Midwest Haunters Convention – Scaring Up the Very Best for Haunters!

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.