IAHA News and Updates from IAHAweb.com

As part of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)’s Expo that took place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL this past November, IAHA sponsored a sold out “Behind the Scenes” tour of Universal Studios’ renowned Halloween Horror Nights. Universal Studios literally rolled out the red carpet for 400 of the Expos attendees. The program began backstage with a first class reception in one of the studio’s soundstages. Inside, guests were treated to a catered dinner, open bar and video presentation before breaking up into several groups to tour two of Universal’s attractions from the past season – A Nightmare on Elm Street: Dreamwalkers and Psychoscarepy: Home for the Holidays.

Groups waiting for their turn to tour the attractions had the opportunity to view costume exhibits, see examples of previous Halloween Horror Nights’ websites, observe make up demonstrations and participate in an informal Q & A session with the event’s creators.

The experience was one that both novice and veteran haunters will be sure to cherish for years to come. “At our wrap party this year we gave away a all expenses paid trip to IAAPA with all the perks including the special Universal Horror Nights Social,” said IAHA member Tony Wohlgemuth, who is the president of Spooky Woods in North Carolina. “The lucky winner was Joh Harp, a new staff member that has been learning how to create masks from our resident artist, Mark Goodson a formal Universal Florida artist, all summer long. Joh was blown away and the high light of the trip was getting to talk to some of the staff of the Horror Nights artists and get first hand experience of behind the making of this amazing event. He got to see the process of how the sets come from rough sketches to final production. The experience was one he will carry with him for a life time.”

HAuNTcon – Houston, TX
April 28th, 2008

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime seminar where the Bad Boys reveal every trick, technique and method they have refined during their 20 year career in the Haunted Attraction Industry.

This special all-day seminar will feature several Bad Boys and a very special guest designer constructing a partial Haunt scene from start to finish! Witness how they incorporate a variety of different design techniques at every stage including Faux painting, distressing, LightScaping, sound and of course their signature Styrofoam Masonry!

The Bad Boys will divulge secrets on sponsorship writing, their favorite places to buy cheap banners, posters, flyers and tickets. Learn how they’ve worked to get the community involved and most importantly how to haunt safely, creatively and successfully without forfeiting the fun!

Bad Boys Scenic Design is a partnership comprised of professional designers responsible for the vision, construction, staffing and operation of “Terror on the Fox”, one of the most successful haunted house attractions in the Mid-west.

Green Bay’s Terror on the Fox Haunted Attraction has earned the reputation as one of the United States’ most detailed, thrilling, fright-filled events since its doors opened over 11 years ago. Named among the Top Ten Halloween events in the country, Terror on the Fox is spearheaded by Bad Boys Scenic Design a group of individuals whose artistic skills in set design have earned them the respect and admiration of the most prominent names in the haunted attraction industry.

Registration information for this very special seminar will be listed very soon at www.hauntcon.com

This seminar is scheduled for Monday April 28th, 2008

Powerful Seminars, Roundtable Discussions Primed for Education, Innovative Ideas, Business Efforts

TransWorld Exhibits, Inc. has announced the line-up for the 13th National Haunt & Attractions Show seminar series scheduled during the show March 16-19, 2008, at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas. Featuring top industry insiders, this year’s seminar series, The Art & Science of Haunting, will fuel attendees with new scare techniques and business tactics to create the most memorable and profitable haunt-filled attractions possible. Seminars and roundtable discussions will be held Sunday, March 16, 2008, and Monday March 17, 2008, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
“The new theme of blending the art and science of the haunt industry is designed to give attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the newest standards for fear and profits from some of the most talented artists, prop designers and haunt marketers,” said Joe Thaler, chief executive officer and chairman of TransWorld Exhibits, Inc. “The presenters will bring firsthand knowledge to enhancing a product line’s scare factor, while focusing on ways to build business and generate more sales.”
Highlighting each day will be a roundtable discussion hosted by the faculty of the seminars from Noon to 1:15 p.m. on March 16 and March 17. These interactive discussions will focus on the most popular topics of the day, share insights among the group, and address attendees’ specific questions and concerns on either the art or science of haunting.

“This is an amazing educational opportunity for the participants, who are looking for both a creative and competitive edge for their business,” said Thaler. “By attending either the National Haunt & Attractions show, seminar, or roundtable discussion, our exhibiting companies and program facilitators will bring inspiration and help familiarize attendees to the latest trends and tactics in the haunt industry.”
The 13th National Haunt & Attractions Show and the 24th International Halloween Costume & Party are the shows where buyers come to see the latest in animatronics, lighting, sound, special effects, giftware, seasonal items, Halloween merchandise, and licensed products. More than 700 exhibitors will showcase what’s new among 10,000 visitors from 47 countries. Special programming includes costume fashion shows, industry awards, networking events, and new product demonstrations.
For more information and to register for either a single seminar or an all-day seminar ticket, visit www.hauntshow.com. To attend or exhibit at either the 13th Annual Haunt & Attractions Show or the 24th International Halloween Costume & Party Show, call 800-323-5462 or 847-446-8434 for international calls.

Seminar Series Schedule: The Art & Science of Haunting


The Art of Haunting – Sunday, March 16, 2008


9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
“Classic Scares, Good Old Fashion Gore and Things That Will Make Your Customers Scream Without Breaking the Bank”
Ken Spriggs, Dream Reapers



11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
“Creating Ultra Realistic Movie Quality Sets"
Dwayne Sanburn, 13th Gate


Noon – 1:15 p.m.
Roundtable: “The Art of Haunting”
Ben Armstrong, Netherworld; Ken Springs, Dream Reapers;
Dwayne Sanburn, 13th Gate; Mike Jubie, Headless Horseman; Robbie Lepre, Busch Gardens Tampa

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
“Terror in the Parking Lot”
Ben Armstrong, Netherworld

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
“The Art of the Hayride: Bringing High Production, Value & In-Depth Themes to Outdoor Attractions”
Michael Jubie,Headless Horseman


4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
“Engineering Fear: How Theme Parks Scare Thousands”
Robbie Lepre, Busch Gardens Tampa


The Science of Haunting – Monday, March 17, 2008


9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
“Horror Under the Big Top: The Ins & Outs of Tent Shows”
Karl Fields, Pirates of Emerson

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
“Creating a Major Multi-Themed Haunted Screampark”
Larry Kirchner, Hauntworld


Noon – 1:15 p.m.
Roundtable: “The Science of Haunting”

Larry Kirchner, Hauntworld;
Karl Fields, Pirates of Emerson; Rich Hanf & Bob
Wright, Nightmare on the Bayou; John Denley,
Spookyworld; Brett Bertolino,
Eastern State Penitentiary's Terror Behind the Walls

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
“Running a Major Haunted House Alongside Your Primary Business”
Rich Hanf & Bob Wright, Nightmare on the Bayou

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
“Managing Multi-Event Spectaculars"
John Denley, Spookyworld

4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
“Designing a Powerful Multi-Level Marketing Campaign”
Brett Bertolino, Eastern State Penitentiary's Terror Behind the Walls