Scott Swenson
Owner/Creative Director
For over 30 years, Scott Swenson has been a storyteller, bringing stories to life as a writer, director, producer and performer. His work in theme park, consumer events, live theatre and television has given him a broad spectrum of experiences. In 2014, after 21 years with SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Scott formed Scott Swenson Creative Development LLC. Since then he has been providing impactful experiences for clients around the world. Whether he is installing shows on cruise ships or creating seasonal festivals for theme parks, writing educational presentations for zoos and museums or directing successful fund raisers, Scott is always finding new ways to tell stories that engage and entertain.
May 3, 2023
Add Killer Food & Beverage to Your Haunt
Adding Killer Food & Beverage to your haunt is a great way to boost revenue, and these Bar & Restaurant Expo trends will get you started. Subscribe to future episodes of Green Tagged https://greentaggedshow.com/.
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
April 20, 2023
Signals from IAAPA: Safety and Sustainability
Sustainability, Safety, and Staffing- these areas continue to be challenging in the attractions industry. We don't have answers yet, but IAAPA plans to ask questions. We'll discuss what it might mean for the industry and whether politics has anything...
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
April 11, 2023
DeSantis VS Disney: The Saga Continues
Everything you need to know about the Disney VS DeSantis debacle involving the new Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. We're moving Green Tagged to a standalone feed; if you want to subscribe, visit https://greentaggedshow.com/ or...
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
April 4, 2023
2023: The Year of Year-Round Horror Experiences?
Theme parks nationwide have announced expanded Halloween schedules; meanwhile, more horror experiences are opening up in the off-season. Will 2023 be the Year of Year-round horror? In this episode, we look at the Creepiest Trends for 2023. Support for...
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
March 28, 2023
SPECIAL: Exploring Authentic Reality at the IAAPA North American Trade Summit
We recap the major takeaways from the First Annual IAAPA North American Trade Summit, specifically, the central theme of Authentic Reality. The IAAPA Trade Summits have replaced the former Leadership Summits, and each region will host a local trade...
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
March 10, 2023
An inside trick for your best customers
https://scottswenson.com/ shares a design hack – incorporating easter eggs (AKA Hidden narrative moments) into your haunt for your best customers to discover. Support for this episode comes from Gantom Lighting and Controls. See what you’re missing...
Guest: Scott Swenson
March 9, 2023
Haunt Consultants: What to Look For & What to Avoid
Should you hire a consultant for your haunt, and how do you begin? Today, https://scottswenson.com/ explains what makes a great consultant, things to avoid when hiring the right one, and why you might not even need one. If you want to join the...
Feb. 11, 2023
Pitching a new idea? Do this first
Today’s episode is from one of those partners – A Scott in the Dark, hosted by Scott Swenson. Today, Scott discusses crafting a pitch for new or existing clients. Support for this episode comes from Gantom Lighting and Controls. See what you’re...
Guest: Scott Swenson
Nov. 29, 2022
The Return of Bob Iger
We discuss the return of Bob Iger as CEO of the Walt Disney Company.
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
Nov. 15, 2022
Preparing for IAAPA Expo 2022
Scott and Philip outline their plan for the annual IAAPA expo in Orlando.
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
Nov. 12, 2022
Cedar Fair Earnings and Halloween Enthusiasm
Cedar Fair Earnings are great; Supply chains will be strained more for Chinese New Year; Seoul's Halloween Stampede is a cautionary tale.
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
Oct. 30, 2022
BONUS: Halloween Special from Green Tagged
Scott and Philip discuss the 2022 Halloween Season
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
Oct. 27, 2022
BONUS: Marketing your Halloween Event
Scott and Philip take a break from the news to discuss marketing a Halloween event at your attraction.
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
Oct. 19, 2022
BONUS: Genie+ Price Increases, TikTok, and Secret Bars
The price of Genie+ will increase at both Disneyland and the Walt Disney World resort. Plus, we review a listener message about TikTok and takeaways from the new secret bars at Hush haunted attraction.
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
Oct. 11, 2022
BONUS: The WTO & Takeaways from Eastern State Penitentiary
The WTO's outlook for 2023 isn't great. Scott and discuss what that means for the attraction industry, plus takeaways from Eastern State Penitentiary.
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
Oct. 4, 2022
BONUS: Hurricanes, Chaperones, and Shootings
While parks have reopened after Hurricane Ian, Knott’s tweaked their chaperone policy, and Kennywood reels from shooting during Phantom Fall Fest. Follow along to our Hauntathon: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
Oct. 2, 2022
BONUS: Iger's take, Dark Nights at Hersheypark, and DARK
We break down Bob Iger's interview for Code, Dark Nights at Hersheypark, and DARK at Fort Edmonton park.
