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Instructors |
Important Deadlines |
| You could win! Stay at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel and you’ll be eligible to win four free hotel nights during WBC 2012!* |
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Amanda Armstrong, CBA Alex Arroyo, CBA Globimagen Internacional, Mexico City, Mexico  Alex started his balloon business, Globimagen, in 1991, and was the first Latin-American Certified Balloon Artist. 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 in 1994. Alex is also a speaker at regional and international conventions, and 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 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 annual Convención Mexicana de Arte en Globos (CMAG). back to top Luc Bertrand, CBA wAw Balloons, Vichte, Belgium  Luc has been in the balloon business for 16 years and has been teaching for 15 of those years. His business in Belgium 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. He finds teaching to be 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 to ensure the future of the balloon industry. Luc has taught for Pioneer in 30 countries worldwide and has won numerous awards in the process. back to top Pat Billups, CBA Lone Star Balloon, Grand Prairie, TX, USA  Pat has been in the balloon industry since 1990, and her expertise covers many areas. She ran a successful decorating business for many years until 1995 when she opened a balloon distribution company. In 2006, she returned to college and soon after became a representative for several distributors. Her educational background includes a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate, a master’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing (MBA), and a master’s degree in marketing research. Pat is passionate about the balloon industry and feels fulfillment when she helps other businesses achieve success. By teaching classes on marketing, pricing, and business planning, she hopes to provide motivation and equip business owners with the skills they need to grow their profits and operate their businesses more efficiently. back to top Sue Bowler, CBA SueBowler.com, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom  Sue first discovered her passion for balloons in 1990 and hasn’t looked back since! Starting with a small, home-based balloon delivery and decorating business, she quickly developed her skills and knowledge as a balloon artist. She took her career to a new level when she earned her Certified Balloon Artist designation and began competing at industry events such as the International Balloon Arts Convention. Sue has held a number of positions within the balloon industry, including eight years with Conwin, Inc., as the European sales and marketing manager and a member of the Conwin design team. Sue currently works as an industry educator and social media columnist, representing the Qualatex brand and Pioneer Balloon Company. Sue’s variety of skills is extensive, and her work ranges from large decor to elegant wedding centerpieces and from everyday delivery designs to mini balloon sculptures. Sue received the first Golden Light Award given in honor of Linda Bruce at the World Balloon Convention 2010. back to top Manon Dudziak Bésayes, France  A "wild dreamer" as a little girl, Manon was naturally drawn to the stage. Now, she commands it with performances that bring life to balloons using her unique blend of artistry and showmanship. Manon picked up her first balloon in 2005 when her brother, a magician, gave her a bag of 260Q balloons, and she taught herself how to twist. Manon was inspired to create sculptures, and found that she had a natural talent for balloon art. Now an entertainer, Manon performs for children at festivals, corporate parties, and schools. She also creates balloon decor and elaborate sculptures. Manon loves a challenge and is known for never saying no to “crazy projects.” Balloons have taken her to China, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Japan, and the U.S. Her work has also earned accolades in several stage performance competitions, winning first place at Millennium Jam 2008 and Twist & Shout 2008, second place at Twist & Shout 2009, and third place at Millennium Jam 2007. back to top Jean Eddy, CBA Pioneer Balloon Company, Modesto, CA, USA  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 as a field service representative in Northern California and Nevada in 2000. One of the busiest professional balloon instructors in the world, Jean has the opportunity to share her talents, experiences, and knowledge with thousands of balloon business owners and managers. Jean’s creations have been featured in “Balloon Images” magazine, and she’s even had a video produced that teaches her unique technique for creating canopies. Jean has shared her ideas and work with balloon professionals from around the world at conventions and events, such as Balloon Camp, FLOAT, Ballooniversity, and the International Balloon Arts Convention, as a staff member and instructor. back to top Alberto Falcone, CBA Balloon Lab, Budapest, Hungary 
