Deliverable Balloon Sculptures
Troy Apprill, CBA® + Diane Burton, CBA®

Amaze your customers with these little darlings for any occasion. The possibilities are endless when you think “outside the bouquet.” Learn some simple designs that can be adapted for any type of delivery.

Bigger is Better
Troy Apprill, CBA® + Diane Burton, CBA®

Think BIG . . . Bigger balloons, bigger profits. Create excitement. Be prepared to use 3' balloons to decorate for big events, big holidays, and big occasions.

Special Effects
Troy Apprill, CBA® + Diane Burton, CBA®

Make your designs come alive! Learn unique and creative ideas that will make your events memorable. Learn how to recognize where to add special effects and how to sell them. Make any function a true celebration with the element of surprise. Troy and Diane will share special techniques that are easy to do and incorporate into décor and centerpieces. It’s time to transform your business from the ordinary to the extraordinary!

Functional Framing Fundamentals
Wynn Bell, CBA®

Many balloon artists have limited their creativity and profitability because of their belief that building framed balloon décor is difficult. The purpose of Wynn’s class will take the fear out of frame-building by providing step-by-step fundamental framing techniques which will help balloon artists learn to build their own simple frames. New bending techniques and clamping devices that will help in the production of more exciting balloon décor make this class mandatory for anyone wanting to learn how to build their own frames.

3-D Sculptures
Wynn Bell, CBA®

How often have you wanted to add the 3rd dimension to a sculpture and not known how to proceed? Maybe you need to make a more intricate 2-dimensional sculpture? What materials should you use? What are the advantages of one material over another? What method should you use to attach balloons to different parts of the sculpture? Should you make drawings, and how do you make them? How simple can a frame be but still provide the strength needed to be a 3-D sculpture? Let Wynn share his knowledge of sculpture construction to answer these basic questions.

Advanced Framing and Sculptures
Wynn Bell, CBA®

This class is for balloon artists who should go to the next level in the design and production of their framing and/or sculpture work. Wynn’s many years of experience with structural design solutions for complicated framing/sculptures allows him to bring useful and practical techniques to this class. Offered for the more advanced decorator, this class will cover all things 3-Dimensional: design of multi-faceted framing/sculptures, complicated pieces, pieces that must be assembled at a different location, how you design/build your framing/sculpture to be lightweight and yet sturdy enough to be weather-resistant, etc. Come get your hands dirty as you learn techniques that will help you become a more versatile balloon artist while adding to your company profits. Emphasis will be on the term PRACTICAL . . . Contact Wynn pre-convention if you have specific questions or needs from this class. And bring your camera!

The Best Dressed Deco Bubble Balloons®
Linda Bruce, CBA®

Join the fun and learn to Deco Bubble with a difference! See how easy it is to master the Bubble Cinch Knot! From there, the decorating options are endless! This one-of-a-kind plastic bubble is a whole new category of balloon that offers long-lasting décor, preparation in advance, no oxidation, and lots of lift for added-value frillies!

Winning Wedding Designs
Linda Bruce, CBA®

Every couple wants something uniquely their own at their wedding, and balloons do this so well. Let Linda Bruce show you how to make the couples’ day forever memorable with elegant new wedding designs for centerpieces and décor, featuring the latest wedding balloons from Qualatex®.

CBA® the Easy Way
Linda Bruce, CBA®

There’s no better feeling of accomplishment than earning the highest designation our industry has to offer, that of Certified Balloon ArtistSM (CBA®). But for many of us, it’s been a long time since we’ve taken a test. Join Linda Bruce, CBA® of Pioneer® Balloon Company, as she guides you through the process. This class will calm your nerves, answer your questions, and prepare you to take the test with confidence.

Signs and Lines . . .
Cindy Derrick, CBA®
Sponsored by the Click Click System

This class is both a rigging solution and décor class including balloon signs and twinkle light swags using MagMovers™. Draping fabric with magnets is as easy as walking around the room. Join Cindy in her star-studded walk of famous ceiling décor using the Click Click System of rigging. Don’t let tall ceilings or no-scissor-lift hold you back from famous ceiling designs.

