Balloon Chat
Uncategorized Boards => Events. Balloon, Magic, Etc => Topic started by: Graham Lee on December 14, 2010, 06:02:47 PM
It's just been announced that Qualatex are holding a big event in the UK next year;
5 - 7 November 2011
Heythrop Park, near Oxford England
At last, by popular demand, we are hosting another major Qualatex Event in Europe. The fabulous Country House venue< has been brought up to date with five star hotel accommodations and is ours exclusively ...
...Join us for the biggest House Party the Balloon Industry has ever seen!
If you are a decorator, shop owner, entertainer, an old hand or a newcomer there will be something for everyone at The Qualatex Event.
•20 leading instructors from around the world
•Over 50 classes
•Business advice
•Keynote speaker
•Competitions including large sculpture
•2 fabulous parties
•Live entertainment
•Jam room
•CBA Assessment
The ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE includes three days of tuition, 2 nights bed and breakfast accommodation, lunch, refreshments and dinner for 2 days, 2 fabulous parties, live entertainment and inspiration beyond your wildest dreams!
Book before 30 June 2011 for the incredible price per person of £360 plus Vat (Based on 2 people sharing a standard room in Heythrop House).
To register your interest in the event and to receive an update when the booking system goes live, please email rachel.ings@qualatex.com
Once again it's on a weekend :( :( :(
Fair point, Mr W, but I guess you can't please all of the people all of the time... Generally, hotel accommodation is cheaper at the weekends than during the week, so I'm thinking the cost may have been prohibitive if it was held during the week.
Either way, this sounds fantastic and many thanks to Pioneer/Qualatex for having a UK/European version of the Dallas event -- I'll be there, guaranteed! :D
--Neil
Billy (Graeme),
I'm not sure if you fully understand the benefit of attending these events. Ok you miss out on some paid work. However the benefits will enhance your business many times what you would have earnt.
If you enjoy the Care & Share days just think of three intensive days meeting people from around the world, fantastic instructors on a wide range of balloon topics, balloon shows, the jam room and much much more. And its tax deductable!
Its inspiring, educational, life-affirming and an utter joy.
And this year its near Oxford, which means there is even less of excuse not to come and play!
:)
Danny
Danny is absolutely correct........we all have to earn the money but its an investment like when u buy a balloon dvd or pdf there will be a model on it thjat your customers will see you make and off the back of it u get. More bookings........on another note I did a gig at that venue 2 months ago and it is a lovely plave with incredible grounds
Need a lecturer????
Hell I want to go! See what I can do about making it happen.
Its the one weekend in 2011, that we cant go!!!
I agree with whats being said 100% and Believe me any other weekend in the year I would be there.
I have a husband with a BIG birthday on 6th November and the last thing he would expect for it is a trip to a balloon convention!!!
Now there's an idea!!! He would never think of it..... No No No cant think that way, have to be nice!!!
Have a great time there those that go, you wont regret a minute or a £1.
Pam
xx
Looking at this from another angle.
I am guessing they are having it at the weekend so they can get more people.
Will those people be the amateurs/part timer rather than the professionals?
If this was really aimed at the pro then it would be in the week.
Very early I know but any idea when Qualatex might release info on who will be doing what in Oxford?
I am am so there. x
Well, it is just in our "back yard", so me and my wife are seriously considering to be there....
fortunately it doesn't collide with our planned trip to New York.... :D http://www.newyork2011.co.uk (http://www.newyork2011.co.uk)
No TMJ this year, so I cross the channel! :mrgreen:
Looks like Qualatex have updated the web pages for this event - theres now booking information and a list of instructors. Free t shirt for the first 100 people to book and also the chance of getting your registration free!.
The booking section also has the option for booking single days although it says this is limited - if your thinking of going for just one of the days then it may be worth doing this asap.
I gave in to temptation and booked it now. All paid for and really looking forward to this event. :) :)
I've just booked up this evening too, Mr W, and then I saw your post! :shock:
(I wonder if there was something subliminal somewhere...) :?
I'm REALLY looking forward to it :D
--Neil
Haha, very strange Neil. :shock:
Just seen the schedule for this event.
It may be just me but was anyone else disappointed with it?
Not much in it for a pure twister and from the titles of several of the decor lectures they seem to be teaching decorators to incorporate basic twisting into their decor.
I was excited about this event but think I will give it a miss.
Martin.
I'll be there, I hope to meet all friends and have fun together. Romania's team is the first competition.I participate in the contest for the first time together with the Romanian team. I will make many new friends
I just wanted to add my comments to this thread. The Qualatex Event, England will be the largest event of this magnitude and caliber the UK has ever had! If you are new to the industry, an experienced decorator or entertainer there will something for you. The weekend kicks of with a large sculpture competition, with teams competing from across Europe, just seeing the large balloon sculptures is so very inspiring. For those of you who are new or want to brush up on your skills and techniques, you have the perfect opportunity to attend a Qualatex Fundamentals course with Keith & Dom (two of the funniest men I know in this industry... but oh so talented)! Or if you are ready, why not take your CBA exam, it's free at the event, and there will be many others taking at the same time! (You'll need to Pre-book for the CBA exam). You can get involved in large party decor, and choose from over 50 class topics, each day is action packed! We want you to learn, be inspired, we most importantly we want you to grow your business. This is an International Event, there will be many delegates from around the world, meet new people, make friends and network. If you want to know more visit http://www.thequalatexevent.com (http://www.thequalatexevent.com) or join us on Facebook: thequalatexevent if you have ANY questions please feel free to contact me, I will be more than happy to help or find out. Don't miss out on what we believe will be the best event the UK has ever seen!
