HaunTopic Radio: Haunted Attractions | Haunted Houses | Halloween | Haunters

Join us on December 13th, 2019 at 7:30pm-9pm CST in this LIVE Online Master Class.

Grab your ticket at HauntersToolbox.com/class

We'll go over ways to save you time so you can get more things done, save money so you can focus on the right things to buy, and finally start your Haunted Attraction or improve the one you have.

See you there!

What is HAuNTcon?

HAuNTcon will push your attraction business out of its comfort zone and introduce you to game-changing new products, ideas, and concepts. Improve your Haunted Attraction, start a new Haunt related business, or get ideas for next season. It's more than a tradeshow, it's an innovative experience where the haunt community creates the future of the industry.

Click here to get up to $35 off your tickets.

The Haunted Attraction National Tradeshow and Convention (HAuNTcon) will be hosted once again in the historic city of New Orleans, Louisianna from January 17-19th, 2020. View their website here: HAuNTcon.com

A haunted couple in costume at the HAuNTcon costume party.

What's new at HAuNTcon for 2020?

• The Haunted Attraction National Tradeshow and Convention (HAuNTcon) will be hosted once again in the historic city of New Orleans, Louisianna from January 17-19th, 2020. View their website here: HAuNTcon.com

• NEW advanced educational seminars and workshops will help you prepare your Haunted Attraction or Home Haunt for success next season.

• NEW Halloween and Haunted House vendors will be setting up booths so you can be the first one to see the hot new products for 2020.

• If you're one of the vendors, a new digital way of capturing your customer's information is now in place. This also makes it easier for buyers as it streamlines the information you want straight to you.

• NEW entertainment but the same fun and FREE drinks for the first 3 HOURS at the Brewing, Boos, & Booze Costume Party. One of the best costume parties in the Haunt Industry! Get Your Tickets Here.

• NEW scares added to the 3 Mississippi Haunted Attractions (The Terror Test, Terror on the Coast, & Trail of Terror) that you'll experience on the bus tour on Thursday. Lights on and Lights off. 8:30 am-10pm

• a NEW Haunters to Watch award program that any Haunter can enter, or you can nominate another Haunter, for rising above and beyond in the industry. The prize package includes a paid 2-night stay in New Orleans, a FREE VIP ticket to HAuNTcon, and a bunch of recognition in the industry. Hosted by the Haunted Attraction Network.

• And many NEW offers plus the Fashion Show, the Networking groups, the streamlined flow of the showroom floor, and lots more!

How to prepare for HAuNTcon before and during the show.

• Plan your education track before you go. All of the seminars and workshops will be listed on the website HAuNTcon.com before you leave, create a plan of attack and pencil in back-up classes just in case you change your mind. There are many classes...all included in the ticket price.

• Save money by going with friends. If you team up, a few people can split the cost of a hotel room. You can also split up and attend different seminars then compare notes after. Divide and conquer.

• Dress comfortably. There is much walking in New Orleans and the convention center is HUGE! Bring comfortable shoes, possibly a coat or jacket (we needed one last year), and a shoulder bag large enough for catalogs/T-shirts/small merchandise.

• Respect the vendors. HAuNTcon offers many cool products for your Haunted Attraction, Home Haunt, or your Halloween lifestyle. But be aware of other people waiting to chat with the vendors too. Ask your questions and move on to the next booth. Come back when they're not as busy (usually early morning or right before close).

• Pace yourself. HAuNTcon + New Orleans can be lots of fun! But you need to survive the weekend and get the most out of your stay. Try to get enough sleep so you have the brainpower to retain your seminars, stay hydrated to keep you going, and enjoy the cajun cuisine...carefully.

• Stick to your gameplan. Know roughly where you want to focus on before you go. What costumes, equipment, and props do you need? What do you need to learn for the next Haunt season? What is your budget for 2020?

• Enjoy your stay. New Orleans is a very historical city. Take advantage of after-hour tours and events.

• For more HAuNTcon Tips Listen to this Haunt Weekly episode all about New Orleans Tips for Haunters.

It's getting harder to get people to hear about your haunted house. You've got an awesome haunted attraction but your attendance isn't growing. There are so many channels like social, radio, TV...where do you spend your marketing money for your Haunt?

We interview Alex Berland and Nick Levanti with Conjured Media and pick their brains about marketing your haunted house in today's market, where to focus your advertising budget, and how they can help you save time and money.

