Did You Know that There Are Elves At The World Balloon Convention?

There are so many "Wow!" moments at WBC, and of course, one of those is the incredible decor designed by a line-up of extremely talented balloon artists from around the world! WBC 2018 was no exception, and I can honestly say that there were many "Wow!" moments.

Welcome Event Decor
Designer Stuart Davies, CBA.
Photograph by Nicci Rene.

I would like to start by acknowledging the designers who created all the fabulous decor.

Lobby Decor Designer - Lily Tan, Singapore.

Welcome Event Decor Designer - Stuart Davies, CBA, UK.

Costume Party Event Decor Designer -Federico Onida, CBA, Italy.

Grand Gala Event Decor Designer - Olga Baranova, CBA, Russia.

Grand Gala After Party Event Decor Designer - Chris Adamo, CBA, Australia.

You might be surprised to learn that this post is not about the designers. It is about the amazing crew of people who tirelessly work to make sure that each of the designer's dreams are realised, and that the decor looks as fabulous as it should.

As I have mentioned before, there are many reasons why people attend WBC, and one of those is to be part of the awesome production team — for me, the "Elves of WBC!"  One of my favourite childhood books was a very old story called, "The Elves and the Shoemaker." This story is about a poor shoemaker who receives much-needed help from elves, hence the reason I have given this wonderful group of people the name "elves"! 

The Production Crew Team. 

First-Time WBC Production Crew Members:

Sara and Mike Harris, both CBAs of For Every Occasion in Rhyl, UK., have attended every WBC in varying capacities: as delegates, competitors, and also as a sponsor. This would be the first time that they worked as part of the production crew.

Mike Harris, CBA.

The production crew are all unsung heroes, the elves of WBC who make dreams reality. Do you agree with that statement? 

"Absolutely, 100%. I knew from the other events I had attended that the amazing event decor had to be built, but until this year, I did not realise who did it or how much hard work was involved. Most days started for the team at either 7 or 7:30 a.m. and would go on until up to midnight. One day we worked until 3:00 a.m. 

It was great to work as part of this fantastic team who all have their own strengths and specialities. They accepted us straight into the team from day one, and I know I have made some great friends for life," Sara added "I always knew these ‘elves’ worked hard, but can honestly say I really had no idea just how hard! The hours they put in are immense."

Sara Harris, CBA.

What do you think you gained from being part of the crew?

"Apart from a great bunch of new friends, I think the experience of working as part of a large crew on gigantic projects. It was also reassuring to see that other artists work in the same way that we do on projects. Not only from a design point of view, but also the way the team worked on the designs." Sara also felt that they gained more experience working on big decor.

What were your WBC 2018 highlights?

"Working with a hard-working, great fun team. Seeing each of the designs come to life and the final night awards dinner when we knew we had finished and could finally relax." For Sara, "I loved the beach party, but my highlight was the welcome decor - absolutely loved it!"

Was there anything that you did not enjoy about your role?  "There was nothing that we did not enjoy. It is hard work, long hours, but very rewarding to see the results. In conclusion, WBC 2018 was a whirlwind of thousands of balloons, more than I have ever worked with on one project. We worked hard. We didn’t have time to play hard, but we made some great friends for life. I only hope we get to do it all again sometime in the future. I would like to say a big thank you to LaDonna Belcher and her team for welcoming us in, and trusting us as part of this first-class crew." 

Barry Revell, CBA, of Lightitup Balloons in Perth, Australia, also joined the production crew for the first time this year.

Barry Revell, CBA.

Barry's first WBC was in 2016 in New Orleans, and although a delegate, he found himself volunteering to help the production crew with inflating balloons and knew that this would be the perfect WBC role for him.










The production crew are all unsung heroes, the elves of WBC who make dreams reality. Do you agree with that statement?  

"100%, yes! Without the production crews help, it would be so hard for the designers to achieve their designs and the mass numbers of balloons that the decor requires."

What do you think that you gained from being part of the crew? 

"I learned many new skills from working on the large scale decor projects. I also enjoyed working together with others crew members. It was great that we were able to combine our skills. I also gained many more balloon artist friends from around the world."

What were your WBC 2018 highlights?

"There were many highlights. Seeing how the designers became overcome with emotion once their event decor had been turned from a design on paper into reality. Also, working alongside nineteen other amazing and talented balloon artists."

What did you least enjoy about your role? "That the whole experience finished too quickly."