Sue
sue@suebowler.com
Facebook: Suebowler
Well said Sue.. I Agree everyone should go.. I want to go but cant!!!
Do you think I would get away with it??? NO he would never forgive me.. Paris is wining at the moment
Oh how I wish it was another weekend
Pam
xx
Will go... just need to find money for it...
I did hear that the Millennium Jam would not be going ahead this year but that there would be an event in England instead. I am presuming that this is the event that was being talked about. But it isnt replacing the Millennium Jam. Twisters seem to have been forgotten here it seems. Although I am having a go at decor and a little go at fashion I am still at heart a twister. There are lots of people who don't want to get into decor but want to come to twisting workshops (not as an intergrated part of decor). In the last couiple of years I have had to choose between the Belgium Millennium Jam and the Euro Jam because they were both being held so close together instead of 5 months apart as used to be the case. Now I have to choose between the Euro Jam and the Qualatex event in Oxford. I would have picked the Qualatex event if the organizers had considered it worth including more than a token gerture to us twisters. So I am dithering on the fence over this. I have to say I was very disappointed when I saw it was basically an event for decorators and not an event for both even though you say for entertainers. If anyone wants to point out whats in it for an entertainer balloon wise I would still consider the event however.
Ok humble pie time!!
I have just been speaking with Graham who has put me straight on some facts. I should have spent more time reading the event details. There is more twisting than I had thought. Colin Myles and Robbie Furman to name just two. Dee White as well I believe. All people I respect and admire. Grovel grovel grovel.........
So apologies for being a bull at the gate. I now have reason to re-consider.
Thanks for putting me straight. Sorry to Qualatex for getting it wrong.
And not to mention Shirley Ray, shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I said not to mention Shirley ;) looks like she will be running two seperate classes.
I better go and book myself in for the event.
I have to say I have just looked at the classes being taught and there are only 2 classes being taught that are relay twisting classes. a beginner class by Robbie and 1 advanced class by Shirley there rest are all décor based, maybe décor with a twist but still décor.
I do feel that at such a big event the use of a UK based twister (as good as she is) is a shame we can get to see the likes of Shirley at other events care share events etc. it would have been nice to see a top internationality recognised twister from the us Japan or similar location that we would not normal have the chance to see.
I love Robbie to bits but he is teaching a beginner class and a class on the balloon stick people (useful maybe but not serious twisting).
So I have to say that I agree with Thelma's original feelings that this is out and out a decorator event with a very tiny bit of twisting thrown in.
Yes there are some good twisters teaching but they are not teaching twisting but decorating.
Roger.
Well firstly I got the impression that it is a Balloon Decor event with a few token twisting workshops thrown in. I then thought that I had been mistaken when it was pointed out that certain twisters were attending and running workshops and apologised for my former assumption. But now I am gathering that these twisting workshops are about twisting for decor. So now I don't know what to think. The Millennium Jam was a twisting event with some extra days added on at the beginning for balloon decor. Total Balloon Decor for a couple of days and total twisting for a few days. The event in Oxford is not in the spirit of the Millennium Jam. If Qualatex are upset because I made my first comments maybe they should think how upset all the twisters might be that they seem to be getting just a token consideration. I felt bad about my first post on this thread thinking I had jumped the gun somewhat. But the more I find out about it the more I think my first post was right. If Qualatex want loyalty from the twisting community perhaps they should be more respectful to us. I am actually starting to get into decor a little bit but my main interest is still in twisting and direct contact with people using balloons as a means to opening communicate. A lady in Weatherspoons tonight told us she had learned to make some simple balloons for a charity event and I said to her "Be careful, it's addictive." But actually that's not true. It's the magical effect balloons have on people that I am addicted to. I did one balloon at a wedding reception on Friday at the end of the meal before taking the children to another area. By the time I had finished it everyone had stopped what they were doing and was watching. When I handed it over to the child everyone clapped and some people actually stood up to applaud. That's how balloons can catch peoples imagination. I did say to everyone when the clapping stopped "It's all downhill from here!" But it's not just that sort of thing. Diane Orrett spoke at the Care and Share day last Thursday. She told us how she has been going to the areas stuck by the terrible Tsunami in Japan where the people still have nothing and still live amidst the twisted wreckage that was their lives. She told us how the simple balloons she made helped everyone to take their minds off their plight for a while. How much it lifted their spirits. I know balloon decor brings in a lot more revenue than balloon twisting but please take us seriously. It is an art form and every art form has its value. When an entertainer complains because the audience did not respond the way they wanted them to, I think the entertainer should look at what was wrong with the show and not blame the audience. The same applies with the Qualatex event. If we are posting things you don't like you should not blame us but look at why we are not happy. It is a lot of money to spend and a lot of money to lose in earnings at the weekend to go along to an event that only offers a few token workshops for twisting. If anyone at Qualatex thinks my comments or Roger's are unfair then I am very happy to be corrected as I did say in my first post about this.
