Orientation: Join the welcome parade at our lively orientation! Check schedule for first timer orientation. Our enthusiastic ambassadors will show you around, help you find everything you need, introduce you to new friends, and answer any questions you may have. 

Prepare for Overwhelm: Your first time at Twist & Shout might feel overwhelming. With big personalities and a bustling atmosphere, it's natural to feel a bit intimidated. Don’t be afraid to reach out to one of our ambassadors if you are feeling left out.

Connect with Balloon Buddies: Remember, behind those big personalities are friendly and passionate balloon enthusiasts just like you. Don't hesitate to strike up a conversation, ask questions, and share your own balloon journey. The Twist & Shout community is here to support and encourage each other. Everyone started somewhere, and they're excited to welcome you into the fold!

Respect Boundaries: Please understand if an instructor isn't immediately available to assist you. While they strive to be accessible, they may also have their own limits. Let's be mindful that they can't be on call 24/7, and avoid taking it personally if they need a moment to recharge.

Hours: Check event schedule of the registration desk hours. Go there if you have any questions and they will help you. 

Grab Your Welcome Kit: Head to the registration booth to snag your name badge – it's your golden ticket! Don't forget to grab your Welcome Kit with goodies and exclusive surprises. Keep your badge on you at all times. You're part of the cool crowd now! (Also security will kick you out if you’re not wearing it)

Wear it Proudly: Your name badge is more than an accessory – it's your key to the Twist & Shout experience. Wear it visibly, and wear it proudly.

Security Check: Wear your badge for the full Twist & Shout experience – security will be checking, and you will not be allowed into any of the amazing events without it! 

Banquet Coupons: Tucked within your badge is the golden ticket to a delicious meal at the banquet. Don't let it escape – present it to the staff at the banquet to enjoy the feast. Unfortunately we can not replace your banquet ticket if you lose it. 

Voting Ballots: Those little slips inside your registration envelope are not to be underestimated. They are your voice in the Twist & Shout community. Guard them closely, as replacements are not available. 

Lost Badge?: If your badge decides to go on an adventure of its own, don't worry. A replacement can be obtained for a $5 fee. Please note, banquet and voting tickets cannot be replaced, so guard them closely.

Find your lost treasures at the registration desk.

If you happen to find someone else’s lost items, please bring them to the registration desk.

The Jam Room is your creative playground, open "23" hours a day! Brought to you by our Major Sponsors, it's the ultimate balloon haven. Dive into a sea of inspiration and try out the full line of balloons generously provided by our sponsors.

Respect the Balloon Buffet: Our sponsors have generously provided products for us to play with inside the jam room. While you're welcome to experiment, please keep uninflated products within the room. No trying to load up your balloon bag for free.

Clean Your Canvas: Remember, this is your fun space, so let's keep it tidy. Clean up after yourself—broken balloons, snacks, bottles—so the Jam Room remains an enjoyable space for everyone.

Alcohol-Free Zone: hotel rules dictate alcohol is a no-go in the Jam Room. Having said that, we will not be checking what’s in your water bottles. 

Can you work on your competition piece in the jam room? You sure can! Also check with staff for availability of room to build in the competition room

The Jam Room will be closed during Thursday’s timed competition, Friday’s cabaret and fashion/dress competition, and Saturday night’s banquet. There have been a few uninvited guests sneaking in and helping themselves while the rest of us are involved elsewhere.

The Twist and Shout organizers choose a balance of professional instructors to reflect the varied interests of the balloon community. Please take this opportunity to expand your repertoire. Some classes will be lecture style. Others will be hands-on. Each instructor has their own style. Feel free to ask them anything about their classes during jamming or when you see them in the halls. No video/audio taping unless specifically authorized by the instructors. There is a class schedule in your registration envelope. Please find it and follow it. If you need more information than is posted about the classes please ask around. Any onsite changes will be posted at the registration desk area.

The organizers invited some of the leading suppliers of balloons and balloon twisting accessories. Please buy lots of products. You do not have to be a convention attendee to shop, but if you are not registered at the convention, you must get a shopping pass (free) at the registration table. (Please return it afterwards.)

If you have special requests, provide the slip to your table server. Get your slip from the registration desk. A Vegan, Vegetarian, or Pescatarian request should have been noted when you registered. Talk to the registration desk about special needs.

Day to Day: At Twist and Shout, we're all about expressing ourselves and having a blast while we do it! We recommend comfy yet professional duds for our day-to-day activities. But hey, don't hold back on showing off your unique style

Pajama Jam: For our legendary Pajama Jam, whip out those fun and funky PJs to really get into the spirit of things.

Award Show Gala: You’ll want to dress up in your snazziest cocktail attire. Strut your stuff and snap some fabulous photos with your amazing friends, all looking absolutely swanky!

Note: Honestly, we're cool with whatever makes you feel awesome. So, whether you're strutting your stuff or keeping it cozy, just be yourself and have a blast!

Essentials:

ID/Passport

Wallet/Cash

Phone and Charger

Travel-sized Toiletries

Medications

A way to take notes

Business cards

Your favorite balloon pump

Clothing:

Comfortable Daytime Attire (Professional but varied)

Pajamas for Pajama Jam

Gala Attire (Cocktail attire recommended)

Layers (Convention rooms may vary in temperature)

Comfortable Shoes

Optional:

Balloon bag (If you prefer specific balloons or for convenience)

Airborne

Protein bars

“Water bottle”

Swimsuit if the hotel has a hot tub

Superhero Mode Activated!: Channel your inner superhero by showing respect to everyone at Twist & Shout. Let's keep it all positive and focused on the art of balloons.

Chill on the Heckling: Disrupting the learning experience with heckling isn't the vibe. Let's create an atmosphere of support and respect for our talented instructors, presenters, and hotel staff. Remember, the spotlight is aimed at the person in the front of the room for a reason.

Silence Your Phones: In the spirit of respect, silence all phones during presentations. This ensures an uninterrupted flow of inspiration and creativity.

Kid-Friendly Zone: With many young balloon artists attending, let's keep it "family-oriented." This applies to competition pieces and stage acts. No "adult" themes. (except perhaps for the midnight classes… Lol)

At Twist & Shout, creating a respectful and inclusive environment is our top priority. Follow these guidelines to ensure a positive experience for everyone:

No Means No: Respect boundaries. If someone asks you not to touch them, adhere to their request. This also includes their belongings, equipment, and balloon sculptures.

Immediate Compliance: If someone asks you to stop doing something, stop immediately. Consent matters, and respecting others' wishes is key.

Personal Boundaries: Do not touch people or their belongings without explicit consent. Everyone deserves to feel comfortable and in control of their personal space.

Consent Is Unambiguous: If someone has indicated they aren't interested, respect their decision. Trying to persuade or change their mind is not acceptable.

Active Listening: Listen attentively to what people are saying, respecting their perspective and wishes. Avoid imposing your own assumptions or desires onto their experience.

Report Harassment: If you witness or experience harassment, report it to our staff immediately. We are committed to addressing and resolving such issues promptly.

Creating a safe and respectful atmosphere is a collective responsibility. Let's make Twist & Shout a space where everyone can enjoy the art of balloons free from harassment.