Missed Birthdays - Natalie Saunders of The Balloon Studio

A Balloon has never meant so much! 

Natalie Saunders and The Balloon Room Team

ALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), a leading mental health charity dedicated to preventing suicide in the UK, launched a powerful installation called "Missed Birthdays" to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.

https://www.thecalmzone.net/missed-birthdays

https://www.thecalmzone.net/missed-birthdays

https://www.thecalmzone.net/missed-birthdays

This immersive display, created by BAPIA member Natalie Saunders of The Balloon Room, was located at Westfield London from September 9th to 11th, featured 6,929 birthday balloons, each representing a young life lost to suicide between the ages of 15 and 25—a birthday they never reached.

The campaign's purpose was to drive awareness, spark conversation, and bring attention to the UK's youth suicide crisis.

The installation received global attention, and the emotional impact of seeing these balloons emphasised the gravity of the issue.

After weeks of planning and hundreds of emails, this thought-provoking project was brought to life, and those involved will never forget its profound significance.

About the Job!

"I was contacted by a Creative Production agency after they saw my work on my website and asked me to install the most powerful, thought provoking campaign I’ve ever been a part of - Missed Birthdays for the mental health charity CALM. 

Weeks of planning, team meetings, tons of paperwork, testing and retesting ideas to cover the stringent Health & Safety and over 300 emails went into bringing my clients vision to life. They showed me what they wanted and I had to make it happen. This installation would be seen globally and will be put up for awards, like their previous campaign….so no pressure! There were so many agencies involved in this, Creatives, Production, Riggers, Health & Safety and me. One couldn’t work without the other. We all had to be aligned and find a way to work together. Very frustrating at times but we got there. 

On Thursday 5th September the installation began. With 20 people in my team we started to air inflate the 6,929 happy birthday foil balloons with ages 15-24. Each age balloon represented the amount of that age who had died through suicide in the last decade. Each age had a different amount, all the ages totalled 6929. We tied ribbons to each of them and individually stuck them to 783 Perlon lines to create ‘daisy chains’. These chains were then hung 13 meters up in the air. The design comprised of 9 different lengths of lines each with different amounts of balloon on. I had to work out a way of measuring and producing these lines without it getting confusing. We worked solidly for up to 15 hours through the night finishing on the morning of Monday 9th at Westfield Shopping centre in White City. 

I had the most amazing team. We bonded over this experience. The enormity and importance of this project was never lost on us. We constantly reminded ourselves each balloon we were handling was a young life that had gone, and a devastated family left behind. 

The response was phenomenal. It was featured everyday on ITV’s This Morning. It went viral on Tik Tok and Instagram. I’ve had messages of thanks from all over the world from people who have been touched in one way or another by youth suicide. 

Natalie with presenter Ben Shephard

Cat Deeley and Ben Shepard

I am so proud and will never forget this experience. I feel I’ve been part of something vitally important. I will be eternally grateful to my amazing team for helping me absolutely smash this project. Things were constantly changing through this four night install so we were always adapting to what was needed. We had such a slick operation, all the planning and preparation worked so well. My clients were over the moon and everyone commented on how amazing we were."

Natalie Saunders - https://www.thecalmzone.net/missed-birthdays

About Natalie 

"I’ve been in this wonderful industry of ours for over 22 years. I went on my fundamentals course in April 2002 and I’ve never looked back. I continued to go on as many balloon courses as I could. This was a part-time job for me, alongside other jobs, until 2012. The business had grown so much I didn’t have time for my other jobs. So I took the plunge and made this my full-time career. It was so different back then. There wasn’t any social media so you really had to work hard to get your name out there. 

Eight years ago, I decided to get myself a professional qualification in teaching to enable me to become a balloon instructor. I absolutely love teaching because I’m still so passionate about what I do. I think my experience of running a successful business helps me teach. I have my own balloon courses and I’ve also taught for BAPIA, Amscan and Tuftex. 

I have had the most amazing balloon jobs in this country and all over the world. Some have been very high profile and some have been memorable for other reasons. I’ve met the most amazing, talented balloon professionals along the way. I count myself extremely lucky to be able to do what I love every day."

Nat x

A Sticky Situation... Which Glue is Best for You and Your Balloons? Updated September 2024

When it comes to attaching balloons and other materials, there are plenty of adhesive options available. But which glue or adhesive tape is best for your needs? Here’s an updated guide to help you explore balloon adhesives, so you can pick the perfect tool for every project.

Latex to Latex

NEW Packaging 2024

Balloon Bond®: The Adhesive Tape for Latex Balloons

Click-Click™ Balloon Bond® has become a must-have for professionals. Since its debut in 2013, its benefits are now widely recognised. This double-sided adhesive is ideal for connecting latex balloons and various other materials.

