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5 Must-Dos at Transworld’s Halloween & Attractions Show 2024

5 Must-Dos at Transworld’s Halloween & Attractions Show 2024

TransWorld’s Halloween & Attractions Show 2024 is the premiere haunt industry trade show. For over four decades, it has been the place where haunt industry members gather to network, learn, and see the latest products and services from top vendors. In recent years this show has also been co-located with TransWorld’s Christmas Show and Interactive Entertainment Show. Although they may not seem to mix, these are two complimentary industries that have much to offer haunt owners & operators. With so many haunts offering year-round experiences, these shows are sure to inspire. The combined events features a show floor with over 450+ exhibitors, educational seminars & workshops, and a plethora of networking events and parties. 

TransWorld’s Halloween & Attractions Show 2024 takes place March 7th – 10th at America’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

There is so much to see and do, it might be overwhelming to someone who hasn’t navigated it before. So, here is my list of 5 Must-Dos at Transworld’s Halloween & Attractions Show 2024. 

#1 - Visit the Show Floor

From animatronics to costumes, masks to makeup, websites to tickets, there is much to explore. The  450+ exhibitors on the show floor are sure to have new and interesting products and services aimed at haunters of all levels. Make sure to plan out a good chunk of time to explore the aisles and shop industry-leading vendors. 

Here are my tips to make the most of your visit:

  1. Plan your route in advance with the floorplan andexhibitor list. 
  2. Bring a small bag to carry any brochures, catalogs, and rate sheets you collect from each booth. 
  3. Check social media prior to the event to see what sorts of show promotions vendors may be offering. Some even extend their sales to online customers, allowing you to place your order early and avoid large in-person crowds at the booth.
  4. Be sure to shop at your preferred spots early – sometimes exhibitors can become fully booked prior to the end of the show!

Highlights

I hope that you can visit all the booths throughout the show floor. So many exhibitors have fantastic products & services and go all-out with their booth designs. Some highlights include:

  • Froggy’s Fog (Booths 124, 522, 523, 623) – This past year they won the Best New Product Brass Ring Award at IAAPA for their Thanos A-1 Fog Blaster. Their high-powered fog machines are wonderful tools for haunts of every size. As a major sponsor of TransWorld’s Halloween & Attraction Show, their booth is always lively and filled with exciting products.
  • Poison Props (Booths 123 & 227) – Head into the Dark Zone to see their scary animatronics in action. With eerie lighting and sound effects, you can truly get a sense of how these animatronics can look in a haunt environment. 
  • The Haunted Attraction Association (Booth 2023) – Protecting, promoting, and educating their worldwide network of haunted attractions, vendors, artists, and enthusiasts, the HAA is the premiere organization for haunters. They offer education, resources, networking opportunities, and more for their members. Stop by to meet with members of their board and learn more about how the group can help you to further your haunt goals. You can also become a member right at the show.
  • Toxic FX (Booth 1003) – Offering professional quality masks and props, their booth is a must-see on my list for their rotten pumpkin props. New for this year is a line of “Ghost Pumpkins” – similar to their rotten pumpkins aesthetic, but with a ghostly white color. 
  • Inferno Effects (Booth 1131) – Extremely detailed and high quality, these masks and props from Inferno Effects are unique and durable. New products for this year’s event include the Niko line (Flesh, Rotten, Swamp, & Custom Variants), Werewolf (Grey, Brown, Black, & Custom Variants), and Cracked. 

#2 - Learn from the Pros

TransWorld’s Halloween & Attractions expo offers a wide array of seminars and workshops. From safety to social media, design to scareacting, there are many options to help you perfect your craft and elevate your business practices.  Be sure to take notes and don’t be aftraid to ask questions during any Q&A portions to get the most out of your experience.

Seminars are not included in general admission tickets, and must be purchased separately. Most classes are $65 ($55 early bird pricing through February 22nd). VIP Passes include 3 seminars of your choice (some exclusions apply) and the VIP & Unlimited Seminar Pass offers full access to most offerings (still some exclusions). 

Check out the entire lineup of classes with descriptions & instructors on the official website.

Highlights

There are no bad options in their lineup of educational sessions. Depending on your job and passion within the industry, certain classes may be more relevant to you than others.

Here are some unique and particularly interesting options:

  • The Haunted Attraction Association’s C.H.A.O.S. Fire & Safety Seminar (Thursday, March 7th at 9:30 a.m.)($20 for HAA Members, $75 for Non-Members) – Focusing on safety concerns, fire marshal issues, and proper methods of building a safe event, this is the premiere safety course for haunters. This class counts towards the 8-hour training requirement for the full HAA CHAOS Completion Certificate. 
  • Make Your Guest Experience Legendary! Delivering an Incredible Visitor Experience Every Time (Thursday, March 7th at 1:45 p.m.) –  Amy Hollaman and Brett Bertolino of Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group will share their methods and tips on how to improve customer satisfaction and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Having attended her panels in the past, I can attest that Amy is an engaging and knowledgeable speaker, making the class fun in addition to educational!
  • Foundations of Fear: Opening or Growing an Attraction in Today’s Fast-Paced Business World (Friday, March 8th at 11:15 a.m.) – Spencer Terry will discuss how to start your own professional haunt and how to grow it into a successful business. His track record at Fear Factory SLC and the knowledge he has acquired as President of the Haunted Attraction Association lead me to believe this class will be an asset to those entering the business or ready to take the next steps to grow their haunt. 
  • Critical Emerging Trends In The Haunted Attraction Industry (Saturday, March 9th at 2:00 p.m.) – This panel discussion with Chris Stafford (Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group), TJ Mannarino (Universal Orlando) and Ben Armstrong (Netherworld Haunted House) will look at what opportunities and challenges may arise in the 2024 Halloween season. 

#3 - Attend the HAA Industry Events

Aside from their educational seminar/workshop options, the Haunted Attraction Association hosts two other events you won’t want to miss: The State of the Industry Presentation and The OSCARES. Both events are open to all attendees. 

