NEWS: Convention Season & Transworld RECAP

0:07 Coming up your weekly roundup of news from around the haunt industry. Welcome to the show. I'm Philip on the HN Show. We bring you the haunt news, information, and education you need to prepare for Halloween. On Tuesdays, we bring you a roundup of news from haunts worldwide. Read more about these stories and so much more in our free weekly newsletter. Subscribe at the link in the show notes. And as always for the news roundup, I'm passing it off to Darryl. After surviving trans World and the resulting convention crud that affected many of us, the Haunted Attraction Association News is back in your ears. The trans World's a Halloween an Attraction Show. Welcome tens of thousands of haunt owners, operators, and industry professionals for the world's largest Halloween trade show.

0:56 This year's show saw over five hundred vendors, of them were brand new for twenty twenty five education, networking events, and daily evening events. Trans World is our industry's largest professional show, and we're dedicating half this newscast this week to recapping what happened there. Transworld's Halloween and Attraction Show will return to Saint Louis March twenty six through twenty ninth of twenty twenty six. Held annually at trans World's Halloween An Attraction Show, the State of the Industry Seminar brings together HAA Board members, Hunt owners, operators, and vendors for a candid look at the past season and the challenges add Moderated by newly seated President Jim Werner from Penhurst Asylum and outgoing President Spencer Terry from Fear Factory, this year's discussion focused heavily on the insurance crisis, the future of chaos, safety training, and expanding resources including AI to help members. The twenty twenty five State of the Industry presentation was held February twenty eighth, twenty twenty five, at ten am in Room two thirty one. We have some highlights, but you can listen to the full presentation and read our expanded notes by following the links in our show notes. At the Award Winning Hunt Program, Jim Werner and the AHAA Board introduced an updated recognition system, now called the Award Winning Haunts Program. This initiative replaces the former Top Haunts with three distinct tiers, Platinum, Gold, and Silver, each marking a different stage in a Haunt's growth and performance. Platinum Iconic Haunted Attractions must be an

2:26 active HAA member for ten or more years of operation and typically achieves ten thousand or more in annual attendance. Gold are top Haunted attractions must be an active HAA member and have more than five years of operation and usually draw between five to ten thousand attendees per year. Silver New Haunted Attractions must be an active HAA member, have at least two years of operation and attendance of roughly three thousand or more annually. The Chaos Safety Program, which is the Certified Haunted Attraction Operator Safety THEHAA doubled Chaos training hours offered at Transworld while rolling out online modules that allow owners and staff to earn or renew certifications from anywhere. Recertify online. You can recertify every three years and it can be done entirely online. There's online modules with up to two hours of your primary certification can be completed this way the twenty twenty five Regional certification.

3:23 Starting this year, our regional certification will be offered with a legendary Haunt tour in Salt Lake City. Future regional workshops. The board is designing regional workshops to make it easier for members who cannot bring the full team to Transworld, and a future hay ride safety course. A two hour hay ride safety certification is in development to address a spike in hay ride related incidents. Over the past year, several Haunted attractions have lost their insurance coverage through no fault, prompting the Haunted Attraction Association to investigate. President Jim Werner described the situation as a real insurance crisis for the industry, explaining that people see our industry as a quick payout, but safety minded Haunt is statistically safer than going to a grocery store. We just look like an easy target, while the terrifying themes of Haunt entertainment make it seem high risk. Professionals know how rigorously these attractions adhere to safety standards. The HAA is exploring a sponsored member insurance program to counteract these unfair perceptions and help Haunt secure stable coverage. If successful, members meeting defined criteria could access more consistent, long term policies tailored to Haunt operations. Though still in its early stages, the association welcomes community feedback to refine this crucial initiative at the Haunted Attraction Association's twenty twenty five Annual meeting, held on February twenty eight, twenty twenty five, during trans World. The meeting was open to all Association members. The Haunted Attraction Association has some Board of Director transitions. Outgoing board members include Spencer Terry,

4:55 the outgoing President, Alan Hopps, Alan Rodriguez, and Brett Wilson, who resigned earlier. Newly elected board members include Dale Little from Aura Haunted House in Peoria, Illinois, Anthony Barbosa Nightmare Acres in South Windsor, Connecticut, Lee Jordan fear on the Farm in Winfield, West Virginia, and Todd Patton dread Hollow Chattanooga, Tennessee. Officers for twenty twenty five include President Jim Warner, Vice President Kevin Donovan, Treasurer Terry Bernstein, and Secretary Krista brower Wood. The HAA is one hundred and fifty thousand dollars reserve, protects against potential industry crisis and gives the association capital to invest in the new initiatives mentioned during the State of the Industry presentation. The Association continues to grow top line revenue while adjusting investment to align with its goals.

