RE/MAX Special Events Team
PLANNING GUIDE
RE/MAX Special Events Team Event Planning Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS HOW TO BOOK A SPECIAL TEAMS EVENT SPEICAL EVENTS TEAM REQUEST AND BOOKING PROCESS
1
CREDIT PRICING FOR GA COMMITTEES
1
RE/MAX SPECIAL EVENTS TEAM PRICING
2
ELEMENTS AND ITEMS OF THE SPECAIL EVENTS TEAM
3
TETHER EVENT VS FREE FLIGHT
3-4
POLICIES
4
CONTACT US
5
YOUR EVENT IS BOOKED, NOW WHAT? PLANNING SCHEDULE (3-6 MONTHS)
6
PLAN MEETING
7
SET UP REQUIRMENTS & LOGISTICS
7-8
EVENT ‘WISH LIST’ EXAMPLE
8-9
IDEAS FOR YOUR EVENT
9
HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SPECIAL TEAMS EVENT HOW THE SPECIAL THE EVENTS TEAM CAN GROW YOUR BUISNESS
10
MEDIA AND PROMOTIONS
11-12
CHECK LIST
12
PRESS RELEASE TEMPLATES
13-14
HOW TO BUILD A PROMO VIDEO AND SHOOTING TIPS
15-16
SAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
17
BALLOON HISTORY HISTORY OF THE RE/MAX BALLOON
18
HISTORY OF BALLOONING/ HOT AIR BALLOON RECORS (TIME LINE)
18-19
FACTS AND FAQ’S
20-22
GLOSSARY OF BALLOON TERMS
23-24
COLORING PAGES
25-26
HOW TO BOOK A SPECIAL TEAMS EVENT
SPECIAL EVENTS TEAM REQUEST AND BOOKING PROCESS Please use the attached form to request a date for the RE/MAX Special Events Team. Your request does NOT hold or confirm a date for you. The RE/MAX Special Events Team will confirm availability and forward your request to the appropriate GA committee if applying for credits. Once your booking date and use of credits are approved you will receive a signed copy of the booking form back from Sundance Balloons. After the approval process, we will start working together on finalizing all the details to make your event successful.
RE/MAX SPECIAL EVENTS TEAM – CREDIT PRICEING FOR GA COMMITTEES Hot Air Balloon Flight
1 credit
Hot Air Balloon Tethering Up to 75 minutes
1 credit
Up to 150 minutes
2 credits
(MUST supply min. 3 helpers) Static Basket & Burner Presentation Up to 75 minutes
1/2 credit
Up to 120 minutes
1 credit
Parade Display
1 credit
(MUST supply min. 3 helpers) Cold Air Inflatable Set Up/Take Down
1/2 credit
Jumping Castle and Slide
1 credit
(Must supply min. 3 helpers) Pop Up Tent Set Up/Take Down
1/2 credit
Inflatable House Tent Set Up/Take Down
1/2 credit
School Presentation with Balloon
1 credit
without Balloon
1/2 credit
Additional Promotional Items Available Posters - 8 1/2 x 11
Free (Print Your Own Online)
Posters - 11 x 17
Qty 50
$35.00 + Shipping
Qty 100
$40.00 + Shipping
Qty 200
$55.00 + Shipping
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RE/MAX SPECIAL EVENTS TEAM PRICING Event Day Charge (per day) - Non-Refundable
$750.00
Additional Expenses Hot Air Balloon Flight
$650.00
Hot Air Balloon Tethering Up to 75 minutes Up to 150 minutes (Must supply min. 3 helpers)
$650.00 $1,250.00
Static Basket & Burner Presentation Up to 75 minutes Up to 120 minutes
$325.00 $650.00
Parade Display (Must supply min. 3 helpers)
$650.00
Cold Air Inflatable Set up/Take Down
$325.00
Jumping Castle and Slide (MUST supply min. 3 helpers)
$650.00
Pop Up Tent Set Up/Take Down
$325.00
Inflatable House Tent Set Up/Take Down
$325.00
School Presentation with Balloon without Balloon
$650.00 $325.00
Out of Town Events (greater than 50km from a GA Centre) Hotel Room per Night Round Trip Mileage Meals and Telephone Expenses per Day Minimum Booking Requirements If not in a GA Centre and your event is: Within 50km (min. booking of 1 day or min. event booking of) 51 to 300km (min. booking of 2 days or min. event booking of) 301 to 500km (min. booking of 3 days or min. event booking of) Over 500km (min. booking of 5 days or min. event booking of) Additional Promotional Items Available Posters - 8 1/2 x 11 Posters - 11 x 17
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$200.00 $0.85/km $150.00
$1,950.00 $3,250.00 $6,500.00 $13,000.00 Free (Print Your Own Online) Qty 50 $35.00 + shipping Qty 100 $40.00 + shipping Qty 200 $55.00 + shipping
ELEMENTS OF THE SPECIAL EVENTS TEAM Jumping Castle – The RE/MAX Special Events Team Jumping Castle, measuring 25‟ long 15‟ high 15‟ wide, is sure to be a staple attraction. Children, adults, and media personal are always attracted to this colourful and entertaining toy. Restrictions: 3-5 RE/MAX volunteers will be required. The chosen site should be approximately 35‟ by 20‟ with no overhead wires, trees, or structures and set on smooth flat surface with no ground source water nearby. Quick Tip: Get pictures of kids in the castle in your local newspaper or website. Quick Tip: Get the local news to film/report in front of kids playing at RE/MAX castle Tents – Tents make for great signage at any event because they can be set up just about anywhere and can be used for just about anything. Lost and found Event HQ or Registration Quick Tip: Make public announcements, “Please see our event directory at the RE/MAX tent!” Cold Air Inflatable – The cold air inflatable balloon is a 21foot high replica of the RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon that will provide a balloon presence when the hot air balloon cannot tether due to weather or site restrictions. Restrictions: Approximately 30‟ by 30‟ area required with no overhead wires, trees or structures. Must have no underground water systems as there are stakes used to tether the balloon. It is preferable if there is a power