Now one of three haunted attraction conventions in the United States (the other two have been and gone), HAuNTCon is now in its 17th year and takes place this time in Louisville, Kentucky, staring on April 29.
Yet much of the action takes place away from the trade show floor. Kicking off on April 27, a two-day tour of local attractions is promised, including an overnight bus trip and lights on/lights off tours of 10 haunts. Attendees will meet the team of the Haunted Hotel in Louisville during the Thursday Night Kick-off Tour, while the Friday Night Spotlight Tour will be a trip to Indiana’s Industrial Nightmare and Fear Fair, two local legends.
Saturday night, April 30, will see haunters from across the USA show off their most creative costumes at the massive HAuNTcon Costume Ball, a rocking party. It’s like Halloween in April! The, on Sunday afternoon, the hotel parking lot fills with a collection of creepy vehicles for the Hearse and Parade Car Rally. Sunday night will be capped off with a special trip to another local haunting sensation, Indiana’s PsychoMania.
Another key component of HAuNTcon is the education sessions that run alongside the trade sho, with over 40 hours of seminars, workshops and demonstrations included in the price of admission. Delegates will be able to learn new techniques on make-up and actor training, prop and set building, advertising and marketing, as well as tips and tricks to make their attractions more successful.
“HAuNTcon is an opportunity for haunters to network, share tips and stories, get fresh ideas and check out the latest in haunting props,” explains event co-coordinator Leonard Pickel. “If you own a haunted house, or would like to find out how to get started in the haunt business, then HAuNTcon is the best investment you can make.”
HAuNTcon runs from April 27 to May 2 (trade show April 29 to May 1), based at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Louisville, Kentucky, USA. For registration details, prices and the full education/event schedule,visit www.hauntcon.com.
Below: A make-up workshop session at last year’s event.
