Annual Business Retreat
Each Fall, IBA members gather for the Annual Business Conference to share best business practices, discuss industry ideas, and to network.
“As this industry continues to evolve, the more exposure to business education you can acquire, the better prepared you will be for the future. The IBA offers these opportunities and we should all take advantage. I look forward to seeing my old friends at next year’s Conference, as well as making some new friends.”
Joe Siefried, Distributor, Mayflower Distributing West, Signal Hill, CA
State of the Industry Breakfast
Conducted in conjunction with the Halloween and Party Expo, Houston, TX. This meeting is designed to provide an update on issues affecting the industry and is open to all. Next meeting will be held on January 19, 2013, George R Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX, RM 360AD, 7:30-8:45 AM.
Newsletter: “What’s Up?”
The What's Up? newsletter is sent peridically to keep you informed of industry issues and networking opportunities.
Members Want You to Know
This format allows members to share issues and newsworthy items about their company’s activities.
Catch up with Member's activities here.
Marketing Campaigns
IBA provides all industry members with comprehensive marketing campaigns to promote balloons to the public. Two such campaigns are:
The Balloon Council
The Balloon Council (TBC) is the industry’s legal and legislative ears and voice at local and national levels. Reports from TBC are presented at each annual retreat, and updates are featured on this web site. Recognizing the need to protect the balloon industry, the IBA wholeheartedly supports TBC. Click here to view the latest TBC updates.
Networking
For many, the most valuable benefit of IBA membership is the opportunity to share ideas with industry peers. Business relationships flourish with purposeful interaction.
Distributor Discount Program- Distributor members offer Associate members discounts all year long. Click here for details
Home Based Business Insurance - Bomba Insurance Agency
If you run a home based business you may not realize your standard Homeowners insurance may not protect you against losses stemming from your business.
Bomba Insurance specializes in comprehensive and affordable insurance policies for home based Decorators and Entertainers. IBA members who choose to insure with Bomba Insurance will receive a $25 discount off the initial broker fee.
For a free no obligation quote, call 760-724-8816 or visit www.bombainsurance.com.
AVIS Rent A Car
The International Balloon Association has formed an alliance with AVIS Rent A Car to provide members with AVIS Association Program discounts. As an IBA member you will receive an exclusive AVIS Worldwide Discount (AWD) Number which will entitle you to benefits such as: 10% off Super Value daily and weekly rates in the contiguous USA and 5% off Promotional rates in the USA. Click here to view a complete list of AVIS benefits.
Free Subscription to Popular Industry Magazines
Savings on Credit Card Processing
IBA and First Data Independent Sales (FDIS) have come together to bring a great payment processing benefit program. Benefits Include: Interchange pass-through pricing which is guaranteed to provide industry best savings, free PCI Compliant processing terminal (s), No set up fees, free online statements, easy implementation and training, education and support to fully understand your rates.
Accept more payments, lower processing costs and build your business. For more information, contact Brian Collins (847)874-3442, Brianc@FDIS-IL.com
“I wholeheartedly endorse First Data for credit card processing. Even though I thought I had a pretty good credit card processing rate before, I am experiencing savings beyond what I expected. The transition was handled very well by their technical team and I am extremely satisfied with First Data.”
Chuck Jacoby, A2Z Balloons
GROUP TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
IBA has partnered with GTS, a transportation management service, to provide the ultimate in seamless transportation managaement solutions. GTS offers a wide variety of TM services and can customize a complete transportation program to meet individual comapny needs. To learn more please visit: www.onestopshipping.com. Or call 800-689-6255. IBA members are currently enjoying savings and simplicity in their shipping program with GTS. Contact GTS at 800-689-6255, ext. 200 or e-mail gissales@onestopshipping.com to request a FREE savings analysis to determine your cost reduction potential.
Website Development and Hosting
Please contact Matthew Lee at NetStrategies and Management (866-638-7261) for a customized quote on your web system needs. Since 1996, NetStrategies and Management has designed and implemented over 500 web systems and is the company that redesigned our website.