The State of the Industry

On Friday, March 8th at 10:00 a.m. the HAA Board members will host an open discussion about the 2023 haunt season and what trends they see for the 2024 season. They will also discuss the HAA’s new 3-Year Strategic Plan. This is a highly informative event with the opportunity to ask questions and share your own experiences. Whether you are a beginner or a veteran haunter, you are sure to get value out of this event.

The OSCARES

Taking place Saturday, March 9th at 5:00 p.m., the annual OSCARES recognizes the achievements of haunted attraction owners, vendors, and others who have excelled in the industry. The HAA rolls out the black carpet for an evening of networking, honors, and some good food & drinks. Come out to support the best in the industry and celebrate those who contribute to the enduring success of haunts around the country.

Award Categories Include:

  • Vendor Excellence Awards
  • Board of Directors Awards
  • Special Recognition
  • Home Haunt Award
  • Life Time Achievement Award

Obviously, nominations are closed for this year’s event, but the HAA is already accepting nominations for the 2025 awards. 

#4 - Party the Night Away

The TransWorld Halloween Party is the place to dance, drink, and mingle with friends both old and new. 

DJ Psych Jam from Basement of the Dead will play a killer mix of exciting tracks as haunters from around the world celebrate another successful show. I am a huge fan of the appetizers and dessert, and those with more of a sophisticated pallet will enjoy the cash bar.

This year’s theme is Día de Los Muertos. Costumes and creative attire are allowed and encouraged, but not required. You won’t want to miss the intricate and imaginative costumes your fellow haunters create!

 

#5 - Network, Network, Network

I’ve saved the most-important thing to do at TransWorld’s Halloween & Party Expo for last: Network!

Haunters come to TrasWorld from around the globe. You can learn so much by taking the time to meet your peers in this professional-but-relaxed environment. Ask a haunter from another state about their experience in their market area, share advice with a newbie, and just connect with other haunters. As my favorite podcaster/ themed entertainment professional, Scott Swenson, often says, “when the tide comes in all ships rise.” If we band together and support one another, the whole industry will benefit. Personal connections are paramount.

Highlights

TransWorld offers a miriad of opportunities to mix and mingle. View the full list on TransWorld’s official website, but here are a few of my favorites (Separate Tickets Required):

  • TransWorld’s Networking Night Out! (Wednesday, March 6th at 7:30 p.m.) ($75 Advance, $95 On-Site)- Kick off your event with this fun and relaxed social. The event will feature productive roundtables focused on specific topics within the Haunt, Interactive Entertainment, and Christmas industries. 
  • City Museum Party (Thursday, March 7th at 7:00 p.m.)($60 Advance, $75 On-Site) – Get to experience this weird and wonderful venue without the crowds. During the private party, TransWorld Attendees can explore the museum, dance to tune from DJ Psych Jam from Basement of the Dead, eat, and purchase drinks from multiple cash bars throughout the venue. It is a wild and crazy evening!
  • Interactive Entertainment Game: Dusk ’til Dawn, A Zombie Showdown Challenge (Friday, March 8th at 8:00 p.m.) ($45 Advance, $60 On-Site) – Work as a team to defend against the zombie horde in this intense game of teamwork and strategy. What better way to get to know some new friends?  

Have Fun at TransWorld's Halloween & Attractions Show 2024!

Ultimately, there is no “right way” or “wrong way” to do TransWorld’s Halloween & Attractions Show 2024. Planning ahead can help to maximize the number of things you see and do (and often save a little money with the pre-sale pricing), but also be sure to be open to all the exciting experiences that pop up along the way. With a gigantic show floor, lots of educational seminars, and a plethora of after-hours events, there is no way to see everything this show has to offer in one trip. 

Just have fun – I’ll see you there!

Check out one of my adventures from TransWorld’s Halloween & Attractions Show 2023:

The Darkness St. Louis Walkthrough

57 Ghosts

February 16, 2024 No Comments

Take part in a spirited séance aboard the historic – and haunted – Queen Mary with 57 Ghosts. From Master Magician and Apparitionist Aiden Sinclair, this 90-minute immersive experience takes

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Categories
Attractions Destinations Emily

57 Ghosts

57 Ghosts

Take part in a spirited séance aboard the historic – and haunted – Queen Mary with 57 Ghosts. From Master Magician and Apparitionist Aiden Sinclair, this 90-minute immersive experience takes guests to the third-class dining hall where they will experience a classic séance. Apparitionist Michael Rangel will transport guests back in time with his storytelling and otherworldly rituals. It is the perfect outing for fans of the paranormal.

The Queen Mary has long been known as a haunted vessel, and since its reopening in 2023, paranormal activity has reportedly been on the rise.  “We’ve observed a notable uptick in paranormal phenomena over the last few months. I’ve hosted shows onboard the Queen Mary since my residency started in 2018, and there are definitely more unexplained happenings and mysterious occurrences,” shared Sinclair in a press release.

I had the chance to visit this past January and take part in 57 Ghosts. Walking through the deserted halls at night does perfectly lend itself to ghost stories and mysteries of the past. And this ship has its share of spooky occurrences!

The Queen Mary's History

The Queen Mary’s maiden voyage was on May 27th, 1936, when she departed from Southampton, England. For three years she was known as one of the grandest ocean liner’s in the world. From celebrities like Bob Hope and Clark Gable, to royalty like the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, to dignitaries like Winston Churchill, quite a few notable individuals found there way aboard. 

Then in WWII, Queen Mary was recruited into duty, transporting as many as 16,000 troops. During this time she became known as the “Grey Ghost” because of her stealth and stark color. After the war, she returned as a cruise ship, operating from 1947 – 1967.

The Queen Mary ultimately saw 1,001 transatlantic crossings and 57 recorded deaths. You can learn more about the ship’s history on the venue’s official website. 

