early November. For organizations, like haunted houses, holiday attractions, theme parks, zoo's or event operators this decreased changeover time can be challenging, both physically and financially. This workshop shares real world case studies and practical advice on how to save time and money by designing Halloween and Christmas installations at the same time. This holistic approach can encourage cross utilization of space and assets while reducing the effort needed to change seasons in a week. Even certain cast members can be utilized for both holidays. The trick is to stop thinking about the Halloween and Christmas as separate entities and more like “act one and act two of the same play”.

• Foundations of Fear Part 2:An ADVANCED conversation of Forecasting, Growing, Sustaining, Marketing, Safely Operating and Creating Customer Content in Your Haunted House Market

  Spencer Terry - Fear Factory Haunted House

  Saturday 11:30am - 12:30pm

  Room 132

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  An ADVANCED conversation (and expanded content of the previous seminar) of Forecasting, Growing, Sustaining, Marketing, Safely Operating and Creating Customer Content in Your Haunted House Market. Opening a haunt is easy-but how do you create a place that customers and staff are dying to be a part of, while making it financially successful? How do you turn it into your ONLY job? Join Fear Factory Utah GM/Equity Owner and Haunted Attraction Association President Spencer Terry, in this unique two-part seminar to drill down and unveil some of the biggest learning moments of one of the consistently voted top attractions in the world.

• Predicting 2025: Emerging Trends that will shape the Haunted Attraction Business this Season!

  Ben Armstrong - Netherworld Haunted House, Chris Stafford - Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group & TJ Mannarino - Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights

  Saturday 11:30am - 12:30pm

  Room 123

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  What will next season look like? Learn from some of the largest and most successful attractions in the world as they predict what the 2025 might look like and the new ideas and projects they will be creating to thrill customers this Fall!

• Creating and Training Powerful Icon Characters for your Halloween Event

  Alex Woday, Hell's Gate Haunted House & Island Chance- Netherworld Haunted House

  Saturday 11:30am - 12:30pm

  Room 120

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  No matter how terrifying your attraction might be, it is but a stage for your amazing acting staff! Learn from trainers and managers from some of the most well-known Haunts in the nation what it takes to develop a successful acting culture and in particular to create incredible icon characters that your customers will never forget!

• Creating Colossal Creatures and Intense Environments!: Build Massive Props and Wild Sets With Inexpensive Materials

  Ryan Visingard - Woods of Terror

  Saturday 12:45pm - 1:45pm

  Room 120

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Building elaborate, highly detailed monsters and sets does not need to break the bank. In this course, I will share how you can use unexpected materials that are low-cost but still create the desired look of a top-notch design. Join me as I share the tricks I have learned over the years to make the colossal creatures and scenery that haunt enthusiasts crave, while keeping within your budget.

• Maximizing Profits: Leveraging Gift Shops, Food, and Photography for Serious Revenue!

  Billy Messina - Netherworld Haunted House, Kyle Laflamboy - Hell's Gate Haunted House & Mike Henrie - Nightmare on 13th, John Esclich, Factory of Terror/Akron Schoolhouse and Lab

  Saturday 12:45pm - 1:45pm

  Room 123

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Any Haunted House owners knows that the primary source of revenue to your haunted attraction is selling tickets. But getting even more cash from your customers with Gift Shops, Food and Photos can really add to your bottom line and greatly improve the overall guest experience. In this seminar our panel of experts will discuss the best techniques for adding addition revenue streams that also make your guests love your event even more!

• The Art of Horror - Brutal Realism in Scenic Painting, Prop Fabrication and Haunted Attraction Detailing.

  Brian Demski - Demski Creations

  Saturday 2:00pm - 3:00pm

  Room 123

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  A well-trained artist can tell a real horror story with careful prop selection and fabrication, aging and detailing secrets, and a good eye for nightmarish realism. Join Brian Demski as he dives deep into the world of telling brutal stories with the experienced application of multiple techniques that when properly mastered, can take your Haunt to a whole other level of twisted detail!