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
Oct. 2, 2022
BONUS: Disney Parks Announcements from D23
We recap the Disney Parks announcements from D23, including Pacific Wharf in Disney California Adventure Park to Be Reimagined into San Fransokyo from “Big Hero 6;” Disney100 Celebration at Disneyland Resort Kicks Off in Late January 2023, and EPCOT's...
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
Sept. 19, 2022
Day 19: The Vault of Souls in Tampa Florida
The Vault of Souls is BACK and this year – not all the spirits are cooperating. The Vault of Souls is an experience we’ve covered since Year 1. Written and developed by Scott Swenson, it’s an elegant evening of fear in the Historic bank vault in...
Guest: Scott Swenson
Sept. 16, 2022
Day 16: Writing Blood Beckoning for Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando
Today, the new maze for this year’s Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando is Blood Beckoning. Now in its 2nd year, Howl-O-Scream at Orlando has an overall theme and the main villains are sirens. This year, Scratch the Blood Siren has a dedicated maze –...
Guest: Scott Swenson
Sept. 14, 2022
Earlier
Scott and Philip celebrate their 2 year anniversary by reflecting on Lost island's early closure and the opening of Halloween Horror Nights
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
Aug. 29, 2022
Disney is Learning, Seaworld Orlando’s Halloween
Disney is listening to guest reactions and is adjusting several policies, including Magic Keys and reservations. Plus, Year 2 of Seaworld Orlando’s Howl-o-Scream demonstrates an impressive amount of story cohesion. Subscribe to all our offerings:...
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
Aug. 24, 2022
How To Integrate Halloween into any Attraction
Today, Scott Swenson will discuss integrating Halloween into attractions of all sizes and shapes, such as Museums, Zoos, Aquariums, Restaurants, and Retail locations. For haunters, take these ideas to a local attraction to create a new experience. For...
Guest: Scott Swenson
Aug. 22, 2022
The Demise of Cable, Shutdowns, and Chaperone Policies
For the first time, streaming outperformed cable & broadcast TV; Shanghai factories are shut down again due to record heat waves; Both Knott’s and Universal Orlando test chaperone policies to curb violence at their parks in preparation for Halloween....
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
Aug. 15, 2022
Earnings: Six Flags Lags while Disney Exceeds Predictions
More earnings reports are out, and we'll compare and contrast Six Flags with Disney. Despite record attendance at its competitors, Six Flags is losing crowds. The chain will attempt to copy the Disney playbook, despite having assets that don't align...
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
Aug. 8, 2022
Earnings from Universal and Cedar Fair, Plus Tokyo Disney Ticketing Changes
Coming up, we’re discuss the earnings reports from Universal and Cedar Fair – plus changing ticketing policies at Tokyo Disney. Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
Aug. 1, 2022
Should we be talking about a recession?
Today we discuss the CDC lifting restrictions for Cruise Ships; Hong Kong Disneyland Resort enhancing cast benefits; GDP data fanning concerns about a U.S. recession; and why Meta’s Profit is down 36%. Subscribe to all our offerings:...
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
July 29, 2022
The Best Way to Surprise and Delight Your Superfans This Halloween Season
Coming up, Scott Swenson explains why you should design easter eggs into your haunt to engage your superfans. Apply for our Hauntathon before July 29th ( http://hauntathon.info/ ) and Subscribe to all our offerings:...
Guest: Scott Swenson
July 26, 2022
Knott’s Chaperone Policy, ICON Theme Recall, and Universal Japan Halloween
Scott and Philip go on an extended discussion about chaperone policies at your attraction and preparing for violence in the Fall Season. Then, we discuss the ICON park theme recall and the new Halloween announcements from Universal Studios Japan....
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
July 18, 2022
Dark Nights at Hersheypark, Lego Monster Party, & Nope
This week: Hersheypark announces Dark Nights Halloween event with haunted houses and Scare Zones; Legoland's Lego Monster Party returns; Nope Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood. Subscribe to all our offerings:...
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
July 11, 2022
Flying Cellphones, Oogie Boogie Sells Out, and Nope Arrives
This week we’re sticking to I-5 for a few stories including girl injured by flying cellphone, Oogie Boogie Bash has sold out, Universal Studios Hollywood adds ‘Nope’ Jupiter’s Claim set to Studio Tour, and United has expanded their pilot program. We...
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
July 4, 2022
Chapek’s Extension, California’s Great America To Close, Pride Day
Coming up, we’ll discuss Bob Chapek’s extension, the closing of California’s Great America, and Pride Day celebrates inclusion at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
June 28, 2022
The Politics of Staffing
Today we discuss Disney’s new Abortion Travel Credit, 13th Floor Entertainment Group’s new event Shaqtoberfest, and the opening of Volkanu from Sally Dark Rides. Subscribe to all our offerings: https://linktr.ee/hauntedattractionnetwork
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
June 25, 2022
What Cruise Ships Can Teach You About Entertainment Design
They say that the best thing about cruising is seeing new places, but it turns out there's more than just scenery on a ship. In this video, Scott explores how the new ‘Carnival Mardi Gras’ ship has been designed with entertainment in mind using space...
