World Balloon Convention 2012- Festival of Balloons

As the convention draws to an end, the Festival of Balloons begins! All the competition pieces, event decor and class designs were put on display for the day in one of the halls of the Sheraton hotel. The public were invited to come by and be amazed by all that we had created over the week.

Kids and adults loving the Festival!

Mala & Jean having a blast in the plane.

There were plenty of interactive balloon arrangements, like our huge hot air balloon, planes, cars and hats!

Visitors getting a taste of marriage... with balloons!

There were demonstrations and shows by magicians, twisters and entertainers on the stage.

Our friend Guy Sheffer from Israel, showing off his
balancing & twisting skills!

The Qualatex mascot, Mr Q even made an appearance!  

But all good things must come to an end and I then headed back to the airport for the long flight back to Sydney. I think the lack of sleep over the week had finally caught up with me and I actually managed to sleep on the plane.

Now comes the difficult task of sorting through all my notes and photos from the convention and putting them to good use. I will be practicing everything I learnt gradually over the next 2 years and designing lots of exciting new arrangements and decor. Check back regularly because I will be posting photos of anything 'WBC inspired' as I go. I hope you like them! Regards, Claire Geldard CBA xoxo

World Balloon Convention 2012- Grand Gala Night

The 2012 World Balloon Convention had almost come to an end. Tonight everyone got out of their practical work clothes & dressed to impress in tuxedos and ball gowns. The winners for the competitions were announced, the Aussies large sculpture received a bronze level achievement. Individual Aussies entered various other competitions, such as table centrepiece, and we're so proud of their achievements!

Some of the stunning room decor in the ballroom.

My place setting and program for the Grand Gala.

The Aussies looking fabulous infront of the Large Sculpture.

Robbie Furman and his award.

The next World Balloon Convention was announced.... Denver, Colorado in 2014!

We'll be working really hard for the next 2 years saving our pennies with the aim to make it to our 3rd consecutive World Balloon Convention!

A picture speaks a thousand words!



Robbie Furman was awarded the Golden Light Award, in honour of Linda Bruce. None of us could think of a more deserving person. I spent some time working with Robbie on a hot air balloon for the Festival of Balloons & attended some of his classes. He is definitely one of the most inspirational and fun loving people in the industry. 

The hot air balloon I helped with, as instructed
by the amazing Robbie Furman.

World Balloon Convention 2012- Circus Themed Party

On Thursday night we had 'The Very Best Balloon Show On Earth'. The whole event was spectacular. The balloon decor for the room was designed by Tope Abulude from the UK, and what an amazing job he did! At the doorway there was massive clown arches. Upon entry garlands stretched from various sides of the room, resembling a circus marquee, meeting in the middle with a huge, LED lit clown face. There were clown centrepieces on each table, monkies, tigers and exploding balloons. Let's not forget the stage backdrop frame spelling out 'Circus' in brightly coloured balloons. 

Clown arches leading to the doorway. If this is just the entry, then you definitely want to go inside!

The stage backdrop and the dance floor. Animals, clowns & ring leaders everywhere!

Garland with clown face in the centre.

And it doesn't stop at the balloon decorations. The food was exactly the sort you'd find at a carnival or circus. Including popcorn, corn dogs, cotton candy, nachos, corn etc. There was a photo booth with, yes you guessed it, balloon backdrops! And what party is complete without a conga line! This is definitely one of the highlights of the convention for me, it's only ashame that the night had to end!

Some of the best dressed of the night!

Beth from Balloonique Designs & myself striking a pose in the photo booth.