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The World Balloon Convention 2010 is fast approaching and excitement for this premiere Qualatex event is continuing to build. To give you a better idea of the incredible educational opportunities available to delegates, we're spotlighting the instructors in our monthly BalloonHQ columns in the months leading up to the event. We want you to get to know a little bit more about each of these talented individuals, see what classes they'll be teaching, and gain a sense of their excitement for the World Balloon Convention.
Register before the Early-bird Deadline of February 20, to save $100 off your registration. And, discover the additional discounts available by visiting WorldBalloonConvention.com
Our instructors on spotlight this month are:
Teaching: Advanced Decor, Grand Sculptures on Simple Framing, & Qualatex Fundamentals
Luc has been in the balloon industry for 15 years, and has been teaching for 14 of those years. His business, wAw Balloons, specializes in commercial arrangements and decor, as well as take-away arrangements and deliveries for both small and large events. Luc started his career as an interior architect, but discovered that he could express himself even more creatively with balloons. Luc has taught for Pioneer Balloon Company in more than 30 countries worldwide, and has won numerous awards in the process. He finds teaching very rewarding, and is convinced that by sharing new techniques and passing on his knowledge, he is helping to build a solid foundation of education from which the balloon industry can move forward.
"As so many others, I am thrilled to go to the WBC and also deeply honored to be teaching at this new and exciting event in Dallas. The WBC will be a unique occasion to see all the international friends I've met over the past 15 years. It will be the highest concentration of balloon knowledge in the world.not to be missed!"
-Luc Bertrand
Teaching: Applying the Principles of Design to Your Business, Marketing Masters Course, & Maximize Your Portfolio
Tim is managing director of business development for Pioneer Balloon Company, and has worked with independent retailers all over the world for more than 25 years. His educational programs in merchandising, marketing, design, store operations, and finance have helped thousands of balloon retailers increase their sales and make more money. Tim has expertise in marketing and marketing management, including brand strategy and identity development; market launch models and return analysis; and salesmanship and sales management. In 1996 at the International Balloon Arts Convention (IBAC), he received the Crystal Award for lifetime achievement in the professional balloon industry for the development of the Qualatex Balloon NetworkSM (QBN). Tim has also earned his Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) designation from the American Marketing Association, a master's degree in business administration from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, and a bachelor's degree in economics from Yale University. He's also an adjunct professor of business for Benedictine College where he teaches in the full-time MBA program.
"The venue is ideal. A downtown business hotel with a professional atmosphere connected to a first-class convention facility with every kind of restaurant you could ask for in walking distance. The international instructor line-up is the strongest I've ever seen. The event designers are the most talented and respected balloon professionals in our industry. The delegates who have signed up so far are the cream of the crop."
-Tim Vlamis
Teaching: Have Fun With (& Profit From) Topiaries & Gumballs and Everything You Want to Know About Outdoor Balloon Decor
Alex started his balloon business, Globimagen, in 1991, and was the first Latin-American Certified Balloon ArtistSM (CBA). He is actively involved in his QBN Chapter, is an instructor for Pioneer Balloon Company, and has won nine international awards, including Designer of the Year at the International Balloon Arts Convention (IBAC) in 1994. Alex has been teaching and training since 1982 in different parts of the world, including the U.S., Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Italy, Ecuador, and Spain. He truly enjoys being an instructor, and has developed his own style of teaching that allows delegates to learn and have fun at the same time. Alex is also the producer of the Mexican Balloon Arts Convention (CMAG).
"I just want to tell everybody that when I received the invitation I couldn't believe it. Once again, teaching, learning, and surrounded by of all my balloon brothers and sisters.I just jumped from my desk I was so happy. All of my balloon family together again.sharing and having fun! The WBC is going to be a great event! All of the instructors have been studying, updating, and inventing so many new ideas. The WBC is going to be the event to gain and share knowledge. No one should miss it!"
-Alex Arroyo
Teaching: Everyone Loves a Parade and designing the 2010 Signature Sculpture
Jim is an accomplished artist with nearly 20 years of experience in advertising illustration and the special events industry. He earned his bachelor's degree in art education from the University of Oklahoma, and has been the decor and event designer at his business, Balloon House Design Studio, since 1990. Jim has shared his expertise as an instructor all over the U.S., as well as in Japan, Brazil, and Australia. He also developed and patented the Skistimas Design System (SDS) for balloon walls and murals.a groundbreaking concept in the balloon decorating industry. He and his wife, Pat, are the four-time recipients of the IBAC Designer of the Year award.making them the only designers to receive the award more than twice. Jim has also designed more than 125 floats and specialty units for parades in the U.S., and has worked with such notable clients as Frito-Lay, American Airlines, the Dallas Cowboys, and Radio Shack.
