For those of you that do not know what that is, Transworld HAA is a Halloween Trade-show (HAA = Halloween And Attractions). It was originally held in Rosemont, IL. It was a super huge how to do. It would host vendors of Halloween masks, costumes, props, prosthetics, party supplies, and music. It catered to not only Vendors of seasonal Halloween Stores, But Haunted house Attraction Owners, as well.
For one year, It made a move to Las Vegas. That turned out to be a bad gamble. So, they then went to St. Louis, MO, at America's Center. And they seem to be doing OK for themselves. Over the past couple years, They have started an admission fee to the show. $50 per person. That is a major reason that I did not attend the first couple of times. If you are running a successful Halloween business, I can understand it. But if you are just a little lonely fan of Halloween and horror, It's hard to purchase your ticket, then have some money left over to purchase other items as well.
When I did go this year, it seemed to have less vendors, than normal. But they were the vendors for more of a commercial seasonal Halloween shop, So, I wasn't heart-broken. But it did look smaller compare to the previous years.
I did enjoy seeing familiar faces, and also newcomers on the trade-show floor. Always a Favorite booth to check out is Midnight Syndicate. They are one of the tops for haunted house soundtracking. And their new album, "Monsters of Legend" is a great addition to their melodic arsenal.
The guys at Pumpkin Pulp always has a lot of good masks on display. I even bought a shirt off of them! They also help run Scarevania out of Muncie, IN. Definately need to check them out this year!
Very, very nice...
Bad Jack Productions was also great to see again. They have my current favorite fiberglass mask that I turned into a kick-A Splatterhouse terror mask.
What they sent me... What I made......
Now it was disappointing to Find out that Brian Demski, although present at the show, did not have his art booth there. He is an amazing talent, and I hope to spent a lot of money on his work, someday.
A booth I just just discovered this year, and is it's second year running is. Krooked Kreations. One of my favorite masks is a hybrid Rotted pumpkin/scarecrow mask.
And there were other booths that I will list later... But as I said in the title, I keep getting constantly reminded that I am nowhere near where I wanted to be 10 years ago. True, I am making some money on the side making custom props and costuming accessories. I have also been helping with different things for a movie. And I am grateful for all of that. But I honestly thought I would be doing this as a full time profession by now. But if I was to do that right now, I would have to quit my current job. And let's face it, that ain't gonna happen, I love it there! So, until I make it to the big time, I'm just gonna put my head down and keep doing what I do.
That reminds me, I have some commission pieces that I gotta get back to. Later!
PS: If you are reading this blog, and you have clicked on some of the above links, Then hopefully you are a fan of either Halloween, Horror, or Haunted houses. So, please do take some time to check out these honorable mentions that were also at the Transworld HAA.
Haunter's Digest - A very well put together website dealing with just about anything and everything in the haunt industry.
Zombie Army Productions - A big group of people that would provide any help to creating and running a haunted house or haunted event.
Gore Galore - Very grimy and gritty costume, mask and effects shop
Screamline Studios - Another outstanding producer of masks, props, effects, and prosthetics.
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