The Foundational Training Track at FLOAT

If you’re new to the balloon industry, you will want to take advantage of this special educational track at FLOAT 2026. Take these introductory classes from ten of the industry’s best instructors and when you’re done you can test for FLOAT’s unique certification plan.

General Classes

Foundational Training

Master Classes

Bonus Classes

Foundational Training Class Offerings

PLEASE REMEMBER: All of these classes are considered beginner or introductory level. If you enroll as a Foundational Training delegate at FLOAT, you are limited to only these classes with your Foundational Training registration.

These classes are a combination of lecture and hands-on training, which is why the program is limited to the first 100 students.

“Classic Decor – Arches” with Dawn Girtman
Presented by Decomex

Over the years, the single most popular balloon decor element has been the arch; combine elegance with interaction and you’ll understand why! In this class, Dawn Girtman will show you how to build solid traditional arches from start to finish. Plus you’ll learn different patterns, framing options and more.

“Classic Decor – Columns” with Sara Meyer
Presented by Havin’ a Party

Most newer artists don’t realize how incredibly versatile the balloon column is. With so many design options and easily transportable, you can make soooooo much money from this essential decor element. Join Sara Meyer as she shows you an entire year worth of designs for holidays and themes abound.

“How to Handle Helium” with Noeli Remiro
Presented by HI-FLOAT

With the recent demise of Party City, everyone is scrambling to learn more about helium balloons and bouquets. In this class, Noeli will show you how to work with latex and foil balloons when it comes to helium, arrangements, bouquets and more. And of course, you’ll learn all about the importance of HI-FLOAT and why it’s essential to your success.

“The Essentials of Organic” with Zoe Adams-Jones
Presented by Globos Payaso

This class will be oriented towards the Foundation level attendees and will showcase the basic foundations of creating organic decor. The class will showcase a basic level of starting out using proper design and inflation techniques and will showcase the different ways organic decor can be presented to a client. Also included will be how to properly price such decor.

“Twisting 101” with Ayriel Rush and Ray Walsh
Presented by All American Balloons

There’s no reason to be afraid of non-round balloons! During this class, these talented twisters will teach you a handful of basic but essential twists and techniques that will open up a whole new world to you balloon experience. So get those fingers nimble…you’ve got work to do

“Foundational Framing” with Greg Arrigoni
Presented by Anagram Balloons

Are you intimidated by heavy metal things? Then DON’T BE! In this class, master tool man Greg Arrigoni will show you the basics when it comes to cutting and bending steel tubing as well as how to work with PVC and other basic framing elements.

“Simple Sculptures” with Alissa Murray Lane
Presented by Fanfaire

In this class, students will learn basic foundations for making traditional sculpture concepts. Not to be confused with marquees (that some newer people call “sculptures”) this class will focus on helping you learn basic skills to create representations of people and objects.

“Business Basics” with Jill Shortreed
Presented by Anagram Balloons

Most balloon people start out as creatives with a passion for the art form, but in the end, if you’re going to survive you have to evolve from an artist into a business owner. With almost 30 years in the industry, Jill will provide you with a basic blueprint for business of what you need to do in order to celebrate your own milestones later in your career.

“Questions, Queries and Qualifiers” with Briana Silvio
Presented by Rainbow Balloons

Ever show up to an event and discover that the client didn’t exactly share everything with you? Well, maybe it’s because you didn’t ask enough questions! In this class, Briana will brainstorm with you from her experience to share all the kinds of things you need to know BEFORE you quote prices to clients and agree to their events.

“Marketing and Media” with Linda Lopez
Presented by PS Helium & Balloons

OK, Party People…who’s ready to get the word out?!? Linda is going to show you how she has built her social media platforms into fun and fantastic places to get info, entertainment and more. Take notes, folks…her stuff works!