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State of the Industry-Helium Update June 2012
INTERNATIONAL BALLOON ASSOCIATION

New Benefit!

 

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A2Z Balloons

 First Data Credit Card Processing

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P: (847) 874-3442

F: (847) 739-7278

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Bring Balloons is a universal marketing slogan for the Balloon Industry 
Bring Balloons Campaign

September is International Balloon Month!

 

A marketing campaign to raise consumer awareness and increase sales in the month of September! 

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Look for Happy Face balloon promotions from your distributor in their FALL/WINTER Sales Catalogs!

Retailers should be thinking about special promotions for their clients Right Now!

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Worldwide Helium Report October 2011 

 

JOIN IBA

PROMOTIONAL

RATE

$99

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Attend any educational event in 2012

(past or future)

IBA will reward you with a $50 savings on your membership!

 

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Helium?

Independent retailers and event decorators around the country are growing increasingly frustrated with their inability to get helium. There are still some with large-volume national contracts getting regular supply but there are also reports of allocations and shortages among large chains too. Price is an issue across the board as rates are increasing and vary from supplier to supplier with no clear rationale.

 

Ultimately, the balloon industry has found itself at the bottom of the food chain with regard to helium supply leading us all to ask these questions: When will we see relief?  Why do I hear conflicting stories about the helium shortage from different suppliers? Why do prices keep rising and vary so greatly from supplier to supplier? It is true that we are running out of helium? Why is my neighbor able to get helium?

Should I get out of the balloon business?

 

The current helium shortage is indeed a challenge for the balloon industry this summer but with every challenge there is opportunity. Resourcefulness and grit are the hallmarks of  this entrepreneurial industry and each company can survive until helium supply is ample again. Click here to read: Have you Reinvented Your Business Lately?  

 

This newsletter will attempt to answer the questions above and other frequently asked questions that were posed on the recent IBA Helium Supply Survey as well as shed some light on the future of helium for the balloon industry. Please join IBA and be unified in our efforts to secure helium for the balloon industry.

 

Best Regards,

Marty Fish

Executive Director

 

Helium FAQ's

Air-Filled Balloons on the Rise
Bring Balloons Table Top Arrangement
Air-Filled Design
Air-filled balloons have always been a mainstay for event decorators who have enjoyed a freedom from the expense and transportation of helium in their work. The addition of products from companies such as
Clik-Clik, an innovative
 magnet system for hanging balloons and signage from the ceiling, has advanced the use of air-filled creations over the years.

But what can a party store or grocery do to maintain balloon sales where they have traditionally depended on helium to fill those balloons?

Air-filled balloon creations are on the rise and can fill the needs and wants of the balloon loving public with new and creative ways to celebrate occasions of every type. This summer, balloon retailers and decorators will be taking advantage of the many educational opportunities across the country that will provide curriculum on air-filled designs. Foils of every shape and size will be shown in quick and easy designs to keep the love affair with balloons going and keep the balloon sales rolling in! 

Will you go?

Additionally, several artists are taking their ideas on the road this summer. Please check the Balloon HQ Calendar for educational opportunities at a distributor near you!

 

 And remember, IBA Membership is reduced $50 for those who attend education! See details below!

Distributor Discount Program
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IBA Associate Members can reap rewards all year long when you call these distributors. Click here to learn more about each distributor's special deal. Just fax your Membership Certificate* when ordering the first time to verify your current membership status in IBA.

*Associate Members with current member status have been emailed a Certificate of Membership.

Haven't received your Certificate? Contact Marty to renew membership or get another copy. Not a member? Join now!

Responsible Balloon Retailer 
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SMART Balloon Practices

Smart Balloon Practices LogoHelp keep our industry safe from negative legislation by weighting foil balloons individually. Visit The Balloon Council website for more information on enrolling in the Responsible Balloon Retailer ( RBR) program and educate your customers about the importance of hanging on to their balloon purchase.

 

For more information please contact:
Marty Fish - IBA Executive Director
International Balloon Association

866-413-7358 Toll Free

866-858-2143 Toll Free Fax

Marty@ibaonline.net

www.IBAonline.net

 

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IBA Membership for Retailers, Decorators and Entertainers is reduced to a promotional rate of $99 (a $50 savings) when you attend any educational event in 2012 which includes, Halloween & Party Expo, World Balloon Convention, Float, West Coast Event, Ballooniversity, IBA Annual Conference, Distributor-Sponsored Seminars, Balloonstitute, etc. Any educational event past or future will apply!