2000 Convergence New Orleans

The 2000 Convergence was not only in one of our favorite cities, New Orleans, but where else should a group of Halloween enthusiasts converge for a weekend of seminars, haunted history tours, a visit to a killer attraction – The House of Shock and a weekend ending costume masquerade ball. 

We arrived in New Orleans Thursday and met up several other attendees at the Hotel Monteleone in the lounge.  We knew we were going to be in for a great time when the hotel lounge was no ordinary lounge but one that fully rotated like a carousel.  During the course of the next few days it was a frequent place to stop for a nightcap, as long as you remember to get your bearings upon disembarking. 

Friday was the first day of he event where everyone introduced themselves or their group and spoke to what brought them to the Convergence.  There were commercial and home haunters mixing with Hollywood special effects experts and manufacturers of products and services that give us the shivers.  We sat through several very educational seminars on prop building, set dressing, marketing, acting and many other topics.  We were also treated to a trip to the legendary, House of Shock.  These guys really take it over the top.  We received a lights off, then a lights on tour from our hosts who were very open to answering several of the questions and curiosities we had about the history of the event.  A special shout out Ross Karpelmann, Stephen Joseph and the rest of their staff for a great time. 

Saturday we were in store for more seminars and camaraderie.  That night there was also masquerade ball and the costumes were great.  What made it even better was that EVERYONE participated and that there was a wedding taking place in the ballroom right next door !  Needless to say, the bride was not so overjoyed by our presence on “her day”. 

During the weekend there was also time to shop, hang out on Bourbon Street and even take in a couple Haunted History Tours.  The Vampire Tour was our favorite; however, the Cemetery Tour where we visited Marie Lavoux’s tomb was an added treat, especially with this group.

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