5:45 The AHAA reported eighty point nine thousand dollars in revenue in twenty twenty two and ninety one point nine and twenty twenty three, and approximately fourteen percent increase. Total expenses increased from twenty twenty two to twenty twenty three from forty point two pod one thousand to fifty four point one thousand, and the HAA prioritized trade show investments, marketing and scholarships. Trade show expenses compromised forty six point eight percent of total expenses in twenty twenty two and sixty point four percent in twenty twenty three. This aligns with statements that in person gatherings, for example, Transworld remains central to the association's membership engagement. Transworld remains the primary show where members gather, and the Association provides multiple events during the show, including the OSCARES State of the Industry, Chaos training seminars, and New Networking Lounge. In conclusion, the Haunted Attraction Association emerged from the twenty twenty five annual meeting with stronger cash reserves and new leadership, rising revenues and well managed expenses will enable expansions in training, event programming, and more, ensuring haunters across the globe benefit from the haa's progress. Widely considered the highest honors in the Halloween and Haunted attraction world, the OSCARES Awards recognized excellence across multiple categories. Nominees and winners are selected by the Haunted Attraction Association's Board of Directors and peers, focusing on innovation, creativity, efficiency, product development, and impactful contributions to the industry. This year, enders and attractions were split into new Established and Legacy categories.

7:18 Except for Cyclone Signs. Each honoree attended in person and gave a short acceptance speech on stage. Anyone, whether a member or not, can attend the OSCARS for free, and the Association caters the event. We at the Haunted Attraction Network, we're proud to help produce the event. Earn more about the honorees on our website. By the way, nominations for twenty twenty six are now open. A summary of the winners includes the Vendor Excellence Awards, which is under five years going to sith On, Established going to Cyclone Signs, and twenty plus years going to Distortions. Unlimited. The Home Haunter Award goes to Rotten Apple nine oh seven in Burbank, California. The Board of Directors Awards go to the first year Haunt Era's Nightmare in west Minster, Maryland, An Established Haunt Dramatica and Europa Park in Rust, Germany, and Legacy Haunt from Field of Dreams Montana in Victor, Montana. Special Recognition Award goes to TJ. Mannerino from Universal Orlando Resort A VP of Art and Design. A Spirit of Leadership Award going to Spencer Terry, the outgoing HAA President and the general manager of Fear Factory Haunted House. A Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Timothy Gavinski, owner of the Wisconsin Fairground, and the scholarship awards. The James K. Memorial Scholarship went to Abigail Birdsal, the Joe Thaylor Scholarship went to Harrison Gamble, and the Bloody Mary Makeup Scholarship went to Tanya Richter Barrera.

8:42 One of the new products that come out this year it was taking everybody's attention, was Distortion unlimiteds the Xeno vor debut at Transworld Halloween, an attraction show this year. This seven foot tall Xenovoras, swift and deadly with six arms, spraying venom and sharp chrome teeth. Is Zenovoar, an extraterrestrial mutant or a io engineering experiment gone wrong. Its origin is shrouded in mystery. Whatever the story, be assured that Xenovore strikes fear in all that encounters. Is on sale now for hundred and seventy dollars over at the Composite Effects CFX Masks booth, they debuted their final piece and their Zodiac line of masks, the Sagittarius, featuring three D printed antlers. This macab dearhead mask comes in a standard and decayed version. Explore more products at cfx's official website.

9:32 Immortal Mask has their new Viral video mask. This innovative mask includes a working tablet on its face. Hunters can upload custom videos in its SD card and then play the loop videos on the led screen. The tablet can be programmed via Wi Fi or by using its touch screen. Learn more about their products at Immortal masks official website. Froggy Fog celebrated their twentieth anniversary with an array of fog A's snow scents and more. Meatured new product was the Hyperion TJ ten turbojet upshot. The machine gives a CO two effect using just water based fog fluid. It can swivel three hundred and sixty degrees for easy mounting and include two zones of LED lights for a variety of lighting effects. See more of froggies, fogs, machines, fluids and scents on their official website. Rib FX showcased its new props, including various realistic Tricker Treater, children's bodies, Candy, Kid Devil, Candy Kid Clown, and Bullied Bobby are all priced at eight hundred and ninety nine dollars on ribfx's official website. Toxic FX, known for its realistic jack O lantern props, has debuted its Giant Pumpkin collection with Goliath, Jolly Giant, and Havoc designs. See all of their pumpkins, props, masks and more on their official website. Beast Craft debuted their new Hillary Attack pneumatic prop mounted on a scissor mechanism, The Google lunges a guess for a scary surprise attack.