Hi folks, I am afraid I echo and agree with Thelmas views.. and YES its the impact the balloons have that we are addicted too, too. I feel sorry for decorators who never get the instant WOW feedback when clients walk into their venue and also know the loneliness of creating beautiful room displays and having no one to share it with..
But I can also take a business prospective on this, after all we are all business people.
You have to remember Qualatex is a manufacturer of Balloons and as much as we all love them and promote them they are not a charity and they are there to SELL product to their customers and those that buy more product as in any industry will get priority treatment.
As a Twister and a Decorator I can tell you that I have FAR MORE stock ( and I mean FAR MORE) for Decorating balloons than Twisting balloons..
When we first started decor 16 years ago after twisting for about 4/5 years there was a BIG industry difference between the long skinny balloons we use and the round balloons of decor - believe me even the teachers of balloon art did not know anything about long balloons... and treated them with discontent...
Over the years it has been interesting watching the marketing of long balloons to the decorators - so much so they now call themselves decor-twisters - we should come up with a name for Twisters who also do decor ( maybe twisting-decorators..LOL)
You have to take it into account until we put forward ourselves for OCN to approve our twisting course there have not been any recognised training course for twisters here in the UK - just books, dvd's and twisters sharing and teaching each other (even with QAI's). The course we have put forward was even refused by the Nabas committee as recent as February this year as not required for the Balloon industry and not all their teachers would have the knowledge to present a twisting course was their response.
Both mediums have developed amazingly over the years we have been involved in the industry - but still from a manufacturers point of view decorating is bigger than twisting because of sales volume
(infact if you speak to decorators they will comment that Qualatex aim is more towards shops and retailers than those that work from home for the same reasons)..
We are a small niche industry and the fractions within it are even smaller... Maybe the twisters going to the event can ask for an open Jam room to be supplied and facilitated at the venue (its not a lot of cost for Qualatex to add some twisting balloons into a room. Then at least if the seminars that are going on that have no interest to you, you have somewhere you could go communicate and share your skills together - who knows you could end up with millenium jam style allnighters - even some decorators may get involved with the fun...
But at the endof the day - this event is to sell more product to those who buy more.. and thats business you cant blame anyone for doing that
Pam
xx
I posted similar reservations about this event earlier in this thread, but every cloud has a silver lining...
Quote from: "Graham Lee"We have just found out that there will be a 3 day twisting event in Holland this year, the dates are 31st Oct till the 2nd Nov. More info when I get the full details.
This event is only the week before, the costs will probably be cheaper and for those who normally worry about a weekend event it does not run over a weekend.
Let's leave the deco guys to it and party on in Holland :D
apparently its been set up because the dutch twisters felt and same the same as you guys.. and want a twisting event
Pam
xx
Opening night looks amazing fun... Disney themed
xx
Qualatex have just sent this over about a twisting event that will be taking place at the convention if anyone would like to enter;
DISNEY CHARACTER TWISTING COMPETITION - SATURDAY 5th NOVEMBER
Why not enter into the spirit of the Disney party by taking part in the Disney Character Twisting Competition? An opportunity to show off your twisting skills and the chance to win a cash prize!
Each contender will pick an envelope in which will be a number of balloons relating to a Disney character. When the time starts you will see which character you have chosen and the balloons that are available. You will then have 30 minutes in which to create a wearable item in the style of that character. Once the time is up, you will parade your creation and the judging panel will decide the winners!
The prizes are 1st Place £250 and 2nd Place £100.
Please note that there is a maximum of 30 entries, don't miss out on competing by signing up at the Disney party.
Rules:
- 75% of the balloons MUST be USED and inflated
- No help from other delegates is allowed
- If a balloon pops it must be replaced
- Pumps supplied by Qualatex
- You must supply your own markers etc
- You must stop working when told to stop or you will be disqualified
- You will be judged on the techniques used, originality and likeness to the character.
- Judges decision is final!
More details are on the website;
http://www.thequalatexevent.com/product ... b83823d702 (http://www.thequalatexevent.com/product/2/the_qualatex_event_england/2a1b6314c6249e9904065ab83823d702)
I'm at the hotel for the convention, the phone has very limited connection and the computer dongle does not work and internet access is free in the lobby only although they have given me a password to use in the room which I will try later. Hoping to put some pictures up of the event during the next few days but this will depend a little on what access to the internet is available. Sitting in the Crown Plaza lounge/lobby which is very posh and up market, my room is definately better than the usual travelodge that I stay in. The bar is on the expensive side with a burger and chips costing £13 and fish and chips £14. I better go now as I'm on the battery for the laptop and it's just about to give up the ghost, have to go back to the room for the mains lead.
