Speaker Room 1
One of the most talked-about criminal cases in recent history comes under the microscope as Jeff Ignatowski presents “The Delphi Murders: A Deep Dive.”
This compelling seminar examines the shocking murders of Abigail Williams and Liberty German, the investigation that captivated the nation, the conviction of Richard Allen, and the appeal that continues to keep the case in the headlines. Along the way, Jeff explores the evidence, the investigation, and the alternate theories that have fueled years of debate, offering attendees an in-depth look at one of the most complex true crime cases of our time.
Speaker Room 2
Speaker Room 1
Every college campus has its legends… but where do those stories come from? Join James W. Thomas for “Considering the Macabre on American Campuses.”
From haunted dormitories and phantom professors to unsolved murders and enduring campus folklore, colleges and universities have long been home to stories that blur the line between history and legend. Based on the newly published book Myths, Mysteries, and the Macabre on American Campuses, this engaging presentation explores why these tales continue to thrive and what they reveal about campus culture, history, and the people who keep these stories alive. Featuring haunted locations from across the country, including two chilling legends from the University of Kentucky, this seminar examines the academic, historical, and social significance behind some of higher education’s most enduring mysteries.
Speaker Room 2
The roots of Appalachian Granny Magic reach much farther back than most people realize. Join Katherine Stringfield for “Scottish Travelers: The Origin of Appalachian Granny Magic.”
Take a fascinating journey through history as Katherine explores the Scottish Travelers, a nomadic people whose customs, folklore, and spiritual practices helped shape Appalachian culture. Learn how traditions such as tea leaf reading, water divination, herbal healing, charms, and storytelling were carried across the Atlantic and preserved in the mountains of Appalachia. Rich with folklore, history, and the supernatural, this presentation uncovers the enduring legacy of a people whose influence can still be found throughout the region today.
Speaker Room 1
History’s darkest mysteries take center stage as Zach Bales returns to ScareFest Weekend with “Unmasking the Zodiac Killer and Tales of Serial Killers in Kentucky.”
Step inside one of America’s most infamous unsolved cases as Zach explores the terrifying crimes of the Zodiac Killer, the investigation that has fascinated generations, and the latest developments surrounding the elusive murderer. He’ll also turn the spotlight closer to home, uncovering Kentucky’s own chilling history of serial killers in a presentation that blends true crime, history, and investigative storytelling.
Speaker Room 2
Are we closer than ever to understanding the mystery behind UFOs? Join Dr. Christina Kieffer for “Unidentified Aerial and Submerged Phenomena: A Scientific Examination of Key Encounters.”
This fascinating presentation explores Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) and Unidentified Submerged Objects (USOs) through a scientific, evidence-based approach. Examining historical reports, modern military encounters, sensor data, and eyewitness accounts, Dr. Kieffer evaluates the patterns, credibility, and possible explanations behind some of the world’s most intriguing cases. From natural phenomena and advanced technology to the truly unexplained, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of what the evidence reveals and why continued scientific investigation is so important.
Speaker Room 1
Why do so many people willingly pay to be scared? Join Katie Jo Glesing for “Love. Play. Fear.”
From haunted houses and ghost hunts to professional wrestling and other adrenaline-fueled experiences, this fascinating presentation explores why fear can be fun. Drawing on sociology, psychology, and fandom studies, Katie examines how trust, consent, and shared experiences transform fear into excitement, connection, and even joy. Whether you’re a horror fan, paranormal enthusiast, or thrill seeker, you’ll come away with a new perspective on why we keep chasing the things that make our hearts race.
Speaker Room 2
Pack your bags for a journey down America’s most iconic highway… where every mile has a dark story to tell. Join Tanya McCoy for “Murder and Mysteries along the Infamous Route 66.”
As Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary, this captivating presentation explores the darker side of the Mother Road. From notorious serial killers and unsolved disappearances to UFO encounters and the legend of the Phantom Truck Driver, Tanya uncovers the chilling stories that have haunted generations of travelers. Blending history, true crime, folklore, and the paranormal, this road trip through America’s most famous highway reveals that not everyone who set out on Route 66 ever made it home.
Speaker Room 1
What happens when a healthcare professional encounters experiences that medicine alone can’t explain? Join Kristen Gandy for “Beyond the Chart: Paranormal Patterns in Hospital Settings.”
Hospitals are filled with moments of hope, loss, and everything in between, making them some of the most compelling locations for paranormal reports. Drawing from firsthand clinical experiences and years of investigative research, Kristen explores unexplained phenomena witnessed in active hospitals, psychiatric units, and long-abandoned medical facilities. From mysterious call lights and phantom footsteps to encounters that challenge conventional understanding, this fascinating seminar examines the place where healthcare and the unexplained seem to intersect.