Alberto is passionate about balloons, and his designs are recognized all over the world for their innovation and distinct Italian flair. He has a passion for exploring new techniques and designs and for selling them from his successful retail business in Budapest, Hungary. He is a world-class designer, having earned first place awards for his designs at the Balloon Arts Convention Italy in 1999 and 2000, and the International Balloon Arts Convention in 2002, where he was also awarded Designer of the Year. Alberto has travelled around the world teaching thousands of balloon artists new techniques, ideas, and creations. He possesses a true eye for design and can help you take your balloon skills to a whole new level and make your business stand out from the crowd. back to top Brenda Fink, CBA Party Magic & Gifts, Godfrey, IL, USA  Since launching her store, Party Magic & Gifts, from the basement of her home in 1991, Brenda’s business has enjoyed continuous growth and success. Three and a half years after starting her company, Brenda grew her store from a home-based business to a storefront. The business has since expanded twice into its current 5,500 sq. ft. location. Brenda’s commitment to customer service, creativity, and value has proven profitable despite the recession. She believes education is an invaluable tool in the balloon industry and aspires to help others achieve success in their own businesses by sharing the knowledge she’s gained over the years. back to top Robbie Furman, CBA Remember Our Balloons…Building Incredible Events, Montclair, NJ, USA  Robbie has been working with balloons for nearly 20 years. Working extensively with balloons as a volunteer at non-profit events for several years, Robbie developed his own personal style and began specializing in deco-twisting. In 2002, Balloons by Robbie was born. Robbie’s professionalism, technique, and boundless energy have 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 including the Balloon Arts Convention Italy (BACI), Millennium Jam, JBAN, T-Jam on the Road, Euro Jam, and Sunny Twist. He has also produced a collection of educational DVDs, as well as attended and competed at a number of industry events and won several awards, including Best Stage Performance at Diamond Jam and Twist & Shout in 2008. back to top Chelsea Gaspard, CBA Pioneer Balloon Company, Wichita, KS, USA  A native of New Orleans, LA, USA, Chelsea graduated from Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and a major in English. She then graduated from Wichita State University with a master’s degree in English and a concentration in professional writing. Chelsea joined Pioneer Balloon Company as the editor of "Balloon Images" magazine after moving to Wichita, KS, in 2006. After working on Images for a short time, she earned her Certified Balloon Artist designation and also took over as director of the Qualatex Balloon Network. Since then, she has been helping businesses stimulate growth through advertising, public relations, and social media opportunities. Chelsea is also an active member of the Public Relations Society of America and the National Society for Technical Communicators. back to top Connie Iden-Monds, CBA Party Animals, Nashville, TN, USA  From simple cartoon characters to life-sized sculptures of celebrities, Connie brings her remarkable talent to more than just children’s parties. In fact, corporate entertainment is the foundation of her Nashville-based company’s 10 percent annual growth over the past decade. And Connie boasts a list of notable names among her list of satisfied clients and loyal customers. Her experience with balloon twisting started in college when, after delivering a singing telegram, she was offered a job working children’s parties. Her career soon “exploded,” and she now participates in international competitions, consistently bringing home a string of awards. Most notably, she was named 2004 Ballooniversity Designer of the Year, 2003 IBAC Entertainer of the Year, and is still the only American to win the Medium Sculpture Competition at Millennium Jam. The staff and entertainers at Party Animals also place in many competitions and provide a creative twist to more than 1,200 private and corporate events every year. back to top Azusa Ieizumi, CBA Bunny’s Balloon Factory, Shizuoka, Japan  Azusa started her balloon business, Bunny’s Balloon Factory, with her sister Akane 13 years ago. Her business specializes in balloon decor for weddings, shopping malls, department stores, and Japanese TV shows. Azusa is known for incorporating complex twisting and weaving techniques into her work to create a signature style. Her repertoire of diverse designs ranges from whimsical characters to fantasy-filled wedding decor. Azusa’s work has won several awards, has appeared on television shows and in magazines, and has even landed in Japanese school textbooks. She has placed in competitions at both the International Balloon Arts Convention (IBAC) and the Balloon Arts Convention Italy (BACI) and also recently won the World Balloon Art Challenge in Thailand. Azusa has taught in many countries, including Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Italy, Slovenia, Japan, and the U.S. back to top Steven Mayhew, CBA Conwin, Inc., Los Angeles, CA, USA  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 marketing and creative director. He consistently provides new and inspiring designs, which he showcases in classrooms around the world. Steven’s creative arrangements and practical tips have helped countless balloon artists increase their knowledge of the balloon industry and move their businesses toward success. back to top Federico Onida, CBA Balloon Express Shop – Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy  Federico has extensive experience in the world of entertainment. In 1990, he began performing in shows using stilts and juggling. His first experience with balloon art and classic Non-round sculptures came in 1996, and in 1999, he was introduced to the world of balloon sculptures. Federico began teaching balloon classes in 2003 and has since taught a variety of topics including entertainment, theme parties, and design techniques for beginners and seasoned professionals. His teaching experiences have taken him to