supply nearby, though The Special Events Team has a generator if required. Inflatable House Tent – The RE/MAX Inflatable House Tent, measuring 15‟ L x 10‟ W x 10‟ H, is a must at any event as it can be so many things to so many people. Use it as a registration station, a first aid station, start and finish lines at a race, a display booth, or even a driving range. Restrictions: Approximately 25‟ x 20‟ flat area required with no ground source water nearby. School Presentations – The RE/MAX Special Events Team can prepare and customize a school presentation for any school from Elementary to High School. School presentations typically last 1 ½ hours and include either inflating and tethering balloon or a basket, burner, fuel system demo (weather and space permitted) and a Power Point Presentation with a Question and Answer period. Elementary School presentations typically include history of ballooning, science of ballooning and designing balloons where High School presentations include the history of ballooning, the science of ballooning, balloons as observation platforms in war and the creation of promotional services and ballooning. Parade Displays – Have a RE/MAX presence at your community‟s parade. The RE/MAX Special Events can provide that with the truck and trailer, helium balloons, candy or anything else that the Special Events Team can work with you to create a great parade. Restrictions: RE/MAX must provide a minimum of 3 helpers for a parade display.
THEATERED EVENT VS A FREE FLIGHT Tethered Ride – A tethered RE/MAX balloon is an 80 foot attraction for any event. A RE/MAX balloon is tied down with ropes at three points. Though anyone can take a tethered balloon ride, the RE/MAX balloon can only take two passengers at a time. A tethered balloon will rise about 20 feet in the air for a few minutes and return back to ground to let another set of passengers on. Page 3
Restrictions: Tethered balloon rides are best before 11 am or after 6 pm as they can only take place when winds are calm. The site chosen must measure approximately 150‟ by 150‟, be accessible to the Chase Vehicle and have zero hydro lines, overhead wires, or trees in the immediate area. It is preferable for the site to be in a high traffic and grassy area at the event. 4-5 RE/MAX volunteers will be required. Quick Tip: Raising money for charity by asking for donations to ride in the balloon. Free Flight – A free flight is available for media personnel, charity recipients or VIP. Flights usually last approximately 45 minutes, though the wind‟s direction and speed will determine the course and length of flight. The RE/MAX Special Events Team Chase Vehicle follows the balloon to pick up all passengers and return them to the launch site. Restrictions: The RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon can only when winds are calm. The launch site should be approximately 200‟ by 200‟ with no overhead trees, structures or power lines in close proximity. All passengers must sign a strict waiver. Passengers must be in good physical condition due to the possibility of a rough landing. All passengers must be able to climb in and out of the basket, stand for the entire flight and walk out of a field if necessary. We cannot fly any passenger who has had a recent surgery, injuries, hip, back or knee problems, health concerns, physical limitations, is/or may be pregnant or has severe auditory restrictions. Children must be a minimum of 16 years of age and accompanied by a legal guardian. Your safety is our main concern. If any passengers are concerned with health or safety issues, they should consult with their physician or call Sundance Balloon to discuss their individual situation. Quick Tip: Your community’s local news station giving the traffic report from the RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon
POLICIES A commercial hot air balloon operator will never use a RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon envelope as part of a paid-ride business or when paying passengers are aboard. This includes paying passengers from the general public or the use of “ride coupons or certificates” provided by a RE/MAX Affiliate or office. RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon passenger rides will be limited to tethered or business-related purposes only, i.e. media, VIP or other persons who may be provided a ride in a balloon as a result of a specific promotion. All such flights must be certified through a RE/MAX regional vice president. When performing approved regional traffic flights or participating in balloon festivals, flight crew members are the only passengers allowed to ride in the balloon. All RE/MAX Associates or offices conducting a RE/MAX Balloon event with passengers – tethered or free flight – must receive a completed and signed Passenger Release Form from each passenger prior to flight. A copy of a Release Form for every passenger should be kept for the period of five years at the office of the Broker/Owner sponsoring the event and at the regional office. The pilot in command is directly responsible for the safety of everyone involved, including the crew, passengers and bystanders. Therefore, the Pilot in Command shall have full decision-making authority regarding any and all activities during a ballooning event.