"This is a renaissance for the balloon community. The instructors are all seasoned professionals, many of whom literally make up the backbone of the industry. You cannot ask for a better platform from which to re-launch top-quality education programs, exposure to the public, and the creative passion within the industry."
-Jim Skistimas
Teaching: Balloon Columns of the Ages & Balloon Stuffing How-to
Steven got his start in the industry when he saw the creative potential in balloon decorating. After moving to California to pursue his love of acting, he shifted directions and started his own balloon company. It quickly became his new passion. His expertise grew in balloon twisting, sculptures, Classic Balloon Decor, centerpieces, and custom balloon designs for large corporate events and private parties. With years of combined experience in decor, business, and graphic design, Steven began working for Conwin, Inc., in 2005, and is now their education and art director. His creative arrangements and practical tips have helped countless balloon artists increase their knowledge of balloons and move their businesses toward success.
"I think the selection of instructors is going to make this event extremely memorable. Qualatex is bringing in some of the greats who helped pioneer the world of balloon decor, along with a variety of new, yet seasoned teachers. I guarantee the students will be leaving with one word on their mind: Amazing!"
-Steven Mayhew
Teaching: 'M' is for Motivation & Twisted Beasts
In 1999, Tom became the Belgian Balloonart Champion for his talent in balloon art and entertainment. Since then, he's continued to sharpen his skills and has won multiple awards at industry events, including Twist & Shout and Millennium Jam. In 2005, he also became the first three-time winner of the stage performance competition at Millennium Jam. That same year, Tom began starring in his own TV show called "BOOH," and has since been performing in theatres and on TV shows around the world. His performances have been seen in China, Russia, the U.S., Tokyo, and throughout Europe.
"I'm very happy to be at the World Balloon Convention to meet creative people who think alike, and to meet with friends... old and new! I look forward to sharing knowledge, creating new ideas, and most of all, having fun! Kind regards and hope to meet you soon!"
-Tom Saeys
Teaching: Deco Weaving.Woven Designs & Extreme Deco-Twisting
Robbie has been working with balloons for nearly 20 years. He got his start as a volunteer at non-profit events and, after several years, became a full-time volunteer. As a result of these experiences, he got the chance to work extensively with balloons and began specializing in deco-twisting. In 2002, his business, Balloons by Robbie, was born. Robbie's professionalism and unique style has allowed him to decorate countless events over the last several years. His balloon work has been featured on ABC's "All My Children," "Live with Regis and Kelly," and most recently, "Ugly Betty." Robbie has a passion for teaching his craft to others, and has been an instructor at several events in the U.S. and abroad. He has attended a number of industry events and won Best Stage Performance at Diamond Jam and Twist & Shout in 2008. Robbie has also produced a collection of educational balloon DVDs, which are available on his Web site, balloonsbyrobbie.com.
"I am already counting the days to Dallas! This is going to be a dream come true for me and I can't tell you how excited I am to be teaching alongside my mentors and the LEGENDS in this industry. Looking forward to seeing all of my friends and meeting lots of new ones too! See you in Texas!"
-Robbie Furman
Teaching: Theme-tastic Decor & Creating Canopies with Confidence
Jean owned and operated a successful balloon decor and delivery business, Festive Options Balloon Company, for 15 years before teaming up with Pioneer Balloon Company in 2000 as a field service representative in Northern California and Nevada. This position has given Jean the opportunity to share her talents, experiences, and knowledge with many future and present business owners. Many of Jean's creations have been published in "Balloon Images" magazine, and she's also had a video produced that teaches her unique technique for creating canopies. Jean has had the opportunity to share her ideas and work with balloon professionals from around the world at conventions and events such as Summer Balloon Camp, FLOAT, Ballooniversity, and the International Balloon Arts Convention (IBAC) as a staff member and teacher.
"I'm looking forward to learning new ideas and techniques from the incredible competitions, classes, and special events, as well as the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with a diverse group of delegates, instructors, and staff. Where else can you network with the best and the most recognized balloon professionals from around the world? Look forward to seeing you there!"
-Jean Eddy
