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The WBC is proud to host the following instructors: Amanda Armstrong, CBA Alex Arroyo, CBA Sheena Beaverson Wynn Bell, CBA Luc Bertrand, CBA Pat Billups, CBA Jean Eddy, CBA Alberto Falcone, CBA Fiona Fisher, CBA Niko Fric, CBA Robbie Furman, CBA Marvin L. Hardy, CBA Connie Iden-Monds Azusa Ieizumi, CBA, & Akane Shibata, CBA Sue Marston-Weston, CBA Steven Mayhew, CBA Vanessa Moscardini-Lever, CBA Larry Moss, CBA Jodie Norris, CBA Hyun-Gu “Beating” Park, CBA George Quintero, CBA Tom “Bibo” Saeys, CBA Jim Skistimas, CBA David Taylor, CBA Rocky Toomey, CBA Terry Mulryan Toomey Tim Vlamis, CBA Dee White, CBA Cam Woody, CBA Melody Yesberg, CBA Class content and instructors are subject to change without notice. |
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| Hot Spot Experts MaryLynn Borondy Woody Burger, CBA Julie Coheley, CBA Mark Cross, CBA Lois Devlin Kathy Flynn Chris Hennessy, CBA Marie Mandoli Taylor McMillin, CBA Kathy O'Brien, CBA Chelsea Ott-Gaspard, CBA Christy Vasconcellos Betty Vlamis Ted Vlamis Tim Vlamis, CBA Cherie Warchuck |
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After earning her bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Psychology and Human Resources Management, Amanda pursued a 16-year career at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station in Southern California. But, her ulterior interests eventually led her to the balloon industry where she began her business, Top Hat Balloon Werks, in 1998. She’s had much success producing memorable event decor and special effects in the Southern California area, and in the past five years has promoted the balloon industry both nationally and internationally through balloon business and design education. Amanda is also the executive producer of West Coast Event & Balloon Arts Convention, and has been an instructor for Conwin, Western/Westwinds, and Summer Balloon Camp. Amanda has placed in competitions for both large sculpture and centerpiece at the International Balloon Arts Convention in 2006 and 2007, and Balloon Camp in 2005 and 2006. She’s a member of the SoCal QBN chapter where she has held the position of Vice President of Executive Finance, Vice President of Marketing, and Web Designer. Amanda also has a Certificate in Corporate Event Planning from Cal State Fullerton. 
Alex started his balloon business, Globimagen, in 1991, and was the first Latin-American Certified Balloon Artist. He is actively involved in his QBN chapter, is an instructor for Pioneer Balloon Company, and has won nine international awards, including Designer of the Year at the International Balloon Arts Convention in 1994. Alex is also a speaker at regional and international conventions, and has been teaching and training since 1982 in different parts of the world, including the U.S., Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Italy, Ecuador, and Spain. He enjoys being an instructor, and has developed his own style of teaching that allows delegates to learn and have fun at the same time. Alex is also the producer of the annual Mexican Balloon Arts Convention.
Sheena is a co-owner of BalloonHQ.com, LLC, and BalloonHQ.net. BalloonHQ.com is an award-winning Web site that has provided a wide array of online services for the balloon industry for more than 18 years. Sheena supports the online balloon community as a Web content manager, Web resource layout developer, editor, usability expert, columnist, and event photographer. She recently completed a Master of Science in Library and Information Science (LIS) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. As part of her LIS degree work, Sheena investigated the application of Web 2.0 technologies for information repositories and crafted an information use study to identify trends in how certain professionals discover and access information resources. 
Wynn and his wife, Lindy, have been in the balloon industry for more than 20 years. Wynn’s expertise extends to all areas of balloon work, including wedding and corporate decor, sculpture design and competition, and education at the local and national level. He’s especially gifted at working with people at the beginner to intermediate skill level. Wynn’s work as an instructor at the International Balloon Arts Convention, Ballooniversity, IBA conventions, and West Coast Event & Balloon Arts Convention has included both lecture and hands-on courses. His classes provide techniques and tricks that will noticeably improve your abilities as a balloon artist. Begin a new phase of your balloon knowledge with Wynn’s classes. And don’t forget your camera. For a sneak preview of what to expect, visit his Web site at finaltouchballoons.com.
