In this podcast episode, we get Ed Roberts on to discuss what to expect at this year’s West Coast Haunter’s Convention in Portland, Oregon on April 13th through the 15th.
What: A haunters convention for all, whether you are a pro haunter, home haunter, or Halloween enthusiast. The West Coast Haunter’s Convention is a 501(c)3 organization that gives grants to professionals who work with children with hearing impairments and/or autism.
Where: Double Tree Hotel | 1000 NE Multnomah St. | Portland, Oregon 97232
Thanks to Philip Hernandez from the Haunted Attraction Network, Dan Doble from Haunt Collective, and Ed Roberts from the WCHC for participating in this audio conversation.
About HAuNTcon
HAuNTcon, the leading event for starting and growing haunted attractions, is a trade-only event that brings industry professionals together each year. Owned by Urban Expositions, the event provides a platform for sourcing, learning, and networking. The next event will be held in New Orleans, January 25-27, 2019. For more information, visit hauntcon.com
Our experience at HAuNTcon 2018 in New Orleans, LA
We could smell the cajun cuisine as we entered the heart of New Orleans. A bustling city full of ghost stories and a rich history dating back to 1718. Some parts of the landscape appear to be stuck in time due to the preservation of many of the buildings. Just like we had remembered…
We have been to New Orleans several times, the last time being 2014, but never to a Haunted Attraction convention. This trip was going to be a little different for me. I had to think about travel logistics to the convention center, schedules, first-time vendor stuff, entertaining my wife (who opts out of many things Haunt related), meeting up with friends, staying safe in the French Quarter, the various food options, and maintaining enough energy for the 12 hour road trip back to Missouri on Sunday.
Our expectations were exceeded in every way. It was easy to get to the convention with the Haunt Shuttle and the friendly Uber drivers. Once I found the check-in area and our vendor booth, the show floor was easy to navigate. The HAuNTcon management team were very organized and made sure we had everything we needed. The host hotel, Staybridge Suites, was located next to the Harrah’s Casino (which my wife appreciated) and there were plenty of quality eateries close by and free breakfast. And it seemed the French Quarter was much cleaner than last time we visited.
We also appreciated the over-the-top Costume Ball that had excellent finger foods, amazing entertainment & costumes, and FREE drinks until 11:00pm! This was the first year that the party was included with your general admission ticket. And those light-up ladies dancing on the stage!! WOW.
Granted, the HAuNTcon 2018 product and vendor area is only a fraction of the size of the Halloween & Party Expo area, HAuNTcon really shines when it comes to their educational workshops and demonstrations that focus on practical advice you can implement in any haunt. And it’s all included in the ticket. All-you-can-learn haunt education.
Overall we had a great experience at HAuNTcon 2018 and plan on going back next January 25-27, 2019. This was the first year that the event was produced by Urban Expositions and they plan on expanding the event next year. Now that they have their first year under their belt, they can listen to the feedback of the attendees and continue to make HAuNTcon a yearly stop on every Haunter’s list.
Everything you need to know about the HAuNTcon: Haunted Attraction National Tradeshow and Convention and The Halloween & Party Expo in 2018. Located at New Orleans, Louisiana on January 12-15 . Well…almost everything.
New Orleans…scary stuff….Haunters…costume ball…Haunt Tours…Haunt classes…oh and so much more!
In this podcast episode, we go behind the scenes of HAuNTcon 2018 with Liz Irving, the Vice President of Marketing and wearer of many hats behind the show. We discuss new events for HAuNTcon, what’s included with each admission ticket, the new tours in New Orleans, and much more. Listen to this audio podcast by clicking here.
If you’ve never been to a HAuNTcon gathering, then this will be a great opportunity for you to visit the history of New Orleans and get your Haunt On during the show.
To see the complete lineup of events and pricing go here HAuNTcon.com. (Use code HAUNTOPIC to get a free show pass)
Overview of HAuNTcon 2018: a Haunt Show for all Haunters
3 days of HAuNTcon education. Learn from the best in the haunt industry.
HAuNTcon and Halloween & Party Expo trade shows. So much ground to cover.
Show floor networking events. Meet new friends.
Live hands-on demonstrations. Get messy and learn.
Thursday pre-show inspiration tour. See the heart of New Orleans.
Friday Costume Ball. Party with other Halloween freaks like you.
Saturday night lights off tour at the Rise Haunted House
Sunday Garage Sale. Buy at huge discounts!
Monday advanced workshops. Dive deep into one topic.
-Come say Hi to us at Booth 110!-
This will be the second time that the crew of HaunTopic Radio will be together and we want you to join us at HAuNTcon this year. We will be in Booth 110 grabbing sound bytes from Haunters and any attendee that wants to say Hi. We will also be floating around the show floor capturing video and audio interviews from cool people like you.
What is HAuNTcon? (watch this video for your answer)
The forgotten audio recordings of the Transworld Halloween & Attractions Show. We got so busy with Haunt Season that we almost forgot part 3 of our compilation from the Transworld Haunt Show. We’ve compiled the last remaining interviews and stories behind the Scares…just for you! And some Scary tunes too!!
What is the Transworld Halloween & Attractions Show?
Transworld is the largest trade show focused exclusively on Haunted Attractions, Corn Mazes, Escape Rooms, and Halloween.
With hundreds of supply vendors, how-to classes, live demonstrations, and networking parties to meet other passionate scary people like yourself. Their website is http://haashow.com
Who is on this special audio podcast from the TransWorld Haunt Show?
In this podcast episode of HaunTopic, we get Steve Colberg on the mic to chat with us about his upcoming convention Halloween & HauntFest in Texas. We cover all things going on at the show in 2017 and dig a little deeper to find out the real story behind Steve and why he puts this event together for other Haunted House/Halloween junkies.
Thanks to Philip Hernandez (Haunted Attraction Network) and Tristin Pierce (Flatline Radio) for helping with this interview!
Inside the Halloween and Hauntfest:
The Halloween & HauntFest Show is the premier Halloween event in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Halloween & HauntFest is a gateway event to the Halloween season. Guests will get sneak peeks of local Halloween attractions, the newest costumes and greatest decorations for the Holiday. This family-friendly weekend convention is open to the public.
Convention elements include a vendor show floor, seminars and workshops.
The trade show will be a “cash and carry” show featuring:
Local Halloween attractions and events
Local artisans
Decoration and costume stores
Makeup
Masks
Creepy dolls
Creepy contact lenses
Day of the Dead merchandise
Education will have themed tracks:
Making Monsters – Classes about makeup, costumes, scare acting and more
Halloween Hosting – Learn recipes, mixology and decorating for the coolest Halloween parties
Creep Your Crypt – How to decorate your yard and house for the holiday
Terror Tech – Take your haunt to the next level! We’ll teach you how
Halloween Preview – Previews and behind the scenes of local haunted attractions
Paid attendees will have free access to entertainment activities running continuously while the show floor is open. Entertainment includes:
Celebrity guests
Makeup demos
Dance troops
Body painting demos
Contact: Steven Colberg
(949) 427-0255
Press@HalloweenAndHaunt.com
