Balloon Marketing

Balloon Pong