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CONTACT US At Sundance Balloons, Lisa Alfred oversees the RE/MAX Special Events Team. Vancouver Calgary Saskatoon Regina Winnipeg Edmonton All other areas
604-533-7552 403-203-9310 306-382-0022 306-791-2853 204-895-3151 780-990-0799 800-463-5483
P: 1-800-IN-FLITE (463-5483) F: 1-866-206-6316 E: lisa@sundaceballoons.com
FOR THE SPECIAL EVENTS TEAM SCHEDULE VISIT: http://www.specialeventsteam.ca/
For questions or concearns regarding RE/MAX media materials: Jackie Ostash Public Relations Coordinator RE/MAX of Western Canada #340 -1060 Manhattan Drive Kelowna, BC V1Y 9X9 P: 250.860.3628 E: jostash@remax.net
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YOUR EVENT IS BOOKED NOW WHAT?
PLANNING SCHEDUL, (3-6 months) Request the event from Sundance Balloons using the appropriate form. Await confirmation of the RE/MAX Special Events Team prior to committing to any charities or events. 1 month or more After receiving confirmation that the RE/MAX Special Events Team in coming to your event, confirm the exact location and time with event organizers. Be sure to obtain an onsite contact that the RE/MAX Special Events Team can contact to confirm any further details. This may involve one person or an entire committee. The RE/MAX Special Events Team can provide you with an overview of the program, if required by the organizers. Designate an appropriate charity if required. This could be one that your Broker Owners or office favors or it could be one that is already tied with the event. Arrange for the inclusion of the events promotional materials. Order posters from The RE/MAX Special Events Team or create them online and print them off. Start distributing them around your community. Determine advertising requirement, if applicable, for local newspaper(s). (e.g. Size, cost, timing, deadlines) Discuss any possible free promotion with local media contacts and forward the contact information to the RE/MAX Special Events Team to confirm. 1 to 2 weeks Book advertising space in daily and/or weekly newspapers. The average size as is ¼ page. The paper will give you their rates based on size and frequency. Confirm with the charity that they can have volunteer‟s onsite at the event to collect the money directly for the tethered rides or jumping castle and slide sales of helium balloons or other promotions if planned. If they cannot, of if you wish, you can have your own personnel at the balloon site. If posters were ordered or printed, start posting them in the selected locations. Confirm the exact locations for the balloon, tent and jumping castle slide with the RE/MAX Special Events Team for coordination with balloon pilot and crew. Event Day It is optional for the broker to be present at the take-off of any Hot Air Balloon flights You may wish for your office to always have a presence at the event site, with signage, brochures or personnel. Ensure your staff is well informed of the purpose of the event and the promotion that you are involved in. A well informed staff will ensure that you get maximum exposure for your office.
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PLAN MEETING Consider holding a planning meeting as there are a number of items that could/should be considered to make RE/MAX stand „Above the Crowd‟ at your event. Goal – What is your reason for attendees to come together? How many attendees would you like to see there? How much money needs to be raised? Attendees – Who needs to be there to reach your goal? Who do you want to expose to the RE/MAX brand? Time & Place – Choosing a time and place should be based on the anticipated attendees – choose a good time for them. When choosing a place take into consideration all of the equipment you need; size of area needs for Special Events Team, power supply etc. (For further Special Events Team location requirements see: event requirements/logistics, page 00.) Activities – These should be suitable and interesting to your target audience. What elements of the Special Events Team should be included in this event? What types of additional activities and entertainment could RE/MAX provide at the event? For a list of suggestions see sidebar. Equipment – In addition to the Special Events Team equipment required, what will you need at your events? Tables and Chairs? Audio/Visual Equipment? Refreshments? Name Tags? Fliers? Booths? Signage? What is your timing for delivery and pick up? Will somebody be there for delivery and pick up? Publicity – How are people going to know about this event? How else can you use your involvement to promote RE/MAX? [For further information and help with publicity see Publicity.] Media – Should there be anyone there to cover the event? Is the event news worthy? Would the general public care to hear about what happened at the event? Can RE/MAX get free media coverage? [For more information and help on attracting the media see Media and Promotion.] Job Assignments – Who will be in charge of what? As you go through and discuss each of the above listed topics put ideas on the „event wish list‟ and assign someone to handle each task.
SET UP REQUIRMENTS AND LOGISTICS When planning an event and requesting the RE/MAX Special Events Team, there are a few logistic guidelines to help make the entire event run as smoothly as possible with as few hick-ups as possible. Location – Review the required amount of space needed for each piece of Special Events Team that you have requested be at the event. These spaces should be clear of obstructions overhead: trees/power lines/lamp posts/fences and on a level, grassy area. If grass isn‟t available, the area must be cleaned of anything that could snag the balloon. Securing Permission/Permits – Secure the property owner‟s permission in writing and ensure that they are aware of the expected dates and times and all elements of the event. Permits may be required if using public space and are the responsibility of the affiliates requesting the event. Plan on 30 days notice to secure any required permits. Insurance - All RE/MAX balloons will be insured in the RE/MAX Master Balloon Insurance Program through its Broker of Record, AirSure Ltd. No Exceptions. AirSure Ltd. provides $3M liability insurance. If required, Certificates of Insurance naming a landowner as additional insured can be provided at no additional cost. Please request any Certificates of Insurance through Sundance Balloons at least 2 weeks prior to your event. Page 7
Time of Day & Weather Considerations - A clear sunny day does not necessarily make ideal conditions for a hot air balloon flight or tether. Wind is the absolute most important factor to consider when hosting a tethered event. Winds are calmest before 10 am and after 6 pm. [See side bar for more details on wind.] Everything else in the Special Events Team can still be used if there are strong winds.
