I'm Going to Disney...Are You? IBA Annual Conference 2010 September 21-23 Disney Institute Lake Buena Vista, FL Topic: Disney's Approach to Leadership Excellence and Quality Service Attendees of the IBA 2010 Annual Conference were treated to luxurious accomodations and a beautiful setting at Disney's BoardWalk Inn and Resort. Many took the opportunity for a working vacation by bringing their family members for fun and games in the wonderful Disney Theme Parks. Fabulous meals and excellent programming made this Conference one of IBA's best ever! The first day of the Annual Conference included a networking event called the Manufacturers' Hopper where Distributor and Decorator members visited one-on-one with Manufacturer members. Below are photos of each manufacturer represented in the Showcase. All photos are courtesy of Mark Zettler of BALLOONS & Parties Magazine. Click here to view all sponsors of 2010 IBA Annual Conference. Day 1 concluded with a beautiful dining experience in the Living Seas Salon at Epcot Center followed by a private viewing vantage point of the nightly fireworks extravaganza, Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. The whole evening was magical and entertaining while we networked with our friends in the balloon industry. See photos Day 2 included a tremendous program through the Disney Institute presented by Disney executives on the topics of Disney's Approach to Leadership and Quality Service. Included in the learning experience was a field trip to Disney's Magical Kingdom where attendees toured "backstage" and learned first-hand how Disney Operations applies the very principles they were presenting. It was a beneficial learning experience for all that included workbooks and tools to take home and apply in day-to-day operations. Attendees now understand how and why the Disney business model is so successful and now have the tools to emulate it in their own businesses. See photos Day 3 included the IBA Annual Business Meeting of members where information on the increased price of helium was presented by Tim Parker of Airgas followed by a program calledBalloons Around the World by Tim Vlamis of Pioneer Balloon Co. about other balloon organizations around the world. The Conference concluded at noon with the election of 2010-2011 Board of Directors. See photos . Richard Dettmer and Randy Henry of PersonalizedPhotoBalloons.com Steven Mayhew of Conwin, Inc. Craig Albrecht and Mary Ann Amick of Betallic, Inc. Tom Eble of Galaxy Balloons, Inc. Norma Roberts and Dan Flynn of Pioneer Balloon Co. Howard Mullin of Control Plastics, Inc. Shanan Kern, Mark Harbert and Molly Kuhl of Anagram Int'l Kathi Leiden and Steve Ashburn of Zephyr John and Toni McGrath of Silver Rainbow Sue Williams of Classic Balloon Alex McConegly and Mark Keats of Conver USA David Nelson, Dede Lijoi, and Evan Nelson of Premium Balloon Cheryl Sinclair Airgas Retail Solutions Andy Zettler of BALLOONS & Parties Mag and Steely Burchette