Japan, Poland, Spain, Budapest, France, and Malaysia. Federico has also won numerous awards including first place in the Large Sculpture competition at the World Balloon Convention (WBC) 2010, and second place in the Balloon Figure competition at WBC 2010 and Balloon Arts Convention Italy (BACI) 2011. Andrey Osokin, CBA Art-Positive, Moscow, Russia  Andrey began working as a balloon designer in 1996 in Moscow, Russia. In 2001, he started his own balloon company, and in 2007 his business merged with another Russian balloon company to create a larger company, Art-Positive. Within three years, the company became one of the biggest Russian balloon design companies. In 2009, Andrey created the Balloon Decorating School with his colleague Dmitriy Tishenko, CBA, offering classes throughout Russia. Today, Andrey is one of the most well-known Russian balloon design instructors. He is also one of the creators and owners of the first Russian professional internet portal — balloonhq.ru. Andrey’s work has won numerous industry awards including first place in Large Sculpture at the 2010 Balloon Arts Convention Italy (BACI) and the Moscow International Balloon Festival. back to top Jose “Pepe” Posada, CBA Globimagen Internacional, Mexico City, Mexico  Pepe began his career in the balloon industry in 1991 as a contributor for Globimagen, creating designs on computers and working in systems management and administration. In 1998, he became a Certified Balloon Artist and an instructor for Globimagen. Pepe has since taught at least 70 balloon seminars in Brazil and Mexico and is one of the producers of the Convención Mexicana de Arte en Globos (CMAG). In addition to teaching, he has served as a Spanish translator for other English-speaking instructors. Pepe and Alex Arroyo, CBA, were the creative minds behind the groovy decor for the World Balloon Convention (WBC) 2010 party, “Balloon-A-Mania: All You Need is Love…and Balloons.” Pepe’s designs have been featured in “Balloon Images” magazine, Qualatex calendars, and on the Qualatex Web site. Pepe is also the designer of three Web sites that are considered among the top 10 balloon decorating sites in the world. back to top Said Rebollar, CBA El Globo Rojo, Queretaro, Mexico  Said was first introduced to the world of balloons while performing as a professional magician. A boy asked him to make a balloon dog, but Said didn’t know how to twist balloons. Sparking his interest, he learned how to twist balloons and in 2009, he became a Certified Balloon Artist. Said was intrigued by the art of balloons, and began inquiring about balloon fashion. In 2009, he was asked by a fashion store to make balloon dresses to help draw attention to the store and increase sales. Said also became a Qualatex instructor in Mexico in 2009, and was the first Mexican to teach balloon fashion in Latin America. He is currently an authorized distributor of Qualatex balloons, and a business advisor for distributors and retail stores in Latin America. Said is excited to share his knowledge of the balloon industry with both Spanish and English speakers. back to top Tom “Bibo” Saeys, CBA Bibo Ballon, Schoten, Belgium  In 1999, Tom became the Belgian Balloonart Champion for his talent in balloon art and entertainment. He’s continued to demonstrate his skills over the last 11 years, having won multiple awards at industry events, including Twist & Shout and Millennium Jam. In 2005, he also became the only performer to win Balloon Entertainer of the Year at Millennium Jam three years in a row. 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, Malaysia, Russia, the U.S., Japan, and throughout Europe. back to top Debbie Stevens The Twisted Ones, Toronto, Ontario, Canada  Debbie began working as a balloon artist in 1997 and fell in love with the art of balloon fashion in 2005 after creating a balloon dress for her daughter. Her experience at balloon fashion shows in Shanghai, Hong Kong, China, the U.S., and Canada further fueled her passion for balloon dress design. Debbie especially enjoys the excitement and challenge of using a medium that was never meant to be elegant, and then transforming it into something breathtaking. Debbie has won numerous industry awards including Top Twister at Twist and Shout in 2004, and Top Fashion Designer at the 2008 Balloon Couture Fashion Show at Diamond Jam/Balloon Camp. She has also produced several videos on balloon dress design and 646Q creations. back to top Keith Stirman, CBA, and Dominic Cassidy, CBA The Balloon Brothers, County Durham, United Kingdom  Dominic and Keith began their careers in the balloon industry in 2005 with an entertainment business offering balloon twisting, magic shows, and other party services. As their business expanded, they added balloon decor and retail sales. Their work has been featured on the cover of “Balloon Images” magazine as the winner of the cover competition in 2009, and in 2011 as one of the magazine’s Designer Showcase articles. Originally self-taught in balloon decor, Dominic and Keith advocate education and understand the importance of training in order to become more efficient and profitable. As instructors, this high-energy duo will inspire, energize, and empower delegates. back to top Lisa Swiger, CBA Blooming Balloons, Raleigh, NC, USA  Lisa is owner of Blooming Balloons, one of the most successful decorating businesses in Raleigh, North Carolina. She considers herself to be a deco-twister because of her ability to blend twisted creations with Classic Balloon Decor. Lisa’s unique style has been recognized with several industry awards including one of Pioneer’s 2009 Treb Heining Visionary Scholarships for professional balloon decorators. Her work has been published in “Balloon