X

Category: Haunted Attraction Shows

Transworld Buys the Midwest Haunters Convention (Interview with Kelly Collins & Jen Braverman)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 59:57 — 82.3MB)

Subscribe: Apple

Midwest Haunters Convention TransworldThe Midwest Haunters Convention (MHC) has been purchased by TransWorld Trade Shows LLC, which also produces quality shows such as Halloween Extreme, The Halloween & Attractions Show, and The Legendary Haunt Tours. MHC has been operated by Kelly Collins, Neena Collins, Barry Schieferstein, & Kathy Schieferstein for the last 10 years and to sell the show has always been in their business plans from the birth of the convention.

The Midwest Haunters Convention is the largest Halloween show of its kind in the United States serving the haunted attraction industry professionals, scare actors, home haunters, and haunted house enthusiasts. The MHC is open to the public and features a tradeshow, education, chartered bus tours and entertainment. Unlike The Transworld Halloween & Attractions Show which is a trade show that mainly caterers to professional haunted attractions, theme parks, and Halloween stores.

We interview Kelly Collins first about why he felt it was time to sell The Midwest Haunters Convention and then we get the new owner, Jennifer Braverman, on to discuss her plans for the future of the convention. Push that little play button above to hear our audio interviews.

 

Here is what Kelly Collins had to say on Facebook:

 I appreciate all the support and kind comments about the sale of the Midwest Haunters Convention. I’ve also seen some negative comments about the change and I would like to try and address some of the concerns.When we started the show in 2004; we wrote a 10 year goal and business plan. When you think about it; 10 years is a long time and we gave up a lot of ourselves and energy pursuing our goals. Our show eventually grew to the point where we were faced with either hiring a registration company or leasing office space and hiring a full time staff.

We’ve been talking with Jen Braverman for several years about our plans for the show. She approached us after June and we reached an agreement. We were drained and ready for some rest and Jen was looking for a show that appealed to haunters. A convention designed for haunt owners, actors, makeup artists, decorators and home haunters. Her plans are to continue our show as its been operating for years.

There are no plans for big price increases; she wants to keep the show within the financial means of our supporters. The same goes for our exhibitors. She wants to continue with a cash and carry show that’s very affordable. The Columbus Convention Center space is about 100,000 sq feet and we’re only using about 60% of it. Jen has the ability to grow the trade show floor and offer more exhibiting opportunities.

Barry, Kathy, Neena and I will remain on as consultants for at least the next year of the show. Nothing else has been discussed after that, but I can tell you that we want our “Baby” to continue on and grow.

We’re confident that Jen and Transworld are heavily involved in the haunted attraction industry and they are here to better it. We wouldn’t have sold the show to them if we felt otherwise. They’ve recruited a number of leaders in the industry to assist them with their plans. I encourage everyone to give Jen a chance to demonstrate her commitment to haunters.

Thanks again everyone for your support and I hope you will join us at MHC 2014 at the Columbus Convention Center June 6th – 8th.

For information please check out our website at www.midwesthauntersconvention.com or contact Jennifer Braverman at jen@haashow.com or me at Kelly@MidwestHaunters.com

-Kelly Collins (Midwest Haunters Convention)

 

 

The Topics we Talked About in This Episode:

 

How do you feel about Transworld taking the reins of The Midwest Haunters Convention?

Leave Us an Audio Comment and We’ll Mention You On Our HaunTopic Radio!

ScareFest: Canada’s Haunted Attraction Convention with Home Haunter Chris Ainsworth

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:08 — 58.5MB)

Subscribe: Apple

ScareFest: Canadian Haunteed Attraction ConventionWe get Chris Ainsworth from Scarefest: Canada’s Haunted Attraction Convention to spend an hour with us and we get the inside scoop on this one day convention for haunters. If you live in the U.S. this convention may be closer than you think. It is in Ontario which is just a short drive away from some of the northern states and it would make an awesome road trip. So if you missed out on some of the other conventions and live around the northern border then this would be a great way to get your haunt convention fix!

