BAPIA Magazine by BAPIA

Magazine Magazine

Welcome Welcome

John John Bowler Bowler

BAPIA

We have an abundance of thrilling new developments here at BAPIA! One highlight is the upcoming CAP Expo, a trade show dedicated to the celebration and party sector, scheduled for next March Make sure to read all about it in the magazine it's going to be fabulous and just what our industry needs! Many of you may recall the "good old days" of the party show, filled with excitement and the joy of gathering with everyone in one location You’ll have the chance to connect with leading industry manufacturers, discover innovative new products and business opportunities, explore the latest offerings from UK suppliers, and enjoy fantastic discounts when placing your orders Plus, we will feature a wonderful selection of ‘Unique Boutiques’, showcasing small independent suppliers who will have the opportunity to sell directly from their stands! So whether you are a balloon professional, event planner, face painter, soft play or sleep overbusiness, or someone completely new to the party sector, this is definitely the event for you!

What’s Inside...

We are also excited to share the news that we are now the proud owners of UK FABAC - Face & Body Art Convention! We eagerly anticipate this new journey and the opportunity to collaborate more closely with the face painting community. Stay tuned for more details about the 2026 convention coming your way soon!

This will be our 10th year working with GOSH to bring fun and exciting decoration for the children’s Christmas parties. We look forward to welcoming members to come along and help! Registration for the draw to help will be announced soon!

Lastly, I want to say a big thank you to everyone who contributed to bringing our latest magazine to fruition To our advertisers, content contributors, and all those involved in the featured articles – your support has made this publication a reality

Looking forward to seeing you at CAP Expo! John

Introducing Our Incredible Team!

John and Sue, the founders of BAPIA, bring together over 60 years of combined experience in the balloon and party industry. Their extensive knowledge makes them always ready to assist and provide guidance. Michelle manages our membership, while Bex brings creativity to our social media platforms! Of course, Angie oversees training and education. Together, we’re all here to support you!

Discover BAPIAplus – Where Your Money Goes Further

BAPIAPlus is a FREE benefits and discounts platform exclusively available to BAPIA members.

Have you explored BAPIAPlus yet? With your BAPIA membership, you automatically gain access to THOUSANDS of discounts at both high street and online retailers. New discounts are added every week, along with a FREE monthly lottery for a chance to win £1000 CASH, and exciting monthly prize draws!

To take advantage, simply download the Boostworks app!

For more details, check out this fantastic video by scanning the QR code below!

Join us for the ultimate party industry spectacle at the Celebration and Party Expo 2025, taking place on March 23rd and 24th! Prepare to be amazed by the latest trends in party products and services, showcased by the leading manufacturers and suppliers in the industry. From balloons and backdrops to neon signs, soft play, sweet carts, face painting, and innovative entertainment options, this expo truly has it all, including free demonstrations and inspiring speakers.

And that’s not all! Immerse yourself in exceptional networking opportunities at the CAP Expo Party - CAPFest on Sunday night. Mingle with industry insiders, savour delicious street food, and dance the night away to disco and funk music from our awesome live band!

With the CAP Expo app launching in January, you’ll have everything you need to navigate the event and maximize your experience.

Don’t let your business lag behind – seize this exciting opportunity to stay at the forefront and elevate your business. Join us at the Celebration and Party Expo 2025 for two days of fun, connections, and inspiration We can't wait to see you there!

Pre-registration to attend is FREE.

Visit www.CAPexpo.co.uk celebration.partyexpo

At the CAP EXPO, you'll find the UK's most extensive and diverse

At the CAP EXPO, you'll find the UK's most extensive and diverse selection of party-related exhibitors and products. Explore the full selection of party-related exhibitors and products. Explore the full lineup on the website for a comprehensive list. lineup on the website for a comprehensive list. www.CAPExpo.co.uk www.CAPExpo.co.uk

A Sticky Dilemma - Choosing the Best Glues and Adhesives for Your Balloon Decor

When it comes to sticking balloons and other materials together, there are numerous adhesives to choose from But which is the best glue or adhesive tape for the job?

Here's a guide to help you navigate the world of balloon adhesives, ensuring you have the right tools in your kit for every project

Latex to Latex - Click-Click™ Balloon Bond® has become an essential tool for professionals. This two-sided adhesive is perfect for connecting latex balloons and other materials New packaging coming soon!

Top Tip: Use Balloon Bond for latex-to-latex connections, but it also works well with foil/foil and latex/foil combinations Balloon Bond may require some practice, but once mastered, it's perfect for adding details plus, it's nearly invisible!

