Events & Extras

Expo Hosted Events:

Halloween Costume Style Show

The Halloween Costume Style Show will take place from 5 - 7 p.m. Don't miss this opportunity to see the newest and hottest costumes in the industry! Over 30 companies and 100+ costumes will be featured. Complimentary beverages provided. Stay tuned for more details!

Saturday Night After-Party

Join us at Little Woodrow's after the Halloween Costume Style Show for the Saturdy Night After-Party. Mingle with buyers, exhibitors and costumed models over free drinks*, and hors d'oeuvres. A professional video DJ will provide entertainment, and a drawing for an Xbox 360 Kinect will take place at 11 p.m. *Drink tickets provided for first 400 guests.

Expo Enhancements:

Special Appearances

Celebrities bring a star quality to the Expo each year. Already confirmed for 2012: Dina Manzo of HGTV’s Dina’s Party. Watch for postings on other industry and star personalities.

Zen Den - FREE Massages

Rest more than your feet. Take a short break from order-writing and indulge yourself with a FREE massage.

Education/Demo Center

Learn more profitable ideas for your business. Education and demonstrations will be presented each day. Check the detailed schedule so you don’t miss cutting-edge information.

Boo-hemian Lounge

Quench your thirst and spice up the day with our Bloody Mary Happy Hour special while listening to the cool sounds of new music by our video DJ in the Boo-hemian Lounge.

Culinary Art Displays

Food makes the party. This year’s display of creative cake artwork by bakers and chefs will help inspire ideas for all occasions. Stop by to vote on your favorite display.

Green “Scream” Photos

Choose a variety of costume accessories and backgrounds to create a FREE, one-of-a-kind photo memento of the show.

Living Statues

They’re ALIVE! Adding special interest to the show will be our artistic mimes with their incredibly realistic statue-like makeup. Take a shot with these artistic beauties.

New Product Area

Check out the latest industry products. Over 35 companies will highlight their new, hot offerings in this area of the show.

Win It! Daily Contests

Try your hand at the daily guessing contests in the Party Section to earn your chance at taking home a grand prize of $400.

Main Aisle Screens

The show’s 20-foot center aisle will be lined with plasma screens to keep you updated on HPE’s social media feed and important show announcements, as well as informative videos.

Social Media Cafe

Stay connected year-round and join HPE’s social media network. It’s easy and free. Computers will also be available for email use.

Industry News

Stop by registration for the latest copies of top industry news publications.

Sexy Balloon Fashion Shows

If it can be done, it can be done with balloons. At least that seems to be true for Carmen Ballering, an award-winning event-designer-turned-instructor who creates sculptures − and yes, even haute couture − from uninflated balloons. Don't miss this unique presentation of ballon fashion and design!

Show Hours:

Saturday, January 28
9 am – 5 pm

Sunday, January 29
9 am – 6 pm

Monday, January 30
9 am – 6 pm

Tuesday, January 31
9 am – 2 pm

VIEW DETAILED SCHEDULE

Expo Scavenger Hunt

DJ Torre Spinning at Boo-hemian Lounge:

DJ Torre will present music, videos and visual effects at the Boo-hemian Lounge. Stop by during the day to rest your feet in a fun, relaxing environment, and be sure to take advantage of the daily Blood Mary Happy Hour.

Industry Events:

Industry Gala

Friday, January 27

Hosted by Party & Paper Retailer and sponsored by various exhibitors,
the Industry Gala promises to be a fun and exciting party. This event is by invitation. Only those with tickets will be admitted.

IBA State of the
Industry Breakfast

Saturday, January 28

The International Balloon Association (IBA) is an alliance of businesses and people with a common goal of furthering the interests of the balloon industry. The IBA State of the Industry Breakfast is a knowledge-networking function and is open to all balloon and party goods industry members.
*Registration Fee is $20 payable in advance. Contact IBA for registration.
Contact: Marty Fish, 866-413-7358, Marty@ibaonline.net

Rubie's Annual
Halloween Bash

Sunday, January 29

Houston is home to Rubie's Annual Halloween Bash. Stay tuned for the 2012 costume theme and ticket information.  

Exhibitor Events:

Rubie's Presents Hourly Costume Shows

Next to the main show entrance, Rubie's presents multiple shows a day with their latest costumes and newly acquired licenses! What will be presented in 2012? Register today and attend to find out!

Leg Avenue Fashion Shows and Car Giveaway

Each year, Leg Avenue presents exciting new lines of costume fashion twice daily, Saturday through Monday. During the final fashion show on Monday they will draw a winner for their yearly car giveaway!