Activities at FLOAT
FLOAT’s Activities and Functions
Friday, January 23rd
Sculpture Competition (Pre-Enrollment Required)
8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Access to Class Pass Holders Only
Our battle for Designer of the Year is the very first thing to kick off the convention. Artists will have twelve hours to build a 10’ by 10’ by 10’ free-standing balloon sculpture based on a theme of their choosing. This is a long and stressful challenge to be sure, but the results are always fun and fabulous!
Hands on Decor Builds
8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Access to Class Pass Holders Only
With three different major social functions taking place over the weekend, there’s lot to prepare for. So jump in and help out as our sponsors get ready to provide all the different decorations for our Friday Night Fun, Club L8X Karaoke Party and FLOAT’s Opening Night Event and Fashion Show. They’re always looking for help, so learn while you do!
Gallery of Nations Sculpture Build (Pre-Enrollment Required)
8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Access to Class Pass Holders Only
As FLOAT has grown into one of the world’s largest balloon events, we’ve gone international in 2026! This year we are featuring “The Gallery of Nations” where delegates from around the world can come to Reno to build a 10’ by 10’ sculpture design as a national team as part of an exhibition of global talent. So exciting to see what they come up with!
The Friday Night Fun
8:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Access to All Pass Holders
This casual party was a huge hit in 2024, so we’ve brought it back for Reno! Join us Friday night as folks start to filter in to FLOAT with this light and fun connection event. There will be corn hole, fun balloon games, music and more…last year a volleyball even showed up! So if you’re looking to meet new friends before the crowds show up, this is a GREAT way to do it!
Saturday, January 24th
Entrance Decor Competition (Pre-Enrollment Required)
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Access to Class Pass Holders Only
In the second round of the Designer of the Year challenge, artists have four hours to create a fabulous entrance piece to decorate a particular theme or concept. While that theme or concept has yet to be announced, just know that whatever it is, you’re going to see a myriad of ways our designers will approach that idea while creating incredible entryway decor.
Hands on Decor Builds
8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Access to Class Pass Holders Only
The Friday Night Fun event might be over, but there’s still Club L8X Karaoke Party and FLOAT’s Opening Night Event and Fashion Show to look forward to. And there’s NO WAY they’re done getting ready yet. So jump in and offer some help to these teams working to create a dynamic and amazing series of decor for our functions.
Gallery of Nations Sculpture Build (Pre-Enrollment Required)
8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Access to Class Pass Holders Only
Construction on the “Gallery of Nations” sculpture build continues, so those involved with the teams will be working like crazy again all day on Saturday. Bet you can’t wait to see what they come up with huh?
Column Design Competition (Pre-Enrollment Required)
2:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Access to Class Pass Holders Only
The newest Designer of the Year challenge at FLOAT this year is the Column Design Competition, where competitors build a singular balloon column. The catch is you have to absolutely dazzle the judges with your range of skill and technique when it comes to your piece. This may sound easy, but I can assure you…it will be brutal…
Sponsored Sessions
3:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Access to All Pass Holders
Can’t wait for the Vendor Showcase to open? Then don’t! Check out any of these early Sponsored Sessions at FLOAT, where vendors and sponsors offer opportunities for you to learn, check out their wares and just get to know them better in a classroom setting. Sponsored Sessions are exactly that; time in the classroom sponsored by a supporter of FLOAT, so we have no idea how many will take place or who will be hosting them. But you won’t know if you’re not there…
The FLOAT Jam Session
6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Access to All Pass Holders
Saturday night kicks off our first real FLOAT Jam Session…sure, we’ve had unofficial ones in the past, but never ones with vendor supported product, featured artists, contests and more! So make sure you bring your creativity and energy into what is sure to be a really fun time!
The Balloon Friends Meet & Greet
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Access to All Pass Holders
Are you a member of the “Balloon Friends International” group on Facebook? If so, you’re invited to an exclusive little gathering…Here’s your chance to get to meet those faces where you might only know their names online! And knowing Kathy Buell, the founder of the group, there will be fun and friendliness abound in this special activity.