ScareFest is a one of a kind show that caters to owners and operators of professional Haunted Houses, actors, home haunters, artists, and Halloween enthusiasts in the Canadian Haunt Industry. -CHASCAREFEST.COM

Chris is also a Home Haunter who operates Thornhill Haunted House at his residence. How does Chris juggle running a Haunted House Convention, setting up his Home Haunt, and manage a full time job? Many of us Haunters have encountered this situation many times. We discover what keeps his haunt fire burning all year long.

If you plan on going to this convention, make sure to listen to this episode. Chris is giving all HaunTopic Radio U.S. listeners a special rate for just showing up! And if you want your attraction or home haunt listed for FREE on the Canadian Haunter’s Association website (U.S. or Canada) then check out the links below.

 

Here are the topics we cover in this episode:

  • ScareFest: Canada’s Haunted Attraction Convention
  • The Canadian Haunter’s Association: All things haunted in Canada
  • Thornhill Haunted House: Home Haunt by Chris Ainsworth
  • ScareFest on Facebook
  • Join the Midwest Haunters Make-n-Take in Illinois

 

To win a Horror Comic from 1031 Comics “Halls of Bedlam” make sure you are a member of The Haunter’s Toolbox. This contest ends June 24th. We give away FREE Halloween and Haunt prizes each month!! 

Click here to become a member for FREE!

 

halls of bedlam

 

 

10 Short Interviews from the Transworld Halloween and Haunt Show

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:49 — 58.2MB)

Subscribe: Apple

Shattered FX- Silicone MasksIn this episode of HaunTopic Radio we stuff in more Halloween & Haunted House goodness from the 2013 Transworld Halloween & Attractions Show in St.Louis, Mo. We interview some Home Haunters, Prop Makers, Mask Designers, and a couple of Haunt Podcast Stars. Check out the names and active links below which takes you directly to their websites!

“Whether you are opening a haunted attraction for the first time, or are a seasoned veteran, the Transworld Halloween and Attractions show is a must see event. This is the only trade show that features vendors, from across the nation and overseas, that cover every aspect of our business, from ticketing to makeup and sound FX to giant animatronics. If you are a pro haunter, or want to become one, you cannot afford to miss this event.”

-Randy Bates, owner The Bates Motel haunt.

 

In this episode you can also find out more about our next online seminar with Allen Hopps from Stiltbeast Studios who will be teaching Scare Acting 101 in an hour and a half webinar on Managing, Training, and Keeping Your Actors Motivated. You can sign up for this online seminar here:

 

REGISTER FOR THE SCARE ACTING 101 WEBINAR WITH ALLEN  HOPPS

 

The winner of our May giveaway (a HAuNTcon T-Shirt) is:

Yvette Langille

 

We talk to these folks on this episode:

 

The West Coast Haunters Convention with Ed Roberts and Darryl’s Return from HAuNTcon

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 44:23 — 50.8MB)

Subscribe: Apple

west coast haunters conventionAre you a Home Haunter, Halloween Fan, or Haunted Attraction Owner who lives on the west coast or you want to take a trip somewhere that caters to you as a Haunter? Then the West Coast Haunter’s Convention is a good place to be. We interview Ed Roberts, the man behind the WCHC and the Nightmare Factory, and get the inside scoop on what will be at the convention and why you need to go.

The West Coast Haunter’s Convention is in Portland, Oregon at the Doubletree Hotel and offers education and entertainment to Home Haunters, Haunt Owners, Halloween Fans, and everyone involved with the Haunt Industry. If you sell Haunt supplies or are looking for a place to meet other scary people like you then this is definitely an option. The West Coast Haunter’s Convention is a non-profit organization which uses all the profits from the show for The Oregon School for the Deaf. The kids and staff help Ed operate and act at the Nightmare Factory and participate in setting up the convention.