LaDonna Belcher, CBA with Barry Revell and
Olga Samoilova, CBA.

This year's fabulous production team members were:
Greg Arrigoni, Garrett Gruberman, Mark Toomey, Sue Boone, Ines Lambert, Cheryl Skoric, Alexandra Ventura, Bonnie Fisher, Lisa Talip, Chase Nelson, Evan Nelson, Tara Silva, Debi Leidel, Cindy Rasmusson, Ray Wilson, Mike Harris, Sara Harris, Barry Revell, Sandy Pressley, Fathi Boheme, and JR (Huvaldo) Magnia. 
This amazing team was led by the fabulous LaDonna Belcher, CBA, who was awarded the Golden Light Award at this years WBC in honour of the wonderful late Linda Bruce. LaDonna had this to say about her team. "They work with a pure heart as if each event was their very own, and we are all in one accord to help the designer achieve their dream."  

A huge thank you to Mike, Sara, and Barry for sharing their WBC first-time experience working on the production crew team!

Happy Ballooning!

Sue
www.suebowler.com

We're all dreaming of that perfect room to create in... Part 2

Last week I posted part one of this blog and it would appear by the number of views that the blog has received already that this is a hot topic for many of us! Sometimes we need a little inspiration to help us, not only with our day to day balloon designs and decor but also with how to be creative with our storage systems too!

Last week I asked members of the QBN (Qualatex Balloon Network) Facebook Group if they would kindly share how they set up their working and storage area's and any tips that they might have, I was overwhelmed  by the number of responses that I received and felt that they should all be included.

Jenny Murphy of Red Balloon shares her top tips:
My local sweetshop was a huge help, they supplied me with empty haribo boxes! All my balloons are stored in these. For my most popular balloons we keep them in a pick and mix stand closest to the workstation so they are always at hand. The balloon boxes are stored on IKEA shelving according to size, brand and occasion. 
For our wire, poles etc we have large brackets on the wall at different heights. This has made life so much easier to organise and work with. 

Yvonne Hodgskin, of Loony Balloony.

"I have a small study that I use to work from in my home and space is at a premium! 

I bought 3 x Single wardrobe carcasses from IKEA and put wire drawers in one (for ribbons, weights and fabrics), plastic drawers in the middle one (4 for modelling balloons and 4 for foils / bubbles) and the last one just has shelves.  

2018 - Let's Take A Quick Look at our Ballooning Year!

2018 started with what can only be described as a revolutionary new latex balloon - Qualatex^® Chrome™ Balloons!

A latex balloon unlike any other with a rich, shiny metallic finish that looks simply stunning! 

Over the past year I have seen some fabulous designs and decor created using Chrome balloons. There are so many to choose from, but here are a few of my favourites!

Natasha Nordin, CBA of the London Balloon Boutique

Natasha Nordin, CBA, of the London Balloon Boutique, London, U.K. used 11" Chrome Gold balloons to create these fabulous balloon covered pillars. I love the precision and metallic ball-bearing effect that this decor creates.

Design by Spark's in Beirut, Lebanon.

I love this "Chrome" design by Sparks, in Beirut, Lebanon. Chrome balloons turn to "glass" when double-stuffed with a Jewel Tone balloon over the top! I re-named this balloon type as a Jewel-Chrome!

Design by Zoe Adam-Jones, Jaz Trading, Queensland, Australia.

Zoe Adam-Jones, CBA, of Jaz Trading in Queensland, Australia recently shared this beautiful organic style Chrome and greenery Christmas tree, which is absolutely stunning! 

On the 24th January we saw the launch of the fabulous new on-line show Q Corner Live! Hosted by the very funny, witty, occasionally a little bit naughty but always sincere, Keith Stirman, CBA, and Dominic Cassidy, CBA. Over the past year, Keith and Dom have presented this interactive "EDU-TAINMENT" show that offers a wide variety of topics including Business and Marketing Tips, New Product Features, Question and Answer Sessions, Industry Interviews and lots more! If you have not already subscribed, click on the link to make sure that you never miss an episode! https://youtube.com/qcornershow and check back on some of their earlier shows too if you missed them the first time round! 

San Diego - World Balloon Convention 2018!

Welcome Decor by Stuart Davies, CBA

From March 14-17, 2018 the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina was filled with nearly 900 ballooning delegates! Attendees travelled from far and wide from 52 different countries to enter competitions, attend many fabulous classes, and participate with building event decor as well as attend the grand events! Words cannot truly describe how fabulous this event is. It's not just a learning experience, it's probably the most energising and exciting ballooning opportunity that you will ever experience! If you don't believe me, just check out this fabulous mini documentary that follows the WBC journey of the Canadian "Twisted Team"!

