Schedule 2026

The first fans through the gates will snag an exclusive, limited-edition swag bag packed with horror goodies. Supplies are strictly limited, so skip the snooze button, beat the crowd, and secure your loot before it vanishes into the dark!

Ever wanted to play some lesser-known horror games, but weren’t sure where to start? For the spooky to just plain weird, come along with me on a journey through the world of independently produced horror video games!

Join Angel Rose in analyzing the influence J-RPG indie games of the 2000-2010’s have had on each other and horror game development as a whole. We’ll highlight influential titles while also exploring what elements make them effective within a greater cultural context – including references to artistic movements and social commentary.

In this interactive session, I’ll demonstrate how I use reverse plotting, a technique I learned in film school, to craft horror. Starting with a frightening payoff, we’ll work backward to build the clues, character choices, and audience expectations that make it land.

The session will be accessible to both writers and horror fans, combining practical techniques, a classic movie example, audience participation, and some humor.

45 minutes

Introduction: Why certain scares stay with us — 5 minutes
A brief introduction to my background and writing process, followed by an audience discussion about what makes a scare memorable.

Reverse plotting a classic: When a Stranger Calls — 10 minutes
I’ll dissect the opening of the 1979 film, working backward from its famous “inside the house” reveal to explore how the setup and audience assumptions give that moment its power. This will demonstrate how we can analyze an existing scare and apply those lessons to our own writing.

Building the nightmare — 10 minutes
Practical techniques for planting clues with two meanings, disrupting familiar routines, and giving characters believable reasons to move toward danger. I’ll also discuss how film techniques such as framing, pacing, and offscreen sound translate to the written page.

Audience exercise: Make something ordinary terrifying — 10 minutes
Attendees will choose an everyday object, such as a spare key, family photograph, or baby monitor. Together, we’ll create a disturbing payoff, then work backward to develop its setup and the character choices that lead to it.

Q&A and closing takeaways — 10 minutes
Questions and a simple writing exercise attendees can take home: start with a disturbing moment you can’t shake, then work backward to discover the story behind it.

My goal is for attendees to leave entertained, with a clearer understanding of how smart horror that pays off  works and a practical technique they can use themselves. Ideally, they’ll also look at their baby monitor a little differently.

Experience the haunting. Discover the story behind the screen. Join Chris DiCesare, the real-life inspiration behind Netflix’s True Haunting, for a fascinating journey into the terrifying events at SUNY Geneseo’s Erie Hall and the creative process of bringing his extraordinary story to life.

From the actual paranormal encounters to the making of the Netflix production, Chris offers a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on working with James Wan’s production team, casting, scriptwriting, filming, voice-over work, and transforming a true supernatural experience into a compelling documentary.  One true haunting. Two extraordinary stories: what happened—and how it came to Netflix.

Our cosplay meetup is the perfect place for you to celebrate your fandom and find inspiration in your next cosplay. Capture pictures of your meeting with other creatives. Cosplay meetup photoshoot photos will be available for access by request.

Join an elite lineup of horror icons, visionary directors, and master creators as they pull back the curtain on your favorite nightmares. From gruesome practical effects secrets to the psychological roots of terror, no stone will be left unturned—and no question is too terrifying to ask. Bring your deepest curiosities, if you dare.

We are a campy Cinematic Horror,Sci fi band with original music that pays tribute to great old Horror and Sci fi movies. located in PA.. Our sound is everything from alternative, heavy rock, Rockabilly, rock n roll, pop, punk and so much more. you can be sure that we will bring you a ghoulish and horrifically fun experience.