10:57 The prop is currently listed for three thy one and twenty six six dollars on Beastcraft's official website need a hand. Freight Perops debuted the new monstrous living limbs, from a flopping tentacle to a hairy beast arm to a clown arm. There are a variety of available styles to fit your Haunts theme. Each arm violently sways when activated. See the entire collection on Freight Prop's official website. The Halloween Buyers Board highlighted three outstanding vendors in the twenty twenty five Exhibitor Awards. The best booth went to thirteenth Floor Entertainment. You can see a full walkthrough by following the links in our show notes. The best new vendor was a Luma Bought, and the best new product was the Deluxe Pumpkin animatronic from the Scare Factory. Now onto other news.

11:44 Midsummer Scream tickets are now on sale. Buy your tickets today for this year's Midsummer Scream in Long Beach, California. Midsummer Scream returns to the Long Beach Convention Center August fifteenth through seventeenth, twenty twenty five, bringing three days of immersia, haunts, panels, and special guests. The fan favorite Hall of Shadows will once again open all three days for the event and feature over a dozen Haunted attractions including Mister Floats, Santa Ana Haunt, The Haunt With No Name Yet, Rawl of the Dead, Fear Farm, Straight to Hail Productions, The Haunted Harvest, and Decayed Brigade, all included with general admission. The show floor will showcase three hundred and fifty vendors and industry panels will feature Halloween Horror Night's thirteenth floor entertainment group, Castle Dark, and more. Other returning favorites include Paranormal Pixies, Pumpkin Patch, Children's Zone, the Black Cat Lounge, Kitten Adoption Center, and the Screaming Room Film Festival presented by Horror Buzz.

12:43 General admission and VIP gold Bat passes are on sale now on the event's official website. Attendee registration is now open for the East Coast Haunters Convention, taking place April twenty sixth and twenty seventh at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. This regional event will future premiere Haunted house tours, networking events, evening parties, and a lively exhibit floor. The event is open to the public. Early bird tickets start at forty to fifty dollars for single day show floor admission and sixty five dollars for a weekend show floor access. Prices will increase after eleven to fifty nine PMCST on April twenty first. Seminar information and pricing will be announced in the coming weeks. Prior to the main event. There will be two pre con Haunt tours. On Thursday, April twenty fourth, visit three terrifying haunted attractions, Brighten Asylum, the Bleeding Grounds and Subculture. Early bird tickets are two hundred and forty five for bus access and two oh five if you drive yourself. On Friday, April twenty fifth, we visit Hershey Park, Dark Knights and Field of Screams. Early bird tickets are two fifteen for bus access and one seventy five if you drive yourself. Prices for both tours will increase after April tenth. Attendee registration is now open for the Texas Haunters Convention in Irving, Texas, taking place July twenty sixth and twenty seventh at its new location in the Irving Convention Center. The Texas Haunters Convention features over ninety thousand square feet of family friendly vendors, events, demonstrations, and class targeting Halloween and cosplay enthusiasts. Tickets start at ten to

14:14 twenty dollars for single day pass admissions, twenty five for weekend at all passes, and one point fifteen for VIP passes. This year, the event is partnering with be on FX, a nonprofit that designs, builds, and runs scare houses for charity. One dollar of every admission ticket sold will be donated to their cause. Six Flags is reporting a two hundred and six million dollars net loss for twenty twenty four, raising concerns after its merger with Cedar Fair was expected to bring cost saving. However, as Philippin Scott breakdown in the latest episode of Green Tagged, the loss is more about merger related expenses, higher operating costs, and debt payment rather than a sign of weak park performance. Attendance was up three percent and Halloween events played a significant role in driving the cure four revenue, with six Flags calling October a standout month. However, with a company betting big on seasonal events, cost cutting and attendance growth, everything has to go right for its twenty twenty five plan to work is it a realistic strategy or just the best case scenario. We unpact the numbers and what it means for the industry. In the latest episode of the Green Tag podcast, United Parks earning shows trouble ahead. Can they compete with Epic Universe. United Park's latest earnings report shows flat revenue, declining net income, and no clear strategy to counter Universal's Epic Universe. While the company blames hurricanes for lost attendance, whether disruptions will likely continue, and analysts question

