Matt Ames, Barnco Entertainment LLC
Unlocking Tomorrow: The Past, Present, and Future of Escape Room Experiences
Matt Ames is a lifelong entrepreneur and innovator dedicated to creating a world with more intent. For over 20 years, Matt has built and led businesses that promote self-discovery, foster emotional connections, and deliver transformative experiences. From founding Champion Valley Outdoor Adventure Park in 2001, which became the area’s top destination for outdoor-based entertainment, to launching Escape Inc. in 2014, growing it to 8 locations across 5 states with over $3 million in annual sales, Matt has consistently delivered impactful customer experiences. Most recently, his work with Arcade Arena explores how cutting-edge technology can redefine immersive entertainment and drive innovation in the industry.
John Denley, Escape Room International
Escape Room Gameplay/ How To Incorporate An Amazing Blend Of Physical, Mental And High-Tech Puzzles To Create The Ultimate Escape Game!
John Denley is the CEO of Escape Room International. He has designed attractions around the world and his team has become synonymous with creating cutting edge attractions. His clients include Disney Resorts, The U.S. Army, Norton Utilities and Foxwoods Casino and Resorts. He has been featured on many media outlets including Psychology Today, CNN and the Today Show.
Stephen Kristof, 31st Night Productions
How to Build Your Entertainment Empire: Creating Strong Pillars From Your Existing Foundation
Stephen M. Kristof is an accomplished entrepreneur and leader in the entertainment industry, with over two decades of experience managing renowned attractions. He is the owner of the 60 to Escape escape room chain and the award-winning Realm of Terror Haunted House, one of the nation’s top-rated haunted attractions. Stephen has also designed and operated numerous other experiences, including The Halloween Experience, several haunted attractions, and more. His innovative approach and proven track record make him a sought-after expert in the field of entertainment and attractions.
Matt Lipke, Dark Hollow Productions
Setting the Scene in 60 Minutes: Demystifying the Design Process
Workshop: From Floor Mat to Fabrication: EVA Foam for Costuming, Prop Making, and Beyond
Matt is the President and Creative Director for Dark Hollow Productions, where he oversees project development and leads the team in special effects and lighting design as well as event operations. Matt has worked in the film and television industry for almost 10 years as a producer and director and has been involved in numerous award-winning productions. His experience in the professional entertainment industry helps lead the production team at Dark Hollow.
Marty Parker
Future-Forward Fun: Lessons & Secrets of Evolving Through The Era of Active Entertainment
Marty Lee Parker is an active entertainment producer who has produced over 50 events since 2012 including Mud Runs, Color Runs, Tomato Fights, Bubble Runs, Escape Rooms, Game Shows, Blind Ninja Dinner Challenges, Bubble Trucks, Axe Throwing and Romantic Adventure Mini Resorts. His companies were among the first to market with their concepts. He specializes in quickly bringing new ideas to life in a scalable format based on structured systems.
Aaron Souza, Extreme Escape Redding, Extreme Escape Elevated, The Selfie Spot
The Power of the Pivot: Matching Your Market for Success
Aaron and Jessica Souza, the dynamic husband-and-wife duo reshaping the world of entrepreneurship with their boundless creativity and drive! With roots in the entertainment and customer service industry, they’ve spent their lives turning dreams into unforgettable experiences. Jessica, with her background in teaching, theater, and set design, brings vision and artistry to every project. Aaron, a mastermind in custom automotive builds and electronics, adds technical brilliance to their ventures. Together, they’re a powerhouse of innovation, building awe-inspiring escape rooms and axe-throwing ranges on smart, balanced budgets. But it doesn’t stop there. With customer experience as their guiding star, the Souzas have become champions of community engagement and rapid growth—expanding from their small-town beginnings into thriving new ventures. Over the past nine years, they’ve grown with the ever-evolving escape room industry, launched new locations, and steadily grown a successful axe-throwing business for five years. Even in the face of the pandemic’s challenges, Aaron and Jessica didn’t just survive—they thrived! Their resilience and adaptability turned one of the toughest eras for businesses into a period of remarkable growth and success.