Club L8X Karaoke and Dance Party
8:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Access to All Pass Holders
Ok, folks…time again to be a rock star for three minutes! That’s right…FLOAT’s popular Saturday night staple is BACK in Reno! Get your vocal chords ready to belt out those notes for all to hear. And hey…not interested in singing? Then get out there and dance during our “breaks in the action” throughout the night. C’mon….you know you want to…
Sunday, January 25th
Organic Decor Competition (Pre-Enrollment Required)
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Access to Class Pass Holders Only
The Designer of the Year contest enters it’s third and final day, and Sunday morning kicks off with a big one! Teams will inflate and place balloons to create the most dynamic and impactful organic install they can within the allotted time. This one is always a huge draw for attention!
Hands on Decor Build
8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Access to Class Pass Holders Only
FLOAT’s Opening Night Event and Fashion Show will be starting later this day, so everything HAS to be ready for the big night! Join in and lend a hand and learn by doing as you help to get the final touches in place for the launch of FLOAT 2026.
Gallery of Nations Sculpture Build (Pre-Enrollment Required)
8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Access to Class Pass Holders Only
And just like a lot of weekend activities, the final elements of the “Gallery of Nations” are being completed on Sunday. But don’t worry…if you’re not allowed to be in the space, you’ll get a chance to tour later tonight…
The Vendor Showcase
11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Members of ALOFT Streaming and FLOATation Pass holders may enter at 9:00 AM
Access to All Pass Holders
It’s finally here…the start of FLOAT’s Vendor Showcase…and the biggest one ever! The room will feature between 150 and 180 booth spaces, and you’ll get to visit each and every one of them! Meet our vendors, learn about their services, shop them and take home all kinds of goodies.
Fulcrum @ FLOAT Discussion Panels
12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
Access to Class Pass Holders Only
Panel discussions are always a great way to get multiple perspectives on general topics. And like our Fulcrum conferences that take place opposite years of FLOAT, we bringing a little taste of Fulcrum to Reno! Join us for two different panel topics (subjects to be announced closer to FLOAT) as industry experts weigh in on their opinion and share in their experiences. And of course, you’re welcome to ask questions of them as well.
Sponsored Sessions
2:30 PM to 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Access to All Pass Holders
That’s right…more vendors and sponsors will offer you opportunities for you to learn, check out their wares and just get to know them better in a classroom setting. Sponsored Sessions are exactly that; time in the classroom sponsored by a supporter of FLOAT, so we have no idea how many will take place or who will be hosting them. It’s the kind of contact you can’t get in a busy trade show booth.
Table Centerpiece Competition (Pre-Enrollment Required)
2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Access to Class Pass Holders Only
The Designer of the Year contest comes to an end with the fast and frantic centerpiece competition. Here designers have just 90 minutes to create stylish and elegant table decor for a themed event. These contest defines fast and furious! LOL
The FLOAT Jam Session
6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Access to All Pass Holders
In this extended Jam Session, twisters and decorators alike can get together and get into all kinds of trouble with non-round balloons! Not a big twister? So what?!? This is your chance to really get outside your comfort zone and try new things in an environment with other supportive people who want to learn too!
The Performance of Mia Asano
7:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Access to All Pass Holders
FLOAT 2024 saw a special performance by rock violinist Mia Asano, and we are absolutely planning to bring her back in 2026! So before the Opening Night event kicks off, come down early to check out Mia’s performance as she warms up the crowd before FLOAT officially begins!
FLOAT’s Opening Night Event and Fashion Show – A Whole New Dimension
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Access to All Pass Holders
We are finally here…the official start of FLOAT 2026. Join us as we introduce you to all of the incredible people who make FLOAT happen, go over a few policies and such of the convention and marvel at the talented people who put on our first ever formal Fashion Show at FLOAT. Oh, and there’s always some surprises along the way…it’s gonna be out of this world…
Competition Viewing
10:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Access to All Pass Holders
Once the Opening Night event has ended, now is your chance to check out all the competition pieces as well as the Gallery of Nations build. Make sure you have LOTS of room on your cameras or phones….you’re gonna need it for the countless photos you’re going to take.
