Thursday, March 8, 2012

How to get 'The Very Best' from a Balloon Convention!

Attending a convention for the very first time can be a daunting experience... what can you expect? Will you recoup your investment? How can you make it the best experience ever?

So with less than 2 weeks to go until the 2012 World Balloon Convention, I invited some of our industries leading instructors to share their Top Tips and suggestions on how to get the very best from a balloon convention... and a little bit more!

How would you describe your experience when you attended your very first balloon convention?

 Robbie Furman - 1st Balloon Convention Twist & Shout - USA 2007
" My first balloon convention was an emotional, exciting roller coaster from the moment I got there till the last goodbye". - Robbie Furman CBA

Azusa Ieizumi - 1st Balloon Convention JBAN - Japan  1999
 "Amazing! I have never seen such a wonderful balloon works before"! - Azusa Ieizumi CBA


Tope Abulude - 1st Balloon Convention European Balloon Symposium Paris - 1995 

"It was mind blowing"!!!!!!!!!!! - Tope Abulude CBA


Colin Myles - 1st Balloon Convention European Balloon Symposium Amsterdam -1994
 "It blew my mind, and realised I had found what I wanted to do with my professional life". - Colin Myles CBA



Lisa Swiger - 1st Balloon Convention  Balloon Camp Las Vegas 2007
 "I came home with so many new, money-making ideas that it was literally a turning point for our business". - Lisa Swiger CBA


Alberto Falcone - 1st Balloon Convention BACI - Italy 1997
"You can choose: Alluring - Appealing - Attractive - Captivating - Charming - Engaging - Fascinating - Glamorous - Insite - Intriguing - Prepossessing - Ravishing - Winning -inspiring... Speaking about the first event, to go there like a child opening his/her Christmas gifts... Full of desire to play and enjoy with it!   " - Alberto Falcone CBA


Amanda Armstrong - 1st Balloon Convention  IBAC 16 Chicago, 2000
" I learned so much and was excited to get back to my business to implement all of the new techniques and designs that I had just seen.  I also made many new friends that I still see today".   - Amanda Armstrong CBA


David Taylor - 1st Balloon Convention BASA- Tasmania, Australia 2003
 "mind blowing and design expanding.Helped me to think more broadly about what is possible with balloons". - David Taylor CBA

Alex Arroyo & Pepe Posada - 1st Balloon Convention Qualatex Event Mexico, 1990
I just got CRAZY at the time I felt in my hand  my first Qualatex Balloon a WHITE 16” wow!! And we saw so many doors to open  for this business! - Alex Arroyo CBA 




 What top tip would you give to someone who has never attended a convention or event so that they maximise their experience?


 "try to work with one of the competitors" - Tope  

"Bring a camera and take lots of pictures of EVERYTHING – from ideas you want to recreate all the way through large sculptures that will inspire you.  At some point, you will forget things because the experience can be so overwhelming.  When you get home, you’ll have hundreds of photos to help you remember"! - Lisa

"take lots of notes and photos in your classes.  As soon as you return to your business build at least one design that you saw everyday for the next two weeks.  Take a pic and try to sell it". - David 


"Go and help as much as you can:  in the sculptures, the events! It’s a great opportunity to learn and of course go to principles and design class"! - Alex

"Attend everything, from helping with the set-up, or competitions, to classes to parties, speak to people, ( you will find everyone very friendly ) do not worry about sleep, you can sleep when you get home". - Colin

"the spirit to learn and to discover every time something new is the right way to attend all seminars, also after tenths". - Alberto

"Always lend a helping hand whenever possible.  Hands on experience is always the best teacher.  Look for and learn new techniques that you can use in your designs.  Take lots of pictures to refer to when you get back to your business. Ask LOTS of questions, don't be afraid, you'll get out of it only what you put into it.  Have fun and make new friends"!
 - Amanda

"Now that I have attended many conventions and have learned so many things from them over the years, I recommend to a new conventioneer, to keep in mind, that when you go to your first convention, you will want to come to more and more.  SO, Since you are going to be coming to many conventions…take it SLOW.  Yes, don’t worry about trying to take EVERY class, don’t worry to try and learn how to create every design.  Take it slow.  Take lots of pictures, learn who the teachers are and what they are teaching, and make notes of it for future conventions if there is something that does not fit into your schedule at the WBC or if the designs may be a little more advanced then you are ready to create.  My biggest recommendation would be to leave the convention with a handful of great ideas and recipes.  Take these home, MASTER them and we will see you at the next convention"! - Robbie

How would you recommend/suggest that a first time attendee put’s their new found knowledge into practice when they return after an event? 
"Organize all of the pictures and notes that you've taken on your computer so that you can make quick reference to them when you're designing your next event.  When you get back, practice the best learned techniques so that they become second nature". - Amanda

