Halloween Learning Lounge
FREE TO ATTENDEES
Take a break from the thrills and chills of the Midwest Haunters Convention and step into the Halloween Learning Lounge—a vibrant gathering space at the heart of the show floor where inspiration and collaboration come alive. Designed for creators, builders, scare actors, and haunt enthusiasts, this is the perfect place to relax, recharge, and connect with your Halloween community. Whether you’re swapping stories, brainstorming new ideas, or simply kicking back with fellow haunters, the lounge offers a welcoming atmosphere for informal networking and creative exchange. Meet industry experts, chat with vendors, and dive into spontaneous mini-education sessions and impromptu demos happening throughout the day. And don’t miss your chance to get an exclusive sneak peek at what haunted house owners have in store for the 2025 Halloween season! With casual conversations, hands-on opportunities, and unexpected moments of inspiration, the Halloween Learning Lounge is more than just a break—it’s your hub for connection, creativity, and community.
2025 Schedule
Saturday
10:00 Shining the Light on Projection Mapping
Ross Arroyo – Illumibot
Step into the mesmerizing world of projection mapping and discover how cutting-edge visuals can transform any space into an immersive masterpiece. Are you ready to push the boundaries of reality? Join us for an electrifying discussion where art meets technology, and the shadows reveal their secrets.
11:00 The Art of the Fix: Building the Haunter’s Most Underrated Skill
Tyler – Nightmare Forge
Props break. Scenes fall flat. Actors don’t quite fit. As haunters, we’re not just creators—we’re problem solvers. This session explores the often-untaught, absolutely essential skill of troubleshooting. From mechanical failures to casting challenges, learn how to identify root issues, separate quick fixes from long-term solutions, and sharpen your instincts when the pressure’s on. Whether you’re dealing with air-powered effects, finicky sensors, or a performer who just hasn’t found their groove, being a great troubleshooter starts with one thing: understanding the problem. Let’s talk about how to build that mindset and make yourself the person everyone turns to when something goes wrong.
12:00 From Home Haunter to Halloween Pro: A Journey of Frights & Creativity
Brian Hunter – Pumpkin Riot Productions
Every legendary haunt starts somewhere, and in this inspiring session, you’ll hear the firsthand journey of a home haunter who turned his passion into something much bigger. In just a few years, he went from crafting scares in his own backyard to building one of the top-rated home haunts in the area—and now, he’s taking his artistry to the next level as a mask maker and vendor. Settle in and connect with fellow haunters as we celebrate the spirit of Halloween and the magic of turning a passion into a profession. Who knows? This could be the spark that ignites your own haunting journey!
2:00 From Home Haunt to Pro Haunt: The Thrills, Chills & Lessons Learned
Jesse McCabe / Vicky Hayes
Making the leap from a home haunt to a professional attraction is a thrilling but challenging journey, and in this Q&A dession, you’ll hear firsthand from those who’ve done it! Facilitated by successful Haunters who turned their passion into business ventures, this session will dive deep into the do’s and don’ts of the transition. From navigating permits and budgeting to designing immersive experiences that keep guests coming back, our experts will share real-life insights, mistakes they learned from, and strategies that led to success. Whether you’re just beginning your haunt or considering the next big step, this session is your chance to ask questions, gain valuable guidance, and get inspired to turn your haunt into a legendary destination!
3:00 Meet a Maker!
Allen Hopps – Stiltbeast Studios
Step into the eerie and imaginative world of Halloween artistry with a Professional Haunt Owner, artist, designer, maker, and true Halloween legend! This exclusive session is your chance to engage with one of the industry’s most creative minds—someone who has spent years crafting terrifyingly immersive experiences, designing stunning haunt environments, and bringing nightmares to life. This is more than just a talk—it’s your chance to ask questions, get inspired, and learn from a master of the dark arts of haunting. Pull up a chair, grab a drink, and get ready for a session that will ignite your Halloween creativity and leave you eager to build the next spine-chilling experience!
Sunday
10:30 Shining the Light on Projection Mapping
Ross Arroyo – Illumibot
Step into the mesmerizing world of projection mapping and discover how cutting-edge visuals can transform any space into an immersive masterpiece. Are you ready to push the boundaries of reality? Join us for an electrifying discussion where art meets technology, and the shadows reveal their secrets.
11:30 So You Want to Become a Home Haunter
Michael Peters – The Nightmare Haunted House
Making the leap from simple yard decorations to a fully immersive Haunted House in your garage or home comes with unique challenges. From designing the flow to mastering lighting, sound, and scare tactics, this session will guide you through what works—and, more importantly, what to avoid—when crafting an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re an aspiring home haunter, a Halloween enthusiast, or someone eager to create an attraction that will have neighbors screaming in delight, this discussion will equip you with insider tips, tricks, and lessons learned from someone who has successfully navigated the process.
1:30 Mastering the Shadows: The Power of Lighting in Haunts & Displays
Rob Blohm
Lighting is more than just illumination—it’s the secret weapon behind truly immersive, spine-chilling Halloween displays and haunts. The right lighting can set the mood, create tension, and enhance every scare, while poor lighting can make even the most elaborate haunt feel flat. Whether you’re crafting a yard display, a home haunt, or stepping up to professional attraction design, this Q&A session will discuss the tips, tricks, and industry secrets you need to take your lighting from basic to breathtaking. Pull up a chair, dive into the dark, and discover how to use lighting to control fear, amplify ambiance, and craft truly haunting visuals!
