The Guide | Photos | Videos | Columns | Calendar Artist Directory | Classified Ads | Who's Who Entertainer Forum | Decorator Forum | Recipes Archive of Past Columns and Features

Jim and Pat Skistimas won the small sculpture competition with this IBAC entry at the first event that saw photo coverage on BHQ

Miscellaneous Ramblings

• Past and future balloon events
• Trivia contest - Win a full package registration to IBAC 20
• Featured Member Portfolio
• How do we pick a feature portfolio?

Past and future balloon events

A few years ago it was a challenge to find events to place on the BHQ calendar. These days, the problem is reversed. So many events are listed on BHQ that we find ourselves being asked regularly which events are important to attend. We usually abstain from answering that question, since we can't possibly know everything that happens at all events. What we can do is tell you which events we partner with to provide online coverage.

The big (covered) events for us in the next year are:

• Fantastic Flying Octopus - July in Sodus Point, New York. This isn't an educational event, but a large sculpture project intended to bring positive attention to the balloon industry around the world. Sculpture design by L. Moss, balloon crew members by invitation.
• Summer Balloon Camp - August in Las Vegas, Nevada. Big name instructors, a huge variety of twisting and decorating classes, and the first ever balloon sculpture competition to have voting on and offline. Anyone sitting at home will be able to vote for their favorite sculptures right along with the people attending the event.
• Balloons Around the World - October, everywhere. This is a chance to share your art with the world. You don't need to travel anywhere to take part. Hand out balloons in front of your store, or build a display for your local community.
• The Qualatex Event - October in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Qualatex Europe is hosting this showcase for balloon art. Learn to build your business and have fun at the same time.
• Twist & Shout - February, Peabody, Massachussettes. The premiere balloon twisting event of the year will feature international instructors to balloon twisters and entertainers.
• IBAC 20 - April in Anaheim, California. The premiere balloon decorating event of 2004 will be the IBAC 20th Anniversary at the Disney Resort.

These are a small sampling of the events happening around the world. We encourage you to check the BHQ Events Calendar frequently to determine which events are right for you. If you can make it to any of the ones we're at, make sure to say "hi".

Details of these events are available on the BHQ calendar.

Trivia contest - Win a full package registration to IBAC 20

Without a doubt, the largest educational event in the balloon industry is the International Balloon Arts Convention, which draws attendees from . from around the world. Starting in July, we'll be hosting a multi-month trivia contest that's being sponsored by IBAC. Enter for a chance to win a free IBAC Full Package registration. All BHQ members are eligible to enter. Contest details and the first question will be available right here next month.

Ship in a bottle by Magic George

Featured artist portfolio: Michael Quinn aka Magic George, Aardvark Balloon Company

This entertainer from Belfast, Northern Ireland incorporates balloons, magic, music, and circus arts into his presentations. His imagination seems to have no bounds. Even a latex interpretation of DaVinci's Mona Lisa can be found in his portfolio.

Visit the Aardvark Balloon Company portfolio

How do we pick a feature portfolio

We're always looking for interesting portfolios to highlight. We tend to choose portfolios that are actively being developed. We are most interested in those that have unusual art that can serve as an inspiration for others. Let the BHQ staff know if you feel your BHQ portfolio is something special within the balloon industry.

Contact Us | Member Services | BHQ History
Advertisers/Sponsors | Editors | Contributors
Content Copyright