The Balloon Agents

FLOAT 2026 - USA
2026-01-23 16:00 - 2026-01-29 01:00 (Europe/London) | The Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, 2500 E 2nd St, Reno, NV, 89595, United States
FLOAT are officially now the largest attended balloon artist convention in the world, featuring the most sponsors and the largest overall footprint of space compared to anyone and everywhere else. With 1000 projected attendees, 50 general classes, optional Master and Bonus classes, social events, competitions, vendors and more, FLOAT 2026 is the biggest and boldest event yet.
Formal start date is January 25 2026, but “Pre-Funk” activities begin as early as January 23, 2026 with the FLOAT “After Party” officially taking place on January 29th, 2026.
International Academic Rate (from outside the US – through Jan 2, 2026) – $575.00 US
US Domestic Academic Rate (through Jan 2, 2026) – $795.00 US
Foundational (Beginner) Training Price (through Jan 2, 2026) – $550.00 US
Jamming / Networking Pass (through Jan 2, 2026) – $395.00 US
Weekend Pass (through Jan 2, 2026) – $295.00 US
FLOATation VIP Pass – $895.00 (does not include the price of registration – VIP access is a separate charge)

Corporate Decoration - London
2026-01-22 09:00 - 16:30 | London, United Kingdom
A professional workshop focused on designing elegant and impactful balloon décor for corporate events. Participants learn techniques for creating polished installations emphasising colour coordination, branding integration, and event styling suitable for business settings.

Valentine's Drop In Demo Day
2026-01-20 10:00 - 16:00 | Dattas Wholesale, TK House, Old Homesdale Road, Bromley, Kent, BR2 9SP, United Kingdom
LOOKING FOR VALENTINE’S DAY DESIGN INSPIRATION?
Join Datta’s Wholesale in Bromley, Kent for a relaxed, drop-in day of creativity and ideas!
BAPIA Instructor Angie George will be on-site between 10am and 4pm, demonstrating a range of romantic décor pieces, balloon designs, and gift ideas to help you get ready for one of the busiest seasons in the party calendar.
This is a completely FREE, open-house event – stay for five minutes or spend the whole day soaking up inspiration. Angie will be showcasing stunning designs using the beautiful Sempertex balloon collection and will be available throughout the day to offer expert tips, guidance, and support for your business.
No registration is required – simply turn up whenever suits you. However, if you’d like a friendly reminder before the event, you can register your interest and we’ll send you an email one week beforehand.

NABAS Level 1 - Preston
2026-01-15 09:30 - 17:00 | Pink Tree Parties, 1st Floor, 78 Poulton Street, Kirkham, Preston, Lancashire, PR4 2AH, United Kingdom
Our Level 1 Balloon Basics course covers hands on, fundamental techniques to create bouquets, garlands and arches as well as job costing, health and safety, marketing, risk assessments and much more! This class includes a colour manual packed full of information for you to keep along with a certificate from NABAS.

Discover the products used in the industry
Master a range of fundamental techniques
Explore the differences between helium and air decor
Learn how to price your work correctly
Understand important topics to help you work safely

Intro to Balloon Twisting for Decorators - London
2026-01-15 09:30 - 16:00 | London, United Kingdom
An introduction to the basics of balloon twisting designed for decorators. It covers essential tools, balloon types, and fundamental techniques for creating simple shapes and accents.