Speaker Room 2
Step beyond the veil for an unforgettable evening where illusion and the unexplained collide. Join Jared Howell for “The Mediums.”
Part Victorian séance, part immersive magic show, and part ghost hunt, The Mediums blends theatrical storytelling with the history of spiritualism and modern paranormal investigation. Throughout the experience, you’ll witness demonstrations inspired by the techniques of 19th-century mediums while exploring the fascinating line between deception, belief, and the unknown. Whether you’re a skeptic, a believer, or simply looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, this interactive presentation promises an evening unlike any other at ScareFest Weekend.
Speaker Room 1
Some of the world’s strangest hauntings don’t come from crumbling castles or abandoned asylums. Join Stephanie Bingham for “Poltergeists and the Strange Case of Gef the Talking Mongoose.”
From objects moving on their own to unexplained voices and violent disturbances, poltergeist cases have fascinated believers and skeptics alike for generations. This intriguing seminar explores some of history’s most well-known hauntings before diving into one of the most bizarre paranormal stories ever reported: the mysterious tale of Gef, the talking mongoose. With eyewitness accounts, historical research, and a healthy dose of the unexplained, Stephanie examines a case that continues to puzzle paranormal enthusiasts nearly a century later.
Speaker Room 2
Ever dreamed of making your own horror movie but thought you needed a Hollywood budget? Join Wesley Gift, Chris Langford and Hunter Groves for “Horror Filmmaking on a Budget.”
Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or simply curious about what goes into creating an independent horror film, this engaging presentation pulls back the curtain on the creative process. Learn practical techniques for developing scripts, directing cast and crew, maximizing practical effects, and using atmosphere to build tension without breaking the bank. They also share real-world insights from independent filmmaking and answer your questions about bringing horror stories to life.
Speaker Room 1
What if the monsters we fear are really reflections of the struggles we carry? Join Alan O.W. Barnes for “Monsters Are How We Talk About What Hurts: Appalachian Cryptids as Regional Trauma.”
This thought-provoking seminar explores the legends of Appalachian cryptids through a different lens, examining how folklore can reflect collective grief, environmental change, cultural identity, and the stories communities tell to make sense of hardship. Blending regional history with monster lore, Alan offers a fascinating look at why these creatures continue to capture our imagination and what they reveal about the people who created them.
Speaker Room 2
Step into a world where ancient traditions, folklore, and paranormal investigation converge. Join Matthew Sorge, Haley Staack and Terance Williams at ScareFest Weekend for “The Occult & The Supernatural,” a presentation exploring the connections between occult traditions, supernatural folklore, ritual practices, and modern paranormal investigation.
Together, Matthew, Haley and Terance will examine how centuries-old beliefs continue to shape the way we understand hauntings, unexplained phenomena, and paranormal experiences today. Drawing from their individual backgrounds and perspectives, the discussion will explore the space where history, metaphysical practice, folklore, and real-world investigation intersect.
The presentation will also offer attendees a special sneak peek at Conjuring Truth, an upcoming ScareNetwork TV Original Series produced by Shadow Work Productions.
Speaker Room 1
Fear has shaped humanity for thousands of years, but what can our monsters teach us about ourselves? Join Charles Romans for “The Importance of Fear from Ancient Culture to Pop Culture.”
From ancient myths and folklore to today’s horror films, urban legends, and paranormal stories, fear has always been a powerful force in shaping societies and storytelling. This thought-provoking presentation explores how cultures throughout history have used fear to explain the unknown, establish traditions, and pass down cautionary tales. By tracing these themes into modern pop culture, Charles reveals the surprising connections between the legends of the past and the monsters that continue to captivate us today.
Speaker Room 2
Horror has always reflected the fears of its time, but it also has the power to tell stories that history books often overlook. Join Eric Brooks for “E Pluribus Horror: Exploring Diverse History in Horror.”
Using films, novels, and comics as a guide, this seminar explores how horror has become a powerful medium for examining diverse cultures, historical events, and difficult chapters of the past. From modern masterpieces like Sinners to groundbreaking works across the genre, Eric takes a thoughtful look at the creators who use horror to confront history, spark conversation, and challenge audiences in unexpected ways.
Speaker Room 1
The vampire’s legend stretches far beyond the pages of Dracula. Join Allen Sircy for “The History of Vampires.”
From the infamous Vlad the Impaler to the eerie folklore of Hungary, Argentina, and beyond, this captivating presentation traces the evolution of one of history’s most enduring monsters. Along the way, Allen explores how vampire legends crossed oceans and took root in America, uncovering strange tales of blood-drinking, unexplained deaths, and alleged vampirism in places like Iowa, Missouri, and New York. Blending history, folklore, and horror, this seminar reveals how the vampire transformed from ancient superstition into one of pop culture’s most iconic creatures.
