David Bertolino at Midsummer Scream

Halloween Industry Pioneer David Bertolino to Headline Special Saturday Event at Midsummer Scream

LONG BEACH, California — August 7–9, 2026 — One of the most influential figures in the history of the Halloween and haunted attraction industry will make a special appearance at Midsummer Scream when David Bertolino, founder of Spookyworld and the Haunt Attraction Association, joins the convention as a featured guest throughout the weekend at the Long Beach Convention Center.

The weekend will be highlighted by a special Saturday Q&A at 4:30 p.m. on August 8, hosted by Ted Dougherty, one of horror’s leading themed entertainment experts. The discussion will take fans behind the screams of the haunted attraction and horror entertainment industry through firsthand stories and insights from one of its true pioneers.

The conversation will explore the history and cultural impact of Spookyworld, the evolution of the haunted attraction industry, behind-the-scenes stories from the world of horror entertainment, and Bertolino’s role in helping transform Halloween into a multi-billion-dollar entertainment industry.

Widely recognized as one of the founding fathers of the modern haunt industry, Bertolino established the Haunt Attraction Association in 1991, creating the first national organization dedicated to haunted attractions at a time when the industry had no unified voice. Today, the association includes more than 4,000 members and continues to influence haunted attractions throughout North America.

For more than three decades, Bertolino has been a driving force behind haunted houses, horror-themed amusement attractions, Halloween events, themed restaurants, and immersive horror experiences. His expertise is so widely respected that he has testified in United States federal courts as an expert witness on Halloween- and horror-related matters.

Bertolino is best known as the creator of Spookyworld, the groundbreaking attraction that revolutionized haunted entertainment and inspired countless haunted attractions across the country. His story is chronicled in the acclaimed documentary Spooktacular!, which traces Spookyworld’s rise from a local attraction to a national cultural phenomenon.

In addition to the Saturday Q&A, Bertolino will be signing copies of his newly released book, Behind the Screams at Spookyworld, throughout the convention weekend. The book offers an insider’s account of the creation of Spookyworld and the birth of the modern haunted attraction industry.

“David Bertolino didn’t simply build a haunted attraction—he helped create an entire industry,” said convention organizers. “This is a rare opportunity for fans, historians, attraction owners, and Halloween enthusiasts to hear directly from one of the most influential figures in horror entertainment.”

Midsummer Scream, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, is the worlds largest Halloween and horror convention attracting fans, filmmakers, musicians, authors, actors, and industry professionals from across the country.