Rumors of hauntings have been whispered since I was a little girl. Even on my first trip in the 90’s a tour guide was happy to recount sightings of a little girl in the pool area and odd occurrences in room B340. The Queen Mary has since leaned heavily into paranormal tourism with their Haunted Encounters, Paranormal Ship Walk, The Grey Ghost Project, and now this new 57 Ghosts Séance.

Watch My Haunted Attraction Network Video

My Experience at 57 Ghosts

I love a good ghost story, and 57 Ghosts sets the perfect stage for a night of spookiness. The third-class dining hall was beautifully restored for this experience, and then furnished with an eclectic set of oddities and artifacts to make one feel like they are back in an age of séances and sea voyages. Apparitionist Michael Rangel drew me in with his personal stories and recounting of classic ghost stories from The Queen Mary. 

The actual séance was a real treat. Rangel utilized techniques from the 19th and early 20th century to put on an authentic experience. Now, if you go into this “immersive” experience expecting thrills, “boo”-scares, or high-tech theatrics, you are going to be disappointed. This is a subtle experience that has the charms of a bygone era. There is not a show-stopping “wow” moment, but rather a series of interesting techniques to “communicate with the spirits”. There is a showmanship in how each of the segments is crafted and presented to the audience, but it isn’t like what you would find at Shaqtoberfest. 

Ultimately, if you enjoy scary stories in a spooky atmosphere, or if you have an appreciation for the spiritualist movement of the late 19th / early 20th century, this is an interesting way to spend an evening. If you are seeking jump scares or if you want a real ghost hunting experience, then this isn’t the evening out for you. Luckily, The Queen Mary does offer both of those alternative experiences. For jump scares and a more traditional haunt experience, check out Shaqtoberfest. For ghost hunting aboard The Queen Mary, try The Grey Ghost Project experience. There is something for every taste!

Get Your Tickets for 57 Ghosts Today

Voyage to the other side with apparitionist Michael Rangel on select nights Friday – Sunday, starting at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $100 per person. Seating is reserved and extremely limited. Attendance is not recommended for those who are recently bereaved or under the age of 16 years old.

For a complete schedule, visit www.57ghosts.com/.

Want to see more of my adventures with The Haunted Attraction Network? Check them out below:

Springtopia 2023

Scream Break 2023

 

57 Ghosts

February 16, 2024 No Comments

Take part in a spirited séance aboard the historic – and haunted – Queen Mary with 57 Ghosts. From Master Magician and Apparitionist Aiden Sinclair, this 90-minute immersive experience takes

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Film Friday Movies

Film Friday: Death and the Wine Maker

Freaky Fright-Filled Flicks for Film Fanatics

TGIF! The Horror Of Being Emily likes to start the weekend off right by featuring one spooky short film each week. Watch late at night with the lights turned down low to maximize the scary atmosphere. Grab your popcorn and enjoy!

Since my days curating ScareLA’s screening room, I have loved watching creative films from around the world. Short films are a wonderful way to start out as a filmmaker and demonstrate a proof of concept for longer works. It is much harder than you’d think to convey a coherent story in a short amount of time! I hope you enjoy this curated selection of the best fantastic horror, science fiction, and fantasy the internet has to offer. 

Want to binge more? Check out all my past Film Friday entries.

Death and the Winemaker (Directed by Victor Jaquier)

Death and the Winemaker Poster

Fans of horror animation will love this week’s entry: Death and the Winemaker. Written and directed by Victor Jaquier, this short was based on an old tale from the Swiss region of Valais.  Featuring watercolor backgrounds and darkly whimsical characters, viewers are pulled into the fantastically macabre world from the very first few seconds. Be forewarned, that this is not the most uplifting film I have presented to you here in this blog, however, its beautiful story of misguided acts for love and eventual understanding will stick with you long after the film’s seventeen minutes have passed. 

I love fairytales and films set in whimsical interpretations of the past. Jaquier crafts a beautiful depiction of Death (“La Mort”), highlighting both the fear and beauty that lie within her embrace. Man’s feeble attempts to outsmart their inevitable fate have dire consequences that can affect far more than an individual can realize. Take heed from the young winemaker’s mistakes and accept that which cannot be avoided. 

Released in 2021, this film had a successful film festival run, screening at Fransasia, Fantastic Fest, Filmquest, and over 40 other events. It has since been posted on ALTER’s youtube channel. ALTER describes itself as “an ever-expanding platform for the most daring storytellers in the world of horror”. 

Synopsis

A young winemaker creates a wine so exquisite, that even Death demands to taste it. As he learns the awful truth about his beloved’s fate, he captures Death in a barrel, ignoring the consequences on the natural order of things.

Watch the Movie

Behind the Scenes

Want to learn more about Death and the Winemaker, and Victor Jaquier? Jaquier released a behind-the-scenes video chronicling the making of the short. In it he describes his filmmaking process – from unearthing a long-forgotten Swiss tale to working with a talented team of actors, animators, and live symphony. See rough sketches, animation reference videos, and the voice-over actors recording their lines. Gain even more insight into the process through a 2023 interview Jaquier had with Ramin Zahed of Animation Magazine.

Stay up to date with the latest news and announcements from Victor Jaquier on his website and Instagram. Click here for Death and the Winemaker’s official website. 

Call for Submissions

Are you a filmmaker? Do you have a scary short film you would like posted on The Horror of Being Emily? Send me a message with the youtube or vimeo link via my contact form for a chance to be featured in a future Film Friday entry.
Submit Your Film Via My Contact Form

57 Ghosts

February 16, 2024 No Comments

Take part in a spirited séance aboard the historic – and haunted – Queen Mary with 57 Ghosts. From Master Magician and Apparitionist Aiden Sinclair, this 90-minute immersive experience takes

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Categories
News

2024 – New Year, New Blog

2024 – New Year, New Blog

Happy 2024 – New Year, New Blog!