I am absolutely gutted that I'm not going to be able to make it down to Oxford for this now. Long (boring, work related) story, but suffice to say I'm really upset that I'll not be able to catch up with Sandra, Colin, Graham, Debbie and the many other friends and forum buddies I was SO looking forward to seeing. The money's not important, it's the learning, company, fun and laughs I'm going to miss way more. :(
Have a great time, everyone who's going.
--Neil
I didn't realise you were not coming down Neil, I thought we were having the table with non fancy dress?
I had to move rooms last night due to a plague of wasps in my room, plague? well four actually, I caught two but the bedroom ceilings are around 12 feet high so the others were out of my reach.
The caught wasps!
Can I please ask people not to take pictures from the site, if you would like to use any that I have taken then please ask, Thank You
The welcome pack which will be a prize on the forum when I get home next week once we work out a competition and some pictures of the venue,
Who is the person in picture eight and what is funny about picture seven?
Getting ready for the 11am start, some of the rooms in the old house are stunning, great workmanship and architecture.
I'm really gutted I cannot make it to this event! But all spare money going to addapt our house at the minute for my little girl so will have to make do with pics that all the very lucky people are kind enough to share on here. Enjoy everyone, and I will get saving for the next one fingers crossed there will be another!
Some pictures from this morning;
Shirley Ray and I were making the spaceship for Colin today, Vanessa made the tinkabell's
Still have plenty to download onto the forum, the column is interesting as it has only two 11" balloons and the 5" front and back hold it in place making for a thinner column.
The 6ft balloons on the front green are interesting, there are some more attached to the front of the building so will get a picture of these tomorrow,
A better picture of the front, the framework on the first picture has taken all day to make.
The paddling pool......oops I mean the spaceship is taking shape.
Another picture of the thin column,
The sculpture competition,
More competition entries,
Robbie Furman has just walked by and said to say hello to everyone, so helloooooooo everyone from Robbie.
I think the nose for Tinkabell is made with a double stuff balloon and a little scrap in between for the nose, looks very effective close up.
A better picture to see how the thin column is put together.
Classroom this way signs with glitter,
Sitting in the back of a fundementals class re-sizing the pictures from last night and this morning;
More competition pieces;
More pieces;
This was weaved around a 16" round balloon,
I like the look and feel of the front lawn,
Just had to relog onto the hotels website, a sign came up saying they use a fair usage policy. Perhpas I have posted too many pictures :(
Will carry on so fingers crossed.
Just had a good tip in the fundementals class about making a bouquet and attaching the balloons onto the ribbon that is already attached to a weight and also how to size the ribbon in one go.
The big tent for the party night, what a lovely old house, simply stunning, mind you it deos need some maintenance doing to it. This is the back of the house.
Some more competition pieces;
Better picture of the lawn balloons, this is the front of the house.
The last few for this morning,
Off to get a coffee and then finish the space ship,
Just downloaded over 200 pictures that were taken yesterday, not sure when I will get time to re-size them and put a few up on the forum. Waiting for the first class of the day to start Princess and fairies which is being taught in Italian so should be fun. I survived the party night last night with many turning up in fancy dress or wearing balloon hats etc, I made a Mickey Mouse hat. Breakfast was funny this morning as the hotel resort has spelt the name of Qualatex wrong on the name settings, I did get a picture and will post later on. The competition pieces are very good with a nice selection between twisting elements and decorating, I did think that a lot of framing was used and some of the framing was a work of art within itself. I was able to get some pictures of the framing being built but some of the rooms were kept closed while the sculptures were being built so we only have the final built pictures. Shame that the rooms were not all left open for the delegates to view the work that goes in to making these amazing works of art.
A few pictures to wet your appetite, if you do live near Oxford it would be good to come down to the venue to see the competition pieces in person.
It is very motivational and moving and gives you a sense of wonder.
Shirley Ray made Minnie in her spacecraft for the Disney party night,
The stone effects on this sculpture were wonderful.
The igloo and Alien sculpture room was one that was closed during the build so I only got the completed sculpture pictures.
A few more,
Last ones for this morning;
Thanks for posting these Graham. Some really impressive stuff!
I am inconsolable that I could not be there. :cry:
Sitting in on a class on flat arches that is being taught in Russian, interesting concept. Just downloading all the 300 pictures that I took yesterday. I have still not loaded all the pictures from the first day and this is the third and last day. I think it will take me all week to put them all onto the forum, still it will keep me out of trouble.
I absolutely love these big hands, possibly my favourite thing in the competition.
The first two pictures are Pascal's entry for the medium sculpture, Pascal was the winner.
More competition entries;
The second picture I believe was the runner up in the medium sculpture but I will check this out.
The babies in the glass were very nice, made you think, well it did me.
The second picture was the winner in the large sculpture competition, the third picture came second in the medium sculpture the one earlier I said was second came third.
I need to re-size some more pictures to post;
Robbie Furman made the piano player and Bob Armstrong the two dresses,
Some of the Disney party night decor,
More party night balloons,
More party decor,
Last few for today, I will leave you with Robbie as a little mermaid, what more could you want? Perhaps him flashing? Watch this space!
