My posts about HAuNTcon’s Haunts and Haunted Places Bus Tour and their Costume Ball and Haunted Houses were the result of Leonard Pickel, HAuNTcon’s owner and event coordinator, asking if I’d be attending. (Since it is happening right in my own backyard this year. And, yes, I’m going.)
But his simple question was also the spark I needed to update the Paracons & Horror Fests page.
It also made me take note of the variety of different conventions there are. Some are more geared towards horror, others towards the paranormal, and some are a blend of both plus other aspects of pop culture.
And, yes, there are even Halloween industry and enthusiast conventions. Here’s a list of those for 2017:
1. January 26-30, 2017: HAuNTcon – Nashville, TN
HAuNTcon is an acronym for the Haunted Attraction National Tradeshow and Conference, an expo and convention “Designed by Haunters, for Haunters” of every age and level of experience. HAuNTcon brings people who love Haunted Houses, Halloween and scaring people together for a fun-filled four days and nights Haunt Tours, Education, Tradeshow and Networking, rounded out by a Haunted Garage Sale and the amazing annual Costume Ball.
HAuNTcon is heavily attended by pro-haunters. HAuNTcon also moves to a new city every year with the intent to grow the industry by promoting to home haunters, haunt actors and Halloween enthusiasts of all kinds.
Over 40 hours of Haunt education is included in the 3 day trade show admission. Creative Sessions, Business Seminars, Hands-on Workshops, Make Up and Product Demonstrations all designed to provide information and teach attendees techniques to do what they do better, faster and easier. Topics range from Haunted House Marketing and Business Plans, through Cheap Scares and Haunted House Design, Actor Training and Character Development, Prop building and Set Design.
HAuNTcon is a jam packed, not to be missed, economical Haunt conference that is the best investment you can make in your haunting future. If you have a Halloween event, Haunted House or Home Haunt, or if you have a dream of someday opening a Halloween event, Haunted Attraction or yard Haunt then join others like you for more off season Halloween Fun than is allowed by law at the Haunted Attraction Tradeshow and Conference, we call HAuNTcon.
2. March 23-26, 2017: TransWorld’s Halloween & Attractions Show – St. Louis, MO
For over 2 decades TransWorld’s Annual Halloween & Attractions Show has gathered the largest collection of haunted attraction and Halloween industry-leading vendors and a huge selection of products to give our buyers the greatest opportunity to see all of the best products and creations, all under one roof, all at one time.
TransWorld’s Halloween & Attractions Show continues its tradition of creating a unique business environment designed to allow buyers to meet face-to-face with exhibitors to discuss orders. Our exhibitors bring all of the newest products and classic designs, providing buyers with a one-stop shopping experience. With thousands of products in hundreds of categories, buyers will find everything they need to stock their businesses and make their time at the show a success.
3. May 12-14, 2017: West Coast Haunters Convention – Portland, OR
The West Coast Haunters Convention offers a 17,000 square foot trade show floor, a home haunters headquarters, tons of workshops and seminars, a haunt tour, costume ball and silent auction, hearse rally, and movie night!
The convention is open to anyone who has an interest in Halloween and haunted attraction production.
4. June 9-11, 2017: Midwest Haunters Convention – Columbus, OH
The Midwest Haunters Convention is a weekend event planned for Haunted Attraction Producers, Actors,Makeup Artists, Technicians and Home Haunters. Our goal is to provide you with educational seminars and workshops with experienced presenters, a 100+ vendor booth tradeshow with the latest in haunt offerings, and place to network with others in the industry during our fun social activities. If you are involved in a haunted house in any way then MHC is the place to be!
Courtney Mroch is a globe-trotting restless spirit who’s both possessed by wanderlust and the spirit of adventure, and obsessed with true crime, horror, the paranormal, and weird days. Perhaps it has something to do with her genes? She is related to occult royalty, after all. Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo practitioner of New Orleans, is one of her ancestors. (Yes, really! As explained here.) That could also explain her infatuation with skeletons.
Speaking of mystical, to learn how Courtney channeled her battle with cancer to conjure up this site, check out HJ’s Origin Story.
Loading ...