Sponsored by Betallic/Sempertex
Oulu, Finland

Juho’s journey into balloon art began in 2014 by chance with a bag of low-quality balloons that would burst during inflation. Despite the frustration, it sparked a passion that quickly grew after discovering Sempertex balloons. He soon realized the potential of latex balloons for creating intricate, temporary art, pushing the boundaries of both his skills and the balloon art. Known for his Weird Balloon Art, Juho creates realistic sculptures using only latex balloons, without glue or supports. Remarkably, he learned his techniques through four years doing balloon art in his living room, without direct contact with other balloon artist. In 2018, Juho’s professional career took off as he began teaching balloon art classes and working as a full-time balloon decorator in Finland. His ability to combine hyper-realistic small sculptures with large-scale installations has earned him a unique place in the world of balloon art.

Sponsored by Gemar
Los Angeles, CA

Shana Sharp has been entertaining audiences with balloon art for 18 years, and with improv comedy for 15 years. In 2020 she began livestreaming her art and has been hired to produce sponsored content for brands like Coca-Cola and Crocs. She hosted and co-produced Balloon Builders on Noggin from 2021-2024. As an instructor in the balloon industry, she has taught since 2012 in half a dozen countries and is most widely known for her drawing and improvisational skills. She fully believes that you can make anything out of balloons. Yes, you.

Sponsored by Gemar
Hungary

Gergő, born in 1990, comes from Hungary. Although he started his working life as an economist, he quickly realised his passion was in balloon art. In 2010, he learnt how to twist balloons and shortly afterwards became a full-time magician/juggler and balloon twister. He continues to be amazed by the joy he brings to people from his talent. In 2014 Gergő joined Funny Box Kft, Gemar’s Hungarian distributor. His passion for balloons is on a majestic scale – he made numerous huge balloon structures all across Hungary. Gergő also works as an entertainer (Line twisting, child parties) and as a clown doctor.

Sponsored by Betallic/Sempertex
Duluth, MN

Laural Schultze is a balloon artist living and working in Duluth, MN. She started twisting eight years ago and now combines twisting and decor in her business, Lauralloons. Her goal is to bring the best balloon art to her area, helping people celebrate and showcasing the potential of balloons. When not twisting up a storm, Laural also enjoys crafting and baking.

Sponsored by burton + BURTON
Athens, GA

Edward Muñoz’s career began in Caracas, Venezuela, where he worked designing elaborate balloon creations for over eleven years. After moving to the United States in 2014, Muñoz compiled an incredible number of achievements in the balloon industry, including being named Designer of the Year at the West Coast Event & Balloon Arts Convention in 2015. He also had the distinct privilege of serving as the lead designer of the Celebration with Balloons event at the 2016 World Balloon Convention (WBC). He was named Designer of the Year at FLOAT the Convention in 2017. Currently, he works as the Education Balloon Specialist at burton + BURTON®. He enjoys sharing his knowledge of balloons in the most enthusiastic ways!

Sponsored by Gemar
Los Angeles, CA

Meri Hokhikyan, is originally from Armenia and now resides in Los Angeles, California. She received her MBA in Economics and Business Strategy from the Armenian State University of Economics but eventually discovered that her true passion was balloon art. She started her journey over 8 years ago in this industry by working and learning from leading industry experts– such as Irina Lobanova, and Anatoli and Sergei Schevchenko, etc. Meri has also had the honor of sharing her own knowledge and experience by attending and teaching at various balloon conventions, private classes, etc. Meri, mother of four, has come a long way from decorating her children’s parties with simple balloons, to now being able to create almost anything that her imagination can conjure by using balloons and all types of techniques. “Being able to bring to life the wildest, most colorful amazing parts of people's imaginations to life is why I love what I do! I truly can't imagine doing anything else other than this.”

Sponsored by Betallic/Sempertex
Airdrie, Alberta, Canada

Jackie started twisting professionally in 2010 when she picked up a pump and some balloons and realized that her love of art could translate so beautifully with latex as the medium. The former radio host launched her company With a Twist Balloon Creations the same year.

Jackie is an award winning, full time balloon artist specializing in fun and fresh table décor and delivery pieces. She made her teaching debut in 2016 and has since taught across Canada, the United States, in Mexico, South America, Australia, Europe and the Middle East.

Sponsored by HI-FLOAT
Los Angeles, CA

Rob Balchunas is a decorated balloon artist and entertainer based in Los Angeles. His passion for balloons started when he was just four years old. Rob is currently the only person to win Top Twister at Twist & Shout and Designer of the Year at FLOAT.  

With over 30 years of experience creating and competing with the best in the industry, Rob seeks to inspire people to be better ballon artists. No matter your skill level, you can take your art to the next level.

Sponsored by Twist & Shout
Green Bay, WI

Jake has been performing professionally for over 15 years. Mischief & Magic began while Jake earned his Masters in Economics; he uses his degree as a freelance consultant and has taught at UWGB but his endless passion for entertaining makes Mischief his full time gig. His performances have won international awards and several world records. He brings high energy to his performances and his team truly loves to connect with the public.

Renee began riding elephants and eating fire with her uncle Jim in "The Big Circus Sideshow". Classically trained in theater and music, and a raw talent for art! Renee uses her skills with theater to help develop Mischief & Magics performances and designs. She has won several international awards and taught professional courses. When you combine those skills with her vibrant personality you get one amazing Mischief Maker, Mrs. Mischief.

Master Class
Sydney, Australia

Matt Falloon is one of Australia's busiest, and most celebrated children's
entertainers! A balloon entertainer with nearly three decades of experience in
performance, and is also known for his innovative approach to balloon art.
His skills have earned him dozens of prestigious industry awards, and he is
widely recognized for both his performances and teaching workshops.

Matt has had the opportunity to showcase his unique talent across the globe, performing and instructing all over Australia, as well as across New
Zealand, Japan, the USA, Canada, The Netherlands, England, and Israel. His
passion for balloon artistry and commitment to sharing his expertise have made him a sought-after figure in the Sydney entertainment scene

Master Class
Dundee, Scotland

Colin along with his wife Ray have a full-service party retail outlet which has been successfully trading for over twenty Five years.

  Colin specialises in the balloon decoration side, and has provided decorations for over eight thousand events, ranging from weddings, birthdays, product launches, corporate décor etc. plus providing a service for small sculpture work and deliveries.

Colin has over the years competed at numerous industry competitions and has gained over 30 international awards for his balloon art, both in the décor and twister worlds. His work has been featured extensively in Balloon Images and Balloon Magic magazines and is presented in the 2013 Qualatex calendar. Colin was presented with the Don Cheesman Award at Float 2022 for lifetime contribution to the balloon industry

Colin has taught in many prestigious industry events such as The Qualatex Event in England, BACI in Italy, JBAN in Japan, The World Balloon Challenge in Thailand, The Millennium Jam in Belgium, Twist and Shout in the USA, plus a host of regional events throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and America.

Colin feels passionately that good education is the key to the Balloon industry continuing to have the remarkable growth that we have all seen over the last couple of decades.