MEET THE INSTRUCTORS

We've put together a world class instructor cadre who will bring you the only the highest quality training and ideas within our industry. Below you will find their biographies and the description of classes they will be teaching.

Wynn Bell – Final Touch Balloons
Wynn Bell and his wife Lindy have been in the Balloon Décor industry over twenty years, and are fondly known within the industry as “Wynn and Lindy.”  Their expertise extends to all phases of balloon work – Wedding Décor, Corporate Décor, Sculpture Design, Sculpture Competitions, and Education at both the local and national level.  Wynn is especially adept at working with beginning and intermediate level balloon people.  His work as an instructor at IBAC, Ballooniversity, the IBA Conventions, JBAN and many other seminars over the years has included both lecture and hands-on classes.  If you attend one of his classes, be prepared to learn techniques and tricks that will improve your abilities as a Balloon Artist/Decorator.  For years, Wynn has mentored and advised many people who needed help with balloons.  Attendance in any of his classes will be time and money well spent.  Begin a new phase of your balloon education with Wynn’s classes.  And don’t forget to bring your camera…

 See their website at: www.finaltouchballoons.com

Classes @ WCE&BAC: The Exciting World of Fome-Cor | Decorator's Special Effects

Bambi and Danny Bremgartner – Aah-Inspiring Balloons
Bambi and Danny started their business 13 years ago.  They attended an Entrepreneur Show at the Long Beach Convention Center because Danny had retired from Edison after 26 years.   They were looking for a business they could run from their home and feeling hopeful they would be successful, Bambi was able to quit her job in the Mortgage Business of 22 years.

They bought a balloon business from a Balloon Distributor in Seattle Washington, and anxiously waited for the boxes to arrive with all the equipment and balloons.  The funny thing, everything came from Signal Hill California, just up the street from where they live.  From that day forward their client base grew and grew each year.  They have created a name for themselves in he TV and Film Industry.

Members of the SoCal QBN since the beginning, their credentials also include many awards in the different levels of competitions, and instructing classes at the local distributors. Website: www.aahinspiringballoons.com

Classes @ WCE&BAC: Link-O-Loons | Sculptures

Judy Bradt – A Special Event
Judy Bradt, CBA, along with her husband Dave, have been in the event business for 17 years.  They started A Special Event in 1991 as a home based business and quickly grew to fill a large warehouse facility.  Last year, they decided to "semi-retire" and brought their business back home.  Judy has taught all over the United States, Australia, Mexico and Brazil.  Judy and Dave specialize in a very creative approach to decorating always looking for unique ways & materials to fill their customer's needs.  Judy will be sharing some of these tips and tricks in two very exciting, back-to-back classes.

Classes @ WCE&BAC: Beyond the 60" Round

 Linda Bruce, CBA, Pioneer Balloon Company
Linda Bruce is no stranger to the balloon industry!  As an award-winning designer, featured presenter on the QBN DVDs, and recipient of the industries most prestigious award, the IBAC Crystal, Linda has presented classes across the country and around the world!  Her broad base of successful business, and professional presentation style, combined with her enthusiasm for the industry, are the strength of Linda’s classes!  She is best known for designing highly sellable arrangements for all types of businesses that sell balloons. Currently the Retail Education Manager for Pioneer Balloon Company, Linda is very happy to represent the Very Best Balloons!  You can see her creative balloon designs in Images Magazine, at www.Qualatex.com, www.Conwinonline.com and www.HiFloat.com.

Classes @ WCE&BAC: Foils for the Holidays | Amazing Bubble Balloons | Canopy Construction

Laura Caldwell, aka Annie Banannie, The Balloon Storyteller
Laura performs at schools, libraries, preschools, and private functions all over the country, encouraging kids to discover the wonder of learning and the magic of believing in themselves. 

She works with the film and TV industry in Southern California, she’s the author of a children’s book on balloon twisting, and she and her husband Don Caldwell are featured in “Ripley’s Believe it or Not,” out in August 2008, for her balloon wedding dress (he made it, she wore it). 

