FLOAT 2024 Classes

Listed below are the general classes being offered at FLOAT 2024, and remember, those are included for FREE as part of your registration. Master Classes and Bonus Classes are considered added value options and do require a separate fee. Bonus Classes will be announced in December 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.

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.
Table Luxe Designs with Dawn Girtman
Presented by Rocca Fun Factory
Join Dawn as she demonstrates simple elegant tabletop designs sure to dazzle your client. She will share techniques to bring the glitz and glamour to clients you don’t want to pay the “high-end” centerpieces. These designs can be recreated for other occasions as well.
Dreamy Reception Decor with Dawn Girtman
Presented by Rocca Fun Factory
Make a BIG entrance in the wedding reception incorporating trending displays in this lecture/demonstration style class. From the entrance to the photo area, assist your couple in creating unforgettable memories and ADD money to your pocket!
Column Sculpting Made Easy with David and Amanda Mahoney
Presented by Betallic
Designing sculpted pieces can be very intimidating, but the truth is the many of the most iconic and profitable designs out there are nothing more than elaborate columns! So join David and Amanda Mahoney as they show you how they turn everyday columns into characters, animals and more. After this class, you will see you range of skill AND your profitability reach new heights!

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 Donovan-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 Donovan-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!

Esculturas Petite
con Patrishia Leon, IBC
Presentada por Globos Payaso

En esta clase aprenderás la manera de incluir estos hermosas diseños en tus boquets, gifts y accesorios para tener un efecto wow, manejaremos técnicas como; distorsión, twisting, combinación de pintura y globos reciclables ( Economía circular).

¡Desfile de moda AHORA!
con Patrishia Leon, IBC
Presentada por Globos Payaso

Aprenderás a crear balloons dress no solo para pasarelas, si no para cualquier evento social o corporativo, técnica que está siendo tendencia, aquí aprenderás las bases para que tu creación sea espectacular, vestidos de cóctel, vestidos de noche y fantasía !! Anímate te sorprenderá lo que puedes crear.

Big Sculptures for Big Profit (Las grandes esculturas obtienen grandes beneficios)
with David De Bustos
Presented by Globos Payaso

In this day and age of organics, organics and more organics, you need something different to help you stand out from the rest. One way to do this is through sculpture design. So join internationally recognized balloon sculptor David De Bustos as he shows you how to design and build sculptures and how you can make big money doing them!

En esta época de productos orgánicos, orgánicos y más orgánicos, necesitas algo diferente que te ayude a destacar del resto. Una forma de hacerlo es a través del diseño de esculturas. ¡Únase al escultor de globos internacionalmente reconocido David De Bustos mientras le muestra cómo diseñar y construir esculturas y cómo puede ganar mucho dinero haciéndolos!

Big Balloons Mean Big Satisfaction (Los globos grandes significan una gran satisfacción)
with David De Bustos
Presented by Globos Payaso

Everyone is used to seeing standard 11″ latex and 18″ foil balloons…it’s part of every day life. But when you can use larger balloons to create fun and exciting sculpted pieces, then the buying public will spend…and spend more! In this class, David will showcase several designs that use larger 24″ and 36″ balloons to create truly dynamic pieces.

Todo el mundo está acostumbrado a ver globos estándar de látex de 11″ y globos de aluminio de 18″… es parte de la vida cotidiana. Pero cuando puedas usar globos más grandes para crear piezas esculpidas divertidas y emocionantes, entonces el público comprador gastará… ¡y gastará más! En esta clase, David mostrará varios diseños que utilizan globos más grandes de 24″ y 36″ para crear piezas verdaderamente dinámicas.

Sellable Linking Sculptures
with Guido Verhoef, CBA
Presented by Betallic, Inc

Guido is known around the world for his breath-taking massive installations, but what about stuff you can sell to the Average Joe? Well in this class, Guido will show you smaller “day to day” sculpted pieces that you’ll be able to either sell direct or modify into other things your every day client might ask for. And most importantly, he will discuss techniques that will show you how to design lots of other creations as well. Not to be missed if sculpting is in your blood!

Crazy Columns and Classic Decor
with Guido Verhoef, CBA
Presented by Betallic, Inc

Known around the world as a linking artist, Guido is far more than super sized installs. Guido is more than happy to provide his clients with day-to-day decor as well, and in this class he’ll showcase his unique approach to column design and construction. it never hurts to have new ideas for an old classic, so join Guido as he guides you through his vision of design.

Linking Baby Basket
with Jean-Philippe Corbelin, CBA
Presented by Gemar

One thing in life is for sure…babies WILL be born, and people will spend money celebrating that fact. In this class, Jean-Philippe will showcase his unique approach to using linking balloons to create an elaborate and decorative hot air balloon style basket. This design is perfect for either a gift table or the coolest baby photo EVER…so if you’re in the “baby business” you’ll want this class.

The Motorcycle
with Jean-Philippe Corbelin, CBA
Presented by Gemar

We’ve all seen them…the epic motorcycle made out of balloons that doubles as a ridable photo op. Jean-Philippe will teach you how to make one! Not a big fan of twisting? No problem! This design relies heavily on the use of linking balloons, so put your mind at ease.

St. Patrick’s Shamrock Ring (Anillo de trébol de San Patricio) with Paola Guarin, MBP
Presented by Betallic, Inc

Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, Paola is going to show you how to create a stylish and fun LINK-O-LOON design that just screams Irish fun! And while showcasing the new Sempertex colors along the way, Paola will have you looking for leprechauns in no time!

Justo a tiempo para el Día de San Patricio, Paola te mostrará cómo crear un diseño de LINK-O-LOON elegante y divertido que grita diversión irlandesa. Y mientras muestra los nuevos colores de Sempertex a lo largo del camino, Paola te hará buscar duendes en poco tiempo.

Honey Yellow Beehive & Honeycomb Wall (Colmena amarilla miel y pared de panal) with Paola Guarin, MBP
Presented by Betallic, Inc

With Spring right around the corner, the air will be a-buzz with all kinds of fun events. And with Spring being a fun and popular subject, join Paola as she showcases not only a new Sempertex color, but some fabulous ways that you can incorporate them into your decor. Yes, it’s a bad pun…but these honey yellow designs are so sweet…..

Con la primavera a la vuelta de la esquina, el aire estará lleno de todo tipo de eventos divertidos. Y como la primavera es un tema divertido y popular, únete a Paola mientras muestra no solo un nuevo color Sempertex, sino también algunas formas fabulosas en las que puedes incorporarlos a tu decoración. Sí, es un mal juego de palabras… pero estos diseños de color amarillo miel son tan dulces…