Guest: Scott Swenson
June 21, 2022
How Much Would You Pay To Go On A DISNEY DREAM VACATION For 24 Days?
Disney unveils a new luxury experience, Universal Orlando unveils escape rooms, Ghost Town Alive! and Forbidden Frontier are returning for the 2022 season, and Electric Ocean comes to SeaWorld Orlando.
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
June 18, 2022
Time Management Strategies For The Busy Haunter
Coming up - How to Effectively Manage Your Time When Running a Haunted Attraction. Scott Swenson explains how working "time smart" will prevent your event from creeping up on you.
Guest: Scott Swenson
June 13, 2022
IRL: Indianapolis Zoo & BMorrow Productions
In our first "IRL" episode, Scott takes us on-location to the Indianapolis Zoo for a construction update. Then, Philip speaks with Brian Morrow at BMorrow Productions HQ about the recession, staffing, upcoming projects, and working with IP.
June 6, 2022
2022 Summer Travel Industry Trends
Tiqets.com published “Must-Know Travel Industry Trends For the 2022 High Season” and we dig into the report and discuss some key takeaways. We also discuss the Shanghai reopening, Castaway Cove’s staffing, the live production of “The Greatest Show On...
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
May 31, 2022
New Product in the Current Uncertain Time
This week we recap Licensing Expo 2022, discuss Ocean Park Hong Kong’s new water park, Hersheypark’s 2 new rides, Rocky Mountain Construction’s apprentice program, the Milwaukee County Zoo requiring masks, and the Drive-thru zoo experience returns to...
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
May 27, 2022
Big Moves in the Right Direction
Coming up, Big Moves in the Right Direction. We’ll talk about Disney’s pride collection, Pirates of Speelunker Cave, the Summer Celebration at Busch Gardens Tampa, and how attractions are using TikTok. All that and more on this episode of GT TP in 30.
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
May 17, 2022
Make Your Position Known
This week Scott and Philip argue quite a bit over the Six Flags Q1 Earnings and Meow Wolf’s 2 new locations. Plus, are teens convinced about the Metaverse? Show notes: https://www.haunt.news/green-tagged-make-your-position-known
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
May 10, 2022
Mitigating the Rush
Attractions are doing everything they can to mitigate the upcoming rush. This week: The new queueless experience from Disney, SeaWorld and Cedar Fair are seeing financial recovery (despite still losing millions), Universal staffs up, and performer safety.
Guests: Scott Swenson , Philip Hernandez
May 7, 2022
A Scott in the Dark: 67 - Keeping Performers Safe from Guests
In the wake of recent violence against live performers, Scott discusses the importance of performer safety.
Guest: Scott Swenson
April 18, 2022
The First Full-Service Marketing Agency for Haunted Houses
Fearworm is the first and largest full-service marketing agency dedicated to haunted houses; Today, we’ll learn about their firm and get a tip for managing your haunt’s social media.
Guests: Scott Swenson , Tyler Barnett
April 18, 2022
A Convergence of Trends
We’ll review the most important new attractions openings and break down why they’re all continuations of ongoing trends.
Guest: Scott Swenson
April 11, 2022
The Staffing Balance
This week we explore stories of staffing, acquisition, diversification, and breaking the 4th wall.
Guest: Scott Swenson
April 6, 2022
Dot Rooms, Clown Mazes, and 3D Floors with Pittsburgh Poster
Pittsburgh Poster is a large format printer and manufacturer of screen printing, digital and hybrid products. Their parent company Design Dynamics, Inc. is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year.
Guests: Scott Swenson , Melanie Paul
April 4, 2022
Curation VS Community
After a round of Quick Hits, we discuss the recent string of acquisitions and Universal’s new housing project.
Guest: Scott Swenson
March 28, 2022
NightScream Studios Receives HAA Vendor Excellence Award
NightScream Studios received one of this year’s Vendor Excellence Awards – right after selling out on the show floor.
Guests: Scott Swenson , Rodney Geffert
March 28, 2022
Training for New Growth
Supply chain disruptions are back as attractions also struggle with training new staff. Meanwhile, it’s full steam ahead for a record fall season.
Guest: Scott Swenson
March 26, 2022
A Scott in the Dark: Transworld 2022
Recorded at the 2022 Transworld Halloween, Christmas, and Escape Room show in St. Louis
Guest: Scott Swenson
March 18, 2022
The Transworld Diaries
Today is day 2 of Transworld’s Halloween & Attraction show in St Louis. This show is always pure madness, and this year is no exception.
March 17, 2022
A Scott in the Dark: Preparing for a Trade Show
Scott shares his suggestions for getting the most out of a trade show.
Guest: Scott Swenson