Hauntcon
Hauntcon is now over and I must say that I was exhausted by the end of the weekend. I was able to purchase my first Bucky and four bag of bones. I also got myself some art work and t-shirts. As a volunteer I quickly learned that not all volunteers are willing to do a stitch of extra work. Gail and I ended up doing extra because people turned up missing at times. I don't mind too much, but I was also trying to establish some new acquaintances. I am trying to become more involved in the haunt industry and I figured this was a way to do some serious networking. It did pay off, but I'll get to that in a few.
First let me tell you about all of the wonderful people I got to meet. These are my personal heroes and industry celebrities that I admire. Not all are considered celebs by the general public, but for me they are. This is in no particular order. Jonathan Johnson of Rotting Flesh Radio is one heck of a hard working and dedicated individual. I spent much time with him and he is truly informed and well versed on the Haunt Industry. You all should really check his pod casts out at rottingfleshradio.com .
Jen Sharlow of Scream Queen Marketing is definitely a hotty. Don't get me wrong though she is highly intelligent and any conversation with her is most assuredly a lesson in marketing strategy. I did get a picture though.
Edward Douglas of Midnight Syndicate. Wow! He is one of the most humble people that I have ever met. He took the time to tell me about his music, his upcoming projects, and most importantly his dreams and ambitions. I am a fan for life!
Tim Turner of theghoulishgallery.com/ was most definitely one of the most interesting persons that I spoke with over the weekend. His commitment to the haunt industry is unwaivering and his administering of the Isabella Awards is proof of that commitment.
Tom Straub was sharing a booth with Tim Turner. He is a photo haunt artist. Gail and I purchased two of his pieces that featured a ghostly image of an elephant. I think we'll be seeing more of him in the future. myspace.com/hauntedart
Chad Savage of sinistervisions.com is extremely talented and if you haven't checked out his site, you need to. He is very approachable and will talk to you about most anything of interest. His art is outstanding and I purchased one of his prints which he signed for me. He was also promoting spookybuttons.com for a friend of his.
I also got to meet the Pickles. They own the show and publish Haunted Attraction Magazine. They are very nice people although they did keep me busy working security at the costume ball Saturday night.
Now finally let me tell you about Rob Johnson of Body Bag Entertainment. Bodybagging.com . He is my home town hero from right here in Garden City Michigan. He is a make up artist extrordinaire. As well as a fantastic business man. He is in the Motor City Haunt Club as well as a local hearse club. He is a very humble man yet he is not afraid to call it like he sees it. He has asked me to come on board with his crew to be his make up model and public relations guy, as well as his apprentice. I have graciously accepted and I am looking forward to attending the conventions with his crew to promote his products as a zombie. I must admit that I fear he just wants to use my van; just kidding. He has experience in not only make up but in haunted house production, so I will be paying close attention. I hope to have a long and profitable relationship with Body Bag Entertainment.
All in all the weekend was a hit for me and Gail. I apologize to any one whom I forgot to mention. There was so many things and people to see that I had to walk the floor several times to take it all in. If you have never attended a haunt convention you should set aside the time and money to do it soon. I believe the next one is the Midwest Haunters Convention and Rob said we are going. How cool is that?!!!
Thank you for taking the time to read this my friends,
Wally
AKA: Grim Daddy