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

Tips for Promoting Your Business, WBC, and the Balloon Industry.

Writing and releasing a press release can help your business gain valuable PR. But before you put pen to paper, ask yourself, "Is this story newsworthy?"

Anyone who has recently returned from the World Balloon Convention 2018 has the perfect newsworthy story and the opportunity to promote your business!

Here are some tips on promoting balloons in your community and promoting your business through your WBC experience.

1. As soon as possible, write up a press release. Most journalists get hundreds of press releases each week — many of which don’t even get opened. It’s a good idea to label the subject header of your email with the phrase "press release" or "story idea."

Here are some ideas on what could be included in your press release:

• A catchy, attention-grabbing headline
• Who attended from your business
• What WBC is and why you went
• Where WBC was
• Specifics about the success of the convention;
• How many delegates 
• How many countries were represented at the convention 
• How many days you attended
• National media exposure from this newspaper and that TV network
• Highlights from your WBC experience, including new product finds, new ideas, your competition results, or your volunteer experiences
• A quote describing your WBC experience, and/or what you plan to do with your newfound knowledge
• Conclude with a paragraph listing your balloon business specialties, location, and contact information

2. Include a photo taken at the convention and a written caption describing what is happening in the photo. Make sure that you credit the balloon work shown in the photo. If you worked on decor or helped with a sculpture, include that too. Don't send photos as large files; they will ask you for a higher resolution if they need it.

3. Generally, you should send a press release by email. It's wise to make your subject line attention-grabbing. Any press release sent by email should be pasted into the email rather than sent as an attachment — you email may be flagged as spam, otherwise.

Journalists receive a lot of emails, so you may want to follow up with a call to check they've seen it. Make it your mission to find out the name and email address of the person who will be able to make a decision about whether or not to run your story. 

A good press release should take a factual tone and be short and concise, giving the journalist the essence of the story. They will get in touch if they want more information.

Here is a sample press release:

For Immediate Release

April xx, 2018

For more information: Sue Bowler - sue@suebowler.com

BalloonArt by Sue Bowler attends World's largest Balloon Convention

Sue Bowler, CBA, of BalloonArt by Sue Bowler in Henley-on-Thames, UK, attended the World Balloon Convention (WBC) in San Diego, California, last month.

Nearly 900 balloon professionals from 52 countries attended the convention where design, product, and business classes were taught and incredible balloon competitions took place in nine different categories from large sculpture to balloon fashion.

" This was an amazing opportunity to not only learn exciting new techniques and design ideas but to also work alongside some of the best balloon artists in the world. I had the opportunity to work on some of the most stunning and elaborate event parties".

" I can't wait to apply all the new skills that I learned at WBC to my decorating jobs and to my business. I know that my clients will as excited as I am when they see my new design ideas and some fabulous new techniques that I will be introducing over the next few months" Sue said.

BalloonArt by Sue Bowler has been in business since 1990, offering balloons along with other party supplies and gifts, balloon decor, and balloon deliveries. BalloonArt by Sue Bowler is located in Peppard Common, Henley-On-Thames, and can be reached at xxx-xxxx or by visiting www.suebowler.com

Photo Enclosed - 

Sue Bowler of BalloonArt by Sue Bowler in Henley-On-Thames, Oxon, recently attended the World Balloon Convention in San Diego, CA. She is pictured here with a beautiful balloon and flower wedding Arch.

Extra tips for gaining year-round media exposure:

• Develop a list of media contacts. Ensure that you have the correct contact names and correct spellings, and for newspapers, find out their deadlines.
• Send press releases regularly on your big events, awards that you've won, workshops you've attended, or unique sculptures that you have been commissioned to create. Always include a good photo to illustrate the power of balloons.
• Tie-in press releases to holidays or special commemorative days, if possible.
• Donate impressive work for community events and invite the media! 

Here are some WBC 2018 facts:

• WBC 2018, held March 14-17 in San Diego, CA, USA.
• Hosted by Pioneer® Balloon Company, the event showcased balloon artists and balloon creations from all over the world, with delegates representing 52 countries. 
• In addition to the top-notch educational curriculum—which featured 55 classes taught by 33 of the industry’s most respected professionals—other activities included nine competitions with 157 entries, a Vendor Showcase, two Deco-Twisting Jams, and a CBA® Exam that resulted in 25 proud new Certified Balloon Artists. Finally, WBC 2018 was also host to 100 children from the Greater San Diego Boys and Girls Club for an hour of balloon entertainment and a personalized tour through the sculpture gallery.  
• World Balloon Convention Media Coverage: Total Impressions: 859,050
• Fox 5 San Diego
• KSON 103.7
• NBC 7 San Diego
• The CW San Diego
• CBS 8 San Diego

Wishing you every success with your press releases!