Images” magazine and featured in many catalogs. Prior to starting her own balloon company, Lisa worked in corporate marketing for 11 years and now applies many of the ideas from that experience to running her thriving business. She is also an accomplished graphic and Web site designer. Lisa especially enjoys teaching and sharing sellable designs to help businesses make more money and loves being part of the exciting world of balloons. back to top David Taylor, CBA MAD Balloons, Sydney, Australia  David has been successfully operating MAD Balloons in Sydney, Australia for more than 19 years and has built a reputation as one of Sydney’s best corporate balloon decor providers. With his innovative designs and a host of loyal clients, David’s enthusiasm and passion for balloons has grown and maintained his company’s success. He was a founding member of the Qualatex Balloon Network Chapter in Sydney and is a member of the Australasian Balloon Artists and Suppliers Association (BASA). David has a bachelor’s degree in education from Sydney University and not only enjoys teaching a wide array of balloon art techniques, but also how to start and grow a business. back to top Dmitriy Tishenko, CBA Art-Positive, Moscow, Russia  Dmitriy has been working as a balloon designer for 11 years. He began his own balloon company, Shar, and in 2007 he merged the business with another Russian balloon company to create a larger company, Art-Positive. Within less than three years, the company became one of the biggest Russian balloon design companies. In 2009, he created the Balloon Decorating School with his colleague Andrey Osokin, CBA, offering classes throughout Russia. Today, Dmitriy is one of the most well-known Russian balloon design instructors. He is also one of the creators and owners of the first Russian professional internet portal — balloonhq.ru. Dmitriy’s work has won numerous industry awards including first place in Large Sculpture at the 2010 Balloon Arts Convention Italy (BACI) and the Moscow International Balloon Festival. He was also awarded New Balloon Artist of the Year at BACI 2010. back to top Rocky Toomey, CBA Future Affairs Productions, East Providence, RI, USA  For more than 25 years, Rocky Toomey has designed incredible themed settings in venues around the world. With a talent for manipulating special effects, Rocky’s designs focus on allowing guests to be a part of the experience. Rocky got his start in the balloon industry when he moved to Hawaii and opened the first balloon company in the state. As a pioneer in the balloon decorating industry, Rocky also helped establish the International Balloon Arts Convention (IBAC) and the Festival of Balloons, which invited the general public to view large-scale balloon sculptures. As vice president of Future Affairs Productions, he’s used his talents for the past nine years to produce stellar designs. His work has earned him many industry awards, including the prestigious Special Event Magazine Gala Award in 1989, 1999, and 2009, and the IBAC Crystal Award. back to top Terry Mulryan Toomey Future Affairs Productions, East Providence, RI, USA  As president of Future Affairs Productions, Terry Toomey has been offering superior client services in the special events industry since 1983. Her business is one of New England’s largest premier prop companies with more than 25,000 square feet of props and scenery. With more than 25 years of experience, Terry’s energy and passion is seen through the genuine care that is given to each client. She’s won the Special Events Gala Award for the best wedding of 2008, and was chosen as a finalist by Event Solutions Magazine for the 2010 Spotlight Award for Event Planner of the Year. Terry’s goal at Future Affairs Productions is to determine the needs of every client and then top it. Their list of clientele includes Fidelity Bank, Qwest Communications, Jarvis Green Foundation, NHL, and many high-profile entertainers such as Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones, and Phish. back to top Tim Vlamis, CBA Pioneer Balloon Company, Kansas City, KS, USA  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 analyses; and salesmanship and sales management. In 1996 at the International Balloon Arts Convention, he received the Crystal Award for lifetime achievement in the professional balloon industry for the development of the Qualatex Balloon Network (QBN). Tim also earned his Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) designation from the American Marketing Association, a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Yale University. He is also an adjunct professor of business for Benedictine College where he teaches in the Traditional and Executive MBA programs. back to top Cam Woody, CBA Pioneer Balloon Company, Wichita, KS, USA  Cam is the executive art director of publications for Pioneer Balloon Company. She has a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Fort Hays State University. She earned her Certified Balloon Artist designation in 1994, and her position with “Balloon Images” magazine gives her the unique opportunity to work and learn directly from some of the industry’s top balloon instructors. Since joining Pioneer 18 years ago, Cam has been creating sellable ideas and creative designs for “Balloon Images” magazine. Her eye for design and overall experience in working with balloons is extensive. She loves sharing what she's learned and her passion for balloons with others. Cam's expertise has led her to teach at international industry events such as the World Balloon Convention (WBC) 2010, the Japanese Balloon Artists Network (JBAN) convention, and most recently, Convención Mexicana de Arte en Globos (CMAG). back to top |