With guest speakers like Cydney Neil (owner of The Rockey Point Haunted House), Scott Simmons (owner of The ScareHouse), and Mike Krausert (director of operations of Nightmare New England) there will be much knowledge to absorb and creativity to explore. The Bloodshed Brothers and Halloween Hellmouth will also be sharing the details of their journey from Home Haunters to Pro Haunters. Plus all the vendors, haunt tours, costume ball, new friends, and much more…you can’t afford to miss this one!

 

The Stuff We Talk About in This Episode

 

This month’s give away was sponsored by Whimzkulls. To buy Halloween cookies go visit the Whimzkull Store. The winners are:

  • Dustin Aurand
  • Sean King
  • Mollie

To win a 2013 HAuNTcon T-shirt (large) for the month of May you need to be a member of the Haunter’s Toolbox.

Subscribe Here.

 

 

The National Haunter’s Convention with Michael Bruner and Steve Randi

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 48:47 — 55.8MB)

Subscribe: Apple

National Haunters ConventionWe packed this episode with double the fun! We get Michael Bruner in the dungeon and torture him for details on his event The National Haunter’s Convention (or The National Halloween, Horror, Haunted House, & Hearse Conversation) which will be at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA on May 3-5. We also turn to Steve Randi, a home haunter going to the pro side, and ask him what he expects from the National Haunter’s Convention this year and why he is setting up a Haunted Attraction in the middle of the convention floor!

Michael Bruner gives you many reasons why you should not miss this year’s convention. An all night Tour to Shocktoberfest, a Wild West Costume Ball, a family friendly environment, new vendors in the Haunt Industry, a hearse show, education for Haunters, the showroom floor, and much more! If you live close by (or even if you don’t) it’s still not too late to jump in your transportation device and go there.

Steve Randi has been a Home Haunter for over 7 years and has decided to take his skills to the Professional side of Haunting. After his home haunt in Danbury, CT outgrew his house he knew it was time to venture into finding a permanent location. He will be displaying his talent for the first time in front of many other Haunters and Halloween fans at this year’s convention. With his crew and help from the SEPHH (South Eastern Pennsylvania Home Haunters) there will will be a complete Haunted Attraction on the show room floor complete with props, actors, and scary goodness. I’m sure you can find Steve there and ask him questions about becoming a Professional Attraction and his experience in Home Haunting. Tell him HaunTopic Radio sent ya….

 

The National Haunters Convention is like a huge reunion that you look forward every year to attending. We offer many of the features of a large haunt convention without the large bite out of your budget. If you are a Professional or Amateur haunter, a Halloween home or yard haunter, or just plan the coolest Halloween parties among all your friends, then this convention is for you. If you like to visit conventions or have never been to one before we welcome everyone who is into Goth, horror movies, classic movies, animatronics, robots, makeup, prop building, airbrushing, or just plain anything to do with Halloween to attend. Our seminars are top notch, and you will find vendors that have products and services that will amaze you.
For anyone in the past 8 years who has been to a Pennsylvania Haunters Gathering (our predecessor) or an Eastern Haunters Convention they will tell you: our event is about networking, learning and having a good time. The vendors are coming out in droves with a huge variety of products from Animations to Promotional Products. This is a chance of a lifetime for haunts of every size to meet the vendors and other haunters face-to-face, see products in person, stock up on supplies, and have a great time.
You will have the opportunity to participate in informative seminars with industry professionals, win great haunt-related prizes, tour local top notch haunted attractions and even attend our costume ball.
We invite you to browse our website, learn about our seminars, the convention show floor, our famous costume ball, our vendors, and our events. You can purchase tickets online at a discount, or at the door the weekend of the event at full price. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

 

FIND MORE ABOUT OUR GUESTS HERE:

 

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAIL LIST TO WIN FREE HALLOWEEN COOKIES FROM WHIMZKULLS!!

CLICK HERE TO JOIN.