Laura has taught classes in the balloon industry for the last 4 years, concentrating on marketing, performance, and sculpting technique.  You can find out more information about Annie at www.BalloonStoryteller.com

Classes @ WCE&BAC: Basic Balloon Toolbox | Nightly Balloon Jam

Roger Hampton – Hampton Productions, Inc.

Roger Hampton originally started in the balloon business in 1987 in the Los Angeles area.   He relocated to Laguna Niguel in 1991 and opened Balloons and Beyond. 

With his then business partner and with minimal capital they bought a used van, a couple of aluminum helium tanks, nozzles, one blower and an assortment of balloons.   Their success began just two months after opening when Roger landed AT&T’s Consumer Sales Division for the entire Western Region.

With his love of detail and vision and creativity for events, Roger started Hampton Productions in 1994 and ran both companies simultaneously until he sold Balloons & Beyond in 2004.  Hampton Productions, Inc. is a special event management company that has successfully produced huge events for crowds from 3,000-5,000 people across the United Stated, Germany and Canada. 

Classes @ WCE&BAC: How to be a Star with Event Producers

Graham and Mary Queen Rouse – Rouse International
Graham and Mary Queen Rouse of Rouse International began teaching as a team 19 years ago. This dynamic duo brings a wealth of information and experience to the Balloon Industry. Graham is the inventor of Internal Wire Sculpturing (Lite-Sculptures and Fantasy Flowers), Rouse Designer Panels and Rouse Matrix Systems. Winners of numerous industry awards, The Rouses' exciting lives are filled with inventing, creating, teaching, exhibiting, consulting, writing, publishing and manufacturing. Teaching is one of the Rouses' passions, and they have taught "balloons" on five continents. When not on the road, they live in Clemson, SC, USA. They have six wonderful children and six fabulous grandchildren.  To learn more, visit  www.rouseinternational.com  

Glenna Kipp
Glenna's Balloon Designs was established in Santa Ana, California in 1990 offering innovative event decor and bouquet deliveries through out the Southland. Glenna has also entered balloon sculpture and table decor competitions at a variety of educational conventions.  After being runner up for Designer of the Year at the International Balloon Arts Convention, Glenna was asked to join the IBAC faculty where she taught for 5 years.  After closing her successful home-based balloon business, Glenna is now the Education Coordinator for All American Balloon Supply a Mayflower Company in Garden Grove. All American Balloon Supply offers weekly classes (many taught by Glenna) for balloon professionals.  And she is always available in the store for ideas and production tips.  

Classes @ WCE&BAC: Fantasy Flowers | Fiesta De Globos | Glenna's Jungle

Michael Shaller
Born and raised in St. Paul MN, Michael moved out to California when he was 20 to make a career in the movie industry. After working in the movie industry for several years he left to develop a full time business specializing in buying and selling on eBay and focuses in mid-century modern design and architecture. Michael is married and they have a son.

 Classes @ WCE&BAC: eBay: Tips, Tidbits and Secrets of Selling and Buying

Rob Stiff – Perfect Touch, Inc.
Rob Stiff and his wife Susan own and operate the Perfect Touch Inc. in Palm Springs, California, focusing mainly on parties for the corporate conventions and country clubs in the area. Without any deliveries or walk in traffic, The Perfect Touch Inc. has been in business for over 15 years and offers a gambit of décor options. A CBA since 1995, Rob has been an instructor at IBAC 5 times and been involved in some large balloon effects such as a Super Bowl Halftime show, The MTV Video Music Awards in Miami, and the Experience Music Project opening in Seattle.    Be prepared for outstanding hands-on opportunities in his classes.

Classes @ WCE&BAC: Balloon Drops | Rigging

Ken Stillman - Awesome Balloons
Call him “Flash.”  Ken Stillman is his real name.  He is known for being the famous cartoon balloon stylist around the world.  His credits are many.   Starting with the publication of “Awesome Balloons” he has written 5 books including the well-received “Cartoon Balloon Encyclopedia” and the “Hitchhiking Hats.”   His creative talent led him to produce many DVDs such as the Super Heroes Team One and Two, Speed and Fantasy Princesses.  Ken’s accomplishments does not end there, he is currently working on a balloon software system that he will debut at this conference. 

