AFTER-HOURS EVENTS
AFTER-HOURS events are separate from general admission prices
* for conference attendees only! *
THURSDAY NIGHT PRE-CONFERENCE EVENTS!
SOUTHERN GOTHIC CAMPFIRE GHOST STORIES
HOSTED BY BRANDON SCHEXNAYDER | 7:30 PM
THURSDAY | $22 PER PERSON
AMERICAN ODDITIES MUSEUM
Brandon Schexnayder, the talented host of the highly acclaimed Southern Gothic podcast, brings his New Orleans family roots, authentic storytelling, and musical talents to this entertaining and spooky event — a ghostly, immersive evening that intertwines history and hauntings with Brandon’s storytelling craft. The live event offers a “campfire feel” where Brandon will share ghost stories with a guitar player providing background music. It’s an event not to be missed!
FRIDAY NIGHT AFTER HOURS EVENTS
ECHOES OF THE ETHER:
THE FORGOTTEN WOMEN OF SPIRITUALISM
HOSTED BY APRIL SLAUGHTER
FRIDAY NIGHT: 9:30 PM | $42 PER PERSON
HELD AT THE AMERICAN ODDITIES MUSEUM
Join us for an illuminating exploration of the lives and legacies of the forgotten women of spiritualism—the mediums, inventors, and seekers whose voices helped shape how we understand communication with the dead.
Through vivid storytelling and historical research, April uncovers the remarkable contributions of women such as the Fox Sisters, Florence Cook, Elsa Barker, Pearl Lenore Curran, and lesser-known pioneers who pushed the boundaries of belief and technology in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Their courage not only advanced the spiritualist movement but also opened the door for later generations of researchers—many of them women still fighting for recognition in a field historically dominated by men.
This presentation invites attendees to rediscover these extraordinary figures, reflect on their influence on modern mediumship and paranormal research, and consider how their struggles for authenticity, respect, and equality continue to echo through the work of investigators today.
DOWSING FOR GHOSTS AND GRAVES
HOSTED BY SHERRI BRAKE
FRIDAY NIGHT: 9:30 PM | $42 PER PERSON
HELD AT THE GREAT RIVERS HOTEL
Join us for a hands-on Dowsing Workshop where you’ll learn to use traditional L-rods to locate energies, lost objects, unmarked graves and spiritual hotspots. ( rods are supplied). Participants will explore how to interpret rod movements with confidence. We’ll discuss the history and techniques of spiritual and grave dowsing, blending centuries-old methods with the modern paranormal.
Whether you’re a curious beginner or seasoned investigator, this immersive experience will deepen your connection to the unseen world. Copper rods will be available for purchase after the workshop along with a copy of the book "Dowsing for Ghosts & Graves".
FRANKLIN LODGE GHOST HUNT
FRIDAY NIGHT: 10:00 PM | $42 PER PERSON
LOCATED AT 1513 WASHINGTON AVENUE
Conference attendees Only! Join other investigators from the conference and explore the chambers, hallways, and spaces of the Franklin Lodge, one of the most actively haunted places in Alton! Constructed in 1930, the lodge had hosted hundreds of events over the years — including the funeral of lodge member Robert Wadlow, the Tallest Man Who Ever Lived — and from the thousands who have passed through its doors, it’s become apparent that may have stayed behind. Don’t miss this one — it’s going to sell out fast
FRIDAY NIGHT: MCPIKE MANSION GHOST HUNT - SOLD OUT!
FRIDAY NIGHT: ODDFELLOWS LODGE GHOST HUNT - SOLD OUT!
FRIDAY NIGHT: CHENEY MANSION GHOST HUNT - SOLD OUT!
FRIDAY NIGHT: ESTES METHOD EXPERIMENT - SOLD OUT!
saturday night after hours events
ALTON HAUNTINGS TOUR
HOSTED BY LUKE NALIBORSKI
SATURDAY: 7:00 PM | $26 PER PERSON
DEPARTS FROM THE AMERICAN ODDITIES MUSEUM
Join Luke as he takes you on a trip back into time to explore the ghostly history of Alton — “One of the Most Haunted Small Towns in America!” Based on the book by Troy Taylor, our award-winning tour takes you behind the scenes — and inside of — the most haunted places in town! Come see how the events of the past have created the hauntings we experience today!
