As this is the last newsletter of 2018 from PartyWorldwide.net, would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a fantastic new year. We’re signing off now, but we’ll be back on 4 January, refreshed and ready to party on through 2019!
Taking a quick look back at the news which has made party headlines over the last year, a lot has happened over the last 12 months.
A hugely successful H&P Expo got the year off to a great start, with a new Spring Fair Party Show venue shaking things up back in the UK as well. Qualatex launched the hugely popular Chrome balloons and Creative Party celebrated 65 years in business.
Angels Open Days were a great success in March, as was World Book Day, while almost 900 people took part in the fifth Qualatex World Balloon Convention in San Diego. Costumes made the headlines too, with many being deemed offensive for cultural appropriation and a number of other reasons.
Balloons releases were being banned left, right and centre, until EBPC, BAPIA, NABAS, Amscan and Pioneer all came together to unify the industry and officially advise against balloon releases. Meanwhile, we are still waiting to see the final results of the EU’s proposed single-use plastic legislation…
Retailers have had a mixed year as well – we’ve sadly had to report on a number of long-term stores closing their doors, while others have been opening new branches and winning business retail awards for their innovative approach to industry.
And of course, Halloween was once again the cobweb-covered jewel in everyone’s party crown!
With all that in mind we are so grateful for everyone’s support – whether you have been sending us stories, sharing your news or letting us know your honest opinions on the market, we couldn’t make PartyWorldwide.net as relevant and interesting as it is without your help. Thank you!
With that said, we’re off to finish off our Christmas shopping. We’ll see you in the new year as we start looking towards to the various trade shows taking place in January and February – there’s a lot of exciting and innovative new party product coming through and it looks like 2019 is going to be a very interesting year.
Until then – have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy the party!
