Back in the summer of 2004 a relatively unknown event emerged from the darkness. It was known as the Midwest Haunters Convention (MHC). This rather small gathering of ghouls took place inside Cooper Stadium, Columbus’ Minor League Baseball stadium and former home of the Columbus Clippers and Terror Park Haunted Attraction. This small assembly of fear had only 30 vendors, 25 classes and 300 attendees. Last year (2012), MHC had 75 vendors, 40 classes and 2500 attendees!
2004 was also the beginning of our signature events Bloody Mary’s Monster Make Up Wars and Ms. Scary Midwest. After 9 fabulous years of competition we are celebrating our 10th year ! This year’s Monster Make Up Wars will be open to any teams of three (two artists and a model) including all teams from past years. We will draw five lucky teams at random to compete. Applications will be accepted online now until March 16th. www.midwesthauntersconvention.com/events/monstermakeupwars/
Ms Scary Midwest is changing this year too! We’re inviting all nine past pageant winners to compete exclusively for the title of the 10th Anniversary Ms. SCARIEST MIDWEST. It promises to be the BEST OF THE BEST!
The Haunted Hoochie & Unit 70!!!
We’re excited to announce plans for a fantastic bus tour on Friday night, June 7. We’re going to Unit 70 Studios and the Haunted Hoochie at Dead Acres!
Unit 70 is celebrating their 10th Anniversary this year and they’re anxious to show off their new building in Columbus. Bo Bruns and his crew are inviting our guests to see what goes on behind the scenes at one of the most creative haunted attraction prop manufacturers in the US.
Next, we’re going Haunted Hoochie at Dead Acres, the World’s Most Aggressive Haunted Attraction! You’ll experience a full sensory assault with in your face horror.
We’ll wrap up the night with a party at the Hyatt. We’re finalizing costs now and hope to start selling this exciting activity very soon.
We’re still finalizing details, but this should be one of the highlights of the weekend. Watch for more info soon.
MHC @ The Hyatt Regency
The Hyatt Regency is our host hotel during the convention. Our bus tours and parties are hosted at the Hyatt and the bar on the second floor is the official hangout for our attendees. Your rooms are just an elevator away. The Hyatt is offering a special $116 (plus tax) room rate for our attendees; this is the lowest rate available for a downtown hotel.
The Hyatt is offering all registered guests discounted self-parking of $8 daily with in/out privileges in the Chestnut Street Parking Garage. The Hyatt is a beautiful hotel and they welcome our attendees and accept us for who we are (a bunch of crazies in costumes)!
Don’t get left out; reserve your room today. They don’t charge your credit card until you arrive. Why wait and risk missing out on this great deal?
We also have a block of discounted rooms at the Drury Inn & Suites (connected through the food court) for overflow guests. They are offering a $124 room rate for our attendees. After filling both of these hotel properties; we will try to set up room blocks at other hotels downtown.
2013 Pre-Convention Bus Tour!
This is shaping up to be a fantastic opportunity to tour haunted attractions. Tour plans include a two-day (Weds, June 5 and Thurs, June 6) motor coach excursion to the Southwest Michigan area. We’ll be touring several of the top 10 rated haunts in Michigan. Listed below is the tentative agenda for the tour. We’re still finalizing the meals, hotel and trip expenses. Keep checking our web site for updates.
Necropolis, Indianapolis, In
Indiana Fields of Fears, Lafayette, In
Fear Itself, Mishawaka, In
Niles Screampark, Niles, Mi
Phobia House, Kalamazoo, Mi
The Haunt, Grand Rapids, Mi
Terrorfied Forest & Manor, Pinckney, Mi
Terror Town, Toledo, Oh
Scare Fair, Lima, Oh
That’s nine haunts with 16+ total attractions on the tour. You’ll have two full days of screams!
For those of you going on the bus tour and returning to stay through the weekend at the Hyatt; you’re eligible for an $81 (plus tax) room rate on Tuesday night and they won’t charge you for your room on Wednesday night. You can leave your luggage in your room while on the bus trip and return to your room on Thursday night (provided they don’t need your room). Wow, how cool is that?
MHC Education - Final Call For Speakers
We’ve always been known for providing excellent educational opportunities at affordable prices. We’re lining up a fantastic team of presenters and we’ll finalize our educational offerings very soon. Do you have a unique skill or talent? Are you someone who has a passion for sharing your ideas? Do you have an idea for a class that you have not seen offered in the past? Do you know someone who you think should be giving a class? If you answered yes to any of these questions then MHC wants you! The Midwest Haunters Convention is looking to fill 25 seminars and ten workshops with great presenters in the area of makeup, acting, business, props, and haunt design. We only have a few spots remaining and we’re looking for talented instructors and topics. If you are interested in applying please visit our website and complete the form at:
