Even though the balloon event left the building (across the street),
the 2004 Party Show did go on! I drove north to Rosemont, IL to visit
with the many Balloon HQ Sponsors that have product displays at the show.
The mood was much more quiet this year, without a nearby balloon
convention to provide foot traffic. But, people reported that
the show was a very successful one, as inter-booth power meetings could be
more easily accomodated. As usual, companies were showcasing new or
improved product prototypes that will be ready to share with all of you
in the near future. New prints, new colors, new stuff, everyone's
optimistic about the balloon industry in this new year.
BHQ at IBAC
Classes, Coverage, and Fun
IBAC 20 is fast approaching, and we're in the final stages of
logistical planning. This year's convention will be a unique experience
for us, as it marks the first time all three BHQ owners are serving as
instructors at the same event. Balloons and science, balloonicature,
on-line idea-books, and sculpture analysis are just some of the topics
brought to you by BHQ (shameless plug :-).
Things are really coming together to make this year's event a memorable one.
The traditional atrium sculpture will be replaced by balloon decor
integrated throughout Downtown Disney, provided by the Southern California
QBN Chapter. Competitors have been putting the word out in the BHQ
Classifieds, looking for team participants. The theme for the Opening
Festivities provides a fun and unique method of introducing
(embarrassing?) the instructors.
BHQ will be there, to provide on-line event coverage to the digital
masses. Happily, our class load doesn't kick in until the time-intensive
competitions have finished. Expect photo uploads to begin some time
on Wednesday, April 28th. We're looking forward to visiting with so many
of our friends. See you in California!
Call for Volunteers - Balloon Web Sites to Evaluate as part of IBAC classes
I'm looking for some brave souls willing to let me (constructively)
review their web page design in front of the class. The was a
popular feature in last year's web design class. If you're interested in
getting design feedback for your web pages, please see my ad in the BHQ
Classifieds Ads for details. Thanks everyone!
- Sheena
WhirlWind Topiary Towers
Featured artist portfolio: Elaine Pelizzari, WhirlWind
Elaine Pelizzari is the owner and designer of WhirlWind in Torrington,
Connecticut USA. The WhirlWind team offers custom balloon sculptures,
fantasy flowers, balloon games, and classic decor. The unique
designs, in both the enteratainer and decorator categories, really stand
out. This makes the WhirlWind artist portfolio both whimical and
elegant at the same time.