Jessica Souza, Extreme Escape Redding, Extreme Escape Elevated, The Selfie Spot
The Power of the Pivot: Matching Your Market for Success
50 Tips & Tricks that every Interactive Business Owner Needs to Know!
Aaron and Jessica Souza, the dynamic husband-and-wife duo reshaping the world of entrepreneurship with their boundless creativity and drive! With roots in the entertainment and customer service industry, they’ve spent their lives turning dreams into unforgettable experiences. Jessica, with her background in teaching, theater, and set design, brings vision and artistry to every project. Aaron, a mastermind in custom automotive builds and electronics, adds technical brilliance to their ventures. Together, they’re a powerhouse of innovation, building awe-inspiring escape rooms and axe-throwing ranges on smart, balanced budgets. But it doesn’t stop there. With customer experience as their guiding star, the Souzas have become champions of community engagement and rapid growth—expanding from their small-town beginnings into thriving new ventures. Over the past nine years, they’ve grown with the ever-evolving escape room industry, launched new locations, and steadily grown a successful axe-throwing business for five years. Even in the face of the pandemic’s challenges, Aaron and Jessica didn’t just survive—they thrived! Their resilience and adaptability turned one of the toughest eras for businesses into a period of remarkable growth and success.
Evan Stolicker, Dark Hollow Productions
Setting the Scene in 60 Minutes: Demystifying the Design Process
Workshop: From Floor Mat to Fabrication: EVA Foam for Costuming, Prop Making, and Beyond
Evan serves as the Treasurer of Dark Hollow Productions where he brings his knowledge for Event & Entertainment Management as well as sales to the team helping create memorable experiences for all customers. Evan currently works for Live Nation Entertainment, helping bring productions to life at large venues throughout the NY & NJ markets for millions of fans. Evan leads a diverse team of staff through day of show operations which can bring in 26,000 fans through their doors nightly.
Aaron Stolicker. Dark Hollow Productions
Setting the Scene in 60 Minutes: Demystifying the Design Process
Workshop: From Floor Mat to Fabrication: EVA Foam for Costuming, Prop Making, and Beyond
Aaron is the Vice-President and Creative Technical Director for Dark Hollow Productions, where he oversees costuming, tech and effects, and scenic drafting and design. Aaron worked as a Design Engineer at 5 Wits Productions where he was responsible for game design and creating immersive storytelling adventures. Outside of the interactive entertainment industry, he is an avid cosplayer and theatrical costume designer. Aaron’s work has been recognized by the Eastern Massachusetts Association of Community Theater’s DASH program for Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design, and has received nominations for Set Design and Set Dressing.
Benito Suppa. Durham Escape Room
Punch Above your Weight Class: How to build a powerful brand in a small market
50 Tips & Tricks that every Interactive Business Owner Needs to Know!
Benito is the owner of Durham Escape Rooms which has been open for 9+ years. With a 6200 sq ft facility with 10 experiences ranging in difficulty and complexity, Durham Escape Rooms has found a balance in operations, and successful marketing.
Scott Swenson, Scott Swenson Creative Development
Beyond Boundaries: Pioneering New Frontiers in Interactive Entertainment
For over 30 years, Scott Swenson has been bringing stories to life as a Writer, Director, Producer, Educator and Performer. His work in Theme Park, Consumer Events, Live Theater and Television has given him a unique perspective on the entertainment industry. In 2014, after 21 years with SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Scott formed his own company, Scott Swenson Creative Development. Since then he has been providing impactful experiences for clients around the world. Scott is just as comfortable installing shows on cruise ships (Viking Cruise Lines) or writing and directing award winning educational presentations (SeaWorld, Space Center Houston, The Florida Aquarium, Indianapolis Zoo) as he is providing creative direction (or as he calls it, “Guest Experience Advocacy”) for park wide Christmas events (Franklin Institute, Indianapolis Zoo). In the first half of 2023, Scott was working as the Senior Producer for the Installation of Live Entertainment at SeaWorld, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. In early 2024, he took on the role of Training Specialist for the opening of the WWE Experience in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Scott is probably best known for his work on Halloween events and haunted attractions (Howl-O-Scream, Terror Roulette, The Vault of Souls, DARK at Fort Edmonton Park, UNDead in the Water, Creatures of the Night, ZooBoo, Franklin Fright, etc.). Scott hosts “A Scott in the Dark: Periodic Podcasts for Haunters” and co-hosts the “Green Tagged: Theme Park in 30” podcast. He has written two popular books on the haunted attraction industry and four books of dark poetry and prose. Scott is a member of IAAPA, Leadership Tampa Alumni, The Horror Writers Association, The Themed Entertainment Association, Puppeteers of America and The Haunted Attraction Association. He is an IAAPA Certified Attractions Executive (ICAE), Subject Matter Expert (for training classes and certification) and a member of the IAAPA Entertainment and Awards Task Forces. He has also contributed to articles for several national and international publications and is a sought after panelist and presenter for entertainment and event based trade shows. Whatever project Scott is working on, he is always focused on finding new ways to tell stories that engage and entertain audiences. For more information visit www.ScottSwenson.com