Transworld is a complete sensory overload.
If you’re not familiar with the show, it is the Industry’s guide to what is new and upcoming - props, makeup - facades, marketing - there is an enormous amount of information and education that is available at the show - including classes and plenty of eye candy.
As an attendee it’s very easy to wander through getting lost if you don’t have a game plan - which may not be exactly what you want. The show can be expensive, so let’s use your time and money wisely. Here’s some tips to maximize both.
Please note - you must own or belong to a Haunted Attraction or related business in order to register for the show
Classes.
With 3 days of classes, there’s an enormous amount to choose from.
My picks for owners/managers both land on Saturday. Each class is $50 if pre-registered
“It’s Show Time” With John LaFlamboy 11:30-12:30 - Room 101
Zombie Army’s fierce brand of acting is what drives customers. This has been proven through their growth and loyal followers over the years. John is a hands on creative, knowing how to pull the best from his crew to get results.
Formula for Fear - Margie Kerr
10:15-11:15am - Room 102
Behavioral science is not just for textbooks and classrooms - it works very well when targeting customers. Margie’s class promises to show how to manipulate the mind along with the senses - giving your audience something to really write home about.
Artists Friday
Glen Hetrick
11:15-12:15am - Room 105 - $40
Artists will not want to miss Glen’s appearance - his amazing props are not just attractive, it’s his journey on up. Starting as a janitor to creating some of the best visuals in the entertainment business - his story is very inspiring and he knows great talent and focus.
Using Prosthetic Makeup
10:15-11:15am - Room 104 - $50 pre-registered
Face-off contestants - Evan Hedges, Kevon Ward and Michael Faust take you on a journey in prosthetics. Much of their work is now featured seasonally at 13th floor - known for their visually stimulating productions
Bloody Mary Class - Bobby Weiner
9am -10am - Room 231
FREE
class Saturday morning to create Frozen Zombie Makeup. Attendees will get their own makeup kit - get there early for guaranteed entry.
Business Owners/Managers
Website and Logos
Sunday Morning - 9am -10 am
- FREE Seminar
Chris and Chad are known for their stunning visuals. This rare round table event is not to miss out on.
There are also several listings here for Marketing. If you’re new to the business - I recommend Digital Marketing, Making additional money and Sponsorship.
The last two possibly more important then the first if you own a brick and mortar haunt. I enjoy creative ways to keep visitors happy - timed ticketing, additional attractions, games. This not only encourages additional participation and revenue generating but. will likely add to your visitor’s experience telling their friends about their visit - word of mouth is essential to staying in and maintaining consistent growth in business.
In a very dense industry it is only wise to take care of your roots for long term success.
Sponsors
- working on the other end with my business I know when and if we would enjoy continuing that partnership. Keep your sponsors happy by continuing patronage. Our best sponsors currently are the Street Outlaws - who have put us in a much larger bracket - with both sales and reputation - and in the business world, this is king. Well thought out, these relationships are win/win for everyone involved.
Those looking to get their feet wet in the Industry - there is a FREE Seminar Friday Morning - Laying the Foundation for an Awesome Professional Haunt
.
Universal Studios
will also present I’m sure what will be an amazing seminar Thursday morning.
Midnight Syndicate
- is hosting two events at this year’s event. The first - a FREE seminar Saturday at 10am which will go over making music for the industry. Topics include tips of effective use of music in haunts, legal and creative process, and a Q & A by Rich Hanf.
Saturday at Noon - Gavin and Ed will meet with their fans - in full concert appeal ~ signing autographs, taking pictures. It is their first meet and greet at a convention together in over 10 years. Booth #1222
Don’t be a Bully - kicks off their silent auction in booth 1907 Thursday morning - runs until Saturday at 5pm. Be sure to stop by and bid on some of these fantastic donations.
Home Haunters will also have a chance to meet up and share ideas. Main meet date is Wednesday the 22nd - however, there are more opportunities to be announced. Link for more information:
There are of course parties and networking opportunities after the doors of the show close for the evening.
Aside from The Darkness, Phobius Haunted House will be open Saturday evening. About an hour’s drive from the Convention Center in St Louis. Admission is $25
I also recommend taking a small detour and visit Soulard - a small neighborhood founded by Breweries. Ghost tours are $20 - www.seeaghost.com
I hope you walk away from Transworld with enough information for a very successful season. It truly is one of the greatest experiences for being creative and planning - and the start of our Halloween
Best of luck ~
Registration, dates and information can be found at:
I get pretty excited around this time of year ~ World of Wheels, St Patrick’s and we finally start breaking our way out of winter. This year wasn’t so bad - kept busy with a lot of horror. Biggest show this weekend is World of Wheels at Donald E Convention Center. I enjoy this show because the chop toppers and rods, but, there is something for everyone. There’s quite a few beautiful cars here. We get two floors - 2nd hosts Tuners. I enjoy their bands - and watching Voodoo Larry and Winfield get some metal work done. It’s been wonderful to see that end grow - custom bikes is another area they’ve expanded on.
