Thread: Transworld: March 7-10 2013

I'm trying to get the wife and myself to St. Louis for Transworld in March. We've never been before, but I really want to go. I've looked through their website, but I can't find any pricing for admission.

Can someone tell me more about the convention? I know Terra goes, so maybe she could shed some light?

I would LOVE if someone could take the guesswork out of this!
We've never been but after a disappointing NHC last year we would like to take the Transworld plunge!

So far, I know that it's about $100 a night to stay near the center, and I found a good price from Alaskan Airlines if we fly out on Wednesday (March 6th) and fly back Sunday (March 10th). Two non-stop, round trip tickets for $204 each.

Here's a link to the registration page: http://www.haashow.com/register/ Looks like it's once again going to be $50 a person.

Here's some tips that I've learned over the years going. Take the time to decide on your theme ahead of time and what kind of props you are looking for. I print out the vendor list and check out their sites with a wish list pad. Now, they won't announce their new products on there - they are saving that for the show. But, you'll see what they've already come out with before and you can then look at it in person. Their booths can sometimes be stuffed with items and if you don't have that list - you may miss seeing it. This pre-shopping also helps you focus in on specific vendors and props because once you get there - it's so overwhelming that you can miss so much. Also - there never seems to be enough time so this helps you manage that. I usually come in with that list but also am open-minded. If there is a prop I didn't even consider for the haunt but it's sooooo cool - then I may adjust the theme a bit, lol!

The time to talk to vendors is Thursday. It's the slowest day and people are just kicking the tires of the new props and vendors have a lot more time to talk with you. Sat and Sunday is nuts for them - they are screaming busy taking orders. Friday is also good to talk to vendors but they are getting more busy.

Hubby and I stay at the casino which has a walkway that leads you pretty much to the Convention Center. There's only about two blocks you have to walk outside for. They have two hotels at the casino and their cheaper one is very nice. It was an old Embassy Suites. We stay at the casino because hubby isn't into this as much as I am and he can get away from the noise and we like to play the slots and relax. If you want to be in the center of it all - which is also very fun - the Renaissance is the Main hotel for the convention and center of activity. After the show floor closes it seems everyone walks across the street to the hotel's bar for drinks. Great way to network - many of the vendors are there also.

Originally Posted by Terra

Here's a link to the registration page: http://www.haashow.com/register/ Looks like it's once again going to be $50 a person.

Here's some tips that I've learned over the years going. Take the time to decide on your theme ahead of time and what kind of props you are looking for. I print out the vendor list and check out their sites with a wish list pad. Now, they won't announce their new products on there - they are saving that for the show. But, you'll see what they've already come out with before and you can then look at it in person. Their booths can sometimes be stuffed with items and if you don't have that list - you may miss seeing it. This pre-shopping also helps you focus in on specific vendors and props because once you get there - it's so overwhelming that you can miss so much. Also - there never seems to be enough time so this helps you manage that. I usually come in with that list but also am open-minded. If there is a prop I didn't even consider for the haunt but it's sooooo cool - then I may adjust the theme a bit, lol!

This is a fantastic idea. I know our basic theme, so that will help, but I know there's so much to see, it's hard to stay focused. Each you when you post your Transworld videos, I watch with envy.

Originally Posted by Terra

The time to talk to vendors is Thursday. It's the slowest day and people are just kicking the tires of the new props and vendors have a lot more time to talk with you. Sat and Sunday is nuts for them - they are screaming busy taking orders. Friday is also good to talk to vendors but they are getting more busy.

When looking at flights, my wife and I can save $100 between us by flying out on Wednesday rather than Thursday. Sounds like this is a win/win, since it will also allow us to attend the first day of the convention. I know I'm going to be a big kid in a candy store. Star struck from the vendors and personalities.

Originally Posted by Terra

Hubby and I stay at the casino which has a walkway that leads you pretty much to the Convention Center. There's only about two blocks you have to walk outside for. They have two hotels at the casino and their cheaper one is very nice. It was an old Embassy Suites. We stay at the casino because hubby isn't into this as much as I am and he can get away from the noise and we like to play the slots and relax. If you want to be in the center of it all - which is also very fun - the Renaissance is the Main hotel for the convention and center of activity. After the show floor closes it seems everyone walks across the street to the hotel's bar for drinks. Great way to network - many of the vendors are there also.

That is really helpful information. My wife and I love staying at Embassy Suites, so knowing that one of the hotels was a former EB, I know the room size will be very comfortable. Also good to know about the Renaissance! Nice to know where the vendors go to unwind.

I'm really hoping we can attend this year. It'll be expensive, but I think it's worth it.

I went a few years back when it was in Chicago. Taking a couple of minutes to peruse each table, less if the items weren't what I was looking for, and it took 2 DAYS to see everything.

The last time I went, it was still free admission for buyers. Of course now, everything cost dough to put on, so... that's the way of the world!

BUT, when I tried to sign up for a new trip to Transworld, there are all these hoops one must jump through just in order to be admitted! When I went before, it was through other Haunts I built props for, so my name isn't in their registry. So how is someone who has decided to take the big step and run their own haunt able to get in?

Originally Posted by creator

I went a few years back when it was in Chicago. Taking a couple of minutes to peruse each table, less if the items weren't what I was looking for, and it took 2 DAYS to see everything.

The last time I went, it was still free admission for buyers. Of course now, everything cost dough to put on, so... that's the way of the world!

BUT, when I tried to sign up for a new trip to Transworld, there are all these hoops one must jump through just in order to be admitted! When I went before, it was through other Haunts I built props for, so my name isn't in their registry. So how is someone who has decided to take the big step and run their own haunt able to get in?

You get an invite from one of the vendors there that you had bought from in the past. Doug at Fright Props was kind enough to give me one You then submit that along with your registration.

Terra, are you saying Transworld is "invitation only"? I thought it was a convention, where anyone willing to pay admission could attend. Do I need to be invited by someone to go?

Yes, you need to be invited - but you can ask for an invite

TK421, you can register as a business and show a business card as credentials. You fill the form out, fax a "Business Card" and pay your $$$. No worries, you'll get in.