Bob Armstrong entered into the Industry in 1993 when he mastered the art of balloon modeling, whilst entertaining families with his magic and amazing balloon shows. He was enthused with the potential of balloon twisting and the possibility of the creations and he became hooked on balloons for life! He then progressed into Balloon décor, decorating for Weddings & private parties based from his home. Within a short space of time he expanded his small business, opening a small retail party shop. Dr Bob became a teacher for Pioneer Europe, since traveling and teaching at Qualatex events across the UK and Europe. Having expertise in balloon twisting, entertaining, retail designs, private & corporate decor, themed decor, costume design, window displays, sculpting, designing, competing and teaching-Dr Bob has a multitude of talent and knowledge, however he is still after all these years keen to still learn himself from the industry while continuously teaching others.

Born and raised in Hollywood California, Sheldon Blake would stay in the magic shop for hours watching the same show over and over trying to figure out how each trick was done. This is where his passion for entertaining began. Hollywood breeds a rare sort of entertainer; with unmatchable dedication to their art and passion for their audiences. When the other kids were out playing soccer or practicing the piano, Sheldon was out in parks and plazas trying to perfect his magic skills in front of whoever would watch. During his travels, Sheldon came across the art of balloon sculpting, which he found utterly fascinating. Something about being able to manipulate a linear object to make whatever he wanted was incredible; he was hooked. Once Sheldon turned 18 he jumped right into the entertainment industry. In October of 2003, Sheldon was hired as a seasonal performer at Busch Gardens, Tampa. When the season ended, he spent the next five years traveling and entertaining the world to see all the beauty and cultures it has to offer. In the summer of 2008, he worked at a summer camp in Colorado teaching magic to children, learning something himself in the experience. “Performing for kids kept me grounded; I found more confidence in myself through

After seeing the world and enjoying adventures in the US Navy, Debbi Burton has settled in the Seattle, Washington area and opened her own business designing and creating fabulous gift baskets in 1998. Since then she has weathered the ups and downs of the economy by adding new winning designs for her clients and customers. In 2003, she attended her first balloon convention at Summer Balloon Camp and decided to add balloon décor as another element to her business. Last year she introduced flowers into her resume. Being diversified is the key to keep your business going and growing. “I try to find new ways to keep my customers interested and keep them coming back.”

Wickel Donohue of Wickel’s Balloons located just outside the Washington D.C. metropolitan area has been in the balloon business full time for 30 years. She has traveled around the country setting up décor for large events for corporations and organizations. She runs a nationwide décor company.

Jean Eddy, CBA 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.

Robbie has been working with balloons for nearly 20 years. He got his start volunteering at non-profit events and, after several years, became a full-time volunteer. He dedicated 18 months of doing missionary work in San Diego and also served in the Domestic Peace Corps. As a result, he had a chance to try new things with his balloons and venture into the Deco-twisting world full time. In 2002, Balloons by Robbie was born. Robbie’s unique style has allowed him to decorate for thousands of events over the last several years. His balloons have been seen on ABC's All My Children, One Life to Live, Live with Regis and Kelly and most recently Ugly Betty. Robbie also has a passion for teaching his craft to others.

Treva Hart, an International Balloon Decorator, was one of the founding members of the Central Oklahoma QBN Chapter in 2001. She received her CBA in 2002. In 2004 Treva won the First of May Award from COCA. In 2006, HoHo's COCA's awarded her with Best Female Clown. Treva won a COQBN Scholarship to Summer Balloon Camp in 2005, where she placed 3rd in Betallatex's Twister's Contest. She is also a Rouseabout Graphics graduate. Treva was one of the decorators at Balloon-A Palooza in 2006 and was also part of the decorating team for the Kim Tom International Clown Festival in 2007 and participated in Balloontown USA in Ohio. In 2008, she won a trip to Millenium Jam in Mol, Belgium sponsored by Qualatex and Conwin.

In 1991 Antoinette attended her first balloon convention and fell in love with balloon artistry! She decided at that moment that this would be the business that she would start, Creations by Antoinette, a special event decorating company located in Los Angeles, California. She participated in many industry activities, once being the Southern California QBN President for two years, participating in IBAC competitions and teaching at Conwin, Inc. Nineteen years later, Antoinette is still passionate about elegant design and teaching others how to do the same. In 2008 she launched Creations by Antoinette Décor Academy where they teach Learning Artistry with Excellence.

