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.
Foundational Training Class Offerings
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 – Columns” with Sara Meyer
Presented by Havin’ a Party
Monday, January 26 – 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM
Nevada 6 (Spa Level)
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.
“Classic Decor – Arches” with Dawn Girtman
Presented by Decomex
Monday, January 26 – 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Nevada 4 & 5 (Spa Level)
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.
“How to Handle Helium” with Noeli Remiro
Presented by HI-FLOAT
Monday, January 26 – 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Nevada 7 (Spa Level)
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 Luma Balloons
Monday, January 26 – 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Nevada 8 (Spa Level)
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.
“Foundational Framing” with Greg Arrigoni
Presented by Anagram
Tuesday, January 27 – 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM
Nevada 6 (Spa Level)
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.
“Questions, Queries and Qualifiers” with Briana Silvio
Presented by Rainbow Balloons
Tuesday, January 27 – 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Nevada 7 (Spa Level)
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.
“Simple Sculptures” with Alissa Murray Lane
Presented by Fanfaire
Tuesday, January 27 – 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Nevada 8 (Spa Level)
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
Tuesday, January 27 – 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Nevada 8 (Spa Level)
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.
“Twisting 101” with Ayriel Rush and Ray Walsh
Presented by All American Balloons
Wednesday, January 28 – 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM
Nevada 7 (Spa Level)
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!
“Marketing and Media” with Linda Lopez
Presented by PS Helium
Wednesday, January 28 – 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Nevada 6 (Spa Level)
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!