As our industry grows and becomes more complex so does our thirst for knowledge. From the infancy of balloons to balloons becoming an integral apart of the special event world, education remains in the forefront of this convention.
With this commitment in mind, each person involved in the production of this conference is a business owner and designer.
Amanda Armstrong, Executive Producer, WCE&BAC
West Coast Event Productions, LLC
Top Hat Balloon Werks, Mission Viejo, CA
Amanda learned about the magic of balloons by taking classes for fun at her local community recreational center while planning her daughter’s birthday party. She soon realized that balloons were a visual and dynamic way of creating an impact for special events.
Amanda worked for Southern California Edison and San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station for sixteen years as an Electrical Operator and Nuclear Procedure Writer. She began her successful and lucrative balloon business, Top Hat Balloon Werks, in 1998 producing memorable event decor and special FX in Southern California.
In the past four years she has promoted the balloon industry by presenting instructional classes, both nationally and internationally. She has instructed for Conwin Carbonics, Inc. 2006 & 2007, All-American Balloon Supply 2003 to present, Jo-Ann's Craft Store Silk Floral Arranging 2006 to present, along with seminars in Guadalajara, Cuernavaca & Mexico, and Summer Balloon Camp 2007 & 2008.
Amanda has also been a longstanding member of the local SoCal QBN chapter and has held the position of Executive Finance VP (2004-05), Marketing VP (2006) and Web Designer (2006 to present). She is also a certified balloon artist (CBA).
Amanda’s talents have included such industry awards as:
- Winner of Large Sculpture and centerpiece – Summer Balloon Camp 2005
- Winner of Large Sculpture and centerpiece – Summer Balloon Camp 2006
- Winner of Large Sculpture and centerpiece - IBA 2006
- Winner of Large Sculpture and centerpiece - IBA 2007
Francie Rosen, Director of Education, WCE&BAC
Balloons Sound Great (Owner), Huntington Beach, CA
Francie never dreamed that her beginning would start from doing one-of-a-kind-children parties. The excitement of transforming a ballroom and producing an event with balloons is all it took to start her business, Balloons Sound Great over 20 years ago in 1988.
Francie’s talents have been seen in the Orange Coast Magazine and in Images. She has won awards for her float designs in the Huntington Beach 4th July Parade, as well as, being voted best international award winning sculpture through Balloon HQ. She has instructed at All American Balloons Supplies, California Balloon Conference (CBC) and Fun Time.
Her over the top creative centerpieces mixing balloons with different mediums i.e. foam board and fabric, paying attention to detail, on time performance and thinking outside the box has attracted many clients.
Francie is an active member of the Orange County ISES chapter. She is a Certified Balloon Artist (CBA) and was a founding member of the SoCal QBN chapter in California. She is now in her 3rd term as Chapter President and love’n it.
Together with committed sponsors, we bring to you our first Annual
West Coast Event & Balloon Arts Convention, April 5-7, 2009.