Haunt season is here. Do you have your marketing and advertising started yet? Bust your butt these next 3 months and then take a breather in November. Yes..you can try to do the marketing all yourself or hire an agency to help. I've done both.

Here is a little about Alex & Nick and what you'll hear inside this podcast. Reach out to them if you have any questions.

Who is Conjured Media?

"Our mission is to elevate the haunted attractions industry by ushering in a new era of growth, achieved with high quality creative and cutting edge digital marketing. The core to our philosophy is our business first approach. We work with our partners to identify what their business needs to grow and how to best implement those solutions through a marketing lense. We don't like to look at our clients as clients, but rather as partners. For us, success is built on a strong foundation of trust and accountability."

Conjured.Media

What's inside this podcast?

• How to get more customers to see and remember your Haunted Attraction
• Where to spend your marketing dollars online
• Why customer relationships are important
• Marketing and Advertising Your Haunt Checklist
• Bonus Haunt Consulting Interview

One of their clients. Schmitts Farm. Visit them here.

Our other website. HauntersToolbox.com To help improve your haunt.

"An attraction is most effective when it follows a path, when it takes guests on a journey. The story determines an attraction's physical layout, character development, and technical design. It also points the way for clever marketing, merchandising, and branding. This book gives you the tools to develop a story and to use that story as a blueprint for your attraction's development." -Follow The Story Book

Buy this book on amazon $9.99

In this podcast episode, we ask Scott Swenson all the different ways that you can use your attraction's back story and why it's important today more than ever.

If you are a Haunted Attraction that has never used a back story with your theme and sometimes you feel that something is missing from the overall experience, creating a unique story around your characters may just be what you need to take your attraction to the next level.

Today's attraction customer wants more than just a scary walk-through; they're looking for memorable moments, a story they can tell their friends, and an evolving theme that changes each year. Creating a back story immerses your attendees in a world that they will remember and come back to see what happens with your characters next time.

Follow the Story: What's inside this podcast

• Why having a story behind your attraction is important. Your guests will remember it. You can plan your entire theme around it. It can save you time and money by doing it.
• How to use your story in your marketing. Using your main characters in your advertising and following the story will help your attendees have a better experience which will make it an easy choice to come back to your attraction for more story.
• Simple ways to start your story right now. You don't have to change up everything. Here are a few simple and low-cost ways to start weaving your story throughout your haunted attraction, no matter what stage of operations you're in.
• What makes great Haunted Attractions great. The attractions that understand where their stories are evolving can stay ahead of the game. They can plan easier for next season, have off season events around their story, and save money by using materials they already have. Large or small...you can start using your back story to help make your attraction better.

Where to find Scott Swenson

• Scott's website: Scott Swenson.com
• Get "Follow the Story" Book: Buy this from Amazon
• Meet Scott and get your book signed: Midsummer Scream

What people are saying about Follow the Story

"Scott provides a much-needed jolt of storytelling energy in a compact, readable form. This is a true 'blood and potatoes' approach to the many facets of haunted-attraction storycraft, which should help any designer ensure they're taking full advantage of the tools at their disposal."—David Ruzicka, Co-Artistic Director for JFI Productions

"Scott is a true master architect of immersive horror experiences, using the classic tools of story and conflict to create blueprints for some of the most influential (and some of my all-time favorite) haunted attractions ever. This guide is mandatory reading for experiential designers of themed attractions."—Scott Simmons, Creative Director, ScareHouse and The Basement

Buy this book on amazon $9.99 People who helped make this book:

Author: Scott Swenson

For over 30 years, Scott Swenson has been bringing stories to life as a Writer, Director, Producer and Performer. His work in Theme Park, Consumer Events, Live Theater and Television has given him a broad spectrum of experiences. Co-creator and Creative Leader for the first 15 years of the "Howl-O-Scream" event at Busch Gardens Tampa, during which time he wrote and implemented over 50 haunted houses, shows and scare zones.

Foreword: Ted Dougherty

Ted Dougherty, has created projects for Halloween events in Southern California including Knott's Scary Farm, Queen Mary's Dark Harbor, & Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights. His specialties focus on themed entertainment and immersive/multi-sensory environments through creative storytelling, production and direction.

