FLOAT 2024 Classes

All of these classes are presented for FREE as part of your registration to FLOAT 2024. More classes will be posted in July 2023.

General Classes

All Things Alternative Duplet with Jenny Porter, CBA
Presented by Gemar Balloons

What you’ll learn in this class:

1. Knowledge on alternate duplet, building recipes by using online programs or paper & markers.
2. Knowledge on sizing for walls vs. accents. knowledge on complicated wall designs. tools to reduce hand discomfort.
3. Knowledge on styling walls, backdrops & how to set up your display.
4. Build a flat wall and accents onto wall & show how to attach. build a half rainbow.
5. Show other surfaces accents can be attached
6. Working with various themes – boho / feathers / boho half rainbow / bridal shower wall backdrop.

Bold Backdrops with Jenny Porter, CBA
Presented by Gemar Balloons

What you’ll learn in this class:

1. Learn to cut & create your own walls using insulated foam board, adhesive wallpaper, tiles, etc
2. Learn to apply wallpaper & tiles to create bold & themed backdrops
3. Learn to style your backdrops using mixed media accents including grid walls, foils, balloons
4. Tips & tricks on inspiration, takeaways on how to start a project and where to find all items online & in stores.
5. In order to not do the same theme twice for both classes – two themes would be done but same content would be covered. eg. baby girl & 1st Dino birthday

Business Digital Marketing with Dolly Hilario and Eduardo Mena-Ramos
Presented by Tuftex Balloons

In this class, we will discuss strategies behind successful digital marketing, including ways that are free or very low cost. Growing your online presence is key now for securing more sales, and in this class we will show you ways to both expand your presence and convert lookers into clients.

En esta clase, discutiremos las estrategias detrás del marketing digital exitoso, incluidas las formas que son gratuitas o de muy bajo costo. Hacer crecer su presencia en línea es clave ahora para asegurar más ventas, y en esta clase le mostraremos formas de expandir su presencia y convertir a los espectadores en clientes.

This class will be offered in both English and Spanish.
Esta clase se ofrecerá tanto en inglés como en español.

Creating Entrances that WOW! with Dolly Hilario and Eduardo Mena-Ramos
Presented by Tuftex Balloons

There is no question that a balloon entrance at a personal or corporate event sets the tone for the party. Creating an entrance that is visually impactful and tasteful can really propel your portfolio forward and invite clients to book a unique and experiencial service. In this class, we will show you how to create those very pieces.

Creating Foil Organics with Sara Meyer, CBA
Presented by Qualatex

More and more we are seeing hospitals, schools, and corporate clients asking for latex-free designs. But they also want a modern organic style. In this class I will be teaching an organic foil FORMULA (no more guessing) that is easy to execute, simple to price, adhesive free, and perfect for columns, garlands, and arches- indoors and out.

Decorating for Jewish Life Cycle Events and Holidays with Dori Saypol, CBA
Presented by FLOAT

You’ve heard of Bar and bat mitzvahs, but do you know what other Jewish life cycle events you can decorate for? We’ll go from 0 to 120 in 90 minutes! In this class we’ll discuss from birth to 120 plus all the different holidays and life cycle events in between.

Digital Project Management for the Busy Balloon Business with Flavia Oleniewski, CBA
Presented by FLOAT

Is your shop suffering from information overload? Here you’ll learn how to automate everything using a central calendar with app based technology. You’ll also learn how to link your CRM, your online store and delivery service to a central production management module and have all order details at your fingertips. And you’ll be able to give your staff access to the vital info without sharing your financials as well.

Double Your Creativity with Double-Crossed Arches with Edward Munoz, CBA
Presented by burton + BURTON

Create a dramatic effect using two AeröPole Systems crisscrossed to form a double arch. Learn how to transform the arches into a work of art by adding creative elements such as distortion, painted balloons, balloon perforation, foil ironing, and many more. Any organic or classic arch can become a statement piece that wows!

Cree un efecto espectacular utilizando dos sistemas AeröPole entrecruzados para formar un arco doble. Aprenda a transformar los arcos en una obra de arte agregando elementos creativos como distorsión, globos pintados, perforación de globos, planchado de papel de aluminio y muchos más. ¡Cualquier arco orgánico o clásico puede convertirse en una pieza llamativa que asombra!

This class will be offered in both English and Spanish.
Esta clase se ofrecerá tanto en inglés como en español.

Dynamic Overlay Techniques with David and Amanda Mahoney
Presented by Betallic

Are clients asking what else as the balloon organic market becomes oversaturated? With Balloon Overlay Sculpting, companies can simultaneously satisfy growing client needs and increase their bottom line in an impactful way. As endless as one’s imagination, logos, characters, and animals are all possible. This lecture/hands-on class will cover tips and tricks for mastering balloon overlay sculpting and enhancing it with dimensional effects. Why not broaden your service offerings by creating insta-worthy balloon overlay sculptures? Additionally, attendees at FLOAT will have the opportunity to ask probing questions about Amanda and Dave’s sculpting style and what has helped their business succeed for nearly three decades.

Fabulous “Found” Framework with Sara Meyer, CBA
Presented by Qualatex

Create impressive installations using a simple pop-up tent framework! We will make a four sided gingerbread house that you can walk inside, a full photobooth display, a lush canopy of trees perfect for a prom or kids party, and the fastest tunnel that’s perfect for inside or outside events, all with one piece of framework! As a bonus I’ll show other ways you can start using everyday items as framework in your designs.