Calm to light winds (0-4 Km/h) – Good for tether and rides Increased Winds (5-10 km/h) – balloons may be fully inflated without rides (8-10km/hr becomes marginal for tethers) Windy (10+ km/h) – may inflate balloon for promotional purposes Very Windy (15+ km/h) – too windy for flight or tether. Basket and burner demo okay.
EVENT ‘WISH LIST’ EXAMPLE Tasks Attendees Groups to invite Best way to Reach them Media List of Contacts Information they need How to advertise the event Timeline
Notes
Person Responsible
Activities Invite Contact Necessary Groups Time and Place Availability How Much How much to reserve Necessary logistics Equipment What is needed Where to get it How much it costs How will it be delivered How will it be returned Donations Publicity Where to distribute How to distribute How to get permission How much will it cost
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Phone Number
Media story Weather reports from balloon Grand openings Open houses Fundraisers/promotion Sales associate farming area promotions
Recruiting events Company picnics Athletic event parking lot parties
Start/finish lines at races Music/arts festival
School demos/educational programs School fundraisers Office retreats Parades Craft shows Concerts Balloon festivals Air shows
IDEAS FOR YOUR EVENT What else can RE/MAX provide the event and it‟s attendees to make it a one-of-a-kind, event to remember?
Popcorn Clowns Face Painting Craft Table Musical Entertainment Story Times Coloring Pages Hot Dogs/BBQ Auction Pie/Chili Contest Bocce/Cricket Dye/Shave your Head a radical color Dance-Off
NOTE: See coloring pages at end of Special Teams Book!
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Egg and Spoon Race Eat-A-Thon Idol for a Day Karaoke Kissing Booth Putt-Putt Tattoos Helium Balloons RE/MAX Branded Paper Plates and Cups RE/MAX Golf Tee‟s/Balls RE/MAX Volunteers with RE/MAX attire Raffle
HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SPECIAL TEAMS EVENT
HOW THE SPEICAL EVENTS TEAM CAN GROW YOUR BUISNESS As the network‟s graphic symbol, the RE/MAX hot air balloon image appears on „for sale‟ signs, bus benches, billboards, in print advertising, television commercials, and online. Today, RE/MAX is one of the most recognized real estate brands and logos across the globe. What does the RE/MAX Balloon and the Special Events Team do for you? Benefits your business and your community! Promote RE/MAX, raise funds for local causes and attract the media. Hosting or participating in an event might seem like a daunting task – that‟s why we created this guide. From requesting the Special Events Team, to planning schedules and checklists, to creating your own event promotional materials, find everything you need to know about planning your event with ease.
Media Story Weather Reports from Balloon Grand Openings Open Houses Fundraisers/Promotion Sales Associate Farming Area Promotions Recruiting Events Company Picnics Athletic Event Parking Lot Parties
Start/Finish Lines at Races Music/Arts Festival School Demos/Educational Programs School Fundraisers Office Retreats Parades Craft Shows Concerts Balloon Festivals Air Shows
MEDIA AND PROMOTIONS How are people going to know about your event and want to come and participate? There are two goals to think about when promoting your event. #1 WHO is your Target Audience? # 2 HOW will you get the attention of the media and the community? Aside from sending invitations and making phone calls, there are many ways of promoting your event to the public. Think about your target audience and how they would learn of your event.
Flyers Newspaper Ads Public Service Announcements Community Events Calendars/Websites
E-Mails to all your contacts Facebook Events Twitter Postcards Mail-Outs.
Important words in promoting a balloon event are “Weather Permitting”. Use this phrase in all promotional material as weather is unpredictable, a backup date or „plan B‟ should be considered especially when the balloon is the only attraction for your event.
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Some promotional material that The Special Events Team can help you with: Event Brochure The event organizers often produce a special promotional booklet or newspaper supplement to advertise the event‟s activities. The Hot Air Balloon, Tents, Inflatable and/or Jumping Castle and Slide can be included in this material. The RE/MAX Special Events Team can provide the information as well as a photo of the entertainment products. Print Advertising The RE/MAX Special Events Team will provide, if desired, a „camera ready‟ generic print ad, with space for the selected local paper(s) to typeset and fill in the details that are customized to the local event. It is the responsibility of the broker to book/place and pay for the advertisement. Posters Custom 8 ½ x 11 generic posters promoting the balloon and entertainment products can be created by brokers online at www.specialeventsteam.ca or ordered from Sundance Balloons to be 11 x 17. They can be posted around town prior to the event. *Speak to the school or chamber of commerce about the rules for posting fliers, postcards or posters.* Events that are covered by the media should be targeted since the balloon is especially attractive to the camera lens. Having your balloon event make it into the local press or television is extremely valuable for local recognition. IF the press is not planning to attend you event, consider inviting them. Radio stations may also be interested in live broadcast, traffic or weather reports in the balloon. Create a list of local news organizations or newspaper and how they prefer to receive information about upcoming events. A good place to gather a list of these organizations and companies is the Chamber of Commerce. Call the organization directly and ask how they prefer to be informed of upcoming events and information, what kind of materials they want from you, and a timeline of when they want to receive information. (If the event is a fundraiser for a specific cause, speak with a news professional who is directly affected by your cause.) Once you are ready to share information on your event with the media, consider what information you want them to know. Who? What? Where? When? Why? And then consider what you want to media to do with the information you will provide them. Do you want them to come to the event? Announce the event? Follow Up After the Event? The RE/MAX Special Events Team can send news releases to the media in the area to publicize the balloon and/or activities at the event. If the balloon is scheduled to appear, Sundance will also offer one or two of the spots in the balloon basket to local media who often send someone from the daily or weekly newspaper, television or radio station. This helps to promote the event itself as well as the balloon activities. Input from the broker regarding the most suitable choice of media is helpful, particularly if the broker already has contacts with the local media. Page 11
CHECK LIST Read Balloon Guidelines Carefully Fill out the Appropriate Balloon Request Form and Submit to Lisa Alfred at Sundance Balloons Obtain Permission from Property Owner for the Use of Land to Tether Balloon Request Permits if on Public Property Order Certificate of Insurance Through Sundance Balloons if Necessary Make Arrangements for Appropriate Number of Volunteers According to Elements Ordered from The Special Events Team Copy as Many Release Forms as May be Necessary for People Riding in the Balloon Order Good Weather!