If you’re interested in a show, I’ve included links below the pictures.
Shows to keep an eye out for next week is Phantogram at the Riv, Mac Sabbath (Reggies) - how fun - Anthrax at the end of the month ~
For those who consider traveling, there are some fun conventions that are worth mentioning - and a circus (yes!) Amazing puppetry, death defying acts, for those missing big top acts
Happy Halloween ~
World of Wheels
Rat Rides, Hearse, Chop Top - Rockabilly. Bands Saturday evening. One of my favorite shows of the year
Picture credit - Midnight Terror Haunted House - Chicago Tribune
Love this picture - one of the best scenes in Midnight Terror. Real water - was an area where you slid around in oatmeal ~ Would need to explain the scene better. But it was cool. Had some good visuals going on here.
If you don’t work all year, March is generally the time for haunters to break out of hibernation and get creative. This year, Halloween has come early. Windy City Haunters is giving owners, actors and interested creatures a chance to get creative. If you’re into makeup or considering becoming a haunt owner, you’ll want to check this out .
$30 gets you in for the entire weekend - classes, costume contest and breakfast included. Media class the same as what Transworld is featuring for $50 ~ If you're a haunter you'll want to register
Wire has some great acousic sound - good selection of brews - but In The Flesh is a great reason to get out. Had a chance to catch them last year and they were terrific. Been jamming Animals - it’s a good time to hear it.
Haunted Houses and Burgers? Cool. Go shred your Ex - party if you’re really hating.Huzzah!
Concerts - there’s nothing that says I love you more then moshing it up ~
There’s some really good events out there this weekend - and early into next week. Get out there and enjoy them. Don't spend another year snoozing
Happy Halloween ~
Haunted Houses
Had to do this first ~ and 4 of this area’s haunts are open. Massacre is Saturday only. Make sure to check dates/times for all haunts - and for discounts before you head out to your destination.
Valentine’s Day in Wonderland
Nothing says I love you more then being surrounded by the Dead ~ First year for a Valentine’s Day opener. Their seasonal is pretty terrific ~ Looking forward to seeing this one.
13th Floor to me has always been known for their visuals ~ Wouldn’t expect anything less then what they constantly deliver. Scares are fun. Great costumes. May wish to grab a vip coming here - always a good wait coming here.
Valentine’s Day Massacre - at Massacre Haunted House
Oh Massacre, how I love thee ~ Bloody for Halloween, Gore for the New Year. Massacre is gritty and fun. Always cool prop and costume additions, continually adding on - there’s always a good surprise each season.
Another new Valentine’s Day haunt, and Halloween’s was fun. Loved their chainsaw area - nothing fancy - enjoyed the acting - fun dialog - and you should’ve seen everyone’s faces as they were running away from - actors did an excellent job.
Few good shows here - my main being Spare Change playing with Lodi. If you’re South Side, you know Bryan - if not, you should see them. Their new album is out - If you dig Punk, it’s a good listen.
This has been moved from the Double Door to Reggies (great food) - link will take you there instead.
Stumbled across this kickstarter the other day and wanted to share it. If you grew up here in Chicago, you know the tale of Bachelor's Grove. We've heard it as kids, through explorations - reports, pictures - recordings. There's many tales for Bachelor's to tell - loved this idea.
Can find out more about this kickstarter by clicking here:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/charles-d-moisant/haunting-tales-of-bachlors-grove-first-of-6-comic
Valentine's Day here in the City just got sweeter! with 3 major haunted houses hosting a Valentine's Day theme this year ~ Have been to two of these, and they're always fun. Making my way to Basement - it is a new event for them and they've always been a good solid haunt. Can't wait! Treat you beau to something really fun this year.
13th Floor has been an absolute stunner when it comes to visuals ~ good scare factor
Massacre Haunted House
https://massacre.ticketleap.com/
And she won't
forget either! ~ One of my favorites - hands down. Great visuals, splendid props. This is the haunt to go
to when you want to get down and dirty with your significant other - in
the most unproper way imaginable. Themes are very fun and raunchy here ~ and although this is a year round haunt, many of the props change every season - along with their characters. They stay very
inventive year round
As you can see it looks like they're going for the gore factor here - very Excited about this one. Will be here to check it out ~ Can check out my insta for pictures of characters after
Last year's was complete madness. Great bands - fun crowd. And a pit to mosh ~ they have a good floor for "dancing" here ~ Very excited. Can't wait for it to hit the area
