Mark Zettler has sent me some more details about what will be happing in Las Vegas in two weeks time,

The BALLOONstitute – Las Vegas, August 10-11, 2010
 
The impossible is not only possible it is now confirmed!
 
To everyone in the balloon community, Twisters, Decorators,
Entertainers, Retail Party Stores, Florists, and Event Professionals
of all kinds – there will be balloon education in Las Vegas in just
two short weeks.
 
Despite Summer Balloon Camp and Diamond Jam having both been recently
cancelled, this week, we have created two events for ANYONE
interested in Balloon Education this Summer.
 
Alternajam – http://www.alternajam.com will be held August 9, 2010,
produced by Todd Neufeld and Don Caldwell.
 
The BALLOONstitute – http://www.BALLOONstitute.com will be held
August 10-11, 2010, produced by Mark and Andrea Zettler.
 
BOTH events will be at The Tuscany Suites & Casino, located just two
short blocks off The Strip in Las Vegas. Through the kindness of many
wonderful Sponsors for these events, we have been able to greatly
subsidize the Attendee costs with special grants from these Sponsors.
 
Alternajam – Come twist the day and night away from Noon to 10 PM
with special lectures and performances from some of the best twisters
in the business.
 
The BALLOONstitute – Features 8 world-class instructors, over 20
completely different classes, lunch each day, class notes and lots of
fun.
 
Special pricing is available for ANY previously full paid Diamond Jam
2010 or Summer Balloon Camp 2010 attendee with complete pricing,
class descriptions, hotel accommodations, exhibitor and sponsor
listings at http://BALLOONstitute.com with performance descriptions
for the Twisters at http://alternajam.com
 
Sleeping room rates for the event are at the ridiculously low price
of just $26.00 per night per room, featuring free parking, two pools,
health club, all suite hotel rooms, buy 1 get 1 free meals, free slot
. play and lots more. Our host hotel is The Tuscany Suites & Casino
-just two blocks off The Strip in Las Vegas.
 
EVERYONE is welcome, as we have been able to secure deeply discounted
rates to attend for EVERY person who wishes to come learn, laugh and
experience this once in a lifetime event. I know, that "once in a
lifetime" stuff everybody always says. But really, have you ever been
to a full-fledged convention that was conceived, planned, contracted
and executed in just three weeks time?
 
Thank you to everyone involved in the creation of these two events;
bringing the balloon industry together to help our fellow balloon
professionals in time of need. BIG thanks goes out to our ever-
growing list of sponsors. Check back on our Web sites often to see
who else is stepping up to assist fellow balloon professionals at
this difficult time.
 
Our first two attendee sign-ups were from Australia, so c'mon World,
if they can come from Downunder you can come from anywhere!!
 
See you in Las Vegas in just a few weeks, August 9-11.
 
Sincerely,
 
Todd Neufeld -
Don Caldwell
Andrea Zettler
Mark Zettler

More news just in about balloonstitute;

The Impossible Will Be Happening...
August 10-11, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. *

Due to the recent challenges experienced by Diamond Jam and Summer Balloon Camp, The BALLOONstitute – Las Vegas was quickly formed in just the last SIX days to help all those who have lost the ability to attend such an event and ANYONE wishing to take advantage of a fantastic opportunity to improve their skills in the business of balloons. Las Vegas WILL be having Balloon Education in August at very little cost!
 
There Will Be So Much For You To Do and Learn
Over 20 Classes
All Skill Levels
Design and Business Subjects
Class notes
Table Top Exhibitors
Meals
TONS of fun
as we embark together on this improbable journey
in the desert in just a few short weeks.  
   
The BALLOONstitute – Las Vegas is also open to ANYONE looking for world-class education to enhance their business skills. The kindness of our Sponsors is helping to underwrite your entrance fee as well.
For the most up to date information please visit
our brand new Web site at:
http://www.BALLOONstitute.com
 
Your Costs:
ANY Prepaid Summer Balloon Camp 2010 & Diamond Jam 2010 registrant (with proof of registration at SBC 2010 or DJ 2010) will pay:

    * Just $29.00* per day per person for BALLOONstitute 2010 registration OR
    * Only $49.00* for the two-day experience of BALLOONstitute – Las Vegas.

All Other Attendees:

    * Just $89.00 per day per person*
OR
    * Only $149.00* for the two-day experience of BALLOONstitute – Las Vegas.


* These fees have been wholly subsidized with grant money pledged by all of our Sponsors for this event. BALLOONstitute – Las Vegas is most grateful for our Sponsors concern and willingness to help support fellow balloon professionals in a time of need.


Download Registration Application Here
 
ALSO: AlternaJam August 9, 2010

Please join the Twister community as they "Jam the Night Away" at The Tuscany Suites & Casino from Noon to 10 PM. AlternaJam has been formed by Todd Neufeld, Don Caldwell and Tawney Bubbles separately from BALLOONstitue and we hope you will join them to add to your BALLOONstitute – Las Vegas experience.

Visit their brand new Web site for more important details at: http://www.alternajam.com
 
*BALLOONstitute – Las Vegas is not associated in any way with Diamond Jam; Summer Balloon Camp; BSH, LLC or their producers, members and associated entities.
 
Contact Us:
E-mail: http://www.BALLOONstitute.com

Don has just emailed over some more news and details on the Alterna Jam taking place in Vegas 9th August;

Hello fellow balloon enthusiasts and welcome to this long overdue update on the soon to be wondrous spectacle that is Alterna-Jam!  Here is what we currently have on tap.


On August 9th, 2010 from Noon until 9:00 pm at the Tuscany Hotel and Casino in Fabulous Las Vegas NV, we are hosting a one day all out mega jam unlike anything that has ever been attempted before.  A giant jam room, but with random workshops, teach in sessions, and performances by the absolute best of the best in our industry all day long.  Seriously, this is like the Lollapollooza or Ozz Fest of Balloon Jams!


The jam will be hosted and feature workshops with Todd Neufeld, Tawney Bubbles, and Don Caldwell (that's me) with special appearances and teach in sessions by Ken Stillman, Jack Mattson, Andrew McDonald, Robbie Furman, Alberto Nava, and Master Magician Jeff McBride.  Plus jamming, sharing, contests, and other balloon related mayhem all day long.
This event is FREE to anyone who registered and paid for either Diamond Jam or Summer Balloon Camp 2010.  And for those who had not registered but still want to attend this historic event, admission is only $25.  That's less than the cost of most instructional DVDs.

PLUS, thanks to Mark Zettler who is hosting Balloonstitute on August 10th & 11th, The Tuscany is offering rooms for just $26.00 per night for attendees of both of our events. To reserve your room just call the Tuscany Room Reservations Department at 877-887-2261 and ask for the "BALLOONS" group rate.  And remember, if you still have reservations at Sam's Town, you have until July 31st to cancel without penalty.

For more info on Balloonstitute check out http://BALLOONstitute.com/

Well boys and girls (and others), that is all for now. We will keep you posted on any other big developments, and we'll see you in Vegas!

Don Caldwell aka "Buster Balloon"


P.S.  Paid admissions are our only hope of covering the cost of this event so please tell all of your balloon twisting friends about us and send them to http://Alternajam.com    We have a room just a wee bit bigger than the Twist & Shout jam room so the more the merrier!

This all sounds so great...!

I did price up flights from Manchester to Vegas but unfortunately the cheapest flight now is over £1500

I found American airlines at £966 and a direct flight with BA for £1020. When I went last year I paid around £460/480 but did book a few months in advance.

Pictures from the event can be seen here; http://www.facebook.com/BALLOONstitute