From: "Barrucci Sr., Donald" <Donald.Barrucci.Sr@fmr.com>
To: "'balloondeco@fooledya.com'" <balloondeco@fooledya.com>
Subject: RE: IBAC Pricing and other thoughts
Date: Thu, 16 Mar 2000 11:49:21 -0500

I can't let this last one go by.

I quote: The IBAC producers are in it to "make money and they make a ton of
it".

In 1988 the current Producers (actually there were changes amongst them, but
they are basically still the same) took over the Balloon and Singing
Telegram convention. Had they not it was probably going to die. From 1988
thru 1994 they continued to produce the show even though they were
"probably" losing money. I say probably because the attendance in those
years was less than 500. Some years a lot less (Note all facts and figures I
am quoting are my own opinions). They decided to link up with the Halloween
show to try and make all the hard work worthwhile. 

Anyway the move to Chicago worked out very well with increases in attendance
every year. 1999 Chicago was over 1000. Then they moved it to Las Vegas for
one year. There was some risk in doing this, since they were not sure
whether the success of IBAC was due to IBAC or it being linked to the Trade
show. 2000 IBAC in Las Vegas was over 1300 and possibly over 1400. A
tremendous success.

So here were people risking lots of money and lots of "HARD WORK" for many
years who "may" now have a financial success. No one deserves it more. I
have no idea how much they are making, but I don't care. They risked a lot
to make it where they are today. Isn't that exactly what each of us are
doing every day in our own balloon businesses.

Again I want to emphasize that most of what I have said is my observation of
the situation. I believe most of it to be accurate.

Don Barrucci, CBA
Parties of Woburn
Woburn MA