Luc has been in the balloon business for 15 years, and has been teaching for 14 of those years. His business in Belgium specializes in commercial arrangements and decor, as well as take-away arrangements and deliveries for both small and large events. Luc started his career as an interior architect, but discovered that he could express himself even more creatively with balloons. He finds teaching to be very rewarding, and is convinced that by sharing new techniques and passing on his knowledge, he is helping to build a solid foundation of education to ensure the future of the balloon industry. Luc has taught for Pioneer in 30 countries worldwide, and has won numerous awards in the process. 
Pat has been in the balloon industry since 1990, and her expertise covers many areas. She ran a successful decorating business for many years until 1995 when she opened a wholesale balloon warehouse. In 2006, she returned to college and soon after became a representative for several distributors. Her educational background includes a Certified Public Accountant certificate, and a master’s degree in marketing research. Pat is passionate about the balloon industry and feels fulfillment when she can help other businesses achieve success. By teaching classes on pricing and business planning, she hopes to provide motivation and equip business owners with the skills they need to increase their profits and operate their businesses more efficiently.
Jean owned and operated a successful balloon decor and delivery business, Festive Options Balloon Company, for 15 years before teaming up with Pioneer Balloon Company as a field service representative in Northern California and Nevada in 2000. This position has given Jean the opportunity to share her talents, experiences, and knowledge to many future and present business owners. Jean’s creations have been published in “Balloon Images” magazine, and she’s even had a video produced that teaches her unique technique for creating canopies. Jean has had the opportunity to share her ideas and work with balloon professionals from around the world at conventions and events such as Balloon Camp, FLOAT, Ballooniversity, and the International Balloon Arts Convention as a staff member and teacher. 
Alberto is passionate about balloons, and his designs are recognized all over the world for their innovation and distinct Italian flair. He has a passion for exploring new techniques and designs to sell from his successful retail business in Budapest, Hungary. He is a world-class designer, having earned first place awards for his designs at the Balloon Arts Convention Italy in 1999 and 2000, and the International Balloon Arts Convention in 2002, where he was also awarded Designer of the Year. Alberto has travelled around the world teaching thousands of balloon artists new techniques, ideas, and creations. He possesses a true eye for design and can help you take your balloon skills to a whole new level, making your business stand out from the crowd. 
After 10 years of operating her own balloon decorating business and retail party shop in Northern Ireland, Fiona now devotes most of her time to operating her education business, “Balloons in Tuscany,” from her home in Italy. Fiona has been teaching around the world for Pioneer for many years. She’s a regular instructor at Qualatex-supported events, as well as for distributors in Ireland, Italy, and other European countries. Specializing in retail sales and corporate decor, Fiona incorporates Round and Non-round balloons in her designs to give customers a greater variety and increase profit margins along the way. Fiona has achieved much success and recognition in the industry by producing outstanding large sculptures at various events around the world. She’s won Designer of the Year at several conventions, World Master Champion at the Balloon Arts Convention Italy, and Qualatex Retailer of the Year in the U.K. 
While working as a magician in Slovenia in 1990, Niko discovered the art of balloons and he’s been creating masterpieces with them ever since. He and his wife, Renata, run Magic d.o.o., a twisting and decorating company in Slovenia. Niko is also the inventor of the "Nikoloon system," which is used to connect balloons together at any surface. He is perhaps most well known, however, for his balloon fashion, which he began designing and creating in 2004. Niko has won numerous awards at such events as Balloon Camp, Balloon Arts Convention Italy, and Millennium Jam, including The Iron Latex-Man Challenge.
Robbie has been working with balloons for nearly 20 years. He got his start as a volunteer at non-profit events and, after several years, became a full-time volunteer. As a result of these experiences, he got the chance to work extensively with balloons and began specializing in deco-twisting. In 2002, Balloons by Robbie was born. Robbie’s professionalism and unique style has allowed him to decorate countless events over the last several years. His balloon work has been featured on ABC’s “All My Children,” “Live with Regis and Kelly,” and most recently, “Ugly Betty.” Robbie has a passion for teaching his craft to others, and has been an instructor at several events in the U.S. and abroad. He has also produced a collection of educational DVDs, as well as attended and competed at a number of industry events and won several awards, including Best Stage Performance at Diamond Jam and Twist & Shout in 2008. 