Thanks for taking so many pic Graham, as you know I was competing so was in a room for 2 days building Mrs Octopus - so its been nice to see some of the earlier pics as I missed the start -
Hubby and I had a fantastic time, we may not have won the competition but I / we won new friends from the UK, Albania, Holland, Russia and Spain - I took classes and learn so many new things, one thing
I did learn was how to put a pole through a balloon, this tip was shown to me by my new Russian friends, I spoke no Russian and they spoke no English but we got on and lent each other different bits so maybe I did win -
Neil, I was sorry that you were not able to come, looked for you at the start.
So thanks Graham and I look forward to seeing some more pics, I will also post some but not for a few days yet as I am not as quick re-sizing as your goodself.
Debbie xx
Graham taking part in the Fancy Dress Party -
Thanks for making our swords Graham.....
Debbie xx
Wow this all looks amazing, what an event.
I have just been told that I have been brought back a goody bag from there by a family friend so I'm a happy bunny today.
Just got back safe and sound and downloading all the pictures onto my main computer, I took nearly 900 photos but will not be posting them all on here.
This will be the first of many, I think I may get fed up re-sizing but did a lot last night as well. I need to look into getting a programme that re-sizes the pictures automatically for me.
More from the Disney party night,
At least my home computer is a lot quicker with everything, I thought this should be posted on it's own. The name place setting for breakfast :D
Note to hotel, always get the name right.
The mushroom technique was a nice idea, not sure If I have seen this before somewhere though.
A lot of the pictures were taken in the lobby so not sure who taught what etc,
I had a good discussion with Luc Bertrand about the green bamboo like displays, an interesting concept.
I loved the hotel's lights in the ballroom,
The Russian class;
The eyes and mouth are all stickers that have have specially made;
Adding detail to your order,
There were plenty of Minnie and Mickey designs about during the convention,
The mushroom technique is a small round and a GEO blossom within a bigger round?
Quote from: "Leslie"The mushroom technique is a small round and a GEO blossom within a bigger round?
It is, so a quite expensive mushroom when you put this into a clear polka dot as well but it is a nice effect.
Well, a bigger simple white mushroom with a smaller smurf below it in a sculpture...
I have just returned home from the Qualatex event, I really enjoyed the weekend, there was a gret energy all throughout the event. Special thanks to Graham for his help on the Disney party, (above and beyond the call of duty ), the spaceships created by Graham an Shirley (RAY) Were fantastic.
I would also like to congratulate Pascal Grooten on winning the medium sculpture competition, I loved his sculpture, it is what I would consider art.
It was also great to meet so many old and new friends
Colin
You will have me blushing next :oops:
Carrying on with the pictures;
The foil heads and latex bodies,
Shirley Ray sculptures,
The first two pictures are from Shirley Ray and the last one is from the canopy class that I did not attend so not sure if this was the only design covered,
From Ant and Dec's class, no Dick and Dom, hang on I got it Keith and Dominic. I knew it was a double act.
Not sure who taught the second two pictures? Does anyone else know?
From Robbie Furman,
This technique is from Alberto Falcone, thanks to Sandra for explaining this to me as I missed this lecture as I never knew there was anything going on in the large theatre.
I liked this technique a lot, very useable.
Graham
Thanks for taking the time to post all the excellent photos. I was in two minds whether to go and now I wish I had!
Here we go with another selection of photos from the event,
I need to sort out a competition to offer the welcome pack that I received from the event,
So I was thinking that once I have posted all the pictures all you have to do is make your version of something I have posted,
Colin's pram from I believe his weaving twisting class?
From Luc's class which I think was called big and impressive,
The idea here was to have a basic arch that was used for staple diet and then you just added a theme to fill in the rest of the arch so that a member of staff could make the basic sections all the time and then you added the extra sections depending on what the theme was.
The floating people,
I need to go and re-size more of the pictures, last few for this morning.
So the competition will be to make your version of something from the event, not exactly if you prefer to change the design a little or just a variation on a theme or just one element from the sculpture/design or just copy a design that you think you may use in the future and post the picture.
Everyone that joins in will go into a hat and a lucky winner will be pulled out, go on have a go.
Hopefully we can get a few joining in for the star prize, I will have a look around to see what other free samples I have been sent and will add these into the prize as well.
Start thinking but the competition will not start till I get all the pictures loaded up from the event which may take a few days.
Quote from: "Graham Lee"You will have me blushing next :oops:
Carrying on with the pictures;
I love these Who's idea /class is it?
Oops pics didn't follow it's the ones at the top off page with pigs and stuff
Sorry Dave you lost me?
Baby fun,
From a class by Luc,
These were taken at a Shirley Ray class,
Still from the Shirley Ray lecture,
From the awards night inside the marquee,
The old house looked very nice in the evening,
We are on the last day of the event pictures now,
I liked these,
There were so many classes, 24 a day and it was difficult to get around to see everything,
Even as a twister I appreciated some of the decorating styles and themes,
Looks like we may have more than one prize for the competition,
Colin Myles class,
Alberto and his unusual drops lecture class,
The Russian arches class, they do have a facebook page with many of the designs on.
