ST. LOUIS – “It’s an amusement park on steroids,” Richard Bianco, vice president of TransWorld’s Trade Show, said.

TransWorld’s Halloween and Attraction Show is deemed the only industry trade show of this kind in the world, according to their website.

The event, hosted inside The Dome at America’s Center, is designed for those who may run haunted houses, pumpkin patches, amusement parks, family centers, or other spaces.

With over 400 exhibits to visit, there is something there for everyone to find. Some booths sell realistic animatronics of a zombie jumping out at you; the one next to it may create small props; and others might be showcasing character makeup.

But that’s not it, either. Multiple seminars are also available for pass holders, which can discuss topics ranging from how to run a business in the haunted house industry to the art of scaring people.

While the show is geared more towards Halloween and all things scary, the Christmas and Interactive Entertainment Show returned to St. Louis as well, with both shows located under one roof. Just a few steps away from the Halloween decorations, the entire area is illuminated with holiday-themed light displays. Christmas trees, reindeer, and even a car made of lights are featured in the show.

Bianco has worked with the company for 12 years.

“Most people look at gory things and love it,” he said. “I think fear just attracts people.”

Bianco said one area, nicknamed the “Dark Zone,” is the main space that features the best and upcoming products, some of which can be up to 20 feet tall.

His favorite memory of TransWorld’s show? His first day on the floor.

“It’s pretty overwhelming,” he explained. Noises from the exhibits can be heard from every direction; lights are flashing at booths and on the walls; fog machines are running; and more can be seen or heard by taking just a few steps onto the show floor.

Guests come from all over the country to share the scares with their own customers. Two business partners, Lisa Meeks and Roni Edwards, traveled from Buckley, WA, for their fifth trip to TransWorld’s to find new products to incorporate into their haunted house back home.

“If you want to be relevant and in the game, you’ve gotta be on top of it, and this is all the trending stuff to haunt,” Meeks said. “It’s the best place to come.”

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Some of the haunting world’s biggest names meet in St. Louis to share their tips and tricks with prospective or current haunted house owners. Representatives come from 13th Gate Haunted House, Fright Kingdom, Bates Motel & Haunted Hayride, and even Universal Studios Orlando, just to name a few.

“It’s also a great way to meet up with other haunters and you can exchange your ideas, too,” Meeks said. “You can kind of get new ideas, and that’s a big part of this.”

Besides the out-of-the-ordinary spooky decorations, connecting with other haunters seemed to be the most memorable thing consistent attendees had to say about the show.

“I love getting to see all the people that we’ve become friends with in past years and all the clients we’re friends with,” Alex Linebrink, founder and CEO of HauntPay in Detroit, said. “Getting to reunite with them…it’s a blast.”

The events don’t end there. Several parties, mixers, haunted house tours, independent shows, and auctions are planned for guests throughout the weekend.

These are scheduled to give attendees and exhibit hosts opportunities to connect over the common interest of hauntings.

“It’s a really tight-knit community, so it’s not like you’re just coming for an event for work,” Bianco said. “Everybody knows each other, so it’s kind of cool, and over the years, you get to know pretty much everyone.”

TransWorld’s Halloween & Attractions Show is open Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A pass is required to enter the event, which can be purchased here.

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