Each January 1st as the midnight bells toll and cheers echo through the air, I take time to reflect on the past year and look forward to what the new year will bring. 2023 was a wonderful and busy year for me personally – but I neglected this blog. For 2024, I am resolving to create more content and add more personal touches to this blog. There are dozens of horror news sites that can post press releases and news, but there is only one site that hosts this Emily’s unique humor and personality – TheHorrorOfBeingEmily.com! I still plan to update the events calendar with horror events from around the country and give occasional posts regarding events I have a hand in, but get ready for more personal posts and fun content. 

New Year Resolutions

Living the spooky life 365 days of the year is amazingly fulfilling, but it does require a lot of work. Every year I challenge myself to grow and strive towards my ideal Halloween lifestyle. I am actually pretty good at achieving most of the things I set out to do every year (except, apparently, staying on top of blog posts). How do I do this? Is it perhaps some innate magical power? Am I a witch?  Quite possibly so. Still, there are some ways to craft new year’s resolutions to make one more likely to achieve them:

1. Make Your Goals Quantifiable (i.e. “Carve 5 Pumpkins”, not just “Carve More Pumpkins”)

2. Make Your Goals Realistic (i.e. “Read 12 Spell Books”, not “Read 120 Spell Books” – unless of course that fits your lifestyle, then way to go!)

3. Keep Yourself Accountable (i.e. Track your progress, ask friends to check in on your goals, broadcast your resolutions on your blog so you would feel very embarrassed if you slack off)

Keeping those guidelines in mind, you can set yourself up to achieve all the ghastly goals you strive towards!

New Year, New Blog - Emily's Resolutions

Part of this “New Year, New Blog” makeover will be sharing more of my personal stories and journey with you. I have a lofty set of goals for this year and hope to post more about how I take these goals and implement them into my daily life in spooky ways. Upcoming blog posts will share ideas and inspiration for more ghoulishly delightful ways to make self-improvement fun!

Here are some of my main resolutions for 2024:

  1. Read 12 Books
  2. Write 24 Blog Posts
  3. Finish 24 Duo Lingo Japanese Lessons
  4. Post 300 Instagram Posts / Reels
  5. Watch 365 Films / TV Show Episodes / Short Film Blocks
  6. Complete 4 DIY Projects
  7. Finish My Family Cookbook
  8. Use up More Scrapbooking Supplies than I Buy
  9. Paint My Nails Once a Month
  10. Give Myself a Monthly At-Home Facial
  11. Average 8,000 Steps Daily Over the Course of the Year
  12. Exercise 156 Times (Ideally 3x’s Per Week)
  13. Finish 4 Video Games
  14. Act In / Direct 2 Films / Short Films / Youtube Videos
  15. Cook / Bake 12 New Recipies
  16. Host 4 Movie Nights
  17. See 2 Live Performances
  18. Write 52 Journal Entries

It seems like a lot, but at 12 days into the new year, I am already well on my way towards many of these goals. So step with me into the fog-laden corridors of self-improvement and prepare to confront the ghosts of procrastination and the haunting specters of past unfulfilled promises. Enter if you dare, and let the spooky journey begin!

57 Ghosts

February 16, 2024 No Comments

Take part in a spirited séance aboard the historic – and haunted – Queen Mary with 57 Ghosts. From Master Magician and Apparitionist Aiden Sinclair, this 90-minute immersive experience takes

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Categories
Emily Movies News

The Joe Haggerty Legacy Collection Box Set

The Joe Haggerty Legacy Collection Box Set

After 10 years of being in the vault, my feature film directorial debut, Who Was Buffalo Bill?,  has been released on DVD as part of The Joe Haggerty Legacy Collection Box Set. Do you like low-budget cult horror? Looking for a box set that has a little something for every horror fan on your list and that one guy who only wants to watch dramas? Do you want to see me play a porn star but not take off any clothes or do anything remotely sexy? (That last one is oddly specific but I am not going to judge). Well, if you have answered yes to any or all of those questions, The Joe Haggerty Legacy Collection Box Set is for you!

In addition to Who Was Buffalo Bill?, the collection features “Camp Blood” and “Camp Blood 2” (Blu-ray, presented in 2D & Blu-ray 3D), Grindhouse Double Feature with “Evil Unleashed” and “Zombie Chronicles” (Blu-ray, presented in 2D & Blu-ray 3D), “Dark Crimes” (DVD), and “Camp Blood 8“. More importantly, the collection has bonus features including a making-of discussion with yours truly and other Who Was Buffalo Bill? cast & crew. We share behind-the-scenes stories and reminisce on our favorite moments in the film. Of course I also ham it up for the camera – just a bit.

You can purchase your box set today through Makeflix for $89.99.

Who Was Buffalo Bill?

Who Was Buffalo Bill? is a “mumblecore” (Joe’s term) drama about a literary agent who receives poetry from a liquidator handling the estate of William F. Marquard III, aka “Buffalo Bill”, a porn actor who recently died from an OD. The poetry is superb, but did Buffalo Bill really write it? The agent teams with a documentary filmmaker to find out who this intriguing man really was, and in the process questions if we ever really know anyone.

The film was shot as a series of interviews with the various people in Buffalo Bill’s life. For a film with an ample array of porn star characters, we didn’t show anything racy – except for a little pan up on my legs at one point. We also didn’t have any cutaway shots – everything was just two cameras documentary style. It was quite the acting challenge to essentially monologue and know that the camera would be catching any imperfection in the performance, but our cast pulled it off wonderfully!

Although this was just my first feature film (and my inexperience certainly shows), I am immensely proud of my work. I managed to direct a large, diverse cast of SAG actors. Being a young woman in a director role, I had to overcome biases and assert myself in a very male-dominated field. On top of all that, I also acted in this film – playing porn star “Sandy Brown” – and having no time to change out of my costume before directing the next scene!

Get Your Joe Haggerty Legacy Collection Box Set Today!

