The Midwest Haunters Convention (MHC), in Columbus Ohio June 5-7 2009, is the largest event of its kind within the haunted attraction industry; second only perhaps to the Transworld National Haunted Attraction Show.  The MHC is sponsored by CostumeFind.com.

Over 2000 expected attendees will converge from all over the US, Canada and other countries to participate in unique shopping, intense education and premier social events.  Weekend activities include IAHA Masquerade Party featuring the “Ms. Midwest Scary Pageant”, rated as one of the Top 13 Freaky Attractions for the last 3 years by AOL Online.

The MHC provides an opportunity for haunted attraction owners/operators, actors, technicians, other professionals, home haunters and enthusiast’s to network, get valuable training and shop for items needed for their enterprises and for themselves ~ with less than 100 days before Halloween.  Please check out the promotional video by New Social Media on the home page at www.MidwestHauntersConvention.com . Sign up for the email list to receive the latest updates and announcements! 

MHC Lodging

Rooms at the host hotel, the Hyatt Regency, are sold out; MHC attendance is up this year.  Comparable special pricing is available for the MHC at the Crown Plaza Hotel and the Drury Inn and Suites – which are only one block away.   These rooms are also expected to sell out; please make reservations soon. http://www.midwesthauntersconvention.com/lodging.htm

MHC Pre-Convention Haunted Attraction Bus Tour

The MHC also hosts a three-state bus tour that includes 4 haunted attractions located in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia as well as an Amusement Park, Halloween Museum and Prison Ghost Tour.   Visit our website to learn more – http://www.midwesthauntersconvention.com/thursday.htm

Education

Education is the cornerstone of the Midwest Haunters Convention with nearly 50 seminars, workshops and vendor demos.  The prosperity of the haunted attraction industry primarily depends upon a network of professionals and others that share information in the interests of continual quality improvements.   The educational seminars are sponsored by HauntBots.com.   http://www.midwesthauntersconvention.com/seminars.htm

Safety is a major concern – from dealing with fire codes, dealing with throughput, to handling patrons as an actor – right down to the details of costuming and makeup.   Other topics presented include business practices, including marketing and social media as well as how to get a good scare and a presentation on paranormal ghosts.  Several IAHA members are presenting including a Friday Workshop on “The Business of Haunting (aka How to Get Started)” by Tim Gavinski, IAHA Past President, and Anne Marie Gavinski.

http://www.midwesthauntersconvention.com/workshops.htm

Vendor Trade Show

The Midwest Haunters Convention features a 60,000 square foot Vendor Trade Show with 100 booths offering items ranging from animatronics props to cool costumes and makeup ~ including black light tooth effects, fake blood that isn’t sticky and wound effects that look real!   Most items are offered on a cash and carry basis; others may be ordered in time for haunt season delivery.  Buyers are encouraged to support the MHC vendors that are the foundation for our show.   Admission to the weekend MHC Vendor Tradeshow is free. http://www.midwesthauntersconvention.com/vendors.htm

Midsummer Monster Bash Friday, June 5th

We’re bringing the haunt to our party with an acting competition, Scary-oke and a costumed band, Scarlet Angel. Eight performers will have an opportunity to join the band on stage and sing.  Special performances by Chuck Williams, Frank N Stein aka Ben Armstrong and Psycho Doc Swan. Check out some of the newest props available on display throughout the party at the Frog Bear & Wild Boar bar. Advance tickets are only $7 for this awesome haunters party. Suggested attire; wear your favorite haunt or scary T-shirt. Special prize for the largest group with identical haunt T’s at the party.

IAHA MASQUERADE PARTY Saturday, June 6th, 8:30 pm – 1:00 am

The largest haunters masquerade party of the year; starts with the Wolfe Face Art & FX, Body Art Fashion show, followed by the Ms Midwest Scary Pageant and the Scariest Character Contest.  Chuck Williams and Crazy Bob Turner will be our celebrity hosts!

Join over 1,000 of your haunter brethren in costume for a party like you’ve never seen before.  Terror Within will be decorating the room including an entry passage and more!

$40 per-person admission includes the following:

• Heavy Hors d’ ovres
• DJ w/dance floor
• Entertainment
• Prizes
• A place to party with hundreds of your costumed friends.

THIS EVENT IS FREE for IAHA Members

IAHA Fundraisers

IAHA will host a Live Auction at MHC, along with a Silent Auction for Casket Baskets.  Casket Baskets are unique collections of items donated by IAHA Members.  Bid early, often and generously to support IAHA!  Please contact Deanna Roberts-Morton to participate with donations.