Monday, January 26th
Hands on Decor Build
8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Access to Class Pass Holders Only
There’s still two big events to go, so why not lend a hand in getting the decorations ready for this big moments? Work will begin today for both the Monday Night Party event as well as for the grand daddy of them all, the Designer Awards Gala. So check out who needs help bringing their big moments to life!
Gallery Viewing
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Access to Class, Foundation and Jam Pass Holders Only
Didn’t get enough time to check out all the gorgeous creations made in both the Designer of the Year competitions as well as the Gallery of Nations? Well, take time to visit them today and take LOTS of photos of these exquisite pieces.
The FLOAT Vendor Showcase
12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Access to Class, Foundation and Jam Pass Holders Only
Day Two of the Vendor Showcase often brings with it a slower pace, so nows your chance to get in there and really visit with the vendors, products and services you were checking out the day before. Slower pacing means more time to talk, so make sure you take advantage of this opportunity.
Learn at Lunch #1 with Gemar USA
12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Access to FLOATation Pass Holders Only
A brand new benefit to our FLOATation Pass holders at FLOAT, join us as you are treated to lunch by FLOAT and then a quick 30-minute “flash class” from our friends at Gemar. Something tells us this is going to be the new rage at FLOAT 2026
The FLOAT Jam Room
6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Access to Class, Foundation and Jam Pass Holders Only
Once again, the FLOAT Flop Zone breaks down into the chaotic calamity of the Jam Room. Visit with sponsors and see what products they have, meet top level talent and engage in fun balloon games and contests. Even if you’re just there to watch, you’ll definitely have fun in the process.
“La Familia FLOAT” LIVE with Pilla Guadalupe
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Access to Class, Foundation and Jam Pass Holders Only
FLOAT’s own Latina talent, Pilla Guadalupe host a special live broadcast of “La Familia FLOAT” from Reno! Join Pilla as she shows her viewers around the GSR and interviews all the FLOAT attendees she can muster up! So much fun…or should we say “muy divertido!”
The Monday Night Party
8:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Access to Class, Foundation and Jam Pass Holders Only
The party is just getting started in Reno, folks! Join us at Club Lex within the Grand Sierra Resort for our Monday night theme party. Costumes are always encouraged, but dancing is always in fashion! Enjoy the nightlife that FLOAT has to offer here at this fun convention event.
Tuesday, January 27th
Hands on Decor Build
8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Access to Class and Jam Pass Holders Only
Now that it’s Tuesday, there’s just one big moment left at FLOAT…the Designer Awards Gala. And believe me, sponsors will be pulling out all the stops for this one. So make absolutely certain you’re there to lend a hand and adding your particular flair to the finale.
Gallery Viewing
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Access to Class, Foundation and Jam Pass Holders Only
Yet another chance to check out all the gorgeous creations made in both the Designer of the Year competitions as well as the Gallery of Nations. Take time to visit them today and maybe showcase a tour of these incredible concepts on your social media!
The FLOAT Vendor Showcase
12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Access to Class, Foundation and Jam Pass Holders Only
It’s your last chance to get in to the Vendor Showcase and secure your deals before the tents fold up and it all goes away. The show is MUCH shorter today, so schedule time to get one last tour of the room and show those folks your love with your BUSINESS!
Learn at Lunch #2 with Anagram Balloons
12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Access to FLOATation Pass Holders Only
It’s Day Two of the complimentary lunches as part of the FLOATation program, and today it’s Anagram’s turn to show off their mad skills in the 30-minute flash class following a festive feast for you! Again, this is only open to those who purchased the FLOATation Pass, so make sure you get yours if you are eligible to do so…
Sponsored Sessions
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Access to Class, Foundation and Jam Pass Holders Only
Tuesday also means the last rounds of Sponsored Sessions being put on by our vendors and sponsors of FLOAT. Join us for mid day and late night fun with these folks as they show you their services, put on free demonstrations and more.