Happy Ballooning! 

Sue
www.suebowler.com

Oh Baby Baby! Fabulous Ideas for Baby Showers and All Things Baby!

There is nothing quite as exciting as the impending arrival of a new baby for both the parents and families alike. A new baby opens the door of opportunities for balloon businesses, starting with baby showers. These have been popular in the US for a number of years, but are a growing trend in other countries, too. Decor for baby showers can have a theme, especially if the gender of the baby is already known. 

Decor by Sue Bowler, CBA

Baby Shower Moon & Stars

I love the "Baby Moon and Stars", and the "Baby Dots" range. Both are simply perfect for creating beautiful decor for baby showers, newborns, and for first birthday's too! 

Baby Girl Dots
#55388

Last year, I had the honour to decorate a baby shower for Becca Gaines of Pioneer Balloon Company. This was my first baby shower and I wanted the decor to be fun but elegant, too! 

Choosing a range of balloons to work with helped me to select my colour palette and other balloons to complement the decor that I had designed.

Decor by Sue Bowler, CBA

For the decor, I chose to make two main focal designs: a balloon wall and a small table Arch that sat over the "treats" table. The balloon wall set the scene in the room. It made the perfect backdrop, great for photo opportunities, and it really helped to bring together all the other decor. The table Arch framed the treat table perfectly.

The lovely Becca Gaines
Decor by Sue Bowler, CBA

Design by Nir and Avital Schechter

It’s going to be a royal year in the U.K. this year, starting with the impending arrival of a new Royal baby in April! Anything to do with the Royal family creates a fabulous marketing opportunity. I hope that retailers don’t miss out and build this and the other Royal events into their seasonal marketing - I am looking forward to seeing some fabulous window displays! 

Design by Nir and Avital Schechter

Design by
Nir and Avital Schechter

Nir and Avital Schechter, CBA’s, of Baloney Nir in Katzrin, Israel, have the magic touch when it comes to baby designs, and have created some truly fabulous decor that would be perfect for any baby Prince or Princess!  

Design by
Nir and Avital Schechter

Design by Dante Longhi

  

Here are a few more of my favourite baby decor designs. The new Baby Footprints Deco Bubble is such a fabulous balloon. It can be enhanced by adding a message balloon inside or by personalising with vinyl lettering. Dante Longhi, CBA, of Dream Factory Decor in New Jersey, USA, uses a fabulous weave technique to create a stylish column. He re-enforces the "Baby Footprints" by adding cut-out footprints to his design. 

To learn how to create this weave, watch the "How to Make A Sweet Baby Balloon Centrepiece" video clip below.

Design by Tina Giunta

Tina Giunta, CBA, of Shivoo Balloons in Melbourne, Australia, creates this fabulous Welcome Baby arrangement and uses twisted 160Q balloons to spell “BABY” - so simple but so effective. I love it! Below is another of Tina’s adorable creations. I love her use of balloons and textures in this design.

Design by Tina Giunta

Marketing Tips

Plan your Instagram baby campaign. There are some fabulous photographs available on the Qualatex^®  website (including all these featured in this post). QBN members can log in to download hi-resolution photographs, perfect for your website and other marketing opportunities.



Plan your window display. Any time is good for a baby window display. However, April might be a good month to create an eye-catching Royal baby theme display. Statistically, more babies are born in September than any other month of the year (work that one out), so again this is always a good month for a baby display.

Update your website. When was the last time you made changes to or updated your website? Google and other search engines are stimulated by changes and therefore website activity is always good.

And, QBN members, don't forget to download this fantastic poster! 






And check out this trending post - 130 Million Opportunities to Grow Your Business Each Year - packed with some great baby information, gender reveal parties, and some fabulous tips from Nir and Avital Schechter.

Happy Ballooning!

Sue
www.suebowler.com

How to make a Confetti-Filled Deco Bubble with Ultra Hi-Float - Step-by-Step Video

Confetti Deco Bubble Balloons

Everyone loves confetti-filled balloons, and that includes the fabulous Qualatex^® Deco Bubbles, too! I know that many of you are using the static method to stick your confetti to the inside of the Bubble, however, as we also know, this does not always work. Or the static drops out of the Bubble when moved to a new environment. Here is a surefire way to make sure that the confetti stick and stay in position.

Check out the instructions below and then watch the video clip for a demonstration on how to do this technique. 

INGREDIENTS
• ULTRA HI-FLOAT^®
• 20" or 24" Deco Bubble
• Mylar or foil confetti
• A kitchen/canning funnel

20" Deco Confetti Balloon
1) Add a ½ squirt of ultra HIFLOAT with purple clip on pump.
2) Rub the outside of the Deco Bubble to spread the coating over the inside surface.
3) Blow a puff of air into the Bubble so the sides of the balloon are not touching.
4) Add about a ¼ cup of chopped mylar confetti.
5) Inflate the Bubble with helium to about the size of a soccer ball.
6) Shake the Bubble vigorously to spread the confetti uniformly inside.
7) Fully inflate the Bubble with helium and tie.