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Be ready for small issues Have fun Ensure all jobs are assigned and handled Ensure someone will be at the site during equipment drop off/pick up Ensure someone is assigned the job to greet attendees, volunteers, media
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EXAMPLE PRESS RELEASE TEMPLATES Balloon Event Sample: Contact: [Your Name] [Your Office Name] [Your Phone Number]
[CITY NAME, PROVINCE] - The 70 foot tall, red, white and blue RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon will appear from [TIME] on [DAY], [DATE] at the [EVENT/LOCATION NAME], in [CITY NAME], courtesy of [RE/MAX OFFICE NAME] (weather permitting). The red, white and blue balloon is the corporate logo for RE/MAX real estate office nationwide. "We enjoy providing the RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon at Special Events" said [BROKER OWNER NAME], Broker Owner of [RE/MAX OFFICE NAME]. RE/MAX is Canada's leading real estate organization. The RE/MAX franchise network, now in its [NUMBER] year of consecutive growth, is a global real estate system operating in [NUMBER] countries. More than [NUMBER] independently owned offices engage [NUMBER] member sales associates who lead the industry in professional designations, experience and production while providing real estate services in residential, commercial, referral, relocation, and asset management. For more information visit www.remax.ca ### Contacts Name Contacts Phone Number Contacts Email address Website
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Special Events Team Sample: Contact: [Your Name] [Your Office Name] [Your Phone Number]
[CITY NAME, PROVINCE] - The RE/MAX Special Events Team will appear from [TIME] on [DAY], [DATE] at the [EVENT/LOCATION NAME], in [CITY NAME], courtesy of [RE/MAX OFFICE NAME] (weather permitting). The red, white and blue balloon is the corporate logo for RE/MAX real estate office nationwide. "We enjoy providing the RE/MAX Special Events Team at Special Events" said [BROKER OWNER NAME], Broker Owner of [RE/MAX OFFICE NAME]. The Special events Team consists of (Insert what items are scheduled to appear, i.e. Hot Air Balloon Tether, Jumping Castle and/or slide). Donations will be accepted in support of charity. RE/MAX is Canada's leading real estate organization. The RE/MAX franchise network, now in its [NUMBER] year of consecutive growth, is a global real estate system operating in [NUMBER] countries. More than [NUMBER] independently owned offices engage [NUMBER] member sales associates who lead the industry in professional designations, experience and production while providing real estate services in residential, commercial, referral, relocation, and asset management. For more information visit www.remax.ca. ### Contacts Name Contacts Phone Number Contacts Email address Website
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HOW TO BUILD A PRMO VIDEO If Social Networking is a part of your marketing plan you know that content it the most important thing to stay current and fresh. Videos are almost always well received as internet users prefer clicking and watching over reading an entire article. Today, internet users expect to see videos – especially on business websites.
