News

Clever Cash-and-Carry Balloon Designs

January 29, 2012

Betallic Creative and Education Director Jan Iiams to Lead Balloon Design Session at 2012 Expo

By Amy Francisco

“Holographic is just where it's at this year,” said balloon industry educator Jan Iiams of one of the hottest trends in the business. “Holographic balloons are incredibly glittery, sparkly and festive – and cost-wise, they're barely above standard.”

Iiams (pronounced with a long “i”), Betallic's creative and education director, will demonstrate how to use these brilliantly colored balloons – and other innovative new products – in her demonstration with hands-on opportunities at the 2012 Halloween & Party Expo in Houston, Texas.

In “Clever Cash-and-Carry Balloon Designs,” to be held Jan. 29 (12 to 12:30 p.m.), Iiams will bring her award-winning creativity and 20-plus years of experience as an educator in the international balloon industry to the Expo, where she'll provide balloon and party retailers with ideas for quick-turnaround balloon arrangements. “These are especially great to have on hand for parties, celebrations  and holidays, when so many people are coming in to pick up last-minute gifts,” she said.

“The class is perfect for party shops. Training is often a problem for them because they hire a lot of part-timers,” Iiams continued. “So I'll teach how to do designs that, in a short time, can be enhanced or done right then – designs that are incredibly simple but incredibly different with a low margin of training for design.”

In addition to balloons made with holographic film, Iiams said she will demonstrate use of a brand-new balloon product called Mighty Bright!^TM. While it's nonmetallic and therefore nonconductive, the material still allows for rich, intense color. Using the latest materials is one way that she will teach attendees how to create signature designs that can set their stores apart from the competition.

“Attendees will leave with fun ideas that they might not come up with themselves – designs that will tickle their customers' fancies and make a statement,” Iiams said. “They will enhance [the store's] reputation as the place to go [for balloon designs].”

Iiams, who got her start in the industry running her own successful balloon design décor and delivery business, will also provide tips on the business end of balloon artistry. She'll offer advice on how to market the arrangements (there's a lot to a name) and make the balloon business more profitable.

“It's a whole package,” Iiams said of the session. “It covers everything; all the elements needed to do [the designs] well and make a difference in their business.”

Learn more about Jan Iiams and her presentation, as well as other learning opportunities for attendees at the Halloween & Party Expo's Education/Demo Center.