I know 90 bucks is steep, but consider supporting indie filmmakers. It’s a great opportunity to own some fun cult horror in addition to a high brow drama. It’s your only chance to see my first feature film in the comfort of your home! Get yours before they are all gone!

57 Ghosts

February 16, 2024 No Comments

Take part in a spirited séance aboard the historic – and haunted – Queen Mary with 57 Ghosts. From Master Magician and Apparitionist Aiden Sinclair, this 90-minute immersive experience takes

Read More »
Categories
Attractions News

Haunted Attraction Network’s 2023 Hauntathon

Haunted Attraction Network’s 2023 Hauntathon

Prepare yourself for a spine-tingling Halloween season with the Haunted Attraction Network’s 2023 Hauntathon. Lasting 61 days September 1st – October 31st, this celebration of haunted houses from around the globe will feature videos, podcasts, VIP in-person experiences, and more. 

The Haunted Attraction Network has gathered 13 ghoulish partners – including me – to bring viewers to 61+ haunted attractions worldwide. Hauntathon will explore some of the world’s best and most mysterious haunted attractions, from the classic to the cutting-edge. What does it take to scare people? You’ll find out.  In this year’s Hauntathon, viewers will get an inside look at the creative process behind some of the world’s most famous haunted attractions.

I am beyond excited to once again be a part of this incredible endeavor! Be on the lookout for me in various videos and be sure to subscribe to the weekly newsletter for up-to-date industry news written by yours truly. 

2023 Hauntathon

Listen

Subscribe on Spotify, iTunes, using RSS, or by searching “Haunted Attraction Network” in any podcast player.

Watch

Watch shorts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. For Full Length content, follow our YouTube Playlist.

Experience

Blood & Bones: The Ultimate Fan Experience
From show producers Joshua Grannell (“Peaches Christ”) and David Flower, comes an experience that’s taken the bay area by storm, and already garnered a cult-like following. Brimming with freakishly fabulous performances, this hybrid haunt-theatrcial horror show leaves you begging for more. Join us on October 7th, 2023, at this Superfan event! You’ll get to experience The Initiation, hear from show producers Joshua Grannell (“Peaches Christ”) and David Flower during a panel, shake your bones with Skeleton Sam from LVCRFT (Hocus Pocus 2, Hubie Halloween the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), and even get bloody with exclusive photo moments!

Sir Henry’s Legacy: A 10-Year Retrospective
From its humble origins as an outdoor trail in Plant City, Florida, a legendary scream park has emerged. This multi-attraction destination has captivated thrill-seekers and inspired podcasts, books, and even a film. Join us at Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail on November 4th, 2023, to celebrate Sir Henry’s Dark Legacy. You’ll get an express pass to experience every attraction, hear from founder Zach Glaros during a panel, and get exclusive photo moments with Sir Henry himself!

Featured Attractions

Featured Theme Parks Include:

Featured Haunts Include:

Programming Partners

 

Attractions Magazine

Attractions Magazine covers all the major theme parks and attractions. The Attractions Magazine website, YouTube, and social media accounts are filled with an exciting new looks at Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, Legoland, and other major attractions. Their coverage includes in-depth articles, tips, reviews, restaurants, hotels, and much more!

 

Creepy Kingdom

Covering the Spooky Side of Films, Theme Parks, & Beyond! Creating Original Films, Podcasts & Events.

 

Freaks of HHN

Founded out of a love for haunted attractions and theme park spookiness, Freaks of HHN reports on haunted attractions through social media posts, blogs, and vlog-style videos.

 

HaunTopic Radio

HaunTopic Radio is a monthly audio podcast about HOW to start and grow a Haunted House Attraction or Halloween Event.

 

Kevin Heimbach

Kevin is an Orlando Vlogger covering all things theme parks, attractions, conventions, and haunts.

 

Muse TV

MUSE TV features the best in film, television, music, lifestyle, tech, and so much more. If it is an interview with one of your favorite celebrities or musicians, special features from the red carpet or blockbuster movie, theme parks or travel destination, a concert with your favorite band, or experience an attraction from another part of the globe MUSE TV has you covered! Their reporters are the future of journalism today with many of them attending the best journalistic colleges and universities in the Southern California area. Their legacy of journalists on MUSE TV can now be seen across the nation in front of and behind the camera in newsrooms at NBC, CBS, FOX, and more. MUSE TV Now Available on Roku & Amazon Fire TV.

 

OMNI Adventures

A couple of fun-loving adventurers! They specialize in organic event coverage in the SoCal area.

 

Scaretrack

ScareTrack is the UK’s first podcast dedicated to the Scare Attraction & Haunted House Industry.

 

Sharp Productions

With over 600,000 subscribers on YouTube, Sharp Productions is a leading expert in POV content for Roller Coasters, Theme Park, and haunted attractions.

 

That Halloween Podcast

Halloween fans scream! Listen along as they celebrate the greatest day of the year. From discussions about Halloween movies and specials, to traditions, games and more, this podcast is for all of the spooky folks out there whose lives perk up a bit every October. Host of the show, Jeff DePaoli, welcomes many guests to the podcast who have worked on your favorite scary movies and haunted attractions.

 

The Horror of Being Emily

The Horror of Being Emily showcases resources, creative projects, small businesses, and more related to my weird and wonderful Halloween & horror obsession. (You should probably already be aware of this one since you are currently reading this blog) 

 

The Scare Factor

The Scare Factor provides Haunted House and Halloween lovers with the most professional and accurate info possible.

 

This Weekend, with Nick Pagliochini

Tune in to “This Weekend, with Nick Pagliochini” on Fridays at 8p PST/PDT, during “Later, with Mo’ Kelly” to get the lowdown on what you could be doing over the weekend and beyond: theme parks, museums, music festivals, community events, foodie finds, etc. You name it, Nick likely has the 411, or will know who to ask to find out what it is that you’re lookin’ for.