A lot of the arches were shown on the laptop and screen,
Pictures still from the screen,
Still on the screen, you may find better quality and clearer designs from the facebook page,
I sat in on two of the Russian classes while I was loading pictures onto the forum from other classes and enjoyed them both.
Fantastic photos Graham - thanks very much for posting these. Great event, great parties, now very tired!
Yes, many thanks for posting the photos, Graham. It looks like you all had a great time *sniffs*
I don't suppose anyone picked up my goody bag? Or anything for me? I didn't think to ask as I was so busy :cry:
--Neil
I will be adding a few of my thoughts and comments about the event as we go, if anyone else would like to add there experiences and thoughts then please do.
The more the merrier and feedback is always good to help improve the next event.
My thoughts.
The Qualatex Event
I arrived nice and early on the Thursday evening for the event which had an official Saturday launch, I still wonder why these events take place at the weekend when the professional entertainer/decorator and twister would normally be working.
Why not try a Tuesday to Thursday event sometime.
I wanted to take some pictures of the sculptures being built and then I was hoodwinked, pressganged or did I volunteer to help Colin with the space ships for the Disney party.
It took me three attempts to find the hotel reception that I was staying at, I went to the Crown Plaza and then the health club but eventually found my way into the old house which is Heythrop House, lovely rooms downstairs and stunning architecturally that would be very difficult to re create today. Some of the outside was in need of some TLC but the grounds with a 2.5 mile driveway were stunning. I was also informed by Graeme Ash who used the golf course that it would be in his top 3 golf courses that he has played on so venue wise it was nice, the staff for me were always so helpful and very polite, always asking if things were OK and was there anything they could do to help.
I did have a couple of problems with my room and we were disturbed by the band in the middle of the night at a wedding walking all there equipment over the gravel yard to their van which was parked underneath my bedroom window, not sure why they did not move the van to the front entrance so saving the long hike to the van and possibly then not waking myself and others up.
To Be Continued;
WOW Balloons - Debbie Oneill's thoughts.
Our room was small but new, clean and comfortable - great bathroom, staff ever so helpfull -
I had to ask for help with my sculpture on the Friday - and in no time there was a notice posted in reception of the booking in desk - help arrived from Spain, Holland and Albania - hubby was pleased as he was helping me to blow up balloons ( his nothing to do with my balloon company btw )
So we built our sculpture on the Friday and the Saturday and then went to the Disney opening party. People were so friendly and helpful - even if you could not speak the language you could still make yourself understood.
So many classses, bit like a chocolate freak in the Willy Wonka factory - hubby played gold with Graham Ash, - Helen, Sue, Graham and I went to some of the same classes ( fellow team mates on the Saturday ) - learnt so much -
Would now go to the USA show , not next year but the following year, cant say enough about this show.
The pictures Graham has kindly posted do not do the event justice - sure Graham would agree - Overall Qualatex did a great job - minor hitches but as I say it was brilliant . Even got to mee and chat with Robbie Furmam, boy - what a personality - great guy. All the Balloon instructors were great -
It was expensive, was it worth it, well for me it was - loved every moment - even when I did not win - I felt I had won with new people I had met and all the things I learnt so thats my little take on things.
Debbie xx
This was my first time at a 'big' event like this.
At first I was unsure if I would get as much out of it as I wanted for the amount I paid. With the cost of the event, travel, spending money and three days loss of earnings, at nearly £2000, I thought it had better be worth it.
And wow, it certainly was for me. I came away with so many ideas, photos, new friends/contacts and great memories. The hotel and golf course were first class. The company too . . . . spent a lot of time with Sue, Helen, Debbie and her husband Ryan (great golf partner).
The classes were great, plenty of choice, sometimes too much as I wanted to see some classes which were on at the same time, however that wasn't really a bad thing as you got to see all the balloons which were made in the main area after, so plenty of photo opportunities.
The parties were brilliant, a cracking atmosphere and everyone seemed to be joining in with the fancy dress and balloon accessories etc.
Can't wait to do it again, got the bug now. Next year my plan is to go to the 'Moscow Balloon Festival' and possibly the big Qualatex event again the year after.
More arches from the Russian class,
Arches,
The last of the arches,
Moving onto Christmas.
I liked the Christmas ideas although I did not sit in on the class, I just got pictures at the end.
The first picture I think is from Jodie's class and the second two on numbers from Fiona Fisher.
Numbers class by Fiona Fisher,
More pictures from the Russian arches class,
Robbie Furman and his round animal balloon class,
Dee White and his Bubble Belly class,
More from Dee White,
Carrying on the theme,
Dr Bob made the dress and covered a class as Tom Bibo who was meant to be coming over had to pull out due to illness.
I was going to do a little writeup and review of the event but have misplaced my event schedule where I put down what classes I attended etc.
Fingers crossed it comes to light or I will have to get another one sent to me to refresh my memory.
If anyone would like to use any of the pictures I have taken or any quote from the forum could you please ask me first as in 99.999999% I'm sure I will agree.
Perhaps I'm from the old school but I just think its polite and courteous :)
Is it just me but there seems something not right when the foils are put onto the latex bodies but then I do like when the latex is put onto the foil numbers.
