Frequently Asked Questions
General
How do I know if the World Balloon Convention is for me? The WBC is for you if you’re a:
- Retail party store wanting to develop a stronger professional balloon offering (beyond the “3 balloons on a string” concept)
- Studio-based decorator wanting to increase sales and hire more staff (growth orientation required!)
- Twister/entertainer wanting to develop his/her business by learning business and marketing tips, incorporating new techniques, and/or expanding into balloon decor and deliveries
- Store or studio wanting to develop a stronger weekly cash flow through everyday balloon deliveries
- New business wanting to upgrade your professionalism and increase your longevity/chance for success
- Established professional balloon business wanting to be re-energized and inspired to continue with your business
- Balloon artist wanting to attend the industry’s premier event to experience empowering education and inspiring innovation.
What are the dates of the next World Balloon Convention?
The next WBC is taking place March 26-30, 2014.
Where is the WBC 2014?
The WBC 2014 will be held at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel in Denver, CO, USA.
Will the WBC be held every year?
At this time, the WBC will be held every other year.
Why did you select Denver as the location for the WBC 2014?
Denver is centrally located in the United States and is a hub for most domestic and many international flights. It also offers a variety of entertainment options if you’re interested in enjoying the city and surrounding areas on your down time, or even before or after the WBC. Learn more about Denver and all it has to offer.
Will the WBC be held in different cities in the future?
Yes, we are looking at different cities for future conventions.
What is the weather like at that time of year in Denver?
Denver enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year! Located east of a major mountain range, Denver has a mild, dry and sunny climate with more annual hours of sun than San Diego or Miami Beach. In late-March, Denver-area temperatures range from 25ºF/4ºC to 56ºF/13ºC.
Can I teach at the World Balloon Convention?
Instructors for the WBC 2014 have been chosen. If you’re interested in teaching at a future WBC, send an e-mail to info@worldballoonconvention.com.
What should I bring to the convention?
- Scissors/pocket knife
- Camera*
- Business cards
- Portfolio
- Comfortable shoes
- Costume for the Thursday Night Costume Party
- Dress or semi-formal attire for the WBC Grand Gala
*No audio or video recording is permitted in the classrooms unless authorized by the class instructor and/or WBC on an individual basis.
Can I bring my children?
The World Balloon Convention is a convention produced by and for professionals, and we ask that all attendees respect this. Children aged 10 and older who legally work in a parent-operated business can register and attend the WBC 2014 as Full-Package Delegates, so long as a parent is also attending as a Full-Package Delegate. Children aged 10 and older who are attending WBC 2014 must be under the supervision of an adult who is also a Full-Package Delegate.
How can I find a roommate for WBC?
Simply complete and submit the online WBC Roommate Request Form. Your information will be processed and forwarded to a WBC representative, who will contact you regarding possible roommate options. Once we've processed your request and you receive a response, you'll need to contact your roommate(s) to clarify who will be booking the hotel room and to discuss payment arrangements with them.
Registration
When will registration be available for WBC 2014?
Registration for WBC 2014 will open September 2, 2013, and will be available through WorldBalloonConvention.com.
How much does it cost to attend WBC 2014?
There are three registration periods
for WBC 2014:
• Extra Early-bird: September 2-November 29, 2013: $595 per person
• Early-bird: November 30, 2013-January 31, 2014: $695 per person
• Regular: February 1-March 30, 2014: $795 per person
Plus, if you’re a Qualatex Balloon Network (QBN) Member, you’ll automatically receive $50 off your registration.
If you’re a Certified Balloon Artist (CBA), you’ll automatically receive an additional $50 off your registration. (That’s a total of $100 off for CBAs.)
BONUS: If you plan to take the CBA Practical Exam at WBC 2014, you can still qualify for the CBA discount. You MUST register to take the CBA Exam BEFORE registering for the WBC. This will ensure you receive the CBA discount. To order QBN Kits or register for the CBA Practical Exam, call the Pioneer office nearest you:
USA 1-800-743-9879
UK 0800-28-12-15
Europe +44-1279-501090
Canada 1-800-263-6861
Mexico 01-800-590-4602
Australia 1-800-814-634
Japan/Asia 316-688-8228
Other countries 316-685-2266
If you have further questions regarding registration costs for the WBC, contact us.
Classes
I don’t have a lot of experience with balloons. Should I attend?
The WBC offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes so there is something for EVERYONE. More information on specific class topics and instructors will be available soon.
CBA Exam
Will there be a CBA Exam at the World Balloon Convention?
Yes, there will be a CBA Exam at the WBC. To be prepared to take the exam, you must have completed the following requirements.
1. Work for a QBN Business Member. 2. Purchase, study, and complete (with a score of 80% or above) all of the tests in the QBN Kits. 3. Receive notification from Pioneer Balloon Company that you’ve passed each test.
4. Sign up for a CBA Practical Exam by sending in the CBA Practical Exam Sign-up Form and four Classic Balloon Decor photos with a completed Job Cost Form for each, as well as paying the US$40 exam fee at least 30 days prior to the exam (unless the exam fee has been pre-paid with a QBN Kit Bundle purchase). 5. Prepare for and take the CBA Practical Exam. Download our Guide to Taking the CBA Practical Exam for more details and helpful hints. Also review the actual CBA Practical Exam Score Sheet. Both are available in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.
What is a Certified Balloon Artist (CBA)?
CBAs are people who work for a Qualatex Balloon Network (QBN) Business Member and have successfully completed the program's online tests, as well as the CBA Practical Examination to demonstrate their knowledge of the QBN curriculum and ability to produce quality balloon work.
Technically, a CBA is a balloon professional who has:
- Taken and passed (with a score of 80% or above) all of the QBN tests.
- Taken and passed (with a score of 80% or above) the CBA Practical Exam—a timed, 4-hour, hands-on exam designed to confirm knowledge of the QBN curriculum.
Professionals who earn the CBA designation have chosen to grow their businesses through networking with other balloon professionals, continuing their education, giving and receiving referrals, and taking advantage of the marketing support available to CBAs.
There are currently more than 2,500 Certified Balloon Artist professionals worldwide.
How do I register for the CBA Practical Exam?
To order QBN Kits or register for the CBA Practical Exam, call the office nearest you:
USA 1-800-743-9879
UK 0800-28-12-15
Europe +44-1279-501090
Canada 1-800-263-6861
Mexico 01-800-590-4602
Australia 1-800-814-634
Japan/Asia 316-688-8228
Other Countries 316-685-2266
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