Thriving in the Balloon Industry by Guest Blogger Megan Dominguez, Pioneer Balloon Company

Every small business could use a lift in this down economy. But, how do you get your business to thrive and not just survive? 

The Qualatex Event 2011

Professional training and continued education have become an essential component of successful small businesses. “In the balloon industry, we know for sure that the most successful businesses we work with are the ones that continue to invest in education,” says Michelle Comerford, European sales manager of Pioneer® Europe Limited.

One great option for those in the balloon industry looking for quality education and professional training is the upcoming Qualatex Event in England. The event will take place 3-5 Nov, 2011 in Heythrop Park, near Oxford England. It is the first major balloon education event in Europe since 2005. The Qualatex Event-England is designed to provide beneficial, business-building information and design ideas. 

Heythrop Park, Oxfordshire, England

“I make every effort to attend all Qualatex events and courses,” Corinne Elliot, CBA, of Deeside Balloons Ltd. in Shotton, United Kingdom said. “The enthusiasm and energy of the instructors inspires me time and time again and gives me the knowledge to grow my business.” 

The Qualatex Event Instructors

The courses will be taught by top instructors who understand the balloon industry and retail market, and have the experience to help participants grow their business. Delegates will have the opportunity to attend more than 50 different courses designed for a variety of skill levels and interests ranging from the fundamentals of balloon decor to advanced techniques. Select courses will also be offered in Italian, Spanish, German, Russian, and French.

“Training is so much more than demonstrating how to make great designs with balloons. We believe that it is important to focus on promoting best business practices as customers are frequently looking for advice on how to price and sell work,” Michelle said. 

Nick Mayhew

 Delegates will also have the opportunity to attend a business-focused session with keynote speaker, Nick Mayhew, senior partner for the accountancy firm Price Bailey. Nick heads up the Management Consultancy Division of the firm, and spends his working time advising small and medium size businesses on a wide range of subjects from writing a business plan to formulating an exit plan and everything in between.  He will help delegates think about their own business, and give them the know-how and confidence to build a brighter future.

The slowed economy has challenged many companies in the balloon industry to work with smaller staffs, leaving little to no time to create new designs. It is very difficult to grow a business and capture repeat customers without changing design offerings. “We understand that it can be difficult running a business and constantly having to juggle a variety of problems, so it is important that we make it as easy as possible,” Michelle said.

Delegates at The Qualatex Event-England will learn four to five new designs in each class, giving them the opportunity to leave the event with at least 20 new design ideas they can use right away. The courses will not only teach participants new designs, but give them hands-on opportunities to create what they’ve learned. In addition to increasing the number of designs they can create, delegates will be able to build-up their Idea Book with new pictures to show clients.

“I am always receptive to new and exciting balloon designs which in turn fuse new ideas to decorate our store thus offering our customers equally new and exciting ideas,” Corinne said. “The visual impact and knowledge I take back to my store is invaluable.”

Efficiency is crucial to running a small business, and The Qualatex Event-England offers a multitude of valuable business-building resources all in one place. The event is a great timesaving education and training opportunity for those in the balloon industry. If you would like more information on The Qualatex Event-England; including a full list of courses, instructors, and registration information, visit thequalatexevent.com.