Please make plans to attend this legendary event!  MHC is the proud recipient of the 2008 International Association of Haunted Attractions President’s Award!

For additional information, visit the MHC website: www.MidwestHauntersConvention.com
or contact Kelly Collins at 614-203-4626.

Join a Committee Today!

IAHA Executive Board announces the committee chairs for 2009.  For each committee to be successful, the association needs the active involvement all its members.  Each committee helps IAHA achieve its goal of advancing the Haunted Attraction Industry.  To learn more about any of the committees or to join a committee contact a committee chair!

Bylaws / Legal

Chair: ad hoc

Elections / Nominations

Chair: Bill Criscione

Finance

Chair: Jim Smith
Members: Mike Hundley

Membership

Chair: Jay Wright
Members: Trey Cottle, Maggie Courtis, John LaFlamboy, Bill Livingston, Beth Watson

Tradeshows

Chair: Mike Krausert

IAPPA
Chair: Bill Criscione

Transworld
Chair: Patrick Konopelski
Members: Deanna Morton, Kris Werner, Tim Turner

MHC
Chair: Jay Wright
Members: Deanna Morton

HAuNTcon
Chair: TBD
Members: Deanna Morton

NHC
Chair: Jay Wright
Members: Deanna Morton

Seminars/Education (C.H.A.O.S.)
Chair: Eddie McLaurin
Members: Brett Bertolino, Jay Wright, Maggie Courtis, Mike Hundley

Booth
Chair: Deanna Morton
Members: Bill Livingston

Auctions
Chairs: Trey Cottle, Maggie Courtis

Awards / /Banquet
Chair: Patrick Konopelski
Members: Shawna Blakney, Maggie Courtis, John LaFlamboy, Tim Turner

Vendor

Chair: Shawna Blakney

Web

Chair: Chad Savage
Members: Dave Christman, John LaFlamboy, Brett Bertolino, Trey Cottle

Marketing

Chair: Brett Bertolino
Members: Chad Savage, John LaFlamboy, Maggie Courtis, Kris Werner, Beth Watson, Dan Faupel

Sponsorship

Chair: John LaFlamboy

Long Range Strategic Planning

Chair: Patrick Konopelski
Members: Brett Bertolino, Bill Criscione, Trey Cottle, John LaFlamboy

Please thank and support these vendors!

A very special thank you goes out from the IAHA Board to the many vendors who donated products and certificates to the IAHA Auction which was held at the Wisconsin Feargrounds Tour and Reception.  A special thanks to IAHA members Tim and Ann Marie Gavinski for not only opening their doors to all HAuNTcon attendees, but also for their gracious hospitality and for hosting the IAHA Auction.

The proceeds from this auction will support our national marketing campaign which will benefit everyone in our industry.  Please be sure to thank and support these vendors!

• Scare Products $100
• Wolf Face Art & FX $70
• The Contact Lens Co. $100
• Bucky’s Bone Yard $125
• Midwest Haunters Convention $140
• Screaming Zombie Energy Drink $100
• AEO Studios $100
• Froggy’s Fog $100
• Distortions Unlimited $250
• Nightscream Studios $250
• Sinister Visions $850
• Midnight Syndicate $150
• John Hyers Visual FX $200
• EvilUsions.com $75.
• Toxic Toons $100
• Monster-Tronics $250
• Mr Skeleton $150
• Stuart Smith $400
• Spooky Buttons $300
• Haunted Attraction Magazine $1,200
• Haunt Bots $150
• Illusionator $210
• Ghost Ride Productions $1,000
• Minispotlight.com $250
• Haunted Keepsakes $100
• EFX TEK $100
• Arrival Mask Co. $75
• Bone Yard Effects $100
• Gore Galor $150
• Fright Props $110
• Scream Line Studios $120
• Haunted Enterprises $70

IAHA Board Members take a break from the auction for a quick photo (from left to right: John LaFlamboy, Mike Hundley, Bill Criscione, President Pat Konopelski, Treasurer Jim Smith, Secretary Deanna Morton, Auctioneer Trey Cottle, Chad Savage, Vice President Mike “Tattoo” Krausert, Brett Bertolino, Maggie Courtis and Randy Young).