Consumer testimonials Marketing videos Message from broker owner How to videos Virtual tour Web-based commercial
The idea of creating a video might seem intimidating, but it really doesn‟t have to be. A professional videographer might cost around $300 for a half day of filming but you can always hire high school or college students – most do great work that is Social Media appropriate or take advantage of the great hardware available for reasonable prices and shoot it yourself. Editing videos yourself is really simple with either free video editing software that comes with most computers or online programs like Animoto http://animoto.com/ were you can mix still shots with video and add music and text all for a really low price. Depending on what you are looking for, you can always hire professionals or students to do the editing for you as well. When interviewing individuals it is really important to think about what you want the person to say. This is especially true if you are planning on editing out the questions so that it seems as though the person is just telling the audience about the event. Keep in mind who your end audience is and what “feel” you want the piece to have; you can use a selection of any of the suggested questions below or simply use them as a guideline to create your own. 1. Identify Your Goal for Your Promotional Web Video a. What to accomplish b. Audience c. Tone? (funny, professional, sincere) d. What should viewers do after viewing it? (E-mail to a friend? Call your company? Click for more info?) 2. Set budget for Production of Video a. Low Cost – Produce Yourself b. Higher – Professionals 3. Plan you Promotional Video, How will it look and sound? i. Mapping Out Frames/Script Writing (Formal) ii. Documentary Style (Less Formal) b. Themes you want to address c. Footage you want to capture d. Spokesperson e. Professionals can help with planning Page 15
4. Shoot Video a. Know the footage you need b. Consult “Video Shooting Tips” c. Are you hiring a professional or student? 5. Editing a. Adding Titles b. Adding Music c. Adding Images d. Video Editing Tutorials Online e. Programs to Use i. iMovie ii. Anamoto 6. Post your Video a. On your Website (pros can help) b. YouTube (can also embed on your site) 7. Share your video a. As many people as possible i. Video sharing sites (most pop. YouTube) ii. iTunes? iii. Emailing to Friends, colleagues, clients iv. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Blog, Active Rain
VIDEO SHOOTING TIPS 1. Keep it short – no longer than 3 minutes 2. Keep it interesting – a variety of shots, angles and perspectives will make it more interesting to watch 3. Know your Camera a. Learn all the camera controls and settings b. Do some test shoots 2. Make a Plan a. What is the video going to be about? b. What footage do you need? 3. Lighting a. Lots of light b. Under shadows? 4. Sound a. Back ground noise b. Use microphone? 5. Monitor a. Using eye piece is better than flip out screen 6. Hold the Shot – hold every shot for at least 10 seconds 7. Look at Details – behind subject (trees/trash) 8. Shoot on Tripod – Get Steady!
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SAMPLE INTERVIRE QUESTIONS Sample Questions for Broker Owner or other RE/MAX Volunteers. Could you please state your name? (I put this one in just in case, but I like it better without and have their name and title across the bottom in text – preference.) Where are we? What‟s going on here today? Why has RE/MAX office name decided to get involved with the community/charity? How long have you been involved with this specific event? Are you offering anything special today? (Face-painting, lemonade stands, bouncing castles, etc. It is good to show why a RE/MAX event is different from all the others down the street.) How has the response from attendees been so far? Sample Questions for Event Organizer (RE/MAX Spokesperson). Where are we today? What‟s going on here today? What do you have here? (Bouncing Castle, face painting, hot air balloon, etc.) How many people are you expecting at this event? What do you hope to accomplish at this event? How much are you hoping to raise? Why is it important for RE/AMX (you) to get involved in the local community? What are the benefits of (co-)hosting and event like this? How does this kind of event benefit RE/MAX agents? Who else is involved in today‟s event? Sample Questions for Event Attendees. What brings you out today? Why is it important to support [cause]? Why is it good to see a company like RE/MAX involved with the community/charity? How did you hear about the event? What is the best part of this particular event? Sample Questions for participating kids and parents. Who are you here with? What brings you out here today? What do you think of the hot air balloon? Have you tried the bouncing castle? What do you think of it? For Fundraising Recipient: Could you tell me about what is going on here today? How has RE/MAX been able to contribute to this event? Why is it important for (charity) to have partnerships with a sponsor like RE/MAX? How does it feel to see so many people out there supporting this cause? Why hold an event like this? (Ask if necessary – i.e. If it isn‟t covered after the preceding question). What is the money being raised for? (Ask if necessary).
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BALLOON HISTORY
HISTORY OF RE/MAX BALLOON Now seen daily in advertising and promotion, the seven story tall company image known as the RE/MAX Balloon was born in 1978 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In the early days of RE/MAX, name recognition was low even though word was spreading about the network of highly experienced, productive and knowledgeable agents. RE/MAX was on the hunt for a marketing image that would get noticed! At the 1978 Albuquerque Balloon Festival a small group of RE/MAX agents and their regional leaders entered a hot air balloon that mimicked their red over white over blue yard signs. During the festival, the RE/MAX ground crew wore jackets that read, “Above the Crowd.” Shortly thereafter, RE/MAX LLC in Denver, Colorado adopted the RE/MAX balloon as the RE/MAX logo as well the slogan, “Above the Crowd.” Since 1978, with public awareness of the brand, the RE/MAX Balloon fleet has grown to over 100 balloons that participate in balloon meets, support school functions, charities, business promotions and athletic events throughout the world.
HISTORY OF BALLOONING /HOT AIR BALOON RECORDS 1782 Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier, two brothers from France discovered hot air was lighter than cold air and experimented with different envelope (silk, cotton, cardboard) and flammable materials (straw and horse manure). 1783 The brothers successfully launched, Aerostat Reveillon. Made from paper and cloth and burning a combo of straw (heat), chopped wool and dried horse manure (made smoke to keep the burning flame low), the balloon carried a sheep, a duck and a rooster as passengers. 1785 Pilatre Rosier attempted to fly from France to England but died in the Channel 1932 Auguste Piccard, from Switzerland was the first to achieve a manned flight to the Stratosphere, reaching 52,498 feet. 1935 Explorer 2, a gas and helium balloon reached 72,395 ft (13.7 miles) proving that humans could survive in a pressurized chamber at extremely high altitudes. This set an important milestone for aviation and paved the way for space travel.
