Episodes

Feb. 11, 2019

[Marketing Your Attraction] The quick & dirty Marketing Plan

Struggling with your attraction's marketing plan? This episode walks you step by step through a marketing plan. Download the template from our email list!

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Feb. 7, 2019

[HaunTopic] HAuNTcon 2019: Our review and interviews from the convent…

HAuNTcon (co-located with the Halloween and Party Expo) is one of the nations's fastest growing conventions for Haunters, Halloween buyers, and Haunted Attraction Owners. HAuNTcon stands for Haunted Attraction National Tradeshow and Convention. IN...

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Jan. 29, 2019

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 27: HAuNTcon 2019 Interviews With Frien…

Scott recorded a great (and often silly) conversation with his friends Rick West from Midsummer Scream and entertainment icon J Michael Roddy. He also recorded a "simulcast" with Johnny Bronto and Haunt Scene which aired live via Facebook Live. This...

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Jan. 15, 2019

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 26: The Special Event Tradeshow 2019

Hear Scott's thoughts and observations about The Special Event Tradeshow 2019 in San Diego California.

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Jan. 5, 2019

[HaunTopic] Epic Home Haunts: The Documentary About the Lives of Home…

The Epic Home Haunts Documentary is a movie that shares the lives of four Home Haunter families and how they get ready for Halloween each year. Setting up realistic Haunted Attraction events in their yards, garages, & properties..all for free for...

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Jan. 2, 2019

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 25: Shopping for Your Haunt All Year Lo…

Since Haunters never really stop haunting, this episode discusses what to keep an eye out for all year long so that when the season arrives, you will have everything you need to tell a terrifying story.

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Nov. 19, 2018

[HaunTopic Radio] Hauntcon 2019 & Stories of The Dead Factory and Dea…

What's inside this podcast episode? Liz Irving joins us from HAuNTcon: Haunted Attraction National Tradeshow & Convention to let us in on what's going on this January 25-27th in New Orleans. Brian and Darryl discuss their Haunt Season..some...

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Oct. 28, 2018

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 24: Installing Canadian Dark or a Layov…

While making a transfer in the Huston airport, Scott shares some of his experience installing his most recent haunt project, "Dark" at Fort Edmonton Park in Edmonton Alberta Canada. He also discusses a couple of other great Haunts this season...be...

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Sept. 18, 2018

Marketing Your Attraction: Marketing’s Role In Recruiting

NEWS/Quick-Takes: The Halloween season is starting much earlier than usual and the Theme Park Halloween landscape is shifting to keep pace. See Festival del Terror at 6 Flags Mexico, the early Cedar Point opening of HalloWeekends, and Knott’s....

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Sept. 16, 2018

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 23: When the Tide Comes in All Ships Ri…

Scott discusses the importance of treating other haunters and other attractions with respect, especially in the world of social media. He talks about finding the right forum to share suggestions and the importance of professionalism.

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Sept. 12, 2018

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 22 The 4 Levels of Haunt

Scott chats about the 4 key demographics that haunted attractions target; Kids, Tweens, Teens Plus and Mature Guests. Having worked on haunted attractions from each of these categories, he is able to share insight into all of them.

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Sept. 3, 2018

Adding Value to Your Attraction (AKA Rethinking Upcharges)

NEWS/Quick-Takes: Amazon has YouTube envy: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-08-15/amazon-wants-twitch-to-be-a-youtube-competitor?mod=djemCMOToday Theme Park Announcements: Canada’s Wonderland Six Flags Magic Mountain Carowinds Scary Farm...

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Aug. 31, 2018

Groupon and the Art of Discounting - A Cautionary Tale

NEWS/Quick-Takes: This 18+ Horror-Themed Campground Is The Most Disturbing Place To Go Camping: https://www.narcity.com/ca/on/toronto/travel/this-18-horror-themed-campground-near-toronto-is-the-most-disturbing-place-youll-ever-go-camping Six Flags...

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Aug. 13, 2018

SEO - Search Engine Optimization For Beginners

NEWS/Quick-Takes: Empty Malls - https://digiday.com/marketing/online-retailers-using-empty-mall-spaces-test-products/ The Science of Storytelling - https://marketingland.com/the-science-of-storytelling-245561 The Expanding Market: “DXB...

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Aug. 12, 2018

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 21: Two Shows in Long Beach

Join a sleep deprived Scott as he shares random moments from Midsummer Scream and The Leadership Symposium for Seasonal Attractions.

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Aug. 6, 2018

Your Guide to Working With Marketing Agencies

The hosts walk through best practices for working with marketing, creative, and media buying agencies for your attraction. NEWS/Quick-Takes: Physical products are more valuable than digital products -...

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July 31, 2018

Navigating Review Websites

NEWS/Quick-Takes: Alien: Descent vs. The Void Midsummer Scream: A great convention chuck full of marketing examples for attractions. All the attractions in the Southern California area participate and each is a great example of attractions...

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July 22, 2018

Digital vs. Traditional Marketing for big and small attractions

NEWS/Quick-Takes: Theme Park WiFi - http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-theme-park-wifi-20180720-story.html Reviews of Comic-Con Activations including escape rooms:...

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July 22, 2018

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 20: from the League of Historic America…

Scott recently attended this "non-haunt" convention to co-present a seminar on monetizing theatre's ghost stories. This episode includes a great interview with co-presenter, Jill Witecki, Marketing Director and official "Ghost Host" for Tampa...

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July 17, 2018

Picking Partners: How To Evaluate Sponsorship Opportunities

Picking Partners: How To Evaluate Sponsorship Opportunities NEWS/Quick-Takes: Elevating Moments Into Lasting Memories article: http://bradjashinsky.com/memorable-moments-themepark-attraction/ Live stream from a roller coaster:...

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July 16, 2018

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 19 Greetings from SEHEC

Hear Scott's take on the new Southeast Halloween Enthusiast Convention in Ocala FL. Scott also interviews great folks from Universal Studios and Legoland. PLUS a surprise visit with Alex Crow!

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July 12, 2018

Ask More: A Simple Guide to Asking More Effective Guest Survey Questi…

Ask More: A Simple Guide to Asking More Effective Guest Survey Questions NEWS Blooloop’s Top 50 Theme Park Influencer List An interesting read to see the diversity of the industry. https://blooloop.com/blooloop-50-theme-park-influencer-list/#top50...

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July 3, 2018

How do you set Prices for your attraction?

How do you set Prices for your attraction? Pricing is expensive or cheap depending on who you are targeting, therefore, framing & testing is critical. NEWS/Quick-Takes: California Data Privacy Law Passes “The bill -- AB 375, or the California...

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July 1, 2018

[HaunTopic Radio] Southeast Halloween Enthusiast Convention & Leaders…

In this PODCAST EPISODE, we chat with the organizers of SEHEC (Southeast Halloween Enthusiast Convention) and the Seasonal Attraction Leadership Symposium. Philip Hernandez: Director of Marketing & Sales for Gantom Lighting and Controls, a reputable...

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