Pro Tip: Balloon Bond works best for latex-to-latex connections but is also effective with foil/foil and latex/foil combinations. It may take a bit of practice, but once mastered, it’s perfect for adding details—and it’s nearly invisible!

For more on Balloon Bond, check out my post: Balloon Bond Saved the Day!

For latex-to-latex bonding, a rubber adhesive is hard to beat. In the U.S., Elmer's® Rubber Cement is a top choice, offering a fast-drying, durable bond. Since my original 2013 post, Elmer's has become more widely available in Europe, making it a reliable option for balloon artists everywhere.

Pro Tips:

Planning to use rubber cement in your design? Here’s what you should know:

Choose Acid-Free and Wrinkle-Free: Elmer's Rubber Cement in the orange jar is ideal for balloon work.

Thicken the Glue: When you first open rubber cement, leave the lid off for a day. This thickens the adhesive without drying it out, making it easier to handle and reducing spills. Keep the brush in a cup of water during this time to prevent it from drying.

Control Static: Rubber cement can form thin strands that static electricity can pull towards balloons. To avoid a mess, keep balloons at a distance while working.

Efficient Application: If you use rubber cement regularly, keep the brush on the table rather than dipping it in the jar each time. This saves time and reduces mess.

For Precise Application: For small areas, swipe the balloon over the brush instead of the brush over the balloon. This offers better control and precision.

 Foil to Foil

NEW Packaging 2024

Stretchy Balloon Tape - Clik Clik  

Stretchy Balloon Tape is my go-to adhesive for foil balloons. It provides a strong connection without putting stress on the balloons. The tape's elasticity makes it ideal for creating secure connections that can move with the balloon construction.

Professional Advice: This tape is a must-have in any professional's toolkit. It can save the day, as it can be used to repair a pierced or damaged foil balloon—perfect fix, as good as new!

Uglu Dashes and Strips 

Finding Pro UGlu Dashes was a revelation for many balloon professionals. These adhesives, available in the UK and US, stick to almost anything, making them indispensable. They are perfect for securing foils and attaching balloons to various surfaces.

Top Tip: They're clear, so they don't show, and being pre-cut makes them easy to use.

"I prefer UGlu Strips for their versatility and extra stickiness. They're especially useful for tricky materials." 

Hi-Float®: An Unexpected Adhesive

While Hi-Float® is typically used to extend the life of helium balloons, it also works as an adhesive. Coat the outside or inside of a latex balloon to add glitter and create stunning effects.

Other Adhesives Worth Mentioning

Glue Dots and Balloon Sticky Dots: Ideal for quick adhesion of small elements on latex, foil, and Bubble type balloons.

Lomey® Adhesive: Designed for Lomey Design System components, this waterproof glue dries clear and provides a strong, permanent bond.

Low Temperature or Cool Melt Glue Guns: Surprisingly effective for balloon designs, especially when building and attaching balloons to Mosaic Frames. Just be careful—hot glue can still pop balloons!

Gorilla Glue™- Known for its industrial strength, this glue is perfect for heavy-duty applications like securing Lomey poles to tiles.

Let me know your favourite adhesive for balloon work and why you love it, and I'll add it to the post!

Happy Ballooning!

Sue Bowler

Join Us for the Party & Event Industry's Must-Attend Trade Show!

Experience the ultimate party industry extravaganza at the Celebration and Party Expo 2025 on March 23rd and 24th at the Telford International Centre, Telford, UK! Get ready to be blown away by the hottest trends in party products and services, straight from the industry's best manufacturers and suppliers. Be inspired by the range of products and services on show from stunning balloon displays, photo booths and backdrops, neon signs to soft play, sweet carts, face painting, bubble houses, cutting-edge entertainment options and more...  With creative demonstrations and inspiring speakers, this trade exhibition has it all. 

 

But wait, that is not everything! Dive into the unparalleled networking opportunities at the CAPFEST Party on Sunday night, where you can rub elbows with industry insiders and let loose on the dance floor with live music. With the CAP Expo app in hand, you'll have all the tools you need to navigate the event and make the most of your experience!

Don't let your business fall behind – seize this thrilling opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and elevate your business to the next level.  Join us at the Celebration And Party Expo 2025 for an unforgettable weekend of fun, connections, and inspiration. See you there!

To Register Visit - https://www.capexpo.co.uk/pre-registration

 Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/celebration.partyexpo/

What Makes a Facebook Post have the Potential to go Viral and why that is good for your Small Business!

For those passionate about social media, few things can match the exhilaration of one of your posts going viral – and that's precisely what occurred for me last week! Every business dreams of viral growth. It is the perfect way to attract attention, new followers, - and greater business opportunities.

