Halloween Industry Pioneer David Bertolino to Headline Special Saturday Event at Midsummer Scream
LONG BEACH, California – August 7–9, 2026 – Midsummer Scream will welcome one of the most influential figures in the history of the Halloween and haunted attraction industry when David Bertolino, founder of Spookyworld and the Haunt Attraction Association, appears as a featured guest throughout the weekend at the Long Beach Convention Center.
On Saturday, August 8 at 4:30 p.m. PT, Bertolino will join horror‑themed entertainment expert Ted Dougherty for a special Q&A session exploring the history and cultural impact of Spookyworld, the evolution of the haunted attraction industry, and behind‑the‑scenes stories from Bertolino’s decades shaping Halloween into a multi‑billion‑dollar entertainment category. “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.”
Widely recognized as a founding father 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.
Bertolino is best known as the creator of Spookyworld, the groundbreaking attraction that revolutionized haunted entertainment and inspired countless haunts 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. Over more than three decades, he has also been a driving force behind haunted houses, horror‑themed amusement attractions, Halloween events, themed restaurants, and immersive horror experiences, even serving as an expert witness in U.S. federal courts on Halloween‑related matters.
Throughout the weekend, Bertolino will sign copies of his newly released book, Behind the Screams at Spookyworld, offering fans an insider’s account of the creation of Spookyworld and the birth of the modern haunted attraction industry.
Midsummer Scream, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, is the world’s largest Halloween and horror convention, attracting fans, filmmakers, musicians, authors, actors, and industry professionals from across the country.
EVENT DETAILS
Midsummer Scream
Dates: August 7–9, 2026
Location: Long Beach Convention Center
Featured Event
Saturday, August 8, 2026 • 4:30 p.m.
David Bertolino Q&A
Hosted by Ted Dougherty
Book Signing
Behind the Screams at Spookyworld
Available all three days of the convention
