How to audit your haunt, set your budget, and conquer the 2026 trade show circuit.
The holiday season is over. The screaming has (mostly) stopped. If you’re like most haunt owners, you are currently in that strange limbo between the chaos of closing out your 2025 season and the impending whirlwind of trade show season.
It’s tempting to hibernate until TransWorld, but January is actually the most critical month for your 2026 operations. This is the “calm before the storm”—the buying storm.
To get the supplies, props, and animatronics you need in time for the summer build season, you have to be ready to pull the trigger the moment you step onto the trade show floor. Here is your survival guide to prepping for the 2026 trade show circuit.
1. Perform a “Post-Mortem” Inventory Audit
Before you look at new shiny toys, you have to know what survived the slaughter. You cannot effectively buy for 2026 until you know exactly what you have left over from 2025.
- Consumables check: How much fog fluid, makeup, and scent fluid is left? Did you overbuy or underbuy last year?
- The Boneyard: Which props are broken beyond repair? Which ones just need a little TLC?
- Tech audit: Test your controllers, sensors, and audio equipment now. You don’t want to realize you need a new controller three weeks before opening night.
2. Define Your “Open to Buy” Budget
It is easy to get carried away by the sights and sounds of the showroom floor. The best defense against impulse buying is a hard budget based on data, not feelings.
- Review your numbers: Log in to your HauntPay dashboard and review your 2025 ticket revenue and merchandise sales.
- Set the cap: Determine exactly how much capital you have available for reinvestment.
- Categorize: Split your budget into buckets: Maintenance (must-haves to keep running), Upgrades (replacing old tech), and New Builds (the fun stuff).
3. Map Your Production Lead Times
Supply chain issues aren’t fully behind us, and custom prop production takes time. If you are planning a massive new scene or a total overhaul of your queue line, you need to prioritize vendors who can guarantee delivery before your build season begins.
- Research vendors early: Check the exhibitor lists for the shows you plan to attend.
- Make appointments: If you are eyeing a big-ticket animatronic, email the vendor now to set up a meeting at the show. Don’t leave it to chance.
4. Finalize Your Travel Itinerary: The 2026 Show Circuit
The trade show calendar is packed this year. Whether you are hitting the major national shows or focusing on regional conventions, make sure these dates are on your radar:
- Halloween & Party Expo (Jan 12-14 | Las Vegas, NV):
- Kicking off the year early, this is the massive retailer-focused show. It’s less about giant animatronics and more about costumes, party supplies, and retail goods. If your haunt has a gift shop, this is where you stock it.
- Learn more about Halloween & Party Expo
- TransWorld’s Halloween & Attractions Show (March 26-29 | St. Louis, MO):
- This is the big one—the largest gathering of haunt owners and vendors in the world. If you only go to one show to buy major props, animatronics, and tech, this is it.
- Learn more about TransWorld
- East Coast Haunters Convention (April 23-26 | Oaks, PA):
- A strong mix of education and buying power. ECHC is fantastic for networking with East Coast operators and attending seminars that dig deep into haunt safety, operations, and design.
- Learn More about EHC
- Halfway to Halloween Expo (May 8-9 | Ann Arbor, MI):
- This is a unique, community-driven show that features a Friday night 18+ event and a Saturday public show. It’s a great spot to connect with the passionate Midwest haunt community.
- Learn more about Halfway to Halloween
- Ohio Haunters Convention (May 9-10 | Mansfield, OH):
- Held at the historic (and spooky) Ohio State Reformatory. This show is heavy on education, regional success stories, and fun, featuring a lively vendor floor and a popular costume ball.
- Learn more about OHC
- Midwest Haunters Convention (June 5-7 | Rosemont, IL):
- The summer fan-favorite. MHC is open to the public, meaning it blends industry business with the energy of enthusiasts, home haunters, and actors. It’s famous for its bus tours and the massive Zombie Walk.
- Learn more about MHC
- Texas Haunters Convention (July 18-19 | Irving, TX):
- A massive event for the southern haunt scene. It targets both home and pro haunters with a family-friendly atmosphere, plenty of cosplay, and classes on everything from makeup to set building.
- Learn more about Texas Haunters
5. Close the Book on 2025
Finally, if you haven’t finished your administrative wrap-up, do it this month. Finalize those financial reports, pay your remaining vendors, and ensure your physical location is winterized and secure. A clear mind (and a clean spreadsheet) is the best tool you can bring to a trade show.
Are you ready for 2026?
The trade shows are where the magic starts, but the strategy happens right now. Take stock, set your budget, and get ready to build your best season yet.
Need some help with your 2025 reporting? Our zombie-proof support team is here for you! Give us a call, email us, or chat right from your HauntPay dashboard.