So, what does it mean to go viral? A social media post going viral refers to a post that spreads rapidly and widely across social media platforms, often far beyond the creator's immediate network of friends or followers. When a post goes viral, it receives an exceptionally high level of attention, engagement, and sharing. 

The post that went viral: In my post (below), I shared a series of photographs showing a few of the steps I took to create a Number Five design I made for my granddaughters 5th Birthday a few years ago! It had a simple caption, six hashtags, and one link back to Qualatex - nothing unusual or out of the ordinary.

Sue Bowler

Check out my posts Insights! 

Having 1,627,745 impressions on a single Facebook post is a significant level of exposure for the content. Impressions represent the number of times the post was displayed on someone's screen. It is an important metric to gauge the reach and visibility of the content. However, impressions alone don't tell the whole story. To better understand the performance of a post, you should also consider additional metrics such as:

Engagement: Check how many likes, comments, and shares your post received. High engagement indicates that your content resonated with your audience and encouraged interaction - my post has received to date 854 comments and 494 shares and 2.7k likes! This is a first and I would definitely like to keep the momentum going! 

Certainly, this situation is undeniably thrilling, but how could I leverage it to my advantage?

Observing the post gaining significant traction, I decided to harness its potential. It resonated with individuals eager to create the design themselves or connect with others (who potentially could make the design) by tagging them in the post. Acknowledging the importance of engagement in the social media realm, I expressed my gratitude for their comments and thoughtfully embedded a link to one of my blog posts, which offered an extensive tutorial on creating the design. This strategic move resulted in a boost in the Click-Through Rate (CTR). During that period, the post's views experienced substantial growth, introducing an entirely new audience to my blog. Had the blog been monetised, this surge in traffic could have potentially translated into income! 

https://theverybestballoonblog.blogspot.com/2020/06/how-to-make-styled-framed-number-and.html

Here are some of the key factors that could contribute to viral success:

➡️ compelling content: something that captures the audience's attention and makes them want to share it.

➡️ visual appeal: Posts with eye-catching images, videos, or graphics tend to perform better.

➡️ timing: Posting at the right time when your target audience is most active on Facebook can boost the chances of your content going viral. 

➡️ emotion: Posts that evoke strong emotions, such as happiness, anger, or surprise, are more likely to be shared. 

➡️ relevance: Content that's relevant to current events, trends, or popular is more likely to go viral.

➡️ engagement: The more people engage with your post, the more it's likely to appear in others' newsfeeds.

➡️ influencers: Influencers and other businesses can share your content with their followers, increasing its visibility.

➡️ hashtags: Use relevant hashtags and keywords to increase the discoverability of your post.

➡️consistency and community engagement: Consistently posting high-quality content can help build a loyal audience that's more likely to share your posts.

Why are viral posts good for your small business:

⭐️ Increased Visibility: Viral posts reach a vast audience, boosting brand awareness.

⭐️ Brand Exposure: Viral content enhances recognition.
⭐️ Cost-Effective Marketing: Virality often requires minimal ad spending.
⭐️ Engagement and Community Building: Fosters community growth and customer relationships.
⭐️ Sales Potential: Drives inquiries and sales.
⭐️ Competitive Edge: Sets you apart in your niche.

While not every post goes viral (and sadly they don't) consistent quality content and best practices can increase your chances of experiencing viral moments that benefit your small business.

In conclusion, I had a thrilling few days as I watched the shares and comments on the post multiply, and it became quite riveting viewing! 😄

When I began sharing the link to my blog post, that added another layer of excitement, with the number of views increasing by the minute. It went from roughly 400 to 3,000 in just a few days! Notably, my Facebook and blog post followers saw substantial growth, making this entire experience a great success.

I've heard some people claim that Facebook is less effective than Instagram, but after this experience, I'm not entirely convinced!

Happy Ballooning! 

Sue

www.suebowler.com

Follow me @suebowler

"The evolution of the balloon industry alongside the rise of influencers."

"My Italian genes just LOVED working on this project with @philipcarrevent"
Design by Chris Adamo, CBA, Owner at Balloonpro.co and Balloons Online and Owner at The Balloon Crew - Balloons.net.au

The balloon industry shares similarities with the fashion world as it undergoes continuous transformation and development. I have witnessed many of trends emerge and fadeover the last three decades. This includes the introduction of novel and creative balloon-related products, as well as the emergence of a fabulous array of exciting balloon colours. Among the memorable moments, one that stands out vividly is the introduction of the organic style of balloon decor. This revolutionary approach offered a liberating form of balloon arrangement, breaking away from the constraints and conventions of traditional Classic Balloon Decor. 