Link Balloon Hearts - Online
2026-01-13 12:30 - 14:30 | Online
Bite Sized Class
Linking Balloon Box Weave Heart / Puffed, quilted heart, organic heart

2026-01-13 09:30 - 17:00 | Dattas Wholesale, TK House, Old Homesdale Road, Bromley, Kent, BR2 9SP, United Kingdom
Ready to elevate your balloon skills even further?
Register your interest today, and we’ll send you the link to secure your place with BAPIA.
This brand-new course is perfect for decorators who’ve already taken their first steps in the balloon industry – whether you’ve completed the BAPIA Level One course or gained equivalent experience elsewhere.
Designed and taught by industry leaders Sue Bowler and Angie George – both highly qualified instructors with decades of expertise – this course will deepen your knowledge, refine your techniques, and boost your confidence to take your balloon business to the next level.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
Show-stopping balloon walls using Link balloons and the alternate-size square pack technique Professional-style columns, including the popular flat-packed method Additional key design techniques to expand your portfolio and impress your clients Costing and pricing guidance for every design, so you can quote confidently and protect your profit margins.
You’ll also receive:

📘 A certified qualification and an official certificate upon completion
📗 A comprehensive resource book covering everything from the course – and more!

We are proud to be partnering with Sempertex, Kalisan, Prima, Gemar, and Anagram Balloons. Each practical project will give you hands-on experience working with a variety of top brands.
COURSE DETAILS & PRICE:
The full course value is £250, but BAPIA is currently subsidising the cost, making your investment just £180.00 per person.
Small, hands-on classes: strictly limited to 10 delegates per location.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
This course requires a minimum of 6 delegates to run. If the minimum is not reached, BAPIA reserves the right to cancel the course and will issue a full refund of the course fee. Please note that BAPIA cannot reimburse any pre-booked travel or accommodation expenses.
WHAT TO BRING

✔ A hand pump
✔ Scissors
✔ Plenty of energy and enthusiasm!

Follow the link to register your interest and you will be sent information to secure your place.

Balloon Stacks Masterclass - Preston
2026-01-09 08:00 - 17:00 | Pink Tree Parties, 1st Floor, 78 Poulton Street, Kirkham, Preston, Lancashire, PR4 2AH, United Kingdom
Columns, squarepack, link balloons – from luxurious mini stacks to add-on upsells that grow your profits and portfolio.

NABAS Level 1 - London
2026-01-08 09:30 - 16:30 | London, United Kingdom
NABAS Level One class has been created specifically for those with little or no experience of working with balloons. It is a full day course, covering important information about the products we use, including types of balloons, weights, gases, inflation equipment etc as well as important theory and business information.
You’ll learn a selection of designs which help you develop your confidence in the key techniques that will underpin your work going forward, and also discuss how NABAS can support you with insurance, supplier discounts, business resources and much more going forwards. We make sure that, at the end of the day, you can take photos of all your work to start your portfolio and you can take home what you’ve made.
The cost for the day is £250 per person and this covers all materials used on the day, a colour manual for you to keep and a certificate from NABAS on successful completion of the course. We limit our class numbers for Level One to 6 people to ensure that you get as much help and support as you need to leave feeling happy and confident with what you’ve learned.

An Evening With Up Up & Away - Upminster
2026-01-06 19:00 - 21:30, 2026-01-06 16:30 - 19:00 | Ye Old Plough House, Brentwood Road, Bulphan, Upminster, RM14 3SR, United Kingdom
After the fantastic success of our previous event, we’re delighted to announce that another Evening with Up Up & Away is coming on Tuesday, 6th January 2026!
Join us for a fun and inspiring evening where balloon professionals and enthusiasts come together to learn, share, and connect. Meet some of the leading balloon artists as they share their tips, tricks, and experience — completely free!
There will be lots of opportunities to network with other professionals throughout the evening, making it the perfect chance to build connections, share ideas, and be part of a vibrant and supportive community. Choose from two session times — 4:30pm to 7:00pm or 7:00pm to 9:30pm — and enjoy an evening full of creativity, conversation, and inspiration.
Every guest will also receive a special goody bag to take home.

NABAS Level 1 - Leicester
2025-12-21 09:30 - 16:30 | Leicester, United Kingdom

Clear Balloons - London
2025-12-16 09:30 - 15:30 | London, United Kingdom
A detailed class exploring the many types of clear balloons available to balloon artists. Participants learn about different materials, finishes, and sizes, plus how to fill and style them for unique effects. The class focuses on creative ways to use clear balloons to elevate any design with elegance and dimension.

