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Scott SwensonProfile Photo

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/.

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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...

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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...

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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...

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March 28, 2023

SPECIAL: Exploring Authentic Reality at the IAAPA North American Trad…

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...

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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...

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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 …

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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 …

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Nov. 29, 2022

The Return of Bob Iger

We discuss the return of Bob Iger as CEO of the Walt Disney Company.

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Nov. 15, 2022

Preparing for IAAPA Expo 2022

Scott and Philip outline their plan for the annual IAAPA expo in Orlando.

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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.

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Oct. 30, 2022

BONUS: Halloween Special from Green Tagged

Scott and Philip discuss the 2022 Halloween Season

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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...

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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 …

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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 …

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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

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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:...

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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...

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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....

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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...

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Aug. 8, 2022

Earnings from Universal and Cedar Fair, Plus Tokyo Disney Ticketing C…

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

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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:...

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July 29, 2022

The Best Way to Surprise and Delight Your Superfans This Halloween Se…

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:...

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July 26, 2022

Knott’s Chaperone Policy, ICON Theme Recall, and Universal Japan Hall…

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....

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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:...

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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. …

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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

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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

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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 …

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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...

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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...

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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 …

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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April 11, 2022

The Staffing Balance

This week we explore stories of staffing, acquisition, diversification, and breaking the 4th wall.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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March 26, 2022

A Scott in the Dark: Transworld 2022

Recorded at the 2022 Transworld Halloween, Christmas, and Escape Room show in St. Louis

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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.

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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.

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