Conference Review
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conga lines through attractions were desirable for those keen to operate on a commercial basis rather than – as is still the case for some – a part time enterprise to brighten up October. By pre-booking in advance online, guests feel as though they are having a “free day out” when they arrive at your attraction, and so spend more money inside, noted Richard Booker of Digitickets. He also revealed that within a year 40% of all internet activity is likely to beon mobile devices.
Toilet Trouble
Irish speaker Ben Dillon gave an entertaining presentation on Haunted Spooktacular in County Meath. Originally a two-day event aimed at children, it is now marketed as “the most terrifying experience in Ireland” and beginning to attract visitors from 70km away in Dublin. Ben gave a very frank insight into his operation, revealing that one of his biggest problems is guests leaving their knickers in the toilets! While not everyone makes big money from scare attractions, for some it’s even a philanthropic venture. Dating back to 1984, speaker Peter Perez described the various Halloween fundraisers at Fort Ameherst in Kent as, “Britain’s oldest scare attraction.” Adele Overton and Steve Uden of Zombie Boot Camp, meanwhile, are throwing the old “don’t touch them and they won’t touch you,” maxim out of the
window. Players taking part in this twisted take on paintball are actively encouraged to attack their living dead opponents, Adele wrestling Steve to the ground before the presentation to give delegates a taste of the experience. Apparently the couple are, “Insured up to the eyeballs.” Just as well. The final presentation came from Brad Rowbotham of the Blackpool Tower Dungeon, which Merlin Entertainments opened on the site of the tower’s former aquarium back in September. “There’s a perception outside the scare industry that it is just about jumping out at people and going boo,” noted the aspiring actor, “but what’s very important to us is having a strong performance team.” There was one last chance to step on board the Gravedigger Ghost Bus before the ScareBall, where guests in fancy dress enjoyed dinner and entertainment courtesy of Sick Promotions. Some of those staying at the hotel then retried for the night to a “ScareRoom.” With 17 actors and just 10 participating rooms to disturb, a sleepless night seemed a certainty for all those mad enough to sign up.
Details of ScareCon 2013 will be released in due course – keep an eye on the website.
scarecon.co.uk All images courtesy of Stephen Candy (
scandy.co.uk)
ScareCon organiser Michael Bolton
JUNE 2012
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