NABAS Level 2 - Bristol
2025-12-15 09:30 - 16:30, 2025-11-30 09:30 - 16:30 | Enchanted Balloon Bristol, 67 Sandy Park Road, Bristol, BS4 3PQ, United Kingdom
NABAS Level Two class is a natural progression from our Level One class. This is a hands-on day where you’ll work with more types of balloons, learn advanced techniques and work with framework to help you create more complex designs.
This is a full day course which costs £250 to include all materials used on the day, a colour manual for you to keep and a certificate from NABAS on successful completion of the course. There will be a maximum of 6 students on the course so you get the help and support you need, and at the end of the day you can take photos of all your work to start your portfolio and you can take home what you’ve made.

NABAS Level 1 - Bristol
2025-12-14 09:30 - 16:30, 2025-11-23 09:30 - 16:30 | Enchanted Balloon Bristol, 67 Sandy Park Road, Bristol, BS4 3PQ, United Kingdom

Organics Made Easy - Preston
2025-12-10 09:30 - 15:30 | Pink Tree Parties, 1st Floor, 78 Poulton Street, Kirkham, Preston, Lancashire, PR4 2AH, United Kingdom
A creative class that simplifies the art of organic balloon décor. Participants learn how to build natural, free-flowing balloon garlands and installations using different sizes, colours, and textures. The focus is on easy techniques for achieving balanced, stylish designs that fit any event or theme.

NABAS Level 1 - Preston
2025-12-09 09:30 - 16:30, 2025-11-18 09:30 - 16:30 | Pink Tree Parties, 1st Floor, 78 Poulton Street, Kirkham, Preston, Lancashire, PR4 2AH, United Kingdom

NABAS Level 2 - London
2025-12-04 09:30 - 16:30 | London, United Kingdom

NABAS Level 2 - Essex
2025-11-30 09:30 - 16:30 | Essex, United Kingdom

NABAS Level 1 - Essex
2025-11-29 09:30 - 16:30 | Essex, United Kingdom

NABAS Level 1 - Scotland
2025-11-29 09:30 - 16:30 | Scotland, United Kingdom

NABAS Level 1 - Birmingham
2025-11-23 09:00 - 16:00 | Birmingham, United Kingdom

NABAS Level 2 - Stevenage
2025-11-21 09:30 - 16:30 | GO International, Unit 15 Arlington Business Centre, Stevenage, SG1 2BD, United Kingdom

Balloon Costumes and Wearables - London
2025-11-20 09:30 - 15:30 | London, United Kingdom
A hands-on class that teaches how to create stylish Balloon Costumes & Wearables.

The Christmas Special BoBo Balloon Course - Upminster
2025-11-20 09:30 - 15:30 | Ye Old Plough House, Brentwood Road, Bulphan, Upminster, RM14 3SR, United Kingdom
Join the Christmas Special BOBO Balloon Course
Get festive and take your balloon decorating skills to the next level at the BOBO Balloon Course with expert instructor Leah Fair. In this creative, hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to cut, reseal, and style bobo balloons with stunning Christmas gifts and designs for the ultimate holiday magic. This full-day class is ideal for balloon professionals and creative enthusiasts eager to master seasonal balloon techniques.
Spaces are limited – book online and make your festive creations truly shine!

NABAS Level 2 - Preston
2025-11-19 09:30 - 16:30 | Pink Tree Parties, 1st Floor, 78 Poulton Street, Kirkham, Preston, Lancashire, PR4 2AH, United Kingdom

Masterclass With Tope - Upminster
2025-11-17 09:30 - 15:30 | Ye Old Plough House, Brentwood Road, Bulphan, Upminster, RM14 3SR, United Kingdom
Join the amazing Tope Abulude masterclass