Perhaps it' just me!
Still have quite a few more pictures to put on the forum, hoping to get them all on today.
From a Shirley Ray class, the butterfly above is also from Shirley.
Pascal made the person with the hearts for a body;
I think these were from one of Luc's classes,
Not sure who's class these were from, with so many designs and sculptures about it was difficult keeping up with 24 different classes a day.
The stuffing machine class was interesting,
The high triple teddy design was very eye catching,
Off to re-size the last of the pictures to put on later. I have to say that just looking at the pictures does not do the designs, sculptures and event justice.
You have to be there to smell the latex so to speak.
QuoteI have to say that just looking at the pictures does not do the designs, sculptures and event justice.
You have to be there to smell the latex so to speak.
I sooo agree with that quote Graham.... but its a great second best for those of us that could not go to the event for whatever reason.... and I have to say for those that did not think it was for them your pictures and comments have to be a fantastic insight for them when making a decision next time....
I know people work with balloons fro a wide variety of reasons and ways, from it being a hobby to a job to a life style and it all makes a difference to the perception of any event, what ever its size... BUT if you want to be WOWED big time, Qualatex always know how to take these events and throw a party to remember..
Thanks for giving us an glimpse of what we missed (it was unfortunate on the date for us)... next time we hope to join the fun....
Pam
xx
These are from a Sue Bowler class,
The last two pictures from the event,
So it's now competition time, I have at least two prizes and all you have to do is make something from any of the pictures I have put on the forum from the event. It does not have to match exactly, a variation or you had an idea from one of the pictures. You have a fortnight from today to enter, all entries will be put into a hat and the winner pulled out, that is if more than one person enters. You can enter as many times as you like, so if you put up 3 pictures your name will go into the hat 3 times. Good luck.
I have two delegate bags full of goodies to win, perhaps one will be Neil's who was unable to make the event.
Quote from: "Graham Lee"If anyone would like to use any of the pictures I have taken or any quote from the forum could you please ask me first as in 99.999999% I'm sure I will agree.
Perhaps I'm from the old school but I just think its polite and courteous :)
At the event Graham, I heard a few times mentioned that they didn't want any of the photos uploaded to the likes of Facebook etc without permission from Qualatex. I didn't want to upload any pics just in case. What's the normal procedure regards this? I would love to put some photos on my Facebook to show the quality of what was there.
I thought it was just the step by step instructions no on wanted putting on to facebook. Some people had there camera's set to take a picture every 10 secs.
Oh, maybe, I'm not sure what their rules are :?:
I was under the same impression as Graham - reason I have not posted pics on my web site or Face Book - Maybe we can post pics of our sculpture and just general pics.
Debbie xx
Graham has always posted pics on this site for the qualatex events he goes to....
But I too was under the impression that at all qualatex events they had stopped people posting pictures before the Images mag was produced - otherwise they would have no news to show..
But pictures and inflormation are being uploaded onto the qualatex facebook page as well as other pages and websites...
I think you are always allowed to post pictures of your own Sculpture Debbie... easiest thing is to phone them and check
Pam
xx
I will have to check with her Agency as she is a little Star Struck at the moment, all the camera flashes have gone straight to her head - Little Diva she is now.....
I will post on some photos of my one so everyone can see what we did - as I said I think we came 4th as we did not come `1st, 2nd or 3rd..... lol - we enjoyed ourselves and learnt a lot for maybe next time........ it was a huge learning curve that was well beyond my comfort zone and I hope that I have taken some positive things from it for the future.
Debbie xx
JUST A LINE TO SAY....the qualatex event was really nice....it gave me a huge sense of inspiration. it sort of provoked me to get out of my comfort zone...i believe that i have taken some positive knowlegde from it for the future. was really nice to see you Graham.....x
Ok I will start the ball rolling with pictures inspired by the ones Graham has posted....
keeping an 'eye' on you
'Lilli-Bell'
Love the cow print
Quote from: "Graham Lee"...perhaps one will be Neil's who was unable to make the event.
In lieu of Qualatex (or is it Qualtex) :) sending my bag on to me, I'll be up for the comp -- bear with me though as I'm not as fast (or as good) as Pam!
--Neil
Quote from: "Neil Drummond"In lieu of Qualatex (or is it Qualtex) :) sending my bag on to me, I'll be up for the comp -- bear with me though as I'm not as fast (or as good) as Pam! --Neil
Good to see someone reads what I write about ;) :lol:
[attachment=0:2u6arzim][/attachment]Mr T (9).jpg[/attachment:2u6arzim]
Well I've just had a go at Dee White's Mr T figure. It's not quite right but I haven't got any Mocha 5" rounds so have subbed them for a 646 and I've used a 260 for the head when I now think it must have been a 350. Also used a twisted white scrap for the eyes but I should have used a 5" round. Will have another go later and see if I can do better ;)
I just love the idea of Luc's balloon people from the numbers - and the simplicity of the people addition that I added the same idea to my archways at a local Asda Store Front Entrance.. You have to agree they made a difference
Pam
xx
Roll UP Roll UP, Win a Prize,
Qualatex have just sent over the two bags for the winners of the competition, at the moment only Yvonne and Pam five times have entered. I think we do need a few more so will keep the competition open till the end of the month.