Publisher: Philip Hernandez

Philip Hernandez is a freelance writer, speaker, producer, and marketer specializing in Seasonal Attractions. Since 2014 Philip has published Seasonal Entertainment Source magazine (SES), a quarterly print publication. Philip operates the Haunted Attraction Network (HAN), the largest global media entity for the haunted attraction industry.

Cover Artist: Doug Schaefer

Doug Schaefer has been creating effects, props, masks and artwork for haunted attractions, theme parks and collectors for over 30 years. By day Doug designs and builds effects, puppets and illusions at Robot Monkey Lab, Inc (VFXcreates.com). And on evenings and weekends Doug makes even more monsters, in his home studio (ArtGuyDesigns.com), creating a variety of horror and creature art.

Banshee Manor Haunted Attraction is in Fayetteville, Arkansas is located inside a family fun park called Lokomotion.

Buying Ghosts is a audio drama series in the form of a podcast available everywhere you find podcasts.

Jonna Summers is the one orchestrating both of these fun Haunt projects. You'll have to listen to this podcast to hear how these two projects are similar.

Banshee Manor Story

The McCraulic Clan is notorious for being ruthless, barbaric and pure evil. Rarely would anyone enter the manor's walls without being brutalized, tortured or murdered, often for sport more than for punishment of perceived crimes.

The Banshee's constant screams and cries often shattered the silence of the night foretelling of yet another death and as she mournfully shepherded the poor soul to the other side. The Banshee grew weary of the McCraulics' and their evil ways and all the death. Oh, so much death.

The Banshee decided to punish the McCraulics and tortured them with her constant keening, driving them mad. And as her final punishment, she no longer led their souls to their final resting place, instead, imprisoning them with their victims inside.

To learn more about the Banshee Manor in Arkansas go here: Banshee Manor Website

Buying Ghosts Podcast

Buying Ghosts is the story of Annie Seals and her family, who embark on a business venture of owning a Victorian Bed and Breakfast rumored to be haunted.

Annie hopes to capitalize on the paranormal crowd looking for ghosts. Little did she know the rumors are real and now her family finds themselves trapped with the previous tenants.

To start listening to this audio story now go here: Buying Ghosts Podcast

Jonna Summers

Jonna Summers

To contact Jonna email here here: Send an email to Jonna

Start your own Haunt, or grow the one you have, in our Haunters Toolbox membership. It's FREE!

In this podcast we interview Edward Douglas (aka Aleister Rigby) and Gavin Goska and get these key takeaways:

• What Type of Haunt Music to Use in Your Haunted Attraction
• How Midnight Syndicate Got Started in Gothic/Horror Music
• The Reasons They Keep Playing Live at Cedar Point in Ohio
• Which of Their Soundtracks is their Favorite Ones

Midnight Syndicate is a Gothic - Horror - Haunt musical group that has been producing "soundtracks for the imagination" since 1997. Many Haunters use their music as ambient landscapes inside and outside their Haunted Attractions.

You can find Midnight Syndicate playing LIVE at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio in 2019. If you're reading this after that, check the schedule on their website. MidnightSyndicate.com

A Chamber of Commerce is a network of business owners whose goal is to further the interests of businesses and grow stronger together. It serves as a spokesman and representative of the industry.

This is where The Chamber of Haunters comes in.

Imagine a Chamber of Commerce that stands to represent you as a Haunter, a Haunted Attraction Owner, and your interests within the Haunt Industry. This is the mission that the Founder, Robert Nulton, wants The Chamber of Commerce to become. A place for a helpful community, a resource for Haunters, and a representative for the entire Haunted Attraction Industry.

Yes. There are great Haunt Associations that already exist. The biggest one around is the Haunted Attraction Association, which for a membership fee you can join an existing community of Haunters and tap into the benefits of this association.

However, The Chamber of Haunters will be a bit different. Think of your local Chamber of Commerce with local and long-distant benefits. Unique events tailored for attractions who want to be part of a growing community. Guidance for haunt businesses that need more information on starting and growing a safe haunted attraction. And ways to keep your business doors open every year.

All wrapped up in a Chamber of Commerce type of atmosphere. Supplying the help you need and representing you along the way.

Here are a few things you'll learn in this podcast:

• How to make your Haunted Attraction stand out and be the best that it can be.
• The advantages of being a member of an association and community for your Haunt related needs.
• How you can help by supporting the Chamber of Haunters by being an Advisor for your Region.