UGlu Dashes - Available at most UK wholesalers and suppliers, stick to almost anything, making them indispensable. They are perfect for securing foils and attaching balloons to various surfaces

What Glue article

Top Tip: They're clear, so they don't show, and being pre-cut makes them easy to use Balloon Pros prefer UGlu Strips for their versatility and extra stickiness. They're especially useful for tricky, hard-to-stick materials

Stretchy Balloon Tape - Click-Click™ Stretchy®

Stretchy Balloon Tape is the go-to adhesive for foil balloons It provides a strong connection without putting stress on the balloons The tape's elasticity makes it ideal for creating secure connections that can move with the balloon construction

Top Tip: This tape is a must-have in any professional's toolkit It can save the day, as it can be used to repair a pierced or damaged foil balloon perfect fix, as good as new! New packaging coming soon!

Other Adhesives Worth Mentioning

Elmer’s Rubber-Cement: another latex-latex bonding Glue Dots and Balloon Sticky Dots: Ideal for quick adhesion of small elements on latex, foil, and bubble-type balloons

Low Temperature or Cool Melt Glue Guns: Surprisingly effective for balloon designs, especially when building and attaching balloons to Mosaic Frames Just be careful hot glue can still pop balloons!

Gorilla Glue™: Known for its industrial strength, this glue is perfect for heavy-duty applications like securing Lomey poles to tiles

Missed Birthdays A

balloon has never meant so much

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), a leading mental health charity dedicated to preventing suicide in the UK, launched a powerful installation called "Missed Birthdays" to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.

This immersive display, created by BAPIA member Natalie Saunders of The Balloon Room, was located at Westfield London from September 9th to 11th, featured 6,929 birthday balloons, each representing a young life lost to suicide between the ages of 15 and 25 a birthday they never reached.

The campaign's purpose was to drive awareness, spark conversation, and bring attention to the UK's youth suicide crisis.

The installation received global attention, and the emotional impact of seeing these balloons emphasised the gravity of the issue.

After weeks of planning and hundreds of emails, this thought-provoking project was brought to life, and those involved will never forget its profound significance.

“I have over 22 years of experience in the balloon industry, starting my journey in April 2002. Initially a part-time job, it became my fulltime career in 2012 due to business growth. Before social media, promoting my work required significant effort. Eight years ago, I earned a teaching qualification to become a balloon instructor, which I truly enjoy. I run my own courses and teach for BAPIA, Amscan, and Tuftex. I've had incredible balloon jobs worldwide, meeting talented professionals along the way, and feel fortunate to do what I love daily.” - Nat Saunders

Missed Birthdays - A

balloon has never meant to much

”I was contacted by a Creative Production agency after they saw my work on my website and asked me to install the most powerful, thought-provoking campaign I’ve ever been a part of - Missed Birthdays for the mental health charity CALM

Weeks of planning, team meetings, tons of paperwork, testing and retesting ideas to cover the stringent Health & Safety, and over 300 emails went into bringing my client's vision to life. They showed me what they wanted, and I had to make it happen. This installation would be seen globally and would be put up for awards, like their previous campaign so no pressure! There were so many agencies involved in this, Creatives, Production, Riggers, Health & Safety, and me One couldn’t work without the other. We all had to be aligned and find a way to work together Very frustrating at times, but we got there

On Thursday, 5th September, the installation began With 20 people in my team, we started to air-inflate the 6,929 happy birthday foil balloons with ages 15-24. Each age balloon represented the amount of that age who had died through suicide in the last decade Each age had a different amount, all the ages totaled 6,929. We tied ribbons to each of them and individually stuck them to 783 Perlon lines to create ‘daisy chains’. These chains were then hung 13 meters up in the air. The design comprised 9 different lengths of lines, each with different amounts of balloons on I had to work out a way of measuring and producing these lines without it getting confusing. We worked solidly for up to 15 hours through the night, finishing on the morning of Monday, 9th at Westfield Shopping Centre in White City

I had the most amazing team. We bonded over this experience. The enormity and importance of this project were never lost on us We constantly reminded ourselves each balloon we were handling was a young life that had gone, and a devastated family left behind.

The response was phenomenal It was featured every day on ITV’s This Morning It went viral on TikTok and Instagram I’ve had messages of thanks from all over the world from people who have been touched in one way or another by youth suicide

I am so proud and will never forget this experience. I feel I’ve been part of something vitally important. I will be eternally grateful to my amazing team for helping me absolutely smash this project Things were constantly changing through this 4-night install, so we were always adapting to what was needed We had such a slick operation, all the planning and preparation worked so well. My clients were over the moon, and everyone commented on how amazing we were.”

