Samuel Stamp-Dod, the artist behind UK-based balloon business VIP Balloons, bought home two awards from the Qualatex World Balloon Convention in San Diego last month.
The WBC took place from 14 – 17 March 2018 and attracted nearly 900 delegates from 52 countries. Often described as ‘The Olympic games of the balloon world’, the event sees over 30 leading instructors from around the world come together to inspire others, help delegates develop their techniques and offer tried and tested business-building advice.
“These events happen every two years,” said Samuel, “and after speaking with colleagues from across the UK who went last time, I decided to go and compete.”
Samuel, who is based in Ipswich and started working with balloons in the late 1990s, entered four of the nine competition categories; Medium Sculpture, Photo Frame, Column and Table Centrepiece.
“For the sculpture I formed a team of five people, all from the UK, and we had twelve hours to complete the design,” explained Samuel. “It was touch and go as to whether we would finish on time, but we did it!”
BAPIA sponsored Team GB, which consisted of Mike Hurst (Reds, Brackley), Debbie O’Niel (Wow Balloons, Benfleet), Lucy Hennessey (Balloon Power, Leigh-on-Sea) and Alison Galley (Celebration Balloons, Rothwell).
The team picked up a bronze for the medium balloon sculpture – which was based on Finding Nemo – while Samuel and Mike bought home another for their column design inspired by the Russia World Cup logo.
“The event was amazing,” Samuel continued, “just seeing how different countries tackle their designs. The Japanese used lots of intricate bubbles within their designs, while the Americans chose to impress with huge balloons. I learnt so much in the two weeks there, I can’t wait to use some of these new skills with my clients back in Suffolk.”
Read Samuel’s story in more detail at www.vipballoons.co.uk.