What’s Up and How To Get There?
Cindy Derrick, CBA®
Sponsored by the Click Click System

Bring your camera to capture basic ceiling décor. The MagMover™ system will be used to fill the heavens with lights, décor, and action. See how to decorate tall ceilings without a lift using the Click Click System. We will hang “A Starry Starry Night” dance floor in under 15 minutes (prep time not included).

Beginning Arches + Columns
On Guest, CBA®

If you are new to the industry, be sure to catch this class! It will be one of the most useful offered. On Guest will demonstrate how to make basic arches and columns, including string of pearl and swag versions. You will also learn how to turn these basic structures into dynamic balloon décor that are sure to sell. Put this class on your agenda and you will be amazed at the information and versatility that you will add to your résumé.

Arches + Columns Showcase
On Guest, CBA®

This class teaches more ways to construct arches perfect for entrance décor. Get ready to create balloon walls, letters, column toppers, and lighting in latex balloons. On will show you how to make quick, easy themed décor utilizing a variety of latex and foil balloon combinations including LINK-O-LOONS® 646Q, and other Entertainer latex balloons along with oversized shaped foil balloons. This is a fast-paced class full of energy and fun.

Gimme The Basics I
Gina Hagan

Learn basket basics in this class. Gina will teach you how to create your own unique and easy-to-fill baskets and containers from burton + BURTON™. She will demonstrate the use of creative, inexpensive enhancements, easy-to-assemble designs, and easy wraps. Come learn everything you need to know to start selling gift baskets.

Gimme The Basics II
Gina Hagan

Step into the world of marketing with this informative class. You will discover low-cost start-up maneuvers, networking basics, and marketing. In addition, you will learn strategies for advertising, how to determine pricing, and simple rules to follow regarding inventory. This is a great class to follow up Gimme the Basics I, giving you the skills you need to start your own gift basket business.

Hand-Tied Bouquets
Bill J. Harper, AIFD, AAF, FAM

Now Showing . . . award winning instructor Bill J. Harper discusses the technique and versatility of hand-tied bouquets. Bill’s skills at teaching floristry won him the reputation of being one of the finest instructors in the country. You will definitely want to attend this class!

Designing in Glass
Bill J. Harper, AIFD, AAF, FAM

Learn how to create Oscar®-worthy floral designs! Join Bill J. Harper as he explores current trends and techniques for designing in glass containers. His extensive experience and sensitivity in design will have you sharing his ability to see ordinary objects in a most extraordinary way.

Light Up Your Sales With Classic Décor
Treb Heining, CBA®

Treb Heining–the man who invented classic balloon décor will be teaching this class. The first half of the class will cover how to use the new Light Up Balloon Stick™ product and the second half will focus on the benefits of using classic balloon décor to grow your business. It is a rare opportunity to get valuable tips from someone who has been a pioneer in our industry for almost 40 years.

Nine-One-One For Dull and Lifeless Classic Décor!
Jan Iiams, CBA® + Guido Verhoef, CBA®

Emergency! Emergency! Does your classic décor need an injection of creativity to breathe life back into your ailing design repertoire? Rush yourself into the ER and let Dr. Guido and Nurse Jan give you an emergency transfusion of imaginative ideas that will produce healthy profits and revive your customers’ interest in your extra long-lasting, beautiful new work. Rejuvenate your portfolio with inspiring pictures of classic décor full of ingenuity and imagination. You’ll even receive your very own “balloon-aid” project kit to take home to show or sell. It’s critical . . . get yourself to this clever class STAT!

OO-LA-LA! LINK-O-LOON® Lovelies!
Jan Iiams, CBA®

Wow! I’ll bet you didn’t know you could produce décor this beautiful, this fun, and so full of profit! Join Jan in a jam-packed class that will showcase amazing décor projects with unique treatments using innovative LINK-O-LOONS®. You’ll learn step-by-step instructions and have lots of hands-on opportunities to create this roomful of delightful décor and adorable, long-lasting delivery projects. And you’ll receive a free take-home recipe and project kit to show or sell. So remember to bring your camera to fatten up your portfolio with this roomful of bright, colorful designs that are sure to entice your customers to buy, buy, buy.