Final Night Decor by Olga Baranova, CBA, and
Olga Samoilova, CBA.

Design class with Luiz Carlos da Costa Silva, CBA.

The next World Balloon Convention will be held in Orlando, Florida - March 23-25 2021! You have plenty of time to save - try saving a small percentage from each of your 2019 balloon jobs towards the cost, you will be amazed at how quickly your savings will grow! 

Organic balloon decor still remains one of this year's top selling styles of balloon decor!

I had the opportunity to create this fabulous balloon and flower wall a few months ago for a corporate client. They loved it - and so did I! Not only was it organic, it featured beautiful shades of pastel coloured balloons which blended really well with the faux flowers. Pastel shades is another growing trend that I am sure that we will see much more of in 2019! 

Trending Balloons

There have been some wonderful trends this year, some new, and others continue to grow from last year! What is your favourite?

Donut

Toucan

Llama

Mermaid

Flamingo

Unicorn

Balloons and the Environment

This became one of the hottest topics in 2018 and something that all ballooning professionals need to be aware of. We have a number of different bodies fighting our corner and when I say fighting I really mean it! In Europe we have the European Balloon and Party Council (EBPC). And in the U.S. we have The Balloon Council (TBC). Both councils are represented by leading balloon and equipment manufacturers, gas companies and many other party related companies! 

Earlier this year, EBPC launched a new website - www.partysafe.eu - you will find a wealth of information related to guidance and product safety.

Many of you will have heard of PEBA - the Pro Environment Balloon Alliance. PEBA is working tirelessly to represent the balloon industry.

I really don't want to gloss by this topic, and will be writing a full up-date blog post in the new year. If you are unsure what EPBC, PEBA and The Balloon Council are doing to help support the balloon industry, I recommend that you check out each of their websites - I have added links to make it easy for you to find them.

And finally...

Images Magazine and Balloon Magic are going digital!

From the new year, both Images Magazine and Balloon Magic will be available online and will be free!

Here are a few facts!

• The last print issue of Balloon Images is October/November/December 2018.
• The last print issue of Balloon Magic is issue #93, which will be mailed in December 2018.
• Starting in 2019, both publications will be hosted on qualatex.com.
• All content will be free, but there will be exclusive content for QBN members in the Balloon Images issues.
• The issues will feature valuable content for today’s digital age including:  video tutorials, downloadable marketing materials, links to helpful content on other sites, and much more!
• Both publications will be translated to languages currently supported on qualatex.com.
• People living outside of the United States will no longer have to wait weeks or months to receive their issues because it will now be delivered to your email inbox.
• Be sure to join the Qualatex email list  and subscribe to the individual publication lists to receive an email as soon as the issues go live.
• Qualatex will still produce a print publication that will be released annually.  The first, to be called The Very Best of 2018, is planned to be available for purchase  January 2019 for approximately $12 USD +shipping.

This is just a small collection of 2018 moments, I am sure that I have missed many! I am very excited to see what 2019 brings us! 

Happy Ballooning!

Sue
www.suebowler.com
#suebowler

It's Time to Say Goodbye to 2018 and Hello to 2019!

On this New Year's Eve, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a superb January, a dazzling February, a peaceful March, an anxiety free April, a sensational May, and Joy that keeps going from June to November, and then round off with a fizz-popping December!

Thank you all for continuing to support the Very Best Balloon Blog, and for all the lovely messages that I received throughout the year - It is very gratifying to know the blog is helpful and inspiring many of you! I am very much looking forward to writing the Very Best Balloon Blog next year, and would welcome any ideas or suggested topics that you would like me to cover - just drop me a message at suebowlercba@gmail.com.

I would also like to say a huge thank you to some of this year's amazing contributors and guest bloggers! They have all very generously given their time to inspire and help others in the balloon industry! To check out some of their posts, just click on their name!

Connie Iden-Monds, CBA, Party Animals in Nashville, Tennesse, USA.

Sara and Mike Harris, both CBAs of For Every Occasion in Rhyl, UK.

Barry Revell, CBA, of Lightitup Balloons in Perth, Australia.

Avital and Nir Schechter, CBA's of Baloney Nir in Katzrin, Israel.