24" Deco Confetti Balloon
1) Add 1 squirt ultra HIFLOAT with purple clip on pump.
2) Rub the outside of the Deco Bubble to spread the coating over the inside surface.
3) Blow a puff of air into the Bubble so the sides of the balloon are not touching.
4) Add about a ½ cup of chopped mylar confetti.
5) Inflate the Bubble with helium to about the size of a soccer ball.
6) Shake the Bubble vigorously to spread the confetti uniformly inside.
7) Fully inflate the Bubble with helium and tie.
Note: When inflating a Deco Bubble with confetti, safety glasses are recommended.

I hope that this helps some of you?

Happy Ballooning!

Sue
suebowler.com

Follow me on Instagram @suebowler

Monochromatic Decor — Stylish, Elegant, and Fun!

When it comes to choosing colours for decor, remember that a monochromatic colour theme can look very elegant and stylish, too. So what is monochromatic?

Monochromatic (mon·o·chro·mat·ic)  - consists of one hue (colour) and its tints, tones, and shades, creating a striking yet subtle colour contrast. A tint is made by adding white, a tone by adding grey, and a shade is when we add black to the colour that we are working with.

Sometimes it is very hard to work with a single colour. This is a fantastic way to create a design that has contrast, but without introducing a second or third colour.

Decor by Sue Bowler, CBA and Nicci Rene of Balloon Bouquets, London, U.K.

I have recently had a few opportunities to create decor with a monochromatic colour theme. 

Decor by Sue Bowler and Nicci Rene

This shades of Pink decor was ordered for a corporate Valentine's marketing event. We were asked to create organic style decor to grow up and around an open cube shape. We used a range of pink balloons from Wild Berry, Rose, Pearl Pink, Pearl Magenta, and Pink, plus we added some double-stuffed balloons using Jewel Magenta and Sparkling Burgundy to create some deep rich tones. We also added some White, Diamond Clear, and a smattering of the new Chrome Mauve. For added texture, we used paper honeycomb and tissue balls.

This was one of my first attempts working on a large scale organic style project. I really enjoyed the experience and believe that it was absolutely perfect for the event. I think that it is very easy to forget the elements and principles of design when creating organic decor — visual balance and proportion should not be forgotten.

My second recent experience working with a monochromatic colour theme was last September when I was asked to design and decorate the Pioneer Balloon 100th anniversary Saturday night party at the Wichita Country Club. My objective was to create elegant decor with a fun twist, and that —I believe — is what we achieved.

Guests were greeted at the entrance with this fabulous photo booth. The frame was made using Black & White SuperAgates^®, Black with White Polka Dots, White with Black Polka Dots, Spray Decorated Black and White Polka Dots, and Onyx Black Balloons. The combination of these balloons created fabulous visual texture. We made a White Quick Link balloon wall that was positioned behind the booth to give a neutral background.

I love elegant lines, and this arch and the giant numbers looked fabulous, creating a truly stunning backdrop to the main reception room. It also became a great photo opportunity with people posing through the numbers!

Probably one of my favourite designs from this event was the circular wall. Luc Bertrand, CBA, of wAw Balloons, in Vichte, Belgium, created the original wall for a trade stand earlier in the year and when I saw it I really wanted to have a go making it!  Luc very kindly shared his design with The Very Best Balloon Blog. If you would like to know how to make it, click HERE

Giant balloons are very trendy! With the very high ceiling in this venue, it was the perfect opportunity to create these giant balloon bouquets! Using confetti-filled balloons also added a little glamour and a silver sparkle to the decor! 













It truly was an honour to be asked to design the decor for this party, but as you know, it takes a team to create decor on this scale! I would like to thank everyone who worked with me; Cam Woody, CBA, John Bowler, Amanda Armstrong, CBA, LaDonna Belcher, CBA, Cheryl Skoric, CBA, Eve Antonello, CBA, Syliva Santos, CBA, and Edward  Muñoz, CBA —  you're the best!! 

To see more photographs from this event, visit Qualatex.com - Inspiration - Balloon Decor - Black & White or click HERE. If you are a QBN member, you can download the photographs to use for marketing purposes.

I love working with a monochromatic colour theme. It gives me the opportunity to use the full range of balloons that fall within the parameters of the colour that I am working with, plus all the additional colours that I can create by double stuffing! I love being able to add visual texture by using printed and the new Chrome Balloons™. It's certainly not boring!

Happy Ballooning!


Sue
www.suebowler.com