Staples Business Advantage Program 
Staples Office Supply has partnered with IBA to provide Members the Staples Business Advantage program. IBA Members who choose to enroll in the Staples Business Advantage program will have the opportunity to order office supplies via the internet with free next-day delivery, opt for open net 30 invoicing, and save an average of 15 – 20% on general office supplies.
Once registered, IBA/Staples Business Advantage members can use the StaplesLink.com ordering system for on-line ordering. StaplesLink.com is for Contract customers only and features special pricing and real-time inventory. Staples also now provides convenient on-line print services with multiple print options. Catalogs, sales materials, and presentations can now be printed and shipped anywhere needed. Staples Business Advantage program enrollees will also receive a Staples catalog reflecting Contract customer pricing.
To register for the Staples Business Advantage please contact Marty Fish at Marty@ibaonline.net who will provide the StaplesLink Access Form needed to register for this money-saving member program.
Office Depot 
IBA has teamed with Office Depot to bring your business another office supply solution! Some of the benefits you can count on are 10% to 80% on 176 frequently purchased items and discounts of 20% to 55% at all Copy and Print centers. Please contact Marty Fish at 866-413-7358 or Marty@ibaonline.net to sign up for your Office Depot discount.
"I have found using our discount to Office Depot very beneficial. From what I can tell, we have saved 25-30% over what we were paying before. Anytime I have a question on an invoice or order they have been more than helpful. Returns are always easy. Ordering is easy."
Sharon Kubes, Hi-Rise Balloons, Round Rock, TX
Are There Different Categories of Membership?
Regular Members - shall consist of:
- Distributors/Wholesalers of balloons and party goods who buy direct from at least two manufacturers and sell to any retail outlets, decorators, twisters, or event planners.
- Balloon, Balloon Accessories or Party Goods Manufacturers
- Support Services or Corporations, organizations, or individuals who provide services to the balloon and/or party industries.
Regular Members shall have the privileges of serving on committees, hold office as Board Members, and have one vote per Member Company. Regular Members will also receive a directory listing on the IBA Web site with links to their site, and receive mailings and e-mail newsletters that pertain to their particular areas of interest. Regular Members will be able to submit news about their company on the IBA Web site and will be eligible to receive all other Benefits of Membership as listed above.
2013 Annual Dues :
Distributors: $450
Balloon Manufacturers: $1500
Accessories Manufacturers: $700
Helium/Support Services: $700
Associate Members - shall consist of:
- Retail Balloon or Party Stores
- Balloon Decoration Professionals
- Balloon Twisters/Entertainers
- Key Individuals in good standing from related industries that have been asked to serve on a committee or on the IBA Advisory Council.
Associate Members shall have the privilege of serving on committees and on the Board of Directors. Associate Members will receive a directory listing on the IBA Web site with a link to their site, and receive mailings and e-mail newsletters that pertain to their particular areas of interest. Associate Members will be able to submit news about their company on the IBA Web site and will be eligible to receive all other Benefits of Membership listed above.
2013 Annual Dues : $149
Associate Corporate Members - shall consist of:
- Sales Representatives or Full-Time staff members of active Member Companies who are not the primary contact but wish to have their own directory listing, and serve on committees.
2013 Annual Dues: $69
Alumni Members - shall consist of:
- Individuals who have retired from the balloon and party goods industry or are Historical icons in the balloon industry. Alumni Members shall receive their own directory listing, and mailings and email newsletters.
2013 Annual Dues: $69
Honorary Members - shall consist of:
- Members of the balloon and party goods industry who are deceased. Honorary Members will be listed on the IBA Web site honoring their memory and contributions to industry. Nomination and election to this category will be made each year at General Conference. Honorary Members do not have to be former members of the IBA.
How Do I Join?
Secure Online Application is available here. Printable Applications are also available. Please click on your application choice below.
Associate Membership Application (Retailer/Decorator/Entertainer)
Regular Membership Application (Distributor/Manufacturer/Support Services)
For more information, please contact Marty Fish, Executive Director:
866-413-7358
Marty@IBAonline.net