Tuesday, April 13
Lobby Decor Production
1 p.m.
If you’re arriving early, kick off your World Balloon Convention experience by volunteering to help build the lobby decor that will be the new face of the Sheraton Dallas Hotel throughout the course of the event. You’ll work alongside balloon industry veteran and WBC education coordinator, Jodie Norris, CBA, of Balloon Art Studio in Essex, United Kingdom, and her team of talented staff as they transform the lobby into an exciting, balloon-filled spectacle! Bring your scissors and get ready to work and be a part one of the many exciting elements of the WBC.

Wednesday, April 14
Opening Night Costume Party Decor Production
8 a.m. Dallas Ballroom B, C, D
Work has never been this fun—trust us! Come and join Alex Arroyo, CBA, of Globimagen in Mexico City, Mexico, as he and his team create high-energy decor like you’ve never seen before for the WBC Opening Night Costume Party. By being a part of the production team, you’ll help create the party scene that will take delegates on a psychedelic ride back to the ‘60s and kick-off their WBC experience. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable balloon experience AND have fun as you work alongside other balloon artists to bring this exciting scene to life.

Signature Sculpture Production
8 a.m. Grand Hall
Roll up your sleeves and get ready to work alongside balloon industry legend, Jim Skistimas, CBA, of Balloon House Design Studios in Flower Mound, TX, USA, as he and a talented crew of balloon artists create an enchanted balloon dreamland that will act as the entrance for all of the exciting World Balloon Convention evening festivities. With more than 20 years’ experience in the balloon industry, Jim has become famous for his larger-than-life parade floats and intricate balloon sculptures. And now, exclusively for the WBC, he has dreamt up a colorful, fairy tale-inspired scene that will blow people away and show them what’s really possible with balloons. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn, interact with other balloon artists, and be inspired in an entirely new way.

CBA Reception
5-7 p.m. Majestic 4-5
If you’re already a Certified Balloon Artist (CBA) or have signed up to take your CBA Practical Exam at the World Balloon Convention, you’re invited to join us for a special reception in your honor. Come and mingle with other CBAs and meet some of the friendly faces behind Pioneer, including President and Executive Vice President, Ted A. and Betty Vlamis; and QBN Director and “Balloon Images” editor, Chelsea Ott-Gaspard, CBA. All current CBAs will receive a new CBA pin with the updated logo, and soon-to-be CBAs will have the opportunity to ask questions and visit with those who have already earned their designation. Please join us for this time of fun and fellowship as we kick-off the World Balloon Convention in style. Light refreshments will be provided and dress is casual. More details to come.

Thursday, April 15
Qualatex Balloon Network CBA Practical Exam
8 a.m.-noon Dallas Ballroom A2
If you’re a QBN member but not yet a CBA, sign up to take the CBA Practical Exam at the WBC. You’ll not only save $100 on your registration cost, but also get one step closer to enjoying all of the benefits extended to CBAs, like discounted marketing resources, a priority listing in our online Find-a-Pro directory, and skills and accreditation to promote and expand your business. For details on how to sign up, contact the Pioneer office nearest to you:
USA 1-800-743-9879
UK 0800-28-12-15
Europe +44-1279-501090
Canada 1-800-263-6861
Mexico 1-800-590-4602
Australia 1-800-814-634
Japan/Asia 316-688-8228
Other countries 316-685-2266

“Balloon-a-Mania: All You Need is Love ... and Balloons” Opening Night Costume Party
Guest Designer: Alex Arroyo, CBA, of Globimagen in Mexico City, Mexico
Cocktails: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Grand Hall
Hors d'oeuvres & Dancing: 7:30-10:30 p.m. Dallas Ballroom B, C, D
Calling all rock and roll fans and balloon lovers! It’s time to dig out your grooviest ‘60s attire, channel your favorite Beatles song, and get ready to celebrate at the first-ever World Balloon Convention Costume Party! This psychedelic theme party will transport you back to the days when long hair and peace signs were all the rage. Expect tons of color, lights, and retro-inspired balloon decor, along with an official welcome from the WBC team. Come enjoy a cocktail and hang out with your fellow delegates and instructors before the party really gets groovin’ at 7:30 with ‘60s-inspired hors d’oeuvres and dancing. Don’t miss this exciting WBC kick-off event. It’s going to be one smashing good time!

Friday, April 16
WBC Grand Gala Decor Production
8 a.m. Dallas Ballroom B, C, D
Volunteer to help build the WBC Grand Gala decor where you’ll work alongside former International Balloon Arts Convention producer and WBC instructor, Rocky Toomey, CBA, and his team of talented balloon professionals as they bring the extravagant “A Night of Stars” theme to life! You’ll gain valuable experience when you get a behind-the-scenes look at how to create jaw-dropping decor and special effects—this opportunity is not to be missed!

WBC Vendor Showcase
Noon-7 p.m. Grand Hall
Imagine a room filled with vendors representing a variety of companies in the balloon and party industry just waiting to tell you about their hottest, new products and answer all of your questions. Sounds like a balloon artist’s fantasy, right? Well that’s what you can expect at the WBC Vendor Showcase, so make sure you stop by and chat with all of the vendors on hand and see all of the latest and greatest products currently on the market. This is your chance to get educated, expand your offering, and set your business apart from the competition.