BAPIA’s Commitment to the BAPIA’s Commitment to the Environment Environment

At BAPIA, we are passionate about At BAPIA, we are passionate about caring for our planet. While we caring for our planet. While we adore balloons and party-related adore balloons and party-related products, we acknowledge that our products, we acknowledge that our industry's future is closely linked to industry's future is closely linked to the health of the Earth. We the health of the Earth. We encourage our members to encourage our members to embrace this perspective and embrace this perspective and integrate sustainability into their integrate sustainability into their business practices. business practices.

We recognise that there is still We recognise that there is still significant work needed to significant work needed to minimise the environmental minimise the environmental footprint of our industry. footprint of our industry. Nevertheless, we are devoted to Nevertheless, we are devoted to this mission and urge our this mission and urge our members to take active measures members to take active measures to lessen our resource to lessen our resource consumption. consumption.

By implementing sustainability

Refill Foil Balloons

Foil balloons can typically be refilled multiple times! With care, you can release the air or helium inside using a straw and store it for its next use!

Repurpose Balloons

By implementing sustainability initiatives, we can generate long- initiatives, we can generate longterm value while coexisting term value while coexisting harmoniously with the harmoniously with the environment. BAPIA appreciates environment. BAPIA appreciates that this journey may be that this journey may be challenging, but we are committed challenging, but we are committed to providing education and to providing education and support to drive positive change. support to drive positive change.

be repurposed beyond their or new DIY (Do-It-Yourself) uding artwork, gift wrap, recrows” and more!

ose of Balloons Properly

oying balloons? Dispose of ly by popping each balloon scissors - never release d balloons.

cle Your Balloon Waste

Household recycling collections – check if your local authority allows balloons or foil in your household recycling bins. If they do then you might be able to recycle balloons in your domestic recycling bins, as long as there are no contaminating materials. Recycling centres – some household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) may accept old balloons for recycling. Check with your local authority if there’s a suitable bin at your nearby site for the types of balloons you want to recycle. They should be able to advise on whether you can recycle balloons in the plastic or mixed recycling bins.

UKFABAC

FACE & BODY ART CONVENTION

The long-held secret is finally out! As of Sunday, October 13th, 2024, BAPIA proudly announces its official ownership of the UK Face & Body Art Convention. This exciting development marks a new chapter for the convention, originally founded in 2003 by Rosey Watson of Rainbow Faces Limited. Rosey Watson recognized a gap in the UK for an event dedicated to professional face painters a space where they could not only hone their skills but also connect with peers in a fun and inspiring environment Driven by her passion for the art form and her commitment to the face painting community, Rosey established the convention to fulfill this need, creating a hub for creativity, learning, and networking Now, under the stewardship of BAPIA, the UK Face & Body Art Convention is set to continue and expand this legacy, offering even more opportunities for artists to thrive and connect

We’re absolutely thrilled to announce that we’re taking the reins of the UK Face and Body Art Convention! This renowned event has been a true masterpiece, lovingly crafted by Rosey and her incredible team over the years. It’s an honour to continue her legacy, and while we’re eager to build on her success, we know perfection when we see it – no sweeping changes are on the horizon. We’re here to preserve what makes this convention so special, and we’re delighted to share that Rosey herself will be joining us as our special guest in 2026 to see how we’ve done!

When we first attended the 2013 convention, we were blown away by the sheer creativity and talent on display. But what truly stood out was the vibrant sense of community among face painters, and we knew we wanted to be part of that magic. With many face painters already among our members, we’re excited to deepen that connection by offering an exclusive, tailor-made membership package just for you. We’re always eager to hear your thoughts and suggestions on how we can make this convention and everything we do—even better. So don’t hesitate to reach out with your ideas! We can’t wait to see you at the UK Face and Body Art Convention 2026 for an unforgettable experience!

NEW and Exclusive NEW and Exclusive for Face

Painters for Face Painters

BAPIA FACE PAINTER MEMBERSHIP

Tailored specifically for the face painting

Tailored specifically for the face painting community, this BAPIA membership community, this BAPIA membership level offers fantastic benefits to support level offers fantastic benefits to support you and your business as you thrive and you and your business as you thrive and grow. grow.