“HELP! I’m Allergic to Twisting!”
A Decorator’s Guide to Working With Non-Rounds
Steven Jones, CBA®

Are you one of those people who can laugh at a 3' balloon popping in your face, but are terrified that a 260 might pop the moment you touch it? Well, then this class has the cure for your case of twistaphobia! Attendees will get hands-on experience with the various twists necessary to create many of the world’s most intricate designs and learn several applications that you as a decorator will be able to use and sell in your business. This is a “must see” class for anyone who wants unique ways to upsell existing designs and increase profits at very low cost. In fact, the first ten minutes of the class will provide you with a way to pay for the entire convention!

Arrangement Styles
Talmage McLaourin, AIFD

Join Talmage as he demonstrates the variety of directions that floral arrangements can take. Learn about styles, principles, elements, and eras in a class full of demonstrations and examples. Then choose your favorite design and try your hand at making it on your own.

Saturday Night Centerpieces
Talmage McLaurin, AIFD

Join Talmage McLaurin, publisher of Florists’ Review, in creating extraordinary centerpieces using fresh flowers and balloons for an evening on the red carpet. Your finished creations will then grace the tables at the Saturday night Hooray! for Hollywood Grand Finale show. Join the elite group and take part in a truly hands-on experience.

Large Sculpture
Jodie Norris, CBA® + Dee White, CBA®

Large sculptures do not necessarily mean large amounts of work, but attention to detail, the use of larger balloons, and a combination of classic skills with a range of strong techniques can lead to the winning combination. Ballooniversity® 2006 winners are here to show you how to combine your skills and provide many tips on producing a solid sculpture with winning qualities.

The Totem Jo’s New Collection
Jodie Norris, CBA®

Join Jodie in this fresh class as she shares with you her latest designs from the Totem Jo’s new collection. These totem pole designs are an ideal way of selling themed columns and arches as well as brand new hanging creations and centerpieces that are long-lasting due to being air-filled. These are easy to create and highly profitable for any season! Combining many of Qualatex’s® traditional favorites with the latest products, and shown with rigging & lighting equipment such as MagMovers™ and Light Up Balloon Sticks™, you’ll see how you can add a fresh twist to your offering.

Body-Building 101 with Non-rounds
Royal Sorell, CBA®

Get pumped up learning techniques for building human physiques and well dressed celebrities using simple applications of non-rounds. This class will give each student a solid foundation for building fast, fun, and more realistic full-scale human figures that will virtually sell themselves.

Celebrity Faceoff with Non-rounds
Royal Sorell, CBA®

Marilyn, Elvis, Chaplin, and more can be sculpted using the basic templates each student will learn. People all share common features, and Royal will highlight non-round techniques used to make easily-copied airheads of the rich and famous. Step onto the red carpet and learn the secrets to creating the stars.

Balloontumes (Wearable Masks)
Dee White, CBA®

Join Dee in his Twisted World of Latex as he embellishes your business with his wearable “Balloontumes” which will have you twisting for more. His new mask technique has been well-received in Asia and in Europe and continues to grow and develop, so be sure to see what could be a new money spinner for your business. Start thinking outside the box and remember to bring your pump, markers, camera, and an open mind!

The Greatest Birthday Party Ever . . . A Child’s Dream
Peggy Williams

It’s going to be a party, burton + BURTON™ style . . . Children’s birthdays parties are getting bigger and bigger every year. It is in fact the #1 occasion to celebrate with a party. Are you ready to celebrate and increase your business this year? This class will empower you with all the latest and most creative ways to create beautiful memories for that very special child. And are you ready for this? You are going to have a hands-on experience and build a beautiful table centerpiece for a birthday party. You will take with you a wealth of information as well as a bag of accessories that will enable you to create many designs. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity.

Weddings and Beyond . . . Creating the Perfect Parties
Peggy Williams

As the church bells ring, so will your cash register after taking this exciting class. Learn from a seasoned professional, all the ways to stretch the wedding business far beyond the bride walking down the aisle. Be a part of all the clever ways to celebrate life’s biggest moments. Engagement parties, showers, honey-do parties, and the all too fun and naughty bachelor and bachelorette parties are just a few of the events we will explore in this action-packed class. Do you want to hear more? Then come to class and explore a brand new market waiting for you.