"Personally I was inspired from Marvin Hardy: “there are three very important things to do to be a good balloon artist: practice, practice, practice. It’s really important, Just in this way is possible to reach the right sensitivity and the right knowledge about the elements which are  peculiars in this work". - Alberto

"One of the best things I ever did was come home and practice the skills I felt would best impact my business.  I picked a few “MUST DOs” from the convention and when I got home, I immediately started recreating the ideas.  I then had my own photos to add to my portfolio and the practice to confidently sell the idea". - Lisa

"They have to be proactive with whatever they have learnt...practice any new techniques immediately and implement the changes you  think will be beneficial to your business - Tope

 "take lots of notes and photos in your classes.  As soon as you return to your business build at least one design that you saw everyday for the next two weeks.  Take a pic and try to sell it". - David

"Attend everything, from helping with the set-up, or competitions, to classes to parties, speak to people, ( you will find everyone very friendly ) do not worry about sleep, you can sleep when you get home"! - Colin

 "That is just it, you said the word Sue…Practice.  Practice makes perfect.  But what do you do with the design when you are done Practicing it?  That is where MARKETING comes into play.  See if you can find a local library or a business in the area you are friendly with and bring it to them as a gift.  Let the world see your designs and the possibilities of what YOU can create for someone’s special event". - Robbie

"The first thing is ORGANIZE YOURSELF! You are going to find a lot of information in your class notes  and pictures,  organize them!, My best suggestion is start practice reproducing what you saw, what you’ve learned and once you achieve the result you wanted go and sell it! Never practice with your client"! - Alex 

Is there any one thing that you learned or gained from a convention/ event that has given you an instant return on your investment?

"I have never been to a convention that I did not find something that I could incorporate into my business" -  Colin
"I approached clients more confidently because I was now equipped  with the skills necessary to compete with other vendors on the same keel" - Tope
"If you make it, you can price it.  If you take a pic, you can sell it"! - David
"I think the biggest instant return on investment was a class I took on centerpieces.  Before that class, we were only offering basic designs, but after seeing some more advanced designs with foils and creative bases put together, we were able to offer much more sophisticated (and more money-making) designs" - Lisa
"I think every detail I learned and I’m learning and I will learn are important and essential for different motivations and to reach different goals like to be faster or to increase my works book with new ideas, for example". - Alberto
"I  remember taking a class from Bruce Walden. We learned how to create a balloon logo on foam board and I was able to start selling it to corporate clients.  I also remember Crystal Narramore's Wedding Class and the marketing tips we learned for doing bridal shows. Since I had never done one before, it gave me the confidence to try it out.  I booked two weddings on my first show".- Amanda
 "I won the first prize ,so that I appear on TV ,news papar etc.it made my company famous".- Azusa

We always help at the WBC events a lot and we stay until the event is done so we learn all the details and setbacks, son when we have a similar event we can prepare ourselves with everything so we avoid all the setbacks could happen and of course  get a better budget and that can happen at the time you are back! Depending how fast you move to sell the event.  - Alex  
"There are many things that I have learned and gained from conventions over the years, but the one MAIN thing is PROFESSIONALISM.  I have had the opportunity to talk to many people in the industry who I look up to and aspire to be like one day.  I have had a chance to see their portfolio and their marketing material and I have taken these ideas and have incorporated them into my own business.  This has made me a more successful looking person and my clients have noticed it right away".  - Robbie


How quickly would you say that it took you recoup your investment?
"learn and practice and sell, sell,sell!!!" - Azusa
              "2-3 months" - Amanda
"It depend from the kind of invest. I can tell you my experience like retailer. You can have a good result after two years". - Alberto



"I think we sold better centerpieces on the next job we booked, so almost immediately upon returning.  Also, you come home with so much energy and enthusiasm, that customers seem to WANT to order more because they are excited too"! - Lisa

"It’s amazing! Sometimes it’s instantly but we always say depends a lot in the effort you invest with your clients selling the new designs you’ve learned. They won’t sell by themselves inside of your camera" ! - Alex


"In minutes...?  I take the photos, we have a play day at the office with my staff, and we get the new designs on the website.  Once they are there it is only a matter of weeks before they are selling.  They sell because they are "brand new!!" - David
"I would say in the same year...I had a different approach to most things when I returned" - Tope
"Good question!!, and such a long time ago. I would probably estimate it took me three months, and of course I have gained ever since!" - Colin
"After my first convention I came home with such an overwhelming sense of ACTION…I wasted no time in implementing the new found vigor that I got from my convention.  I recouped my investment dollar right away in more than just money, I recouped it in how I ran my business, in how I created my designs, in the techniques I was using.  I was using all the time saving tips and new concepts for ideas in my business right away and my portfolio started to expand as was my knowledge in how to create new desings.  I was INSTANTLY recouping my investments in the FIRST DAY"!