With his flair for creativity and showmanship as a world-renowned performing magician, it was inevitable that Marvin Hardy and balloon sculpture would one day meet. Marvin was introduced to the art of balloon sculpture in 1980. Soon after, under the name "Balloon Magic," he developed the first balloon figure kit, combining a book of instructions, a hand pump, and a package of balloons. He also authored the first hardbound book of balloon sculpture instructions, and the first manual of decorating techniques with "twisting" balloons to be published anywhere in the world. Marvin received the Crystal Award at the International Balloon Arts Convention in 1994, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award for 20 years of service to the industry at IBAC 2000. Marvin and his wife, Penny, operate a successful balloon business, and have travelled and instructed throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Europe, and the islands of the Pacific and Far East. 
From simple cartoon characters to life-sized sculptures of celebrities, Connie brings her remarkable talent to more than just children’s parties. In fact, corporate entertainment is the foundation of her Nashville-based company’s 10 percent annual growth over the past decade. And Connie boasts a list of notable names among her list of satisfied clients and loyal customers. Her experience with balloon twisting started in college when, after delivering a singing telegram, she was offered a job working children’s parties. Soon after, her career “exploded,” and she now participates in international competitions, consistently bringing home a string of awards. Most notably, she was named 2004 Ballooniversity Designer of the Year, 2003 IBAC Entertainer of the Year, and is still the only American to win the twisting competition at the European Millennium Jam Balloon Artist competition. The staff and entertainers at Party Animals also place in many competitions and provide a creative twist to more than 1,200 private and corporate events every year. 
Sisters Azusa and Akane started their balloon business, Bunny’s Balloon Factory, almost 10 years ago in Shizuoka, Japan. Their main area of expertise is balloon decor, which they provide for weddings, shopping malls, department stores, and Japanese TV shows, among many others. Akane specializes in arrangements, Japanese character dolls, and gifts; and has a teaching certificate for flower arrangement and ikebana—a Japanese-style flower arrangement. Azusa excels in twisting and weaving figures, and uses them to display her work. She’s won several awards since discovering her talent for balloon art, and has even landed in Japanese school textbooks and made appearances on television shows and in magazines. Azusa and Akane have taught in many countries, including Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Italy, Slovenia, and Japan. They’ve placed in competitions at both the International Balloon Arts Convention and the Balloon Arts Convention Italy; and also recently won the World Balloon Art Challenge in Thailand. 
Sue first discovered her passion for balloons in 1990, and hasn’t looked back since! Starting with a small, home-based balloon delivery and decorating business, she quickly developed her skills and knowledge as a balloon artist. She took her career to a new level when she earned her Certified Balloon Artist designation, and began attending industry events, such as the International Balloon Arts Convention, and participating in various competitions. In 2002, Sue was offered a full-time position with Conwin, Inc., as their European sales and marketing manager, as well a spot on the Conwin design team. Sue’s variety of skills is extensive, and her work ranges from large decor to elegant wedding and centerpieces to mini balloons sculptures. Many of her designs have become great profit makers for balloon businesses around the world. 
Steven got his start in the industry when he saw the creative potential in balloon decorating. After moving to California to pursue his love of acting, he shifted directions and started his own balloon company. It quickly became his new passion. His expertise grew in balloon twisting, sculptures, Classic Balloon Decor, centerpieces, and custom balloon designs for large corporate events and private parties. With years of combined experience in decor, business, and graphic design, Steven began working for Conwin, Inc., in 2005, and is now their education and art director. He consistently provides new and inspiring designs, which he showcases in classrooms around the world. Steven’s creative arrangements and practical tips have helped countless balloon artists increase their knowledge of the balloon industry and move their businesses toward success.
Having graduated cum laude from Florence University with a degree in Italian literature and an emphasis in the history of cinema, Vanessa’s passion and ability for creating characters came naturally. That creative passion eventually led her to balloons when she began working at her family's company, Balloon Express. Since then, Vanessa has started her own business—Balloon Express Shop, in Florence, Italy, with her partner, Heleana Casini, CBA—and has been busy training new decorators for the Balloon Arts Convention Italy. Recent teaching engagements with Pioneer Balloon Company have also brought her to the U.S., South America, Japan, Korea, and Europe.