Listen to this podcast episode here.

In this podcast episode, we chat with Tony Brueski on How to Get More People to your Haunted Attraction and valuable Tips that you can implement this season.

Tony also hosts two podcasts about real ghosts stories, so of course we had to discuss a few of our favorite paranormal encounters. Have you ever had any experiences with any ghosts?

Haunted House Marketing Tips Inside

• Why your Haunted Attraction needs to be different in today's competitive market for attention. How can you tell your story?
• The best times of the day to use radio advertisements and how to get the best price for commercial slots.
• Where to spend your marketing budget for the most effective creative advertising.
• Tony makes Haunt Radio & Television Commercials too! Check out his media masterpieces at HauntedHouseRadioCommercials.com

(Visit this blog post to watch a video with Tony's professional Haunted House commercials) Some of Tony's Haunt audio commercials.

Real Ghost Stories Online Podcast

• If you're up for listening to some goosebumps and hair-raising true ghost stories, Tony has two of the most listened to Paranormal podcasts in the world!
• RealGhostStoriesOnline.com real ghost stories Tony and his co-host read to you or guests call in to tell what happened to them.
• TheGraveTalks.com An interview based podcast with stories of the paranormal and the people who are passionate about chasing ghosts for fun.

Learn more marketing tips & tactics inside our free membership community The Haunter's Toolbox

The Transworld Halloween and Attractions Show is the largest trade show that features products focused directly to Haunted Attractions, Themed Attractions, and Escape Rooms. This was the first year that a Christmas Show was added into the show.

The TransWorld Halloween and Attractions Show is currently located in St.Louis, Missouri at the America's Center.

Who is inside this podcast episode:

• Dark Stitches (Tessie Cunningham): Easy-to-wear Scare Actor costumes handmade by Scare Actors.
• Z-Tag 2.0 (Quan Gan): The NEW improved Z-Tag which is a close proximity game that lets you be a zombie, human, or doctor.
• Fright Farm (Roger Rund): A charity based Haunted Attraction in Minnesota that has been open for over 20 years.
• Woochie (Jacquie Lantern): Foam latex appliances and makeup that you can use to create unique characters.
• Gothika (Jonathon Popphan): A trusted theatrical lens company that makes safe and effective contact lens to make your character stand out.

Dark Stitches Costumes for Scare Actors

What you'll learn inside this podcast:

• The importance of having quality costumes inside of your haunted house.
• Things you can add to your attraction to get more revenue.
• How to start and operate a charity haunted house.
• Makeup tips to create a custom character.
• The NEW rules for buying contact lenses and how you can sell contacts at your business.

Fright Farm in Minnesota

What else you need to know.

• Need help starting up your Haunted Attraction but don't know where to start? Join The Haunter's Toolbox for FREE videos and information about low cost ways to start your own Haunted House. Learn more here.

• Need a way to keep your actors and reward them for their unique skills? ScareIT Badges is a merit system for your Scare Actors, different wearable badges and buttons given to motivate and keep your actors interested. Check out our designs here.

Women do exist in the Haunted Attraction Industry. They are Haunt Owners, Haunt Business Owners, Designers, Special FX Artists, Scare Managers, Scare Actors, Haunt Moms, Security, Maintenance, Ticket Takers, Parking Lot Attendees, and just about anywhere you'd find a man.

Female Haunters bring unique perspectives and creative energy to many different positions within this crazy industry. And these ladies discuss all of this inside this podcast.

Here are the women that joined us in this month's Master Mind Webinar:

• Sylvia Vicchiullo: Nightmare Nomads- a traveling scare actor troupe that will travel to your Haunt…just give 'em a call.
• Melissa Winton: Haunt Shirts- Haunt and Halloween apparel for everyday of the week. Haunt Swag too!
• Jan Knuth: Grey House Haunts-a Haunted Attraction in rural Nebraska. Go see it!
• Suzie Flesik: Crawford School of Terror- a Haunted Attraction inside an old abandoned School House in Pennsylvania. Have YOU been a good student?

Topics discussed inside this podcast episode:

• How to get started starting your own Haunted Attraction.
• Why are there more women in the haunt industry today?
• Advice from Haunter female role models.
• The obstacles that women face starting their own businesses
• and lots more Haunt Talk.

Start your own Haunted Attraction with our help. It's free!