ScareCON 2011
It's now a week since ScareCON and hopefully things have started to settle down again! For those who didn't attend, ScareCON is Europe’s only trade show for the scare attractions industry, and is attended by leading professionals from just about every scare attraction in the country.
The event started with a well attended dinner on Wednesday night where new contacts and connections were made over a VERY late night session in the bar!
The next day included a number of really interesting presentations including Adam Bayliss sharing some never before seen production elements from Alton Towers ScareFest, AtmosFEAR Entertainment talking about their unique promotion activities and Broadditch Farm discussing their incredible Halloween event (including a sudden appearance from their chainsaw wielding clown!)
Next door, a number of key industry suppliers were touting their wares and services while scary stilt-walkers entertained guests over lunch.
The event started with a well attended dinner on Wednesday night where new contacts and connections were made over a VERY late night session in the bar!
The next day included a number of really interesting presentations including Adam Bayliss sharing some never before seen production elements from Alton Towers ScareFest, AtmosFEAR Entertainment talking about their unique promotion activities and Broadditch Farm discussing their incredible Halloween event (including a sudden appearance from their chainsaw wielding clown!)
Next door, a number of key industry suppliers were touting their wares and services while scary stilt-walkers entertained guests over lunch.
 A full seminar room |
 Everyone can learn something at ScareCON! |
 Gary Oke from AtmosFEAR! |
 Michael and Dr Austin channel their inner Charlie's Angel! |
 Adam Bayliss from Alton Towers |
 Helen O'Driscoll from Tartan Experience |
After a busy day of networking and seminars it was time for the ScareBall. All delegates were invited to dress up in their best scary outfits and the turnout was simply phenomenal. Supplies of fake blood must have been running low in Dudley that night as everyone was liberally covered in it!
The evening event started with a presentation of the hilarious Zombie Science 1Z. Dr Austin had been with us all day teaching zombie shooting skills and finished up his stay with this spoof lecture on the science of zombiesm. Mixing real science, comedy videos and live props such as a cauliflower to represent a zombie brain, Dr Austin showed us how to survice a zombie attack if one should happen!
As Dr Austin left, and as food was served, the disco fired up and the zombies hit the dance floor! We're still not sure the DJ could believe his eyes as a gang of zombies, monsters and vampires all danced along to Michael Jackson's Thriller! Those not dancing, hung around in the bar chatting and networking with industyr experts and lovers of the scare industry!
The evening event started with a presentation of the hilarious Zombie Science 1Z. Dr Austin had been with us all day teaching zombie shooting skills and finished up his stay with this spoof lecture on the science of zombiesm. Mixing real science, comedy videos and live props such as a cauliflower to represent a zombie brain, Dr Austin showed us how to survice a zombie attack if one should happen!
As Dr Austin left, and as food was served, the disco fired up and the zombies hit the dance floor! We're still not sure the DJ could believe his eyes as a gang of zombies, monsters and vampires all danced along to Michael Jackson's Thriller! Those not dancing, hung around in the bar chatting and networking with industyr experts and lovers of the scare industry!
 Evil stilt walking clowns are always a hit! |
 "What are you looking at ?" |
 The Broadditch farm crew prepare for the ScareBall |
 The best of the NHS! |
 Jason Karl and Esmerelda bond over the gin! |
 Tom Pearcy and David Leon - separated at birth? |
At the end of the night, as people stayed drinking in the bar, 10 "lucky" couples headed off for a night they would never forget!. As the clock ticked over into Friday the 13th, all hell broke out in the terrifying ScareRooms - the first in the UK to run ALL night!
For the next seven hours, the brave guests were subject to all manner of non stop scares. Building on the 100 year curse of the Dudley hotel, guests were visited by druids, monks and zombie hotel guests all culminating in a terrifying and nosiy alarm call by a chainsaw at 6.45am!
Many guests wimped out and put up their official "do not disturb" signs but three couples made it all the way through to morning with less than a few minutes sleep between them. Their tired faces were a picture as they stumbled into Friday having been awake for over 24 hours!
 Zombie bedroom invasion |
 We dont need to knock - we have the master key! |
 "would you like to play with me and Dolly?" |
 "Doom service?" |
After an all inclusive breakfast and some last minute goodbyes, ScareCON officially ended on Fridaty morning and everyone staggered out into the sunlight and back to their normal lives.
But for the ScareCON team - the end is just the beginning! The planning and negotiation for 2012 has already started. Watch the official website for details of the next event!
All photos are copyright Stephen Candy Photograpy and ScareCON and may not be used without permission
But for the ScareCON team - the end is just the beginning! The planning and negotiation for 2012 has already started. Watch the official website for details of the next event!
All photos are copyright Stephen Candy Photograpy and ScareCON and may not be used without permission