2023 Hauntathon Sponsors

The 2023 Hauntathon is made possible through generous financial support from Gantom Lighting and Controls. Gantom Illuminates attractions worldwide with the world’s smallest intelligent fixtures. See what you’re missing with a free demo. 

57 Ghosts

February 16, 2024 No Comments

Take part in a spirited séance aboard the historic – and haunted – Queen Mary with 57 Ghosts. From Master Magician and Apparitionist Aiden Sinclair, this 90-minute immersive experience takes

Read More »
Categories
Emily News

My History of Halloween & Horror: Part II

My History of Halloween & Horror: Part II

In My History of Halloween & Horror: Part I, I discussed my childhood and the ways my family fostered my love for all things spooky. In Part II I want to give an overview of my professional background. I am more than just an enthusiast – my jobs have given me insight into the inner workings of the film, haunt, and Halloween industries. Amazingly, I have made a living doing what I love. As a result I have acquired a vast knowledge base to help my eerie endeavors. I am a Halloween/horror professional!

Using that USC Film Degree

I have always liked the phrase “movie magic”. There is something magical about sitting in a darkened room full of strangers, coming together through a shared experience. Films can transport you into a fantastic world that reflects the best and worst of society. They can help you to look through the eyes of someone whose life is drastically different from your own and grow in understanding. Being on a film set is also magical. A team of highly talented individuals come together for a shared goal of creating a unique world for others.  

Both Sides of the Filmmaking Process

Following film school, I spent a few years dabbling in post-production. I honed my editing skills with the very non-horror “Prune Like a Pro” Youtube series, editing over 180 plant and nature-related videos. I also worked for two professional post-production/marketing companies, where I learned about the process of creating trailers and other marketing materials for film & television. My favorite experiences were learning how professional editors created marketing materials for the remake of Carrie, Full Moon Features films, and other scary fare. Although editing felt satisfying – like solving a gigantic jigsaw puzzle – I realized that sitting alone in a dark room staring at a computer for hours upon hours was not the job for someone as social as me.

So, I switched to the opposite side of the filmmaking process. I worked with the BlueCat Screenplay Competition first as a reader, then Competition Coordinator, and finally as their Social Media Coordinator. Spending my days reading hundreds of screenplays and learning from a top-notch mentor gave me new perspectives on crafting a script. There are so many talented horror writers from around the world, and so many amazing horror stories just waiting to be produced! I, however, am decidedly not a writer, and I wanted something more hands-on and collaborative.

My History of Halloween & Horror: Filmography

You can’t get more hands-on and collaborative experience than on a film set. I love to be both in front of and behind the camera. Luckily, I have had ample opportunity for both! Check out some of my works:

 

Features:

Howard the Doc or: How I Learned to Start Quacking and Love the Bomb – Self

9 Ways to Hell (2022) – Director (“Gluttony”), Actress (“Gluttony”)

Who Was Buffalo Bill? (2016) – Director, Actress

Killer Party (2014) – Script Supervisor

Fable: Teeth of Beasts (2010) – Production Assistant

 

Shorts:

Not Pregnant (2016) – Actress

Safe & Sound (2015) – Actress, Writer, Producer

Under the Bed (2015) – Writer, Actress, Producer

Fade to Black (2013) – Actress

Goth Girl: Season 2, Episode 11 (2010) – Actress

My History of Halloween & Horror: An "Event-ful" Life

Growing up, my Dad and I drove up to 7 hours away to attend horror movie conventions. From Chiller Theater in New Jersey, to local Buffalo-area cons, we went to every one we could, speaking to filmmakers and celebrities (and collecting autographs for the movie room). Additionally, we attended non-horror fare: toy train shows, air shows, toy collectable conventions, etc. I had a lot of fun attending conventions and always thought of them as nice ways to spend a weekend. They were just fun little diversions, and I never gave them too much consideration outside of that.

I never thought to volunteer for one until my senior year of college, where I had the opportunity to go to Las Vegas for Fangoria’s Trinity of Terror convention. I skipped a day of classes and got the cheapest hotel room I could find so I could spend the weekend working the event. The experience was electrifying. During the show I worked with the event videographer and interviewed Malcolm McDowell, John Waters, my childhood idol Kritsy Swanson, George Romero, and more.  Unfortunately, the event is known in certain circles as “the best convention no one attended” so I never got the chance to work that event again. 

ScareLA: SoCal's Premiere Halloween Convention

Struggling to survive for a few years after college kept me from working for free again, but all that changed in 2013 when I stumbled across a Facebook page for a new upcoming Halloween convention right in LA (so no hotel room required). I sent them a Facebook message and a day later received a response. I didn’t know it then, but this opportunity would change the entire course of my life.

ScareLA was the “premiere Halloween convention in SoCal” (a tagline I championed from year-one) from 2013 – 2018. I started as an assistant to one of the event’s founders on the show floor. A month before the event I left my job at a post-production house so I had far too much time on my hands to prep for the event. My 50+ page event binder with every single detail about the event impressed management and the next year I was on payroll as the Exhibitor Coordinator. By year three I was a close assistant to both founders of the event – even working with them on projects outside of ScareLA. 

Starting in 2016, I became the Exhibition Producer for ScareLA’s final three years. In addition, I coordinated the event’s Screening Room, showcasing filmmakers from around the world.

Lifelong Lessons

My co-workers and mentors at ScareLA instilled in me many key lessons that I still hold in my heart:

  • The desire to showcase talented local artists & artisans
  • Bringing together creative individuals from a multitude of disciplines and utilizing their talents in new ways
  • Breaking down cliques and egos that often divide people in the horror/Halloween communities
  • Fostering emerging talent and empowering new creators
  • Identifying trends in the industry to better provide experiences that audiences are craving
A New Perspective

Until ScareLA, I had never even thought that the events industry could be a career path for me. I usually associated careers in events more along the lines of party planning, wedding planning, or catering. This event showed me that I could make a living creating interactive spooky experiences. After two years of ScareLA, I stopped looking for full-time film work in post houses or studios and decided that the flexibility and fun of the events world was the best fit for me.

ScareLA will forever hold a special place in my heart. I am very proud of the event we created and all the talented individuals we supported and highlighted during the years of the event. Our model has since inspired other events around the country. 

A Pro of Cons

Although one event may take an entire year’s worth of work to produce, to pay the bills, a person usually needs more than just one event. That variety is what makes the events industry so dynamic and exciting. It also allows me to constantly bring new techniques and ideas to all the events I work with. 

I have been involved in a number of events and trade shows in Southern California – specializing in horror, Halloween, and cinema. Highlights include:

  • Cine Gear Expo LA, NY, & ATL – Exhibitor Director (2015, 2017 – Present)
  • TD Events – Events Assistant (2017 – Present)
    • Oscars Governors Ball
    • Emmys Governors Ball 
    •  ADG Awards 
    • Politicon 
    • Disney DCPI Booth at D23 (2017)
  • Lightbox Expo – Exhibitor Floor Lead (2019), Discord Moderator (2020)
  • LA Times Festival of Books – Operations Bookworm (2016 – Present)
  • HauntX – Exhibitor Coordinator (2019)
  • WhedonCon/Hellmouth Con – Assistant to Vendor Manager (2019, 2022)
  • Politicon – Exhibitor Coordinator (2016)
  • Days of the Dead LA – Celebrity Handler / Show Floor Volunteer (2013, 205)
  • LA Horrorfest – Ticketing Volunteer (2012)

Screamfest is the largest and longest-running horror film festival in the U.S. I have been a proud volunteer with this festival since 2013. The event highlights horror filmmakers from around the world for 9 crazy days each October.  They also host monthly Fears & Beers movie nights with classic horror favorites.

Recently, I have also been their Volunteer Coordinator. I oversee a group of 20+ horror film fans who work together to support the fest. It is a joy to have worked with such kind and dedicated team members for all these years. Plus I get to meet new friends each year! 

Looking for something scary to watch? Check out their Youtube channel or read some of my past Film Friday posts:

My History of Halloween & Horror: Haunt Industry

Rounding out my experience in the horror/Halloween world is having worked in professional haunted attractions.

Delusion

I spent a season with Delusion for their production of “Masque of Mortality” in 2013. Over the summer I helped build/paint/set up the venue and then worked behind the scenes for the finale room for the haunt’s limited-time run. This was my first taste of the professional haunt industry. I loved how it blended a haunted house and theatrical production. Watching how each group and performance was timed to allow actors to weave from scene to scene was awe-inspiring. I have heard that I can briefly be seen at work in the behind-the-scenes footage of Delusion in the special features of the Haunters: The Movie DVD. Let me know if you spot me!

Universal Studios Hollywood: House of Horrors

In 2014 I was able to call Dracula, the Wolfman, and Frankenstein’s Monster colleagues while working at Universal Studios Hollywood as a House of Horrors Attraction Host. I enjoyed entering the lot every morning, donning a uniform with a Dracula or Frankenstein poster image on the back, and helping to scare the living daylights out of tourists. Adding little flourishes to the safety spiel was a highlight of my day: “Please remember to hold onto everything you do not want to lose while in the attraction – such as hats, glasses, loved ones…”

I also loved to tease the scaredy-cat of each group. They would typically cling onto someone at the back and as they entered the attraction, I would whisper, “Our monsters like the ones at the back the best”. 

Haunted Attraction Network

After working with Philip Hernandez at ScareLA, I admired his dedication to the haunt industry and the way he truly wanted to help haunters spread the word about their events. Philp’s Haunted Attraction Network is the leading news resource for haunted attractions. Reaching up to 100 million people, HAN informs, connects, and educates a wide global audience from enthusiasts to professionals. Since 2020 I have been a regular contributor to the website & weekly newsletter. You can also see me featured in a few of our videos (like Springtopia LA) and podcast episodes. Subscribe to the HAN weekly newsletter to read my weekly news updates. 

I Love My History of Halloween & Horror

My history of Halloween & horror has touched every aspect of my day-to-day life from family to friends to my career. I have experienced every facet of the industry – content creation, events, haunts themselves, and more. These experiences have given me unique insights into the industry, and help me to highlight the best of the best.This blog is an opportunity for me to share news, events, and more that promote horror and Halloween. I hope to bring together other like-minded fans and creators so we can become a unified community of the macabre and spooky. After all, I truly believe Halloween is not a holiday you celebrate alone. Stay spooky, and stay tuned for more on TheHorrorOfBeingEmily.com.

Want to know more about me?

Emily Louise Rua on IMDB

Read My Short Stories in Haunters Tale: Volume II

My History of Halloween & Horror: Part I

57 Ghosts

February 16, 2024 No Comments

Take part in a spirited séance aboard the historic – and haunted – Queen Mary with 57 Ghosts. From Master Magician and Apparitionist Aiden Sinclair, this 90-minute immersive experience takes

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Categories
Events News

Fears & Beers Under the Stars – June 2023

Fears & Beers Under the Stars – June 2023

Get ready for a fully immersive experience as Screamfest’s Fears & Beers screens Friday the 13th Part IV: The Final Chapter under the stars. The screening will take place on Saturday, June 24th, 2023 at 8:30 p.m. at the McGroarty Arts Center in Tujunga, CA. Tickets are $15 and include a complimentary Angel City Brewery beer for guests 21+. DeadHead run cocktails will be available for purchase – served in collectible shrunken head cups. Additionally, Sarah’s Sammiches * Salads * Sides food truck will have some delicious menu items. Popcord, sodas, and more will be available at the concessions stand.