15:44 whether their better value pitch is enough to stay competitive. With no major new attractions announced and vague hints at IP partnerships, is United Parks prepared for twenty twenty five. In the latest episode of the Green Tag podcast, they break down the numbers, industry reactions, and what it all means for the future. Field of Screams Montana is honored with a Legacy Haunt Award. What started as a simple corn maze in two thousand is grown into Field of Screams Montana, a twenty six year Halloween tradition that has earned the Haunted Attraction Association's a Legacy Haunt Award. Located in Victor, Montana, the Haunt has evolved from a small makeshift attraction to a regional Helloween staple, drawing visitors from across Montana, Idaho, and Washington. By offering a mix of intense scares, family friendly daytime attractions, and a unique zombie Free Monday for those who prefer atmosphere over startles, the Kirkland family has created an experience that entertains all ages.

16:40 Treasure Hunt expands Haunted Harbor for twenty twenty five Halloween season. Following the success of its first Halloween overlay Haunted Harbor, Treasure Hunt in Canary Row, California, is expanding its seasonal event in twenty twenty five. The inaugural version bundled Treasure Haunt, the Ride, Carnival of Carnage, Man's Aim, and Peer of Fear into a single unlimited access ticket, drawing guests from up to three hundred miles away. Due to overwhelming demand, plans are now in motion to extend the Haunted Harbor into a six week event, beginning with weekend evenings and growing from there. Neighboring businesses have also expressed interest in participating, further solidifying the event's impact on the local economy. Zombie Joe's Underground Theater Group from North Hollywood, California, will bring urban legends to life with modern myths Awakened and all new horror experience running for four nights only March twenty third, April sixth, April twelfth, and April thirteenth of twenty twenty five.

17:40 Written and directed by Charlotte Cocker, this forty five minutes sit down horror event reimagines infamous tales like La Eurona, A Babysitter and The Man Upstairs and Slender Man with terrifying new twists. The show is for ages eighteen and over only due to graphic content, nudity, and extreme scared. Performances are at eight pm and ten pm at the Zju Theater Group in North Hollywood. Tickets are on sale now for twenty online or twenty five dollars at the door. Tales of the Ancient East brings a horror music spectacle to Hollywood Fringe in twenty twenty five. Tales of the Ancient East, a theatrical ritual blending horror, mythology and music, will debut at the Hudson's Theater Guild in Los Angeles as part of the twenty twenty five Hollywood Fringe Festival.

18:25 Created by Antony Zioni, this summersive experience takes audiences through chilling tales of biblical plagues, mythological beasts, and apocalyptic vision. Featuring a resurrected storyteller and an ancient demon unleased by the parchment of death, The show promises an electrifying fusion of dark folklore and theatrical spectacle. Performances will be held Thursdays in June, so that's the fifth, twelfth, nineteenth, and twenty sixth of June at eight thirty pm. Slasher's Acts Throwing in Ales from Costa Mesa, California, is celebrating Purge Night with its first annual ax throwing tournament on March twenty first. This high stakes event will feature prizes, surprises, and intense competition with Purge inspired costumes and masks encouraged.

19:12 Practice begins at six thirty pm, with a tournament kicking off at seven. Participants will receive exclusive ie purged buttons, and top scorers can win free tickets, merchandise, and more. Tickets are on sale now for sixty dollars per person. Some upcoming events and conventions coming up this March through May of twenty twenty five, include the Spooky Swap Meet in Los Angeles, California, April twenty fifth through twenty seven, the East Coast Hunters Convention in Oaks, Pennsylvania April twenty sixth and twenty seventh, and Monster Palooza and Pasadena, California, from May thirtieth to June first. And that's all for the News this Week.

19:52 Today's episode was produced by me Philip Hernandez, with reporting by Darryl Plunky post production by David Swope. This hot News Update is a production of the Haunted Attraction Network and you can sign up to our weekly newsletter at Hantattractionnetwork dot com. Support for this episode comes from Gantum Lighting and Controls. Until next time, Haunters, Stay Scary. This is a Haunted Attraction Network production.