For just £60 plus VAT (£72.00) for a

For just £60 plus VAT (£72.00) for a 12-month membership (pro-rated to 12-month membership (pro-rated to October 15th each year), you will enjoy October 15th each year), you will enjoy the following benefits FREE with your the following benefits FREE with your membership: membership:

Public liability insurance coverage

Public liability insurance coverage through Pardus Underwriting & through Pardus Underwriting & Accelerant Europe Insurance SA (an A- Accelerant Europe Insurance SA (an Arated insurer), providing: rated insurer), providing:

£10 million Public & Products Liability

£10 million Public & Products Liability Insurance for: Insurance for:

Face Painting Face Painting

Airbrushing Airbrushing

Glitter Tattoos Glitter Tattoos

Hair Braiding Hair Braiding

In addition, you'll receive: In addition, you'll receive: Access to discounts with Access to discounts with wholesalers wholesalers

Face painting risk assessment Face painting risk assessment support support

Online referrals through a public Online referrals through a public search facility search facility

Access to Terms & Conditions Access to Terms & Conditions And more exciting

to come! And more exciting

at Discover

at www.bapiaonline.com/facepainters www.bapiaonline.com/facepainters

to come! Discover

Step-by-Step Link-o-Loon Balloon Walls

Link-o-Loon balloons are the quickest way to make a balloon wall! Creating a Link-o-Loon balloon wall is a fun and colourful way to decorate for parties, events, or special occasions. Link-o-Loon balloons are available in both 12” and 6” sizes.

Link-o-Loon balloons have specially placed tail ends that allow you to easily link/tie them together.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to make a Link-o-Loon balloon wall:

Step-by-step instructions:

Plan the design:

Decide on the size and shape of your balloon wall. You could create a wall covering an entire backdrop, a small section of a wall, or even a free-standing balloon wall.

To plan your design, you could use the Balloon Pro Design Tool (https://balloonpro.co) This is a great way to experiment, and design your balloon wall and share a concept design with your clients. You can try it FREE for 7 Days

Inflate the balloons:

Materials you'll need:

Choose Link-o-Loon balloons in desired colours.

Balloon pump (electric pump for speed and efficiency)

Poles and bases or Command hooks or other hooks (for hanging the balloon wall)

Scissors

Use a balloon pump to inflate the Link-o-Loon balloons. Make sure to inflate them to the same size for a consistent look.

Create balloon chains:

Make multiple balloon chains of varying lengths, depending on your design plan To create a chain, inflate your balloons to the desired size and tie the balloons end to end, ensuring that the tying connections are tight and cannot stretch.

PHOTO CREDIT AVITAL & NIR SHECHTER NIR BALLOONS - ISRAEL

There are two styles of Link Walls ~ X- Grid and Vertical/Horizontal Grids

Here is an example of a Vertical/Horizontal Grid Method Link-o-Loon balloon wall. It has been colour-coded it to make it a little easier to understand the construction technique.

Step 2.

Once you have inflated your chains, lay them down in the correct sequence To connect the chains together, you will need Duplets (usually 5"), in the example shown you would need 60 Duplet (shown in yellow)

Step 1.

This is the first step to constructing a wall.

Make 6 chains using 9 balloons in each chain (this is shown in orange)

Make 10 chains using 5 balloons in each chain (this is shown in blue)

Add support for larger walls:

Step 3.

To fill the wall, you will need ‘plugs’.

A plug is a duplet that will fit in each of the holes within the wall. Inflate the duplets approximately 1" smaller than the size used to create the actual wall or if you are using smaller Link-o-Loon balloons approx ½” smaller

If you ' re creating a large balloon wall, you need to add support to ensure the balloons stay in place.

Optional: Add embellishments:

If desired, add other decorations like foil balloons, paper flowers, banners, or LED lights to enhance the balloon wall further.

Full Article

Angharad’s Party Art

Donna Taylor - Starry Skies Fireflies

Jasmine Vince -

The Jazzy Balloon Company

Angharad Hurlstone -

Loretta Saunders - Perfectly Popped Balloons

Debbie Boxill Dream Higher Events

Nicci Gibson - Balloon Bouquets

Angie GeorgeCreative Craft Workshops

The Importance of Public and The Importance of Public and Employers Liability Cover Employers Liability Cover for Your Business for Your Business

Public liability insurance is a crucial form of protection that shields

Public liability insurance is a crucial form of protection that shields businesses and individuals from financial losses arising from third party businesses and individuals from financial losses arising from third party injury or property damage. injury or property damage.