ALTON HAUNTINGS BUS TOUR
HOSTED BY LEN ADAMS
SATURDAY: 6:30 PM | $46 PER PERSON
DEPARTS FROM THE AMERICAN ODDITIES MUSEUM
Join Len as he takes you on a trip back into time to explore the ghostly history of Alton — “One of the Most Haunted Small Towns in America!” This ghostly experience explores haunted places throughout Alton, going behind the walls of different locations during the tour and visiting locations that you CAN’T see during our walking tour!
The bus tours are conducted on a motorcoach, and we get off the bus throughout the evening so guests can experience the locations firsthand. The bus does have restroom facilities on board.
PAST LIFE REGRESSION WORKSHOP
HOSTED BY SHERRI BRAKE
SATURDAY NIGHT: 7:00 PM | $42 PER PERSON
HELD AT THE GREAT RIVERS HOTEL
Step beyond the boundaries of time in this Past Life Regression Workshop, a guided journey into the memories your soul carries. Sherri has regressed over 600 people using gentle relaxation and meditation style techniques. You may explore vivid impressions, emotions, and experiences that may come from previous lifetimes. We’ll discuss how these glimpses can reveal karmic patterns, soul connections, and lessons influencing your present life. It can even help explain your hobbies and job choices. Each participant will be guided back in a group setting with time afterward to share insights and reflections.
“BLACK MIRROR SCRYING”
SATURDAY: 7:00 PM | $42 PER PERSON
HELD AT AMERICAN ODDITIES MUSEUM
Explore this ancient method of spirit communication and a way to interpret messages using images and symbols. Traditionally, scrying is depicted as a form of fortune-telling, a way to peer beyond the present into the future to see what lies ahead, or even give insights into a past life. Modern uses of scrying see it as a tool of self-reflection, allowing those who participate to gain a new perspective on someone or something by peering into the depths of the scrying mirror's reflective surface and yourself!
MAGICKAL GALLERY EXPERIENCE
HOSTED BY THE THREE APPALACHIAN WITCHES
SATURDAY: 7:00 PM | $42 PER PERSON
HELD AT FRANKLIN LODGE
Magick is everywhere! Join three Appalachian Witches as they interact with audience members using their renowned psychic, mediumship, and energy healing abilities! Join Ashley, Pat, and Misty as they reach out to the other side, speaking with those who have crossed over the veil. The three Reiki Master Teachers will also use their skill and gifts in energy healing during the gallery reading. And, psychic revelations will be be shared with participants who are with them for this rollicking, fun-filled psychic adventure!
FRANKLIN LODGE GHOST HUNT
SATURDAY: 10:00 PM | $42 PER PERSON
LOCATED AT 1513 WASHINGTON AVENUE
Conference attendees Only! Join other investigators from the conference and explore the chambers, hallways, and spaces of the Franklin Lodge, one of the most actively haunted places in Alton! Constructed in 1930, the lodge had hosted hundreds of events over the years — including the funeral of lodge member Robert Wadlow, the Tallest Man Who Ever Lived — and from the thousands who have passed through its doors, it’s become apparent that may have stayed behind. Don’t miss this one — it’s going to sell out fast
SATURDAY: INTERACTING WITH THE MYSTERY BEYOND THE VEIL - SOLD OUT!
SATURDAY: “ITC: BEYOND THE STATIC” — SOLD OUT!
SATURDAY: ODDFELLOW LODGE GHOST HUNT - SOLD OUT!
SATURDAY: MCPIKE MANSION GHOST HUNT - SOLD OUT!
SATURDAY: CHENEY MANSION GHOST HUNT - SOLD OUT!
SUNDAY: “AMERICAN MURDER HOUSES” FAREWELL BREAKFAST - SOLD OUT!