I'm off to Spring Fair in the morning, and can't wait. It's the first time I have been.

I know some of you went today, and many of you have been before.

Quick question - is it nice and warm in there? I'm going by train, and don't want to be encumbered by outerwear that I don't need and have to carry around with me all day!

many thanks

Sonya

Train Station is in the NEC Complex.... I was there today and only wore my coat because i couldn't be bothered to carry it - I would dress warmly (a couple of layers) but not wear your full ski suit.

Head to hall 5 first - get the balloon and party stuff done - then see anything else after if you have time.

Try and catch Chris Horne's Seminar on upselling to make more profit without raising the costs (on the Amscan stand).

Marc

Thanks for that info Marc.

Do you know what time Chris has his seminars running, or where I might find out? I have been on his courses before, and he is very good.

~ Sonya

It was 1.45pm today - not sure if it is same time each day - but he asured me it would be the same seminar tomorrow.

It is not a 'rocket science' seminar - but a great seminar with some '2010 survival' techniques.

NEC is a rule onto itself Sonya, sometimes it warmer than other times .. There are Cloak rooms,, not sure how many... I know there is one outside hall 1 which is opposite hall 5 entrance. If you need one. teh train entrance is by hall 3 so you have to walk to the front entrance for that one, but there must be one close to the train station too.

Hints & Tips

Wear comfortable shoes, as you have all halls with stuff in to see. so be prepared for a long day..

I always take a small vanity pull along suitcase to put all the brochures etc in save having to carry them although there are a few stands giving outbags and carriers ( I also buy sandwiches and take them with me In it and bottled water) everything seems to cost 3 times more there...

I was there today but did more networking then looking ot be honest, so got to see nothing much... Be prepared to be amazed by the balloon decor on Anagram, Qualatex, Pams and Oaktree stands. Both Anagram and Qualatex are doing product demonstrations although I did not get to see any of them. too much chatting..... I did aget a bag from anangram with a mug and mouse mat and samples of 9" foils you self inflate rather than having to use a heat sealer.

Saw some amazing Vases and gifts in Hall 4 ( I do try to look at other things as well as party) and as always the Christmas lights and designs are fantastic.

Good job I am going back Tuesday I may get to see more ... or may see more people who knows... we have not had anywhere we can all meet up and chat the last year, so all seemed to be doing it there today... which is also good!!

Pam
xx

Thanks guys.

At the moment I have knee ligament problems and am having physio, so I hope I can last out!

I too have got some 'butties' ready.... Can't afford to squander cash, in case I don't win that dual split-second sizer and have to buy one like everyone else!

Case is a great idea, Pam - gonna borrow my husband's wheelie lap-top bag

We visit the Spring fair yesterday and really enjoyed the fair. we attended some seminars which were great especially Mitch's raining balloon drop. We also went to some of the Amscan seminars and again Chris Horne amazing well worth the visit just for Chris's seminars. Visited Qualatex's Stand but there seminars were very hard to hear due to the surrounding noise. Was unable to speak to anyone from Qualatex because it was so busy which was a shame.

We also met the double trouble duo Pam & Paul(Balloons & Tunes) and seen them because heard Pam laughing lmao.

Got lots to lookat over the coming weeks from all the info from the fair plus got a free Amscan Mug which was worth the visit to the fair.

What does those that have been think of what they have seen at the spring fair? I knwo it still has 2 days to go, but dont think I will be going back

I love the little thank you card, add your own photo I found, its so cute and I thnk Brides may like it too.. perfect for them to say thankyou for their gifts and send a photo to friends and family.

I am impressed that Anagram have put a valve in a 9" foil for Air self inflation instead of having to heat seal them. It will be great for childrens parties and other styles of balloon displays where we use them as arrangements and sort of centrepieces.

I think the new Qualatex bubbles and foils look great and the colours seemed so bright.. Also got my new catalogue ..

I like Matt Lewis's printed 36" foils and will be buying samples to have at my wedding fairs, then hopefully buying for parties later in the year.

I am still in 2 minds on the frames. The heart frame is what we are used to other than it is slightly smaller, but it will take less balloons!! and looked good onteh stand. I was lead to believe all the framework was square and the heart frame is not it is round.

I have a lot of dandy frames so am not the perfect customer for Saunders, but the frames he had (once you got past the balloons,, dont worry I did say pop some so we can see the frame, would you expect any different from me) look good for the job. The gazebo would make a great cake table display for that exclusive wedding, or an amazing wedding fayre stall.

As always the christmas lights where astounding!! how did I miss the reindeer till I was leaving? he was 15+ foot high and all lit up!!!

Interested to hear if anyone else got something I may have missed. I am so close I can go back...

Seriously any other news we can all share

Pam
xx

Made it to the Spring Fayre, not been to any fayres in 7 years, and the last one was in Chicago....not good.

I popped along (two flights an overnight stay and a bus later) with my event planner in hand and visited all on my list.

I enjoyed meeting up with old faces, reaquinting myself with suppliers just let them know we are still in business..and catching up on gossip.

Totally agree with Pam although she is lucky enough to be based near by the NEC. Loved the Gazebo Mark Saunders had, yes the balloon work needed some help but the idea was there. Oh and i ordered one for my store.

Will be going again another year, found it helpful and interesting but was totally knackered on the plane home.

Shame we didn´t meet up Pam...maybe next time.

Sue (Guernsey and Spain)

WHAAAT? NOT ONE PHOTO from the Spring Fair? Being as I am sitting in my house in AMERICA, I missed the whole thing and was looking forward to seeing some photo's posted here...so i would "feel" like I attended...lol. Im glad everyone had and in some cases is still having fun at this fair. The World Balloon Convention is about 3 hours drive north of my so I am hoping to attend this.

I am excited about what I am reading as far as new products and innovations at the Spring Fair (a self sealing 9"?) its about time yeah?

Keep sharing what you saw and what you did...
Living vicariously through the Brits,
Brenda