Andrea Burchette Kash HI-FLOAT® Company, Inc.
As the daughter of HI-FLOAT’s founders, Andrea grew up in the balloon industry and has been attending trade shows and industry events since age 10. In 1991 she took her first job in a retail party shop, and in 1994 she joined the HI-FLOAT® Company, working in customer service and sales. Today she serves as President of the company and continues to focus on educating balloon professionals across the United States.

Phillip Kash, Ph.D. HI-FLOAT® Company, Inc.
Dr. Phillip Kash has a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from the University of Chicago, where he studied physical chemistry and chemical physics. Phillip joined the Research and Development department at HI-FLOAT® in 2002.

Glenna operated a successful home based business in Orange County, CA, offering décor and bouquet delivery. A competitor at several regional balloon conventions, she was Runner Up for Designer of the Year to Chris Horne at IBAC. Glenna has taught a huge variety of balloon classes for groups and distributors around Southern California, as well as being on faculty at IBAC, Summer Balloon Camp and West Coast Event & Balloon Arts Convention. Currently Glenna is the Education Coordinator for Mayflower West in Garden Grove, CA, offering weekly balloon classes to grow our industry. She also teamed up with Laura Caldwell to host the OC Twist Jam at Mayflower West to promote the entertainer side of our industry.

Jack Mattson is a small automotive business owner and balloon artist from Orange County, California. For over seven years his involvement in the balloon community has been overwhelmed
by knowledge gained by the some of the worlds best balloon artists. He owes his place in the balloon community to one word, “Passion.” Jack’s passion for the art of balloons has earned more than seven awards including Top Twister at Twist and Shout 2009 and the Ralph Dewey “Rising Star” award presented annually by Ralph Dewey at Diamond Jam. He has lectured for Classic Clowns of Whittier, E&R Sales in Virginia, All American Balloon Supply in California and was
proud to be chosen as an instructor for the West Coast Balloon Décor Convention 2009.
Jack is excited and obliged to share his passion with each and every one in hopes of making 2010 a great financial gain!

Marla has been in the Special Event and Balloon Decorating business since 1992, and is the Midwest Field Service Rep for Pioneer Balloon Company, maker of Qualatex balloons. A Certified Balloon Artist, Marla speaks from experience and brings with her a vast knowledge of balloon décor techniques and expertise. She’s well known through-out the industry for her contagious enthusiasm for balloons!

Holly owns Twist n Shout LLC and is a successful entrepreneur. She inflates expectations with her specialty services including custom balloon designs for entertainment, décor and deliveries. In addition, she is a professional speaker, storyteller and eventertainer, engaging audiences with her content, interaction and fun. Her bubbly personality and easy-going demeanor endear her to all types of crowds and clients, from the corporate breakout session to the backyard birthday party. Based in the Chicago area, her regular corporate clients include the Chicago Bears, The Field Museum and Bridgestone-Firestone. She is an industry award winner having won the Marvin Hardy Scholarship in 2008 and Betallic’s 2008 1st Annual Decorator Contest, in addition she writes articles, interviews and columns for leading industry sites like MBD2 and BalloonHQ.

Jonathan is active in the Los Angeles special event industry and has been for over 12 years. He has an extensive background in theatrical and special event lighting from concept to installation. Jonathan ran a successful full event production that included in-house lighting, special effects, prop fabrication and equipment rentals. He is currently consulting on special event product lines, event producing and teaching at several venues through the Los Angeles area. Jonathan is excited to be returning for the 5th year to Balloon Camp to share his expertise and passion!

Brazilian, graduated in electrical engineer at USP (Universidade de Sao Paulo), the most respected Brazilian university, 10 years working on projects in industrial automation, specializing in generation and distribution of electric energy.
Changed to balloon market in March 1996 with balloon twisting. In September 1996, started with balloon decor. Eduardo has developed a new techinique to balloon use: EaSY System to cover columns, Brazilian style of centerpiece, project of balloon design using Paint, 646 truss, flat arch.
Presently working in a instructional program of balloons called ESBD in Brazil. An English Version ESBDE is being developed with the web site www.esbde.com. Presenting information to balloon designers like balloon projects, tutorial and pictures. More than 4000 professionals have graduated in the balloons art program, produced 26 balloon tutorial magazines, presented 27 times on TV broadcast in Brazil, attended hundreds of articles and tutorials in the Brazilian press.