• The Sound of Fear: Expert Tips for Creating Immersive Audio Experiences in Haunted Houses

  Max Armstrong/Netherworld Haunted Attractions & Marco, D’Andrea/Fear Columbus. Moderated by Nick Francis, Fear Columbus

  Friday 2:00pm - 3:00pm

  Room 132

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Sound is one of the most powerful tools for creating an unforgettable haunted attraction, yet it’s often overlooked or underutilized. In this panel discussion, Max Armstrong from Netherworld Haunted Attractions and Marco D’Andrea from Fear Columbus will share their expertise on using sound to elevate your haunt, immerse your guests, and amplify scares. From ambient soundscapes and directional audio to triggered effects and the psychology behind sound design, this session dives into practical techniques and real-world examples from two industry leaders with extensive experience in audio. Moderated by Nick Francis, the discussion will provide tips for creating cohesive, impactful soundscapes that enhance storytelling, set the mood, and deliver a fully immersive experience for your guests. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just beginning to incorporate sound design into your haunt, this seminar will provide actionable insights to make your attraction sound as terrifying as it looks.

• Chaos and Shadow - Use Theatrical Tricks and Special Effects Techniques to Rock Your Haunt Lighting!

  Jake Farmer - Effects To Go

  Saturday 3:15pm - 4:15pm

  Room 132

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  This fun and upbeat presentation will take a look at lighting basics and help you understand how much lighting impacts the guest experience in your attraction. We'll talk basic techniques, colors, effects, and ways lighting can "save the day" when building your attraction. It's not rocket science - it's just knowing how to create perspective. Once you understand some basic theatrical principles of lighting you'll be equipped to make your show look its absolute best!

• 61 Weird Ideas To Make your Haunted Attraction More Successful!

  Ben Armstrong - Netherworld Haunted House, Allen Hopps - Dark Hour Haunted House & John Laflamboy - Hells Gate Haunted House

  Saturday 3:15pm - 4:15pm

  Room 123

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Sometimes an incredible success springs from a crazy idea! This fast paced class will feature 4 wildly creative Haunt owners blasting out some amazing concepts that have lead to big wins in the past and new ideas that just might help you develop the next big thing!

CHRISTMAS SEMINARS

INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT SEMINARS

• WORKSHOP: Breaking Boundaries - Business Growth Strategies in Interactive Entertainment

  Brian Lacertosa and Javi Kalbek

  Thursday 9:00am - 11:00am

  Room 131

  $110/attendee (pre-show) $130/attendee (on-site)

  Description Coming Soon

• Future-Forward Fun: Lessons & Secrets of Evolving Through The Era of Active Entertainment

  Marty Parker

  Thursday 11:15am - 12:00pm

  Room 131

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Description Coming Soon

• Driving Efficiency to Create Greater Employee Opportunity and Profitability

  Brendon Harbron

  Thursday 12:30pm - 1:30pm

  Room 131

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Description Coming Soon

• The Power of the Pivot: Matching Your Market for Success

  Aaron and Jessica Souza, Extreme Escape Redding, Extreme Escape Elevated, The Selfie Spot

  Thursday 1:45pm - 2:45pm

  Room 131

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Description Coming Soon

• Worldbuilding: Creating Worlds That Resonate and Captivate

  Nick Moran - Phantom Peak

  Thursday 3:00pm - 4:00pm

  Room 131

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Description Coming Soon

• WORKSHOP: Hands On Design - Puzzle Creation Workshop

  TBA

  Thursday 4:15pm - 5:45pm

  Room 131

  $80/attendee (pre-show) $95/attendee (on-site)

  Description Coming Soon

• Connecting Creativity: Essential Wiring Workshop for Interactive Projects

  Friday 9:00am - 11:00am

  Room 131

  $110/attendee (pre-show) $130/attendee (on-site)

  Description Coming Soon

• How to Build Your Entertainment Empire: Creating Strong Pillars From Your Existing Foundation

  Stephen Kristoff

  Friday 11:15am - 12:15pm

  Room 131

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Join attractions industry expert Stephen M. Kristof for a one-hour seminar on diversifying and scaling your entertainment business. Drawing from his experience managing renowned attractions like 60 to Escape, Kristof's Entertainment Center, and the award-winning Realm of Terror Haunted House, Stephen will share strategies to build strong leadership and expand your ventures. Learn how to leverage your existing assets, foster innovation, and create a sustainable vision for growth. This session is perfect for entrepreneurs ready to transform their foundation into a thriving entertainment empire

• Setting the Scene in 60 Minutes: Demystifying the Design Process

  Matt Lipke, Aaron Stolicker & Evan Stolicker - Dark Hollow Productions

  Friday 12:30pm - 1:30pm

  Room 131

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  A blank room got you struggling with where to start? Your existing rooms in need of a little punch up? Kickstart your creativity as we break down some of our favorite faux finishes, prop plus-ups, and touch on the core elements of what creates a strong visual theme. Using real-life case studies of past work as well as live demonstrations, we'll pull back the curtain on a variety of scenic and lighting techniques that provide a professional level of finish for a budget-conscious beginner.

