International Balloon Association
What's Up? Newsletter
Membership Renewal Issue  January 2010
Greetings Balloon Industry Members,
 
As we ring in the New Year please know that you are invited to renew membership in the IBA! 
 
The IBA provides support for you in your business efforts with research on critical issues, resources for professional development and up-to-date information about the industry as well as discounts and services that directly benefit your bottom line (see Member Benefits under Quick Links).
 
Please support the Association that supports you - join IBA today!
 
 
$$$ New Member Welcome Kits $$$
Associate Members (Retailers/Decorators/Entertainers) who are new to IBA in 2010 are eligible to receive a New Member Welcome Kit with a retail value of over $415. Kits containing redeemable certificates will be awarded upon receipt of membership. Don't miss out on this generous offer of free products from member manufacturers - Join IBA today! 
 
Click here to learn more about New Member Welcome Kits.
Join IBA Today
IBA Membership Dues payment is as easy as a click away. Now available on the IBA Web site SECURE ONLINE PAYMENT . No checks to write or forms to fill out and fax. Your emailed receipt will confirm your transaction.
Membership Categories and Dues are as follows:
  • Associate Member(Retail/Decor/Entertainer)-$149 Annual   
  • Distributor Member - $450 Annual 
  • Accessories Manufacturer - $700 Annual
  • Support Services/Helium Supplier - $700 Annual
  • Balloon Manufacturer - $1500 Annual
 
Prefer to send a check?
Download Membership forms here:
 
Educational Support
Now on the IBA Web site decor professionals will find important guidelines and facts with regard to copyright infringement as it pertains to the improper appropriation of others work on the internet. "Nix Pinching Pix!" is the new IBA campaign to advise and educate balloon professionals about proper image use and protections. 
 
Other educational resources include: 
 
IBA Member Only Resources Include
: (Members please login to access these pages) 
  • Instructor Training Resources
  • Instructor Resume Submit Form 
Marketing/Selling More Balloons
The IBA Marketing Committee has developed the Bring Balloons! campaign to be used by the balloon industry to drive the purchase of balloons for all of life's celebrations. The Bringballoons.com Web site is under development now and will provide a media tool kit and educational packet that members can use to promote their individual businesses and the balloon industry in general. Logo and artwork for the new industry catch phrase is available on the IBA Web site.Bring Balloons logo
Professional Development Resources
Resources for IBA Members Only are available on the IBA Web site. Members must create a User Name and Password to access these informative pages: 
  • Helium News and Information - Read CryoGas Magazine's 2009 Helium Report
  • Industry News/Articles of Interest - Best practices advice and information - new articles posted each week
  • Board Meeting Minutes - read actions voted on by the board
  • Committee Meeting Reports - read monthly reports
  • Social Media Marketing Resources - new information posted weekly
  • Newsletter Archives
Members please visit www.ibaonline.net and Login to access these pages.
 
What do you need?
Please contact the IBA at 866-413-7358 or Email Marty@IBAonline.net to tell us how to make the IBA a more valuable resource for you.
 
Sincerely,
Marty Fish
Executive Director
In This Issue
Welcome Kits
Join IBA Today
Educational Support
Marketing Support
Professional Development
State of the Industry
 
Plan to attend IBA's State of the Industry Breakfast on Saturday, January 23, 2010, 7:30 - 8:45 AM where the topic of discussion will be Growth Strategies for 2010: Bringing the Balloon Industry Up in a Down Economy. This is a knowledge-networking meeting designed to accommodate balloon industry manufacturers, distributors, and retailers attending the Halloween & Party Expo in Houston, TX. 
Join Our Mailing List
New Benefits of Membership
 
Summer Balloon Camp is now offerering IBA members a 10% discount on registration fees through June 1, 2010. Don't miss out on reducing your costs to attend the largest annual balloon convention in the U.S. to be held August 10, 11 & 12 in Las Vegas, NV.
 
Learnballoondecorating.com is offering IBA Members a $100 discount on registration fees to seminars in 2010. This comprehensive 6 day program will jump start your business immediately. Check the Learnballoondecorating.com Web site for 6 day seminar dates.
 
 
Safety
Mandatory Weights
Accountability
Responsibility
Teaching
 
The Smart Balloon Practices Committee would like to remind you to individually weight helium-filled foil balloons!
REMINDER

Members are encouraged to add the IBA logo to their Web site

 
Illustrate your  involvement and reciprocity with a professional  trade group.
 
 
 
Wishing you a  Happy and Prosperous New Year!