When it comes to creating masterpieces, Vincent Van Gogh used paint, Auguste Rodin used bronze, and Larry Moss uses balloons. Calling his art form "airigami," Larry has displayed his balloon work all over the world. His achievements have been recognized by such notable publications as the Associated Press, CNN, “Smithsonian Magazine,” and the Wall Street Journal, among others. He has also performed at the White House and appeared on “The Martha Stewart Show” and NBC's "Today.” Larry is world-renowned for his “full-blown” installations, which enchant both young and old. His accomplishments include setting the world record for the largest Non-round balloon sculpture, and building the world’s first piloted balloon sculpture. He's also the creator and producer of four Balloon Manors—10,000-square-foot haunted houses made from 100,000 balloons. Find out more about Larry at airigami.com. 
Jodie is a university-qualified lecturer in both balloon artistry and floristry. She’s worked relentlessly for many years to help educate people in the industry, spending time teaching, managing retail outlets, and running a successful home-based business. Known for her award-winning Non-round balloon sculptures, Jodie can offer knowledge of working with Round and Non-round balloons. Her skills and experience can be seen in her many competition pieces, for which she’s won first place awards at numerous industry events. Jodie has also won Decorator of the Year, Designer of the Year, and Best Training Provider at the many events she’s attended over the years. Jodie works alongside Dee White, CBA, with whom she runs a successful decorating and events company. The pair also teaches for Pioneer Balloon Company, and is part of the Conwin design team. 
Beating has been active in the balloon industry for 10 years. After earning his Certified Balloon Artist designation, his desire to master balloon art grew. Beating eventually became an instructor and began sharing his passion with fellow artists. His expertise is in twisting, but his skills extend far beyond this area. Beating specializes in a wide range of Round-balloon characters that are simply stunning. His designs are always clean, detailed, and simple to make, which is great for increasing profits. He’s won many awards because of the quality of his work. As a result, he’s been asked to teach at events in Korea and beyond. Not only has Beating been sharing his skills in classes and hands-on workshops, but he’s also written a book to help further the knowledge of other balloon artists. 
George Quintero and his partner, Peter Lacagno, have operated Balloon Haven—a successful balloon business in Chino, CA, USA—for more than 26 years. Along with their staff of more than 15 part-time and full-time employees, they provide decor and various other balloon-related services to numerous schools, hotels, businesses, and large corporations throughout Southern California and the U.S. They’ve worked with such high-profile clients as Disney and Universal Studios, and some of their most recent engagements include decor for the premieres of Disney’s “High School Musical” and Disney/Pixar’s “Up.”
In 1999, Tom became the Belgian Balloonart Champion for his talent in balloon art and entertainment. Since then, he’s continued to sharpen his skills and has won multiple awards at industry events, including Twist & Shout and Millennium Jam. In 2005, he also became the first three-time winner of the stage performance competition at Millennium Jam. That same year, Tom began starring in his own TV show called “BOOH,” and has since been performing in theatres and on TV shows around the world. His performances have been seen in China, Russia, the U.S., Tokyo, and throughout Europe. 
Jim is an accomplished artist with nearly 20 years experience in advertising illustration and the special events industry. He earned his bachelor’s degree in art education from the University of Oklahoma, and has been the decor and event designer at his business, Balloon House Design Studios, since 1990. Jim has shared his expertise as an instructor all over the U.S., as well as in Japan, Brazil, and Australia. He also developed and patented the Skistimas Design System (SDS) grid format system for pixel balloon walls and murals—a groundbreaking concept in the balloon decorating industry. He and his wife, Pat, are the four-time recipients of IBAC’s Designer of the Year award—making them the only designers to be awarded this designation more than twice. Jim has also designed more than 125 floats and specialty units for parades in the U.S., and has worked with such notable clients as Frito-Lay, American Airlines, the Dallas Cowboys, and Radio Shack.
