Episodes

[HaunTopic Radio] Hauntcon 2019 & Stories of The Dead Factory and Deadmonton
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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[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 24: Installing Canadian Dark or a Layover in Huston
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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Marketing Your Attraction: Marketing’s Role In Recruiting
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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[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 23: When the Tide Comes in All Ships Rise
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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[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 22 The 4 Levels of Haunt
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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Adding Value to Your Attraction (AKA Rethinking Upcharges)
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 WonderlandSix Flags Magic MountainCarowindsScary Farm...

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Groupon and the Art of Discounting - A Cautionary Tale
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-campingSix Flags...

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SEO - Search Engine Optimization For Beginners
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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[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 21: Two Shows in Long Beach
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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Your Guide to Working With Marketing Agencies
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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Navigating Review Websites
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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Digital vs. Traditional Marketing for big and small attractions
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.htmlReviews of Comic-Con Activations including escape rooms:...

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[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 20: from the League of Historic American Theatres Conference
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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Picking Partners: How To Evaluate Sponsorship Opportunities
July 17, 2018

Picking Partners: How To Evaluate Sponsorship Opportunities

Picking Partners: How To Evaluate Sponsorship OpportunitiesNEWS/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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[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 19 Greetings from SEHEC
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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Ask More: A Simple Guide to Asking More Effective Guest Survey Questions
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 QuestionsNEWSBlooloop’s Top 50 Theme Park Influencer ListAn interesting read to see the diversity of the industry.https://blooloop.com/blooloop-50-theme-park-influencer-list/#top50...

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How do you set Prices for your attraction?
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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[HaunTopic Radio] Southeast Halloween Enthusiast Convention & Leadership Symposium
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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[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 18: The Director is The Lens not The Sun
July 1, 2018

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 18: The Director is The Lens not The Sun

As requested on the "A Scott in the Dark" Facebook group, Scott chats about the role of a director for haunted attractions.

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Which social platform should I use for my attraction? The Social Media Starter Kit.
June 25, 2018

Which social platform should I use for my attraction? The Social Medi…

There is no easy answer to which platform you should choose, but here’s a guide to follow!NEWS/Quick-Takes:Instagram TV is pulling us ever closer to a future full of tall videos...

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How To Not Squander Media Attention.
June 19, 2018

How To Not Squander Media Attention.

Just imagine the look on your team’s face when you receive that extra media coverage!How would you feel if your next media event makes a difference? Combining some recent experience from Great America’s new roller coaster with pointers from “The Art...

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How do you use retargeting? The cornerstone conversion tactic for your attraction explained.
June 12, 2018

How do you use retargeting? The cornerstone conversion tactic for you…

The hosts discuss tracking versus email list retargeting and the best examples for using each at your attraction.“Retargeting ads are a form of online targeting advertising and are served to people who have already visited your website or are a...

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[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 17 The Haunted Attraction Theatre Overlap
June 8, 2018

[A Scott in the Dark] Episode 17 The Haunted Attraction Theatre Overl…

Scott shares quirky insights about how haunters can learn from local theatre companies and visa versa.

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Can you explain what you do in one sentence?
June 4, 2018

Can you explain what you do in one sentence?

Your listener challenge: Explain what you do in one sentence using a Character, a Problem, a Plan, & vision of Success.Using pointers from “Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen” by Donald Miller (available here:...

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