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1960 Captain Joe Kittinger parachuted out of a hot air balloon basket at 102,800 feet. 1981 Maxie Anderson and Don Ida were first to attempt trip around globe. Starting in Luxur, Egypt and landing in India, they traveled a total of 4316 KM or 2676 miles. 1982 Six RE/MAX balloons participated in the RE/MAX Great Balloon Race in Toronto, 18 RE/MAX balloons flew together in Michigan. Helicopter footage provided the “Take a Step Above the Crowd” campaign. 1989 54 RE/MAX balloons flew together in Denver to film a television commercial. 1991 Earthwinds Hilton team (Larry Newman) unsuccessfully launched a system designed to use compressed air in an anchor balloon suspended below the gondola to eliminate the need for ballast. 1997 Richard Branson and Per Lindstrand launched “Virgin Challenger” from Marakech. 1998 The record for staying up nonstop and unrefueled for 10 days was set by Betrand Piccard, Wim Verstraeten, and Andy Elson on a flight from Switzerland to Burma. The flight ended when China refused their entry into air space.
1999 Betrand Piccard and Brian Jones were the first to circle the globe. Starting from the Swiss Alps and landing in Mauritania, North Africa, the Breitling Orbiter 3 flew 42,810 kilometers on a 19 day non-stop and non-refueled flight. Steve Fossett first to achieve solo trip around world 2002 Current altitude record set at 113,739 Ft (34,466 meters). 2008 th
30 Anniversary of the RE/MAX Balloon. 2010 RE/MAX Special Events Team Launched in Western Canada
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FACTS AND FAQ’S
FACTS & FAQ’S How long are the flights? On average, flights are approximately one hour in length. Some flights can vary from 45 minutes to 1 ½ hours depending on the amount of fuel on board, the combined weight of those in the basket, the temperature of the air and when the pilot finds a suitable landing field. What time of day do the flights take place? Flights take place at sunrise and approximately 2 hours prior to sunset. Hot Air Balloons are not able to fly during the day due to thermal activity, which makes the air unstable. What type of weather conditions are needed to fly in a hot air balloon? Hot air balloon passenger flights take place in winds less than 10 knots, with no rain or approaching storms in the immediate area. Flights also require visibility of at least 4 km. Is there age or health restrictions? Yes. Because of the possibility of a bumpy landing, all passengers must be in good physical condition with no problems with backs, knees or hips and no auditory restrictions. We cannot fly any passengers who are or may be pregnant or any children under the age of 16. Please contact Sundance Balloons if you have any questions about the ability of a passenger and we will be happy to discuss with you. What type of clothing should be worn? Special clothing is not required for hot air ballooning. We always suggest practical war such as long pants, a light jacket a hot and no sandals or high heels. We do not fly high enough for a change in temperature so plan to dress for the temperature of the day. Can you fly during the winter? Yes. Some of the best flights take place during the fall and winter months. During this time, visibility is usually unlimited. Is it cold up there? No, it is the same temperature on the ground as it is in the air. The temperature only begins to drop when you begin to fly very high. How big is the RE/MAX hot air balloon? The RE/MAX hot air balloon is 77,000 cubic ft. That is approximately 80 feet high and 60 feet in diameter.
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What make the hot air balloon rise? Hot Air! A pair of high-powered propane burners ignites and heats liquid propane that is aimed into the balloon to make it rise. The burners create 30 million BTU‟s of heat. In comparison, and average home barbecue generates 30,000 BTU‟s. Each flight uses approximately 100 liters of propane. How fast do you fly? The balloon travels the same speed as the wind. An average flight is approximately 15 km in length. How do you steer the balloon? Hot air balloons cannot be steered like a plane or helicopter. Balloons travel only in the direction of the wind. There may be different wind directions at different altitudes that the pilot may use to maneuver the balloon. Upon landing, our „Chase Crew‟ that follows the balloon since lift-off, retrieves the balloon and passengers and returns them to the launch location. Can anyone fly the balloon? To fly a hot air balloon you must be a licensed balloon pilot. Much like a fixed wing pilot, balloon pilots go through extensive training including ground school, written exams and hands-on flying. A balloon pilot must have a minimum of 50 hours experience to fly passengers in Canada. What is the balloon made of? Balloons are made from rip-stop nylon much like a winter ski jacket. Yet, unlike a jacket, the balloon is coated in a special chemical to help it resist hear and last longer. Balloons have an average life expectancy of 300 hours of use. Manufacturers have many different colours of fabric to choose from to create the many different patterns seen flying through the sky. How much does a hot air balloon cost? An average hot air balloon, including the basket will cost approximately $60,000 Canadian. Who makes hot air balloons? Hot air balloons are made by a small group of select manufacturers around the world. The largest manufacturers of which can be found in England, the United States and Canada. Sundance Balloons and its‟ US sister company, Firefly Balloons, are among this elite group. We hold a Transport Canada Type Certificate and manufacture state of the art balloons at our factory located in Belmont, Ontario. How high do you fly? Though the altitude record for hot air ballooning is 64,997 ft, the height of most flights range anywhere from treetops up to 2500 ft.