If you use popular social networking sites Facebook or Twitter, be sure to add IAHA!

http://www.twitter.com/IAHAweb

IAHA now has a Facebook Fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/International-Association-of-Haunted-Attractions/70219259509 . Why a Fan page instead of a Group? Fan pages afford more direct interaction with individual Facebook users and other features that Groups don’t have.

IAHA’s Safety Program Will Be Held at HAuNTcon

IAHA is holding the Certified Haunted Attraction Operator Safety program (C.H.A.O.S.) on Monday, May 4th after the Haunted Attraction National Tradeshow and Convention (HAuNTcon) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

10 years of fun& FearThe Haunted Attraction industry’s first and only voluntary national safety certification program, C.H.A.O.S., consists of eight hours of safety training provided by professional speakers with a background in amusement safety and loss control inspection. Registration is open to the general public and includes materials, continental breakfast and box lunch. Fees are $85 for IAHA members and $100 for non-members.

CLICK HERE to reserve your place in this exciting class or call (561)758-3266 for more details.

IAHA Members Discount available at www.IAHAweb.com Member’s Section!

Donations Needed for HAuNTcon Auction/Raffle

IAHA will be holding a raffle/auction during the Haunt tours at HAuNTcon on Friday night (May 1st) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

IAHA is asking all vendors to consider donating an item. Small and large items are welcome as well as gift card donations.

Attention IAHA. members. You do not need to be a vendor to contribute an item to the auction! If you have any items you would like to donate to our upcoming auctions let us know! We hope you will join the following companies in supporting IAHA:

• Minispotlight.com
• Monster-Tronics
• Stuartizm
• Toxic Toons
• Boneyard FX
• Buckys Boneyard
• Hauntbots
• Haunted Attraction Magazine
• Haunted House.com
• Sinister Visions inc.

We are looking for new or gently used items to auction and raffle off at HAuNTcon and The Midwest Haunters Convention. We have had a few unique donations from members already, including a 1986 Cadillac hearse complete with brand new tires and a fresh tune up, and hope to add to our growing list of items.

The IAHA Great Hearse Raffle will begin at HAuNTcon and continue for about a year. During that time, IAHA will be packing the hearse full of great haunt related items. Raffle tickets are $10 each and can be purchased from any IAHA director. Stop by the IAHA hospitality suite at HAuNTcon to purchase your tickets, meet the IAHA Board and have a complimentary cocktail or snack. The winner will be chosen at NHC 2010.

Those who donate items will be acknowledged in an upcoming edition of the ScreamZine, on the IAHA website, on IAHA’s section of Haunted Attraction Magazine and on handouts distributed by IAHA at HAuNTcon. This is a great opportunity to gain exposure in the industry while supporting IAHA!

If you are interested in donating or have any questions please contact Mike “Tattoo” Krausert, IAHA Vice President at vicepresident@IAHAweb.com.

Meet & Mingle with The IAHA Board & Members

The International Association of Haunted Attractions (IAHA) is proud to announce it will be hosting a special “Meet and Greet” Hospitality Suite throughout HAuNTcon (Hospitality Suite number 1 on the first floor adjacent to the elevators and across from the check in desk). The suite will be open various times throughout the show and it is the perfect opportunity to get to know the IAHA Directors and meet IAHA members all while relaxing and enjoying complimentary snacks and cocktails!

You don’t have to be an IAHA member to attend. Simply see any IAHA Director for an invitation (see page four of this ScreamZIne for a list of directors) or stop by the Sinister Visions Booth and see IAHA Director Chad Savage.

New IAHA President Patrick Konopelski

Greetings,

Hello to all. I would like to begin by thanking everyone that has entrusted me with the honor of leading our association. For those of you who don’t know me, I own Shocktoberfest Scream Park near Philadelphia Pennsylvania and Zombie World dark ride on the Boardwalk in Wildwood, New Jersey. I have been in this industry for 18 years and have loved every minute of it. This is an exciting time for both our association and industry.

We have assembled an amazing Board of Directors that, along with their committees, is dedicated to meeting the goals and challenges in the upcoming years. This association has always and will always be a voice for everyone in our industry.

I would like to extend an invitation to anyone in our association that would like to play a more active role by being on committees or simply making suggestions, to please email me at president@IAHAweb.com.