Though public liability insurance is not mandated by law in the UK, some customer agreements may require businesses to have this protection All businesses, from small start-ups to large corporations, should have public liability coverage, especially those that interact with clients or customers in person, or work on client sites

This insurance is important because it safeguards against negligence claims that result in injury or property damage As such, it is essential for UK businesses to regularly assess their needs and risks

Employers Liability Insurance is mandatory in the UK.

Businesses in the UK are legally required to have employers' liability insurance to cover their employees in case of injury or illness while on the job.

Secure Your Peace of Mind with Secure Your Peace of Mind with BAPIA Membership BAPIA Membership

When you join BAPIA, you can rest

When you join BAPIA, you can rest assured that your Public & Employers assured that your Public & Employers Liability Insurance is included as part of Liability Insurance is included as part of your membership. your membership.

Click the QR link to become a member Click the QR link to become a and start reaping the benefits of BAPIA's and start reaping the benefits of BAPIA's support and protection. support and protection.

Having recently had to deal with a claim the team at Bapia and Sharrocks dealt with this in a professional and calm manner taking all the stress away and allowing me to focus on my business.

Why choose Why choose

Become Part of Our Community and Discover the Difference

Our Promise is to Champion the Party

Industry and Our Members

We are proud to be the UK's leading and most respected balloon and party trade organisation. Our dedication to supporting our members and the industry remains steadfast.

Members enjoy a wide array of exclusive benefits that you won't find anywhere else—completely free as part of your membership. Don't let this chance to join our community and enjoy these advantages pass you by.

Networking Opportunities:

We offer a platform to network with like-minded professionals and business owners, suppliers and manufacturers. Building relationships within the industry can lead to new business opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations.

Access to Information:

Members receive industry-specific news & updates. Staying informed about trends and market development, is crucial for making informed business decisions.

Credibility and Trust:

Membership with BAPIA, a highly respected industry organisation, can enhance your company’s credibility. It signals to your customers that your business adheres to industry standards and best practices.

Legal and Regulatory Support:

BAPIA membership includes Public, Products & Employers Liability Insurance. This also gives members legal support, helping members navigate complex laws and regulations related to their industry

Professional Development:

BAPIA offers a range of training programs and workshops to help our members enhance their skills and knowledge Our Accredited Instructors possess teaching qualifications, years of industry experience, and are highly skilled and academically qualified to provide the best possible learning experience

Cost Savings:

At BAPIA we negotiate exclusive discounts for our members. These cost savings can offset your membership fees.

Community:

Being part of BAPIA creates a sense of community among professionals in the same field This camaraderie can be a source of support, mentorship, and friendship.

H a l l o w e e n K i t t y F a c e P a i n t i n g T u t o r i a l w w w . l i l p i p s . c o . u k

Using a petal sponge apply a soft white base in a 'T' shape around the muzzle, nose and eyes.

Apply a bright yellow to the inner cheek and brow area.

Apply purple to the outer cheeks, ear area and forehead. Blend all colours together nicely.

Using a stencil create some texture with the yellow and purple already on your sponge. There is no need to reload as paint should be really dry when using stencils to get nice clean lines. ( stencil used in this design is BAM1035 )

Use a 1/2' angled brush to create some roses and leaves in the centre forehead and the focal points at the outer eyes. Use the very tip of the angled brush to create flowing lines giving the illusion of 'vines'.

Black dfx linework muzzle and cheeks

Create a web pattern between linework to give that halloween feel.

BAPIA is not just for balloon related businesses

Other party items & business that BAPIA cover within our insurance benefits include:

Face Painting Face Painting

Bubble Houses Bubble Houses

Light Up Letters & Numbers Light Up Letters & Numbers

Soft Play Soft Play

Sleep Over Parties Sleep Over Parties

Prop Hire Prop Hire

Less than Less than 50p 50p per day per day

Sequin Walls & Photo Backdrops

Venue Decoration Venue Decoration

and much more... contact us for details

When I expanded my business in 2020 to include balloon twisting and decor, I began searching for an insurance provider that could comprehensively cover all aspects of my business. I found BAPIA to be absolutely fantastic. The discounts I receive from wholesalers, due to my BAPIA membership, often offset the cost of my monthly payments. Additionally, the peace of mind provided by their sizeable £10 million public liability policy is great. BAPIA offers numerous training opportunities and fun days that are excellent for networking and skill development. They also have discount schemes that help save money on everyday shopping. More than anything, BAPIA consists of lovely people who actively engage with my social platforms, sharing and commenting on my posts, demonstrating that they genuinely care about their customers and are willing to help in any way they can.