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What can cause a cancellation of a balloon flight? As safety of the passengers, crew and equipment is of utmost priority, flights will sometimes have to be cancelled. Various factors can cause cancellation such as weather conditions, equipment malfunction or pilot injury or illness. Safe is our primary concern and we will not fly if this is jeopardized. How long does a balloon last? With proper care, a balloon envelope can last about 500 flight hours. What happens if a balloon gets a hole in it? Hot air balloon envelopes are made of ripstop nylon, which will not tear easily, and because of their size, there is a little pressure on the fabric with it is inflated. An envelope can tear on landing, by snagging on sharp object, but the pilot will detect any holes or tears during the next inflation. Small punctures will not affect the performance of the aircraft. Punctures and rips can be repaired. What fuel is used to heat the air inside a balloon? Propane. Balloons carry 30-4- gallons of fuel, which burns at 12-15 gallons per hour. Do birds ever fly into balloons? Rarely. Because of its size, a balloon is easy for birds to avoid. Also, birds – like ground animals – are frightened by the sound of the burners. How far do balloons fly? The usual flight covers 5-10 miles. Is the cost Group Advertising (GA) eligible? Yes, for Single Offices, Broker Owners need to contact their Member Services Representative at RE/MAX of Western Canada (call 1-800-563-3622) to receive pre-approval and a purchase order number. Can the tethered RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon carry passengers? Yes. Can I still buy a ride on the RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon? No. Sundance Balloons sells passenger ride vouchers for flights in their non-RE/MAX hot air balloons in major markets at discounted rates to RE/MAX associates. Who can ride in the RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon for a flight? Only media personnel (such as journalists, reporters and other dignitaries) as determined by Regional Office.
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GLOSSARY OF BALLOON TERMS
GLOSSARY OF BALLOON TERMS Aerostat: A light-than-air device. Examples include hot air balloons, gas balloons and dirigibles. An “aeronaut” is a person who pilots a lighter-than-air craft. Balloon Crew: People who function both as ground crew, helping with pre-flight preparations, and chase crew, retrieving the balloon after its flight and packing it back to the chase vehicle. Balloon Basket: Also known as a „gondola‟ the balloon basket is most commonly made of wicker; it carries the pilot, passengers, and a variety of equipment. Box: Flying back and forth over the same area by using winds of opposite directions at different altitudes. A common phenomenon in valleys because of the drainage of air down mountains. Burners: The fuel-burning source of a modern hot air balloon, consisting of coil tubing and a fuel-ejecting nozzle. A double burner system generates 32 million BTUs per hour. A pilot „burns‟ by turning or pulling the blast valve. Chase Vehicle: The truck and trailer carrying the balloon components, pilot and crew. Frequently painted with corporate, commercial or personal designs. Corporate Balloons: Balloons used as a form of advertising. Crown: The top center point of a balloon envelope. Attached to the crown is the crown line, which a crew member holds taut when the balloon is being inflated, preventing swaying of the envelope. Deflation: The pilot of a hot air balloon deflates the envelope by „ripping‟ out of the top panel, the deflation port, of the balloon with a ripcord, or deflation line. Distortion: The variation of the standard inflated shaped of a balloon, caused during inflation by strong winds, or during flight by the venting of hot air from the envelope or by wind sheers. „Spinnakering‟ is a sailing term for the distortion of an envelope being inflated or tethered in a high wind. Envelope: The fabric bubble of modern rip-stop nylon or other synthetic material. Load tapes, running vertically down the envelope, end in cables which attached to the basket‟s uprights. Free Flight: Un-tethered, a balloon drifting with the wind. Technically, a balloon cannot be „steered‟, but the pilot can sometimes change direction by ascending or descending to wind currents at a different altitude. Winds up to about 14 km/hr are suitable for flying. A typical hot air balloon flight lasts approximately one hour. Inflation: The filling of an envelope with cold air from an inflator fan and hot air from burners. After the envelope is about 75 percent filled with cold air, hot inflation begins. When the air inside the envelope becomes warmer than the air outside, the envelope rises to a standing position. Laying Out: A ground crew walking a balloon envelope out of its bag and spreading out the fabric, readying it for inflation. Part of the pre-flight assembly of a balloon.
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Manoeuvring Vent: A slit in the side of the balloon envelope opened by the venting line for the spilling of hot air from the envelope. Venting enables the balloon to descend faster than it would by the cooling of the air inside the envelope. Corporate pilots often vent in order to rotate their balloons so that the company logo on the envelope faces the crowd. Night Glow: Also known as Balloon Glow. The crowd-pleasing random or synchronized blast of burners to illuminate a balloon after dusk during a tether. Pibal: A helium-filled pilot balloon released to ascertain the directions and velocities of wind at different altitudes. RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon: One of the most recognizable corporate symbols anywhere: a red over white over blue envelope with blue RE/MAX logotype letters and a red slash against white center band of the envelope. No REALTOR® symbol is to appear on the envelope. Splash and Dash: A maneuver in which a pilot tests his or her flying skill by descending to the surface of a body of water, touches the water with the basket and ascends again. Other exercises are “treetopping”, touching the tops of trees in flight, and “kissing”, touching the envelope of another balloon in flight. Tether: Three secured lines restricting the ascent of a balloon. Frequently used by corporate pilots to give short rides to the public. Balloons can be tethered safely in winds of up to 8 km/hr. Thermals: Updrafts caused by heated air rising from the ground. By flying early in the morning or late in the day, balloonists avoid these potentially dangerous conditions. Throat: The mouth of the balloon envelope, usually border by a skirt of scoop to help direct the heat of the burners into the envelope. Winds Aloft: The winds at different altitudes.
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