Fanciful Foil Walls and Columns with David and Amanda Mahoney
Presented by Betallic

Attendees will learn how to create long-lasting, flexible, and impactful foil alternatives for easy and profitable deliveries. This incredible technique is a cost-effective and flexible way to repurpose leftover or one-off foil balloons to serve clients in a new festive way. Could your company use alternative solutions than standard classic decor or another organic display? Then this class may be right for you! Attendees will also learn how to add company logos, milestones, numbers, and themes, increasing their value and allowing them to charge more. It’s also perfect for environments that latex can’t be use.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun…and BALLOONS! with Anthony Lena, CBA
Presented by Qualatex

In this hands on class Anthony will focus on twisted designs that are especially loved by girls! These twisted designs can be made fairly quick, but have BIG impact! These sculptures are the perfect for centerpieces, deliveries, and can even be added to larger decor for that extra special touch! The designs in this class work especially well for Birthdays and Mother’s Day! Let’s up your deco twisting skills…don’t miss this class!

Life Beyond Solopreneurship with Flavia Oleniewski, CBA
Presented by FLOAT

In this class, we will discuss how to go from being a one person operation into being a full blown balloon team that will become self-sufficient (which means you will work less!) We will discuss the challenges and costs as well as the benefits.

The Magic of Distortion with Edward Munoz, CBA
Presented by burton + BURTON

Learn the magic of distortion in a 100% hands-on environment to create elements that will
transform a classic balloon design into something SPECTACULAR. Master how to distort full characters with a focus on the complex details of the face, hands, and feet. Practice makes perfect–so be ready to learn and take away profitable ideas that will truly amaze clients!

Aprende la magia de la distorsión en un entorno 100% práctico para crear elementos que
transforma un diseño de globo clásico en algo ESPECTACULAR. Domina cómo distorsionar personajes completos con un enfoque en los detalles complejos de la cara, las manos y los pies. La práctica hace al maestro, ¡así que prepárese para aprender y tomar ideas rentables que realmente sorprenderán a los clientes!

This class will be offered in both English and Spanish.
Esta clase se ofrecerá tanto en inglés como en español.

Making Money with Mitzvahs with Dori Saypol, CBA
Presented by FLOAT

Do you want to know how to tap into the Mitzvah market? Do you want to learn the lingo and terms you’ll need to better communicate with potential clients? Did you know that different synagogues may have different rules for when you can decorate? And what are the best ways to see higher sales from these events? All of these questions and more will be answered in this class.

Organic Means BIG BUSINESS! with Alison Khan and Tiffany Donavan-Marino
Presented by Tuftex Balloons

This class will focus on large scale organic installations valued at $10k or above. The logistics for larger installations are oftentimes more challenging than the balloons themselves! There are so many moving parts to consider…The truck, the staff, the lifts, the timeline…the list goes on! All are crucial components to a smooth installation. Not to worry though! We’ll help take some of the guess work out of the logistics puzzle so that you can take on large scale events with confidence and make the BIG money!

Paisaje del bosque encantado con Eduardo Flores Ortiz
Presentada por Balloonia Balloons

Eduardo creará una escena forestal elaborada utilizando una amplia variedad de técnicas. Desde paredes de globos hasta el estilo de envoltura brasileño y varias técnicas de torsión, Eduardo creará un fondo maravilloso, incluida una cascada con efectos de iluminación especiales.

Personajes con Mensajes con Grelcel Esparza, CBA
Presentada por Balloonia Balloons

Estas adorables entregas son toda una sensación. En esta clase, utilizaremos una variedad de técnicas de distorsión para crear caracteres personalizados con un mensaje especial para el destinatario. Crearemos una variedad de personajes en esta clase, seguro que impresionará y sorprenderá a sus clientes.

Personajes de cabeza gordita con Grelcel Esparza, CBA
Presentada por Balloonia Balloons

En esta clase crearemos personajes flotantes con una cabeza grande y un cuerpo pequeño, usando helio en un globo de 3′ y usando varias técnicas de distorsión para crear el cuerpo.

Una escultura de proporciones jurásicas with Eduardo Flores Ortiz
Presentada por Balloonia Balloons

Usando el estilo topiario de escultura que a menudo se pasa por alto, Eduardo creará una escultura de dinosaurio más grande que la vida. Incluido con la clase habrá estilo envolvente y varios técnicas de twisting para dar vida a su dinosaurio!

Unique Technique – A Fresh Look on Organics with Alison Khan and Tiffany Donavan-Marino
Presented by Tuftex Balloons

There are many ways to make an organic balloon garland, but our way is really “twisted!” Learn how to make an organic garland in the fastest, most versatile and most cost effective fashion. We’ll start with the basics from our formula, proper inflating, shaping and tying. Then it’s time to twist! That’s right…No fishing wire, string or 260’s required! Your mind will be BLOWN (pun intended) when you see how quickly we can twist 20 feet of garland. Being fast and efficient is the name of our game! From there, we’ll show how we piece together our garlands to create eye-catching organic decor in no time flat!

You Need More Vitamin SEA with Anthony Lena, CBA
Presented by Qualatex

In this class Anthony will show you how to make three awesome large ocean themed twisted sculptures- a super cute turtle, an adorable crab, and a captain’s helm/wheel that is a great photo op! They work well as standalone pieces, and even better when paired with garland, arches, or columns! This class will be filled with lots of useful information on helping you grow your deco-twisting skills!