08/08/2026
With an incredibly heavy heart, I share the loss of our dear friend, Randy Bates.
It is difficult to find the words for a loss like this. Randy wasn’t just a pioneer and leader in the haunted house industry, he was someone who meant so much to so many of us personally. He was innovative, intelligent, generous, kind, and above all, a loving and devoted family man.
I have always admired Randy, both as a businessman and as a person. From the very beginning, he was there for me, my family, and TransWorld. He played an instrumental role in helping us build TransWorld Trade Shows into what they are today. His support, friendship, encouragement, and belief in what we were doing meant more to me than I could ever express.
There was never a time when I needed Randy that he wasn’t there. That is the kind of person he was. He showed up. He cared. He helped. And he never expected recognition for it.
Over the years, Randy became so much more than a friend and industry colleague. I considered him part of my extended family, which makes this loss incredibly personal and painful. Knowing that he will no longer be there at the shows, seeing his smile, sharing a conversation, laughing together, or simply knowing I could pick up the phone and call him is very difficult to comprehend.
Our industry has lost one of its true pioneers, but so many of us have lost something even greater, a wonderful friend and a genuinely exceptional human being.
I am beyond heartbroken by this news. Randy touched so many lives, including mine, and there will forever be a place in my heart and in the TransWorld family, that belongs to him.
My deepest love and condolences go out to Randy’s family and everyone who loved him during this unimaginable time.
Rest in peace, my dear friend. You will be missed more than words could ever say, and you will never be forgotten.
- Jen & Rich