Jackie Ochitwa, CBA, of With a Twist Balloon Creations in Alberta, Canada.

Ruti Grodkinsky, CBA, of Designed by Ruti - Balloon Decor Israel.

Luc Bertrand, CBA, of Waw Balloons in Vichte, Belgium.

Jill Shortreed, CBA, of Charleston Balloon Company in Mount Pleasant, SC, USA.

Chris Adamo, CBA, of Balloons Online in Sydney, Australia.

Stuart Davies, CBA, of Beyond Balloons in South Wales, U.K.

Michelle Severino, CBA, of Party Splendour in Peakhurst, NSW.

Caity Byrne, CBA of All About balloons in Washington, D.C., USA.

Tina Giunta, CBA, of Shivoo Balloons in Melbourne, Australia.

Zoe Adams-Jones, CBA, of Jaz Trading in Queensland, Australia.

Toñy Moncada, CBA of Globofiesta, in Elche, Alicante, Spain.

And of course a huge thank you to Qualatex^® who sponsor the blog! 

I believe that we will have a few challenges in 2019, but if we work together we should be able to overcome many of these and grow and prosper for many years to come! 

Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year and looking forward to seeing you next year! 

Happy Ballooning!

Sue

www.suebowler.com

#suebowler

Christmas Party with a 70's Disco Theme

Happy New Year to you all! I hope that you had a productive and profitable Christmas and New Year! I thought that I would start the year by sharing one of my own Christmas experiences.

For the past few years, I have had the privilege of working with Ali Welsh to design and decorate a Christmas party in one of London's top hotels. Each year the theme has been very different, with this year being 70's Disco.

Ali Welsh Events Ltd.
Balloons by Sue Bowler, CBA
Quick Link Disco Design by Mike Hurst CBA

When I started to design the party, my first two thoughts were — "Mirror Balls" and the word "DISCO"! 

I usually start my design process by surfing the Internet for inspiration and found this image. I thought that this would be perfect for the stage decor. 








I felt that the style of letters would look good made from Qualatex^® Quick Link Balloons™. They would have a great visual impact and be light enough to hang. The only problem I faced was that I had no idea how to make them! It was at this point I called a good friend and expert, Mike Hurst, CBA, of Red's Balloons and Party in Brackley, England. Last year, Mike developed and ran a course teaching how to make numbers using Quick Links, and I really liked his style, so Mike was the perfect person for me to ask to design the letters for me. 

I spent an afternoon with Mike at his shop learning how to make the letters and to see how they would look. As you can see they were pretty huge, but I knew that they would need to be big to have the impact that I was looking for.

Mike will be releasing an online "NUMBERS" course later this year that will show you how to create all the numbers using this fabulous technique. He assures me that he will be starting on his letters course soon! 

"Disco" Stage Decor

To re-create the Mirror Ball look was a little easier! We made one hundred and fifteen "Mirror Ball" centrepieces! 

3' Confetti Balloons with Neon Tails
Photograph by Nicci Rene

Each balloon was prepared with Hi-Float and then filled with square-cut silver confetti — we used approximately 60 grams of confetti in each balloon.

Photograph by Nicci Rene

The balloons look fabulous grouped together before we put them out on the tables! 

Photograph by Nicci Rene

For the lower ceiling areas, we made an air-filled Bubble Balloon^® version that worked perfectly! 

Photograph by Nicci Rene

One of my favourite foils is the Holographic Stars! These always look so fabulous when used for decor, but this was the first opportunity that I have had to use all the colours for the same job and they looked amazing!

This is a short promotional video created by Peter Lane Creative Studio on behalf of Ali Welsh events. It shows the magical transformation of the ballroom - we did it in less than two hours! 

Ali Welsh Events - Highlights video - Grosvenor Christmas Party from Peter Lane on Vimeo.

I would like to say a huge "Thank you!" to my amazing team who worked so hard — and made quite a lot of mess, too!

"The Confetti Queens" - Nicci Rene - Nathalie Saunders - Kerry Ferguson - Debbie Magill
"The Quick Link Disco Kids" - Stuart Davies and Aimee Smith
"The Base Boys" - John Bowler and Jim Magill

"The Bubble Girl" - Sue Bowler
"The Finisher" - Dee White

I hope that you have enjoyed a little look at how our day went! Did I have any sleepless nights before the event? Yes, of course! Did I have that sicky feeling all day in my stomach? Always! 

Happy New Year and Happy ballooning!

Sue

www.suebowler.com 

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