Thank You,

Pat Konopelski
IAHA President

2009 Executive Board: Meet the IAHA Leadership

During the April 9th IAHA Board of Directors meeting, the board elected the Executive Committee for the coming year. Those elected are:

Patrick Konopelski, President
Shocktoberfest
Philadelphia, PA

Mike Krausert, Vice President
Nightmare New England in Litchfield, NH &
Terror on the Fox in Green Bay, WI

Deanna Morton, Secretary
Morton Manor Home Haunt
Kalamazoo, MI

Jim Smith, Treasurer
Niles Haunted House Scream Park
Niles, MI

IAHA Directors Fill Vacant Board Positions

Bertolino & Criscione appointed

On Thursday, April 16, 2009 the Board of Directors for the International Association of Haunted Attractions (IAHA) voted unanimously to fill two vacant board positions. The two vacant seats were the result of the resignation of two board members. The Executive Board offered the vacant positions to two former board members – Brett Bertolino and Bill Criscione. Both have served in the past on the Association’s Executive Board as Vice President – Bertolino in 2008 and Criscione in 2007.

“I speak for the entire board when I say we were very excited that Brett Bertolino and Bill Criscione decided to accept our invitation to return to the board to continue to help guide our association,” said IAHA President Patrick Konopelski. “They both bring a great deal of experience and professionalism to the association.”

Brett Bertolino is the Assistant Program Director for Operations and Special Events at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site in Philadelphia, PA. The penitentiary’s annual Halloween fundraiser, Terror Behind the Walls, was named the “Number One Haunted House in America” by AOL City Guide in 2008.

Bill Criscione is the owner and operator of Ghostly Manor Thrill Center in Sandusky, OH. The Ghostly Manor Haunted House is one of the countries largest year-round haunted attractions and has been named one of the “Top 10 Walkthrough Attractions in the United States” by Darkride and Funhouse Enthusiasts (DAFE).

Bertolino and Crisione’s terms will expire in March, 2010.

Meet the New IAHA Board

Your Nominating & Elections Committee is pleased to present to you the results of the IAHA annual elections of 2009.

First, we’d like to acknowledge those Board Members whose terms have expired.

• Our President, Timothy Gavinski,
• Vice President, Brett Bertolino
• Past President, Eddie McLaurin
• Vendor Chair, Dan Faupel
• Tradeshow Chair, Tim Turner

The Committee is pleased to announce the following as your new, and continuing, 2009 Board of Directors:

• Mike Krausert March 2010
• Pat Konopelski March 2010
• Deanna Morton March 2010
• Chad Savage March 2010
• Jim Smith March 2010
• Jay Wright March 2010
• Randy YoungMarch 2010
• Shawna Blakney March 2011
• Trey Cottle March 2011
• Maggie CourtisMarch 2011
• Mike HundleyMarch 2011
• John LaFlamboy March 2011
• Bill Livingston March 2011
• Eddie McLaurin March 2011
• Beth Watson March 2011
• Kris Werner March 2011

The current Board will meet on Thursday, April 9, 2009 to elect the Executive Committee.

Bylaw Changes Pass with Overwhelming Support

In addition to the slate of candidates running for the open board positions, this year’s election ballot also included a referendum question to revise Articles V and VI of the bylaws. These changes were outlined two years ago as part of IAHA’s Three Year Plan for Future Success.

The IAHA Board of Directors and the IAHA Bylaws Committee are happy to report that the membership voted 89% in favor of the bylaws changes.

In brief, the revisions to Article V restructured IAHA’s four classes of membership so that haunt owners/operators, vendors and enthusiasts can all still be a part of the association, but now each group will have to pay only for the benefits that pertain to them.

In addition, the changes to Article V ensure that the direction and focus of IAHA will be guided by industry leaders who own and operate haunted attractions. The Haunted Attraction membership level is for businesses and organizations that run a haunted attraction. Each haunted attraction will designate one of its Owner/Operators as its voting member to vote for the Board Members. This class will have higher dues to pay for the programs that benefit Haunted Attractions, like PR Campaigns and Insurance programs.

The other three classes – Haunter, Vendor and Associate -are very similar. Members of these classes will receive all the benefits and premiums of membership and will be allowed to serve on committees, but do not have the right to vote. Each class will have different membership dues based on the benefits each receives.

The change to Article VI increased the term a director serves from two years to three years. Now, a maximum of six directors (1/3 of the total) will be up for reelection each year, adding greater consistency and stability to our organization.

Regardless of how you voted, the IAHA Board and IAHA Bylaws committee want to extend a sincere “Thank You” to each and every member who took the time to read the bylaws changes and then to vote for what he or she believed was in the best interest of the association.