Collectively these great instructors have 145 years 'ballooning' experience between them! They all have successful balloon business's and a wealth of knowledge and experience, it is amazing how many of their answers are similar and with some truly wonderful advice... keep all of it in mind and make the most of your experience... you will love EVERY second of it!

I also asked each of these instructors what their top selling and most profitable designs or decor are and of course which Qualatex balloon is their favourite! I will be featuring these in my blog next week!

Maybe you have been to a balloon convention and would like to share your top tips? Why not post them on the World Balloon Convention Facebook page so that everyone can read and benefit from them!

A huge thank you to Robbie, Lisa, Amanda, Tope, Colin, David, Alberto, Azusa, Pepe and Alex for taking the time to talk to me and helping me with this blog, I appreciate that they are all very busy getting ready for The World Balloon Convention or OnArt Spain!


See you soon at WBC!

Sue
My very special moment from WBC 2010

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Wedding Decor... a little Inspiration for 2012 weddings

It won't be too long before the 2012 wedding season is truly upon us, so I thought that a little bit of wedding inspiration might be a good idea!
Sue Bowler
Designed by Sue Bowler CBA


"So how do we 'find' our Wedding decor inspiration and get some fresh idea's"? 
I always try and do as much research as possible, check out what's 'hot' and in fashion with both colour and themes.

Start by doing a little bit of 'surfing' around the web, you can find a whole host of information and idea's! Just use key words like Wedding Colors 2012, Wedding Trends 2012, Wedding Theme 2012, just keep trying different words, you'll be amazed at what you'll find out... save the websites that you like best to your favourites so that you can easily find them again!

For 2012 wedding colours I found many great sites, including Martha Stewarts Weddings, which has some great information, like these Perfect Palettes, click on the link below to see more great information from her website!
On-line Resources
www.marsthastewartweddings.com
Use the great resources that are ready available on www.Qualatex.com such as The Wedding Business Booster for fantastic decor idea's and great business tips!
Wedding Business Booster
If you are a QBN Member you have many other additional resources available on the Qualatex website, like these great downloadable photographs (and many more) from the resource centre that you can easily accessed from the lefthand side of the homepage... simply click, sign in and see what's available!

Free resource for QBN members


Learn and be inspired by others by investing in training & knowledge.

Attend the World Balloon Convention or a Qualatex Event, or alternatively take a 1 day wedding course or learn from professional Balloon Design DVD's.
For those of you attending the World Balloon Convention there are some great wedding design classes such as Magical Wedding Moments with Steven Mayhew CBA and Weddings with Italian Flair! With Alberto Falcone CBA

DVD's


very best balloon blog
Great NEW Weddings  DVD by Colin Myles CBA www.smileyballoons.com

Sue Bowler
Master Series DVD
Courses 

The Wedding Series 1 & 2
This is a series of courses that I have written for Qualatex. They have been designed to maximise sales opportunities from brides and increase demand for more creative and profitable decor!  To find out more and where these courses are being taught visit www.thequalatexevent.com website. For other great courses visit 'Shows and Events' on the Qualatex Website.

Wedding Series Course www.thequalatexevent.com


The Qualatex Facebook Group is also a fantastic source of inspiration! I have selected a few pictures from the photo gallery... there are so many great pictures it was hard to choose!
A huge thank you to all of you who submit your pictures to inspire others and a special big thank you to the designers of the photographs that I have used below! 


Alessandro Patene
Beautiful Framed Heart by Alessandro Patane CBA of Balloon Express  Shop Sicilia, Italy

Nadia Azar
'Balloon Tree' by Nadia Azar, Balloontastic Creations, New Jersey, USA

Funtastik Balloons
Wedding Arbour by Funtastik Balloons, Florida, USA

Jose Lutman
Elegant Hearts - Jose Lutman CBA, Mulhouse, France

Jose Lutman
Just Married Hearts by Jose Lutman CBA, Mulhouse, France

Luz Marina Paz Bucio
Elegant Columns & Arches by Luz Marina Paz Bucio, CBA, Fiesta Party Corp, Indiana, USA

Matthew Lewis
Free Standing 36" Wedding Heart by Matthew Lewis CBA - Matthew Lewis Displays, Coventry, UK

Svetlana Lugovaya
Svetlana Lugovaya ,Orenburg, Russia

Nadia Azar
Elegant Centerpiece by Nadia Azar, Balloontastic Creations, New Jersey, USA