International Reception
4-7 p.m. Press Club
Delegates traveling to the WBC from outside the U.S. are invited to attend this special reception. Pioneer vice president—international division, Ted J. Vlamis, will be on hand to give an official welcome, share information, and introduce members of Pioneer's international staff who will be on site throughout the convention to ensure you have a great WBC experience. Be sure to stop by, visit, meet some new friends, and ask general questions about the WBC. Translators will be available for language assistance. Dress is casual. Light refreshments will be served.

Deco-Twisting Jam Room
7 p.m.-midnight Majestic 4-5
Come and play with a huge, complementary spread of Qualatex Round and Non-round balloons in the informal Deco-Twisting Jam Room where decorators and twisters, seasoned veterans and newcomers, and everyone in between are welcome to join in the fun! Expect to learn a few new twisting tricks and even do a little networking while you try your hand at creating new figures, share some of your own ideas, and get inspired to create fun, new designs. This interactive, late-night event is NOT to be missed!

Skills Booths
7:30-9:30 p.m. Majestic 6-7
Want to learn how to properly inflate a Bubble Balloon? How about make the perfect curly 260Q? Or maybe you want to master the balloon Gumball once and for all. Well, you can learn any one of these skills along with a variety of others when you stop by the WBC Skills Booths, designed to give you hands-on help with a variety of beginner-to-advanced balloon skills. And chances are, even if there’s not a booth in place for the skill you want to learn, someone will be on hand to help you out and answer any questions you might have. Come by for some fun and friendly advice, and finally put an end to asking, “Hey, how’d they do that?”

Saturday, April 17
WBC Grand Gala Decor Production
8 a.m. Dallas Ballroom B, C, D

QBN Annual Meeting
4-5:30 p.m. Majestic 4-5
Get on the fast track to balloon success by checking out the Qualatex Balloon Network Annual Meeting, open to both members and interested balloon professionals. You’ll learn what’s going on in the program and what direction it’s headed, receive information on regional chapters, and learn how the QBN can enhance your business.

WBC Grand Gala: "A Night of Stars"
Guest Designer: Rocky Toomey, CBA, of Future Affairs Productions in East Providence, RI, USA
Cocktails: 7-8 p.m. Grand Hall
Awards Presentation, Dinner, & Dancing: 8 p.m.-midnight Dallas Ballroom B, C, D
Experience an unforgettable “Night of Stars” at the WBC Grand Gala. Former International Balloon Arts Convention producer, Rocky Toomey, CBA, will create a spectacular starry scene that will come to life with dazzling designs and never-before seen special effects. You’ll witness the ultimate in balloon decor, designed to “wow” and inspire balloon professionals from around the world. Come out for an evening full of glitz and glamour and fine food and drink; and expect surprises throughout the evening as we unveil the WBC 2010 competition winners, and then celebrate by dancing the night away! Attire is black-tie optional (business attire, suit, or tuxedo; cocktail or evening dress).* Seating is by reservation only. Seating sign-up is at the WBC Registration Desk between noon on Thursday, April 15, and noon on Saturday, April 17.

* Those who wish to rent a tuxedo can download the reservation form and fax it to Stardust Celebrations at 972-781-1918.

Sunday, April 18
Festival of Balloons—Public Viewing of Sculptures
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Grand Hall
The amazing Festival of Balloons is open to locals and tourists who will have the chance to see the amazing WBC competition pieces and some of the party decor that will be created throughout the event. Attendees can even take home some of the fun when they buy a specialty balloon from our balloon vending station! We're also inviting members of the media to help us share this experience with people all over the world. Be sure to stop by—you'll get in free with your convention badge. Better yet, serve as an honorary balloon ambassador when you volunteer to help. Simply check the Festival of Balloons volunteer box when you register. This event is sure to be a hit as we expose a totally new audience to the magic of balloons!

Throughout the Week
Sculpture Competition Viewing— Grand Hall
Thursday, April 15, 6:30-10:30 p.m.
Friday, April 16, noon-7 p.m.
Saturday, April 17, 7 p.m.-midnight
Sunday, April 18, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Stop by the Sculpture Competition area to view some of the most unbelievable balloon sculptures you’ll ever see. And be sure to join us at the WBC Grand Gala as we announce the competition winners. Come and be inspired—the experience will leave you speechless!

Qualatex Store
Registration Desk—Skywalk
Pioneer will have a variety of exciting products for sale in the Qualatex Store. Stop by to see the selection of WBC and Qualatex t-shirts, hats, hoodies, mugs, and more! The store will be open to delegates Wednesday through Saturday. Hours will vary, so check the signs daily.

WBC Welcome Center
Press Club
You’re invited to stop by the WBC Welcome Center to visit with Pioneer Balloon Company representatives, see the latest Qualatex products, and have your opinions and experiences heard. Information on the QBN as well as current Qualatex product literature will be available. Drop by to visit, share, and see what’s new. Hours will vary, so check the signs daily.