From: HawaiiRock@aol.com
Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2001 02:28:15 EST
Subject: IBAC Festival of Balloons
To: balloondeco@balloonhq.com




In response to the posts on the Festival of Balloons at IBAC.  I would like 
to point out that much of the money taken in at the festival goes to the 
costs of running the festival.  All those people who attended the festival 
didn’t just walk in off the street, they heard about it in the newspapers and 
TV and to get that kind of coverage requires a good PR firm of which we 
hired.  There are also the costs of hiring security, staff, helium etc.  We 
created the Festival to expose the public to the use of balloons, and to give 
them a better understanding of what can be done with balloons. To expand OUR 
market to the public.  As to the perceived value to the attendees where else 
could you take your child to see such a spectacular display of creative art 
for $5.  As was pointed out, that was $5 per adult and children were free 
weither they brought their two children or a teacher brought her whole class. 
 We had people tell us they drove over 100 miles to attend. We got consistent 
comments on how wonderful it was and how much they missed us not being there 
last year.  Yes, we had problems with the crowd, but there is no way to 
forecast how many people may show up.  The Hyatt, security and the police 
should be commended at controlling a crowd that size.  As far as giving away 
balloons.  Sure we could give away a simple 9" balloon on a ribbon to cut 
costs, but that can be seen just about anywhere these days. But to provide 
the opportunity to purchase a 16" spray with an all around print inside at $2 
or $3 (half of what you would pay at any theme park) was a good inexpensive, 
unique toy to provide a child.   The majority of the people who attended said 
they couldn’t wait for next year. 

Rocky Toomey
Producer of IBAC