Tania Torres
Bride & Groom Sculpture by Tania Torres CBA , Balloon Express Shop, Sicila, Italy

Tania Torres
Elegant Swan by Tania Torres CBA, Balloon Express Shop, Sicilia, Italy

Ballooncake
Bride & Groom by Ballooncake CBA

Stunning Ceiling Decor by Matthew Lewis Displays, Coventry, UK


Rosanna Cedeno
Fairy Tale Cake Table by Rosanna Cedeno, New York, USA

All Occasions Sunderland Uk
Elegant Columns and Wedding Cloud by All Occasions, Sunderland, UK

Nadia Azar
White Butterfly and Heart Column by Nadia Azar, Balloontastic Creations, New Jersey, USA 
Colin Myles
3' Just Married Hearts-A-Round by Colin Myles CBA, Smiley Balloons, Dundee, Scotland
I hope that this has given you a little inspiration for the forthcoming wedding season? Don't forget all the fantastic Qualatex balloons that are just perfect for weddings... here are a few of my favourites!

Ivory Rose & Butterflies #31254 



Deco Bubble Scroll Filigree All Around #23593
Sue Bowler
Deco Bubble 24" Elegant Roses & Butterflies #29718 with Just Married Butterflies-A-Round 11" Latex 
But please do not let me influence you :) Check out the great range of Wedding latex, Microfoil® and Qualatex Bubble balloons! Download the 2012 Qualatex catalogue today if you do not already have i

Looking forward to seeing many of you at WBC 2012 in Dallas... !

Sue

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Balloon Walls Part 2

Alternate Size Square Pack Walls



I love this wall type, it is robust, always looks good and is probably the most widely used method of precision wall. It is made by alternating clusters of four balloons in two different sizes packed on to 50lb Dacron line. This produces a square garland (see example below).
The first and last garland in your wall start and finish with one size of balloon cluster, the next garland starts and finishes with the alternate size of balloon cluster. The example below shows the green balloon being the bigger of the 2 sizes.
Sue Bowler
Square Garlands
The difference in size between the two sets is relative to the size of balloon used.
 2" - 4½" = use a ½"differential
4½" - 7½" = use a 1" differential
7½" - 11" = use a 2" differential

5cm - 11.5cm = use a 1.5cm differential
11.5cm - 19cm = 2.5cm differential
19cm - 28cm = 5cm differential

Practice to see  which size  works best for you. The garlands when built are laid side by side and interlocked, then joined together using the elastic band method (See Balloon Walls Part 1).

Sue Bowler
Square Garlands locked together

Consistent sizing of balloons is paramount with balloon walls, some methods are not very forgiving of badly sized balloons or inconsistent  'dupleting'  of balloons. To form the duplets we must make sure that the  balloons are tied as tightly together as possible, leaving no slack latex between the knot and the inflated part of the balloon.

Everyone will pack clusters on to line at a particular tension. It is usual to have only one person pack the garlands while others inflate and tie. This is not possible on large jobs, so you will need to practice consistent sizing and packing with your crew. 

This method produces quite a smooth design with a flat surface, it allows for good diagonal lines and triangles. Not all balloon wall types work with different patterns!

Here are some examples of balloon wall using the Alternate Size Square Garland method:

I designed and made this wall with a group of delegates at The Qualatex Event Slovenia 2009.

Sue Bowler

Below is the same wall design but using a different colour combination, I also added a border around the edge of the design. This is a great example of a monocromatic colour harmony.
Sue Bowler balloon walls
This is a great design to work on. It takes a total of 684 balloons. I have added all the details below.

Sue Bowler Balloon Wall
2012... a year of celebrations!

2012 will see many celebrations with both the Olympics and the Queens 60th Jubilee. Some years ago I created a balloon wall replica of the Union Jack using the Alternate Size Square pack method, so here it is, I hope that you get the opportunity to try it out!

The Union jack is made up of 9 columns, each column has 33 clusters a total of 1188 balloons!

Sue Bowler

Sue Bowler
And finally, here is one of the balloon walls that I created for WBC 2012. The US Flag! Sadly, I never got a photograph of the wall, so if anyone has one please send it to me and I'll add it to this blog!
Sue Bowler

Last year I made a very large wall to frame my "Island' Sculpture at BACI, It allowed people to walk between the wall and the sculpture and made it look like they were on the Island... great for photographs!
Sue Bowler



Let me know how you get on with this type of wall, I think that you should find it a little easier than the Duplet Square pack method!
If you have any examples of balloon walls that you would like to share on my blog page please send them to me at Sue@suebowler.com 

Good Luck!

Sue... hope to see you soon at the World Balloon Convention!