Some within the industry held the belief that this new trend would have a brief existence, echoing sentiments such as "it requires an excessive number of balloons," "it demands too much time," and "people won't be willing to pay extra for the additional balloons and time." However, this prediction couldn't have been more off-base. Amidst the pandemic, when numerous balloon enterprises faced a sense of hopelessness, a contrary phenomenon was unfolding. In places where contactless deliveries were sanctioned, a fresh surge of balloon artists emerged along with the evolution of “ballooning influencers.”

The balloon industry has consistently featured a key group of influential figures—balloon artists who have conducted workshops and sessions at prominent global events. I can certainly identify myself as belonging to this category. However,  a new wave of influencers has had a notable impact on the balloon market since the pandemic in several ways:

So, what exactly is an influencer, and how do they influence the ballooning community?

Promotion and Visibility: Influencers showcase balloon decor in their content, whether it's home decorations, party setups, or event displays. This increased visibility has brought attention to balloon decor, encouraging individuals to try it themselves or hire professionals.

Organic Display using Qualatex Chrome Balloons by
Blow it with Bex

Trends and Inspiration: Influencers introduce new trends and creative ideas. Their unique designs and innovative concepts inspire consumers and professionals to explore different styles and themes in balloon decorations.

Halloween Decor by Bubble Hustle Balloons in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Consumer Engagement: Many influencers engage directly with their followers through Q&A sessions, tutorials, and live demonstrations. This interaction has educated and encouraged people to experiment with balloon art, especially during lockdowns when DIY projects gained popularity.

Business Collaboration: Some balloon manufacturers and suppliers collaborate with influencers to promote their services or products. This partnership can boost brand recognition and reach new audiences. Influencers often share their positive experiences with balloon businesses, leading to referrals and recommendations.

Photo by @Sarah_lit with @Northstarballoons

Community Building: Influencers have fostered a sense of community within the balloon industry. They connect enthusiasts, artists, and businesses, creating a supportive network for sharing ideas, techniques, and resources.

Market Expansion: The pandemic prompted many individuals to explore home-based businesses, including balloon decor. Influencers played a role in guiding newcomers through tutorials, business advice, and product recommendations, contributing to market growth.

In summary, influencers have contributed to the resilience and evolution of the balloon market during the pandemic and beyond by promoting creativity, inspiring trends, and fostering a sense of community. They've helped balloon decor remain relevant and adaptable to changing circumstances.

The balloon industry is not unique; influencers can practically be found in every industry, from book reviewing to fashion blogging, and their knowledge and understanding of their niche places them in a position of power and authority within the digital realm.

Here are a few balloon-related accounts that have substantial followings. I am sure there are many more, but these are the companies that I follow. 

The Event Collective @theventcollectivex, with a jaw-dropping 994K followers:

The Event Collective, established in 2018 and based in Austrailia, is a directory and convenient place to find anything and everything party or event-related. The Event Collective shares the work of balloon artists and event companies from around the world.

Balloon Designers ♡Genesis Nieves & Iravid Nieves♡

Decolovers @decolovers: with 926K followers

Qualatex @qualatex: With 176K followers, Qualatex is a major balloon manufacturer and educator known for providing high-quality balloons and educational resources. They have a significant following due to their global presence and educational content.

Dream Higher Events @dreamhigherevents:

Boasting an impressive 205K followers, Debbie Boxall of Dream Higher Events has experienced remarkable growth in just a few years. Debbie's fine art and fashion design background undeniably influence her distinctive style and boundless creativity. Her balloon journey narrative is truly compelling; I wholeheartedly recommend exploring her story on her Instagram page.

Bubblegum Balloons @Bubblegumballoons:

Founded in 2013 by sisters Laura & Sally and their best friend Megan, they began the Bubblegum business in their family home. Surrounded by endless amounts of confetti, feathers, helium, and ribbon, the Bubblegum dream was born. With a vision to create a beautiful personalised gift for every special occasion, the business has grown into a team of Balloon Ninjas who travel worldwide to deliver the Bubblegum Balloons magic! Today, Bubblegum Balloons still boasts a magnificent 194K followers. 

 

The Event King - @jesustejadax: - 177k followers

Blow it with Bex @blowitwithbex: -155K followers

Dress your Daydream @dressyourdaydream: - 148K followers

Edward Munoz - @edward_munoz: - 128K followers

Balloon Occasions - @balloonoccasions: - 125K followers

Feathered Fox Designs - @featheredfoxdesigns - 119K followers

With a Twist Balloons - @withatwistballoons: - 112K followers

Are influencers important for the growth of the balloon industry? While influencers can amplify these efforts and reach a broader audience, they are just one piece of the puzzle. The collective actions of professionals, businesses, industry associations, and the broader community all contribute to the continued relevance of balloons in the eyes of the general public.

Happy Ballooning! 

Sue

www.suebowler.com

Follow me @suebowler (only 33.9K followers 😊)