Visit his website:   www.balloonmaster.com

Classes @ WCE&BAC: Impossible Decor | Hi-Tech Software | Wow Your Customers

Jack Mattson
Jack Mattson is a 31-year old local resident of Fullerton, California.  He currently is Vice President of Mattson’s Inc. a small custom automotive business.   From cartooning, to airbrushing, to sculpting, he has submerged himself with all variations of art.

Jack was introduced to the world of entertaining back in 1999 and has combined his passion of art with the knowledge of balloon twisting. Jack has performed work for Disney, Kaiser, Knott’s Berry Farm and GE to name only a few. He has been praised by big names in the twisting industry and surrounds himself with tools and ideas that he can’t wait to share with you.   He has crossed over the line bringing balloon decorators and twisters together.  Jack looks forward to sharing with you his energy and passion for twisting. 

Classes @ WCE&BAC: Big Bad Twister | About Faces | Resources

Matt McKinney, CBA - MC Productions/Balloons & Party Décor
As Co-Founder and President of a wholesale balloon distribution company and trainer for over 15 years, Matt’s extensive balloon expertise, generosity and passion for teaching have made him the “go-to guy” you can profit from.  He has trained over 10,000 new businesses “how to make money with balloons” and over 35,000 ASB students  “the basics of balloon decorating!  He is also dedicated to growing the balloon industry and provided innovative leadership over the years; Matt served on the QBN Advisory Board for Pioneer Balloon Company as well as Advisor to the SoCal QBN Chapter before servicing on the Board of the International Balloon Association (IBA) for 6 years, two years as President.  Matt currently enjoys working with his wife, Celini, in their own balloon decorating business in South Orange County.

Classes @ WCE&BAC: Building A Better Business | Master Network Marketing | Outdoor Decor

Celini McKinney, CBA - MC Productions/Balloons & Party Décor
Celini’s inspiration and exotic sense of style is evident in all of her designs and she loves to share her creativity and knowledge in classroom settings as well as private consultations.  Operating a successful balloon and floral company for nearly 20 years, she started as a professional balloon artist and quickly found flowers to add excitement and value to her arrangements and fill large spaces like no other medium could.  She earned a Diploma in Floral Design in 1992, became a Certified Balloon Artist (CBA) in 1996, has taught at the International Balloon Arts Convention (IBAC), the International Balloon Association (IBA) Balloon & Party Convention, California Association of Directors of Activities (CADA) and at various wholesale floral & balloon distributors.

Bringing forth her design skills and passion, Celini  also creates brochures, web sites, logos business cards, flyers and banners as a Graphic Designer.  She currently enjoys working her husband, Matt in their own balloon decorating business in South County.

Classes @ WCE&BAC: Summer Weddings | Profitable Centerpieces - Lecture | Profitable Centerpieces - Hands On

Dale Moore – Andon Balloons, Inc
Dale Moore has been in the balloon industry for over 30 years.  His father Dick Moore founded Andon Balloons in 1973 in Richfield Minnesota.  Dale took over the company when his father retired after a 50 year career in the balloon industry. With a long family history in balloons, Dale’s experience and passion for the art of balloon decorating will inspire decorators.

Dale has used his creativity to compete in many balloon sculpture contests at IBAC, IBA, Balloon Camp in the US and NABAS in the UK.  He has earned a number of awards including 1st prize at the IBA Convention in 2006, and 2nd prize at the IBAC Convention in 2003.  He is actively involved in the Balloon Industry and currently on the Board of the IBA as Associate Member Representative. To wrap up his credentials, he is also a member of the QBN Chapter where he was President for the past 3 years.

Please Visit his Website:  www.andonballoons.com

Classes @ WCE&BAC: Balloons + Vinyl = Profits |Classic Foil Décor |Rouse Matrix System

Hernando Cisneros, CBA - WOW Time Balloon Company
Hernando’s love for balloons began almost by accident as he organized his daughter’s 2nd birthday party.  Friend's and family were amazed how balloon decor could transform a simple party into a magical experience. The requests for his services soon followed.  Hernando finds joy through creative expression.

With that he took a leap of faith and turned what was a passion into a career. WOW Time Balloon Company prides on delivering the unexpected.  Hernando says, “He is honored to be a part of his clients most cherished events.