Prior to the main feature, Screamfest has another trick (or perhaps treat) up its sleeve – a special screening of the horror short, The Eyes. Directed by Screamfest alumni and local Tujunga filmmaker, Mike Timm, The Eyes premiered to rave reviews at Screamfest 2022. Delve into a world where nothing goes unseen as the eyes of karma haunts one man’s wrong choices in this unforgettable 80s camp creature thriller. It is the perfect pairing to the feature!

Friday the 13th Part IV: The Final Chapter

Haven’t seen this flick before? Brush up on the series for backstory on the lore and then get ready for “The Final Chapter”:

After the Crystal Lake Massacres, Jason is pronounced dead and taken to the hospital morgue, where he is mysteriously revived, allowing his diabolical killing spree to continue at the camp where the gruesome slaughtering began. But this time, in addition to terrified teenagers, he meets a young boy named Tommy Jarvis who has a special talent for horror masks and make up, leading up to a horrifying, bloody battle that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Has the diabolical Jason finally met his match? revives and embarks on a killing spree as he makes his way back to his home at Camp Crystal Lake.

Get Your Screamfest Fears & Beers Tickets Today!

Check in and food sales begin at 7:00 p.m. The movie starts at 8:30 p.m. No one under 17 will be admitted without a parent of guardian. 

The McGroarty Arts Center is located at 7570 McGroarty Terrace, Tujunga, CA 91042.

See you there!

Past Screamfest Fears & Beers events include:

My Bloody Valentine 3D

Ho Ho Horrors

57 Ghosts

February 16, 2024 No Comments

Take part in a spirited séance aboard the historic – and haunted – Queen Mary with 57 Ghosts. From Master Magician and Apparitionist Aiden Sinclair, this 90-minute immersive experience takes

Read More »
Categories
Attractions Destinations Emily

Springtopia LA 2023

Springtopia LA 2023

Springtopia LA 2023 brought 200,000 square feet of exciting and immersive fun to Southern California March 29th – April 23rd. The event offered haunts, a laser light experience, silent disco, carnival rides, and more – all for $35 per person.

Philip Hernandez of The Haunted Attraction Network invited me along to explore each of the seven themed lands:

  • 3D Circus Land – featuing a surprisingly terrifying 3D clown maze
  •  Fun Land – with bubbles and a rockin’ silent disco
  • Puppy Land – where you can pet and play with an assortment of delightful dogs
  • Pirate Land – search for hidden treasure and pillage with pirates. But beware –  you may have to walk the plank! Watch out for sharks!
  • Lightshow Land – walkthrough thousands of sparkling lights, lasers, and more
  • Spooky Land – featuring two horrifying haunts (for ages 13+)
  • Holiday Land – frolic in “snow” with Santa, elves, and the Grinch at the “West Coast Pole” in this Socal Winter Wonderland

We also stopped by the food court and midway for rides, carnival games, and snacks. It was quite the evening!

Exploring Springtopia LA 2023

Want to see more of my Haunted Attraction Network escapades? Check out more videos below:

Scream Break 2023

The Darkness

Don’t forget to follow The Haunted Attraction Network on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and their website for the latest Halloween news & entertainment. You can also sign up for their newsletter (written by yours truly) for weekly haunt news delivered stright to your inbox.

57 Ghosts

February 16, 2024 No Comments

Take part in a spirited séance aboard the historic – and haunted – Queen Mary with 57 Ghosts. From Master Magician and Apparitionist Aiden Sinclair, this 90-minute immersive experience takes

Read More »
Categories
Emily Events Theme Parks

Scream Break 2023

Scream Break 2023

Do you ever wonder what monsters do in the off-season? This year Six Flags Magic Mountain showed us how their terrifying Fright Fest monsters celebrate Spring Break with Scream Break 2023. Fridays – Sundays, March 18th – April 16th, park guests could add some vitamin SCREAM to their visit during this special, separately ticketed after-hours event. The event included two haunts, three scare zones, specialty food & beverages, and more. 

Scream Break with the Haunted Attraction Network

I was beyond excited to get to experience this event myself as part of the  Haunted Attraction Network. Philip let me out of my newsletter writing-only cage to get a little monster R&RIP at Scream Break 2023. 

I started the evening with some delicious BBQ Brisket Mac & Cheese. To drink, I had the event’s signature cocktail, “Skulls on the Beach” (but as a mocktail version for me). Then it was out into the night for mazes & scarezones!

We first walked through “Vault 666: The Initiation”. Through some clever negotiations on my part, we made it out alive and successfully joined Sigma Phi Mu Mu (Six Flags Magic Mountain). Then we were off to one hell of a frat party at “Condemned: House Party”. Afterwards we mixed and mingled with the spring break monsters. 

Next, we walked through a sinister soiree at Bloodborne Hollow. The area’s denizens were half-human, half-animal – but all terrifying! The chandeliers along the pathway indicated that we had made our way over to the  classy area of town. Much nicer than the dilapitated old house of the frat area.

Finally, we ended the evening with a [G]RAVE at the Dead Man’s Party area in the DC Universe. I had a blast busting out my best dance moves to the DJ’s rocking beats. Not too shabby of a night out for this ghoul!

Scream Break was a great twist on some classic Fright Fest attractions. It certainly satisfied my need for Halloween halfway through the year. I look forward to seeing how this event grows in future years.

Watch the Video

Thank you to Philp and the Haunted Attraction Network for the opportunity to experience this awesome event!

Want to see more of my haunt walkthroughs? Check out these links:

Scream Break with Sharp Productions

The Darkness Animatronics-Only Walkthrough

57 Ghosts

February 16, 2024 No Comments

Take part in a spirited séance aboard the historic – and haunted – Queen Mary with 57 Ghosts. From Master Magician and Apparitionist Aiden Sinclair, this 90-minute immersive experience takes

Read More »

About My Blog

Welcome to my home of all things horror & Halloween! The Horror of Being Emily showcases resources, creative projects, small businesses, and more related to my weird and wonderful Halloween & horror obsession.

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