David has been successfully operating MAD Balloons in Sydney, Australia for more 18 years, and has built a reputation as one of Sydney’s best corporate balloon decor providers. With his innovative designs and a host of loyal clients, David’s enthusiasm and passion for balloons has grown and maintained his company’s success. He was also a founding member of the Qualatex Balloon Network Chapter in Sydney, and is a member of the Australasian Balloon Artists and Suppliers Association (BASA). David has a bachelor’s degree in education from Sydney University, and not only enjoys teaching a wide array of balloon art techniques, but also how to start and grow a business. 
For more than 25 years, Rocky Toomey has designed incredible themed settings in venues around the world. With a talent for manipulating special effects, Rocky’s designs focus on allowing guests to be a part of the experience. Rocky got his start in the balloon industry when he moved to Hawaii and opened the first balloon company in the state. As a pioneer in the balloon decorating industry, Rocky also helped establish the International Balloon Arts Convention (IBAC) and the Festival of Balloons, which invited the general public to view large-scale balloon sculptures. As vice president of Future Affairs Productions, he’s used his talents for the past nine years to produce stellar designs. His work has earned him many industry awards, including the prestigious Special Event Magazine Gala Award in 1989, 1999, and 2009, and the IBAC Crystal Award. 
As president of Future Affairs Productions, Terry Toomey has been offering superior client services in the special events industry since 1983. Her business is one of New England’s largest premier prop companies with more than 25,000 square feet of props and scenery. With more than 25 years of experience, Terry’s energy and passion is seen through the genuine care that is given to each client. She’s won the Special Events Gala Award for the best wedding of 2008, and more recently was chosen as a finalist by Event Solutions Magazine for the 2010 Spotlight Award for Event Planner of the Year. Terry’s goal at Future Affairs Productions is to determine the needs of every client and then top it. Her list of clientele includes Fidelity Bank, Qwest Communications, Jarvis Green Foundation, NHL, and many high-profile entertainers such as Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones, and Phish. 
Tim is managing director of business development for Pioneer Balloon Company, and has worked with independent retailers all over the world for more than 25 years. His educational programs in merchandising, marketing, design, store operations, and finance have helped thousands of balloon retailers increase their sales and make more money. Tim has expertise in marketing and marketing management, including brand strategy and identity development; market launch models and return analyses; and salesmanship and sales management. In 1996 at the International Balloon Arts Convention, he received the Crystal Award for lifetime achievement in the professional balloon industry for the development of the Qualatex Balloon Network (QBN). Tim also earned his Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) designation from the American Marketing Association, a master’s degree in business administration from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Yale University. He is also an adjunct professor of business for Benedictine College where he teaches in the full-time MBA program.
Dee has been entertaining with balloons for the past 16 years, and for the past nine years, he’s worked as a professional balloon decorator. He owned a successful balloon decor and entertainment company in Northern Ireland before moving to England where he now operates Balloon Art Studio—a balloon decor business—with Jodie Norris, CBA. Dee is also part of the Conwin design team, and teaches at industry events all over the world for Pioneer Balloon Company. He’s very passionate about his work and loves sharing his skills with others. His teaching methods can be described as flamboyant and exciting, which ensures he grabs and maintains the attention of students throughout the duration of his classes. His expertise is in entertaining, twisting, deco-twisting, decor, and business and marketing. 
Cam is the executive art director of publications and Web master for Pioneer Balloon Company. She has a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Fort Hays State University. She earned her Certified Balloon Artist designation in 1994, and her position with “Balloon Images” magazine gives her the unique opportunity to work and learn directly from some of the industry’s top balloon instructors. Since joining Pioneer 16 years ago, Cam has been creating sellable ideas and creative designs for “Balloon Images”magazine. Her eye for design and overall experience in working with balloons is extensive. 
Since 1987, Melody has operated a successful retail balloon and party store that offers balloons, gifts, and party items. She specializes in retail sales, balloon deliveries, and on-site decor, and currently decorates more than 100 events per year with a concentration on weddings. Melody has been a Certified Balloon Artist since 1994, and also has a bachelor’s degree in marketing. She’s taught at several of the industry’s most prominent conventions and events, including the International Balloon Arts Convention, Ballooniversity, and Summer Balloon Camp. Her innovative designs have gained much recognition, and have been featured many times in publications such as “Balloon Images” magazine and “Party and Paper Retailer” over the last 20 years.