“Kickin’ Back with Lisa Mac” LIVE and in PJs
7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Access to Class, Foundation and Jam Pass Holders Only
FLOAT’s Tuesday night “virtual happy hour” takes place LIVE at the convention with our own Lisa McIntire hosting our weekly Facebook show, but once the call goes off the air, the after party kicks into “sleepover mode!” So bring your favorite pajamas, comfy blankets and pillows and join in the fun for a special movie night event after the call!
The FLOAT Jam Room
6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Access to Class, Foundation and Jam Pass Holders Only
For the last time during FLOAT, , the Flop Zone embraces the energy of the Jam Room. Visit with sponsors and see what products they have, meet top level talent and engage in fun balloon games and contests. While we fully expect to see more jamming Wednesday night as well, there won’t be any formal vendors or sponsors on display then.
The Balloon Bowling Battle
7:00 PM to ???
Open Access to Anyone
This was the event you never knew you needed…but will love and adore! FLOAT’s Academic Sponsors are formally invited to “battle it out” on the bowling lanes at the Grand Sierra Resort! Teams of four will bowl against each other, with the top team scores moving on into the “Final Four of FLOAT”, followed by tournament style play until one team is declared the winner! Here’s one time where you’re more than welcome to have your mind in the gutter…as long as it’s not there with your bowling ball!
Wednesday, January 28th
Hands on Decor Build
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Access to Class Pass Holders Only
It’s finally here…the last official day of FLOAT, so it’s time to bring it all together with the Designer Awards Gala. And believe me, sponsors will be pulling out all the stops for this one. So lend a hand as the designers come scrambling to the finish line
Learn at Lunch #3 with Betallic Inc
12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Access to FLOATation Pass Holders Only
Time to grab one more “flash class” before the convention ends…oh yeah, and a free lunch! Today our friends at Betallic will dazzle and adore you with their knowledge, skills and generosity, just for purchasing the optional FLOATation Pass.
FLOAT Accredited Balloonist Testing
2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Access to Foundational Pass Holders Only
OK, you’ve officially completed all ten courses and your instructors have signed off on your involvement…it’s time to put your knowledge to the test! Pass this written exam and you will be one of FLOAT’s very first certified artists….or should we say you’ll be FAB 🙂
The Orange Carpet
6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Access to all Gala Ticket Holders
It’s time for the Gala, but before the awards are handed out, it’s time to give up the glam! Join us before the DAG starts with a walk on “The Orange Carpet.” Get your photos taken, see and be seen and just have fun with this moment of glitz!
The Designer Awards Gala – A Tribute to Tommy
8:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Access to all Gala Ticket Holders
And here we are…the end of the road…the Designer Awards Gala. This is the night where all of the winners are announced, trophies presented and we reflect on the time we have spent together. And this year, we honor the life and memory of Tommy DeLorenzo, a dear friend and FLOAT Family member who left us way too soon…after the awards are handed out, we finish the night tearing it up on the dance floor like there’s no tomorrow…
Gallery Viewing
10:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Access to all Gala Ticket Holders
Did you take home a big award? Why would you NOT want to get a picture with your winning design(s) in your fanciest duds? This year, we open the galleries so everyone can pose with their pieces in their gala attire. So much fun!
Thursday, January 29th
The FLOAT Feedback Meeting
10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Open to Class and Foundational Pass Holders
Now that the convention is officially over, do you have thoughts about what you just experienced? And you want to make 100% sure that someone from FLOAT knows what you have to say? Then join FLOAT’s Executive Producer, Steven Jones, as he hosts an open feedback session. Help steer the course of FLOAT’s future with your ideas and suggestions…just know that Steve might have his own answers waiting in the wings too…
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