Balloons and partyware have been highlighted as one of the growth areas for card and gift indies, as evidenced by the findings in this year’s PG/Cardgains Retail Barometer, so it is no wonder that the fifth World Balloon Convention in San Diego over 14-18 March was such a huge success.
Some 29% of indie retailers surveyed in the PG/Cardgains’ Retail Barometer cited balloons as one of the top three areas they’d like to expand into (the 3rd most popular category) with a further 18% saying they are anticipating expansion into partyware (5th most popular product category). Both balloons and partyware are new entries into the Retail Barometer, having not been mentioned as areas of expansion in previous surveys.
Meanwhile in San Diego, over 850 people from 52 countries took part in the four day extravaganza of exclusive balloon education, epic competitions, grand events and more from the Pioneer and Qualatex team.
Over 30 leading instructors from all over the world came to join in the fun and inspired all with on-trend designs, helped delegates develop their techniques and offered tried and tested business-building advice.
Five leading balloon artists created stunning décor for the Lobby (Lily Tan), Welcome Event (Stuart Davies CBA), Beach Party (Federico Onida CBA), Gala Dinner (Olga Baronova CBA and Olga Samoilova CBA) and After Party (Chris Adamo CBA).
“Even seasoned balloon professionals were wowed by the displays, as the large scale installations were incredibly impactful,” said Julie Dommett, head of marketing for Pioneer Europe. “Everyone agreed this year’s WBC was another amazing event.”
There were also a number of competitions, and those who wanted to showcase their talents could enter up to four of the nine different categories: Large Sculpture, Medium Sculpture, Picture Frame, Fashion and Costume, Balloon Column, Balloon Centrepiece, Balloon Hat, Balloon Figure or Deliverable Sculpture and Bouquet.
The quality of the entries was once again outstanding, with many winners receiving a standing ovation from the gathered audience of their peers on Saturday’s Gala Night.