• Punch Above your Weight Class: How to build a powerful brand in a small market.

  Benito Suppa, Durham Escape Room

  Friday 1:45pm - 2:45pm

  Room 131

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Unlock the power of small markets with industry expert Benito Suppa in this compelling seminar. This session is designed for business owners and entrepreneurs eager to amplify their market impact and craft a commanding brand presence, regardless of market size. Benito will unveil proven strategies for differentiating your business, understanding and exploiting unique market dynamics, and maximizing local appeal. The highlight of the seminar will be “The Honest Conversation Every Owner Needs to Have with Themselves,” where Benito will guide participants through essential self-assessment and strategic alignment critical for thriving in compact markets. This is an unmissable opportunity to learn from a seasoned expert how to leverage your small market characteristics to build a powerful, respected brand. Elevate your business strategy and discover how to turn local limitations into your most significant assets. Join us and transform your approach to achieve remarkable success in your niche market.

• Escape Room Gameplay/ How to incorporate an amazing blend of physical, mental and high-tech puzzles to create the Ultimate Escape Game!

  John Denley

  Friday 4:15pm - 5:15pm

  Room 131

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Description Coming Soon

• Unlocking Tomorrow: The Past, Present, and Future of Escape Room Experiences

  Matt Ames - Barnco Entertainment LLC

  Saturday 10:15am - 11:15am

  Room 131

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  This engaging session will explore the evolution of the escape room industry, diving into its roots, current trends, and where it’s headed next. Beginning with a look at the origins and early successes that shaped the industry, the talk will transition into an analysis of the present landscape, highlighting key trends, market data, and insights from industry leaders. It will culminate in an exploration of the future, examining how customer expectations, emerging technologies, and evolving business models will shape the next generation of escape rooms. Attendees will leave with actionable insights on staying ahead of the curve, innovating their business approaches, and creating experiences that captivate tomorrow’s customers.

• Beyond Boundaries: Pioneering New Frontiers in Interactive Entertainment

  Scott Swenson - Scott Swenson Creative Development

  Saturday 11:30am - 12:30pm

  Room 131

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Description Coming Soon

• 50 Tips & Tricks that every Interactive Business Owner Needs to Know!

  Deanna Fleming, Benito Suppa and Jessica Souza - Interactive Entertainemnt Board

  Saturday 12:45pm - 1:45pm

  Room 131

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Description Coming Soon

• Bringing Worlds to Life: Working with Licensed IP in Immersive Attractions and Escape Rooms

  Seth Wolfson - Hourglass Escapes/Attractions Tomb Raider Experience Seattle

  Saturday 2:00pm - 3:00pm

  Room 131

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Description Coming Soon

• From Floor Mat to Fabrication: EVA Foam for Costuming, Prop Making, and Beyond

  Matt Lipke, Aaron Stolicker & Evan Stolicker - Dark Hollow Productions

  Saturday 3:15pm - 4:15pm

  Room 131

  $55/attendee (pre-show) $65/attendee (on-site)

  Description Coming Soon

TRANSWORLD HOLIDAY LIGHTING INSTALLER SERIES

CLIPA CONFERENCE

SEMINAR PACKAGES

• Seminar Super Pass

  Thursday to Saturday

  $550/attendee

  Seminar Super Pass includes all* Seminars from Thursday through Saturday. The cost is $550 per attendee. Package is limited to the first 200 people. You do not need to preselect your seminars. Package is non-transferable; only 1 person can use this pass and it cannot be shared. Limited to one seminar per hour. You can NOT move from one seminar to another while the seminar is in session, doing this would disturb other attendees in the class. Photo ID required. *Excluded from this package: Thursday morning CHAOS safety seminar and ALL WORKSHOPS. They are sold separately.

You must be registered as an Attendee or Exhibitor before you can register for individual seminars, events, parties or tours. Exhibitors are provided a special link to sign up that is emailed out to each exhibitor.