I don't know - I like my chances right now ;)
It's only 5/1 Yvonne so a betting person may but all the money on Pam?
Nah Pam only has 4 entries as the last 2 are of the same thing :D Can you tell I am angling for a goody bag. I will have a play but just wiped out today so had to take a day's rest. Need to get back to the grindstone though ;)
hey I just happened to have had similar ideas brewing or sparked off in a direction after seeing the pics and having jobs I could try them on... Love it when I get paid to practise!!!
From where I am at the moment I think Its one each Yvonne, if no one else posts pics, so no need for bets.. if others post pics then names in hat and see who comes out..
Love the little character, not done any twisting where I can practise that side lately..
Pam
xx
Pam I was joking about although of course I would love to win a goody bag but who wouldn't?
Ok so these are my attempts so far!!
one more
A press release review for the convention,
Around 450 delegates, distributors, instructors and staff attended the recent Qualatex Event in Oxfordshire, what a beautiful old house the Heythrop Hall is, a very large, remote country house for what was a wonderful few days of balloon immersion with classes, competitions, parties and loads of networking. 29 nationalities were represented and it was great to see the interaction between everyone including the twisters and decorators.
First off was the sculpture competition, with 8 teams entering the large sculpture and 5 in the medium, the broad subject being "The Future"; winner of the large sculpture was the team from Russia, led by Tatiana Ismaylova and runners up were Luiz da Silva CBA and his Brasilian team. Winner of the medium sculpture was Pascal Grooten from Belgium, with runners-up being Team Radar from Romania. Please look at all the pictures posted on this thread to see some of the wonderful work that was dispalyed at teh Qualatex event.
Distributors for Pioneer Europe Ltd from across the continent were in attendance for their annual meeting, with presentations on new products and sales strategies. The award for Distributor of the Year went to Irish Party Supplies for a year of excellent results, so congratulations to all who came away with an award for all their hard work in 2011.
There followed 3 days of lessons in balloon decorating, business discussions and partying; top instructors from UK, Europe, Mexico and the USA enjoyed passing on their skills and knowledge and, from the feedback received, were able to enthuse some of the delegates to such an extent that they could hardly wait to put new ideas into practice.
Michelle Comerford, Pioneer's Sales manager, was delighted with the success of the event. "I'm really pleased that so many of our valued customers attended," she said, "and I'm especially happy that so many participants took and passed their CBA exams. With 29 new CBAs (Certified Balloon Artists), the future of the balloon industry looks increasingly bright."
Pioneer Europe leads the field in balloon training and arranges many training events in individual countries, but this was the biggest Qualatex Event to be held in Europe for some years; next year, the World Balloon Convention, an Event that attracted 700 plus participants in 2010, will be taking place in Dallas, Texas. Link to website; http://www.worldballoonconvention.com/index.php (http://www.worldballoonconvention.com/index.php)
Only a few days to get your entries in to win the goodie bag that the delegates received at the event, end of the month.
I will have a look to see if there are any other freebies to add in as well.
Here's my entry:
(//http://www.crazychris.ca/files/8013/2235/6517/17514156595_G58T3.jpg)
I don't know if this one will count, but I also used the same basic design concept and did one more related to the time of year:
(//http://www.crazychris.ca/files/2613/2235/6761/17514216785_x3rb6.jpg)
Regards,
Chris
With this sculpturara I took second place in the medium sculptures
This was very well received this weekend with lots of nice comments.
I had really hoped to have made a few more bits by now but am so crazy busy I'll just not get the chance :( Nevermind. Will be coming back to this thread for inspiration lots though.
I will do the draw tonight to see who wins the two goodie bags, so any last minute entries will be allowed up to 10pm, so be quick.
I just had a quick look and think we have the following going into the hat,
Emma x 5 entries
Chris x 2 entries
Pam x 4 entries
and Yvonne with 1 entry
I have just done the draw and made a little bo bo, I pulled out the two winners and then found another name had dropped on the floor when I was mixing them all in the hat, oops.
I did a re-draw and Pam came out twice so I took another name so the winners of the goody bags are Pam & Emma,
congratulations and many thanks for all those who took the time to join in.
Yay! Thanks Graham can't wait to recieve it!!! I am planning on making the balloons from the stuffed balloon pictures you have put up so will post these once I have finished, a good alternative to a teddy in the balloon! :D
Have posted out the two goody bags today.
I had a few foil balloons laying around so added them as well plus all the balloons, pumps, wieghts from the bag I received from attending the event.
Went to collect my post from sorting office today and found I had recieved a goody bag in the post (sorry just been making quick in and out and not serious looks on site lateley, slap hands for not reading properly!)
Thank you... on quick glance ( and not at balloons yet.. love the peg weights)
Pam
xx
Hi sorry for taking so long to post this, Ive bee really busy this week.
Thanks so much for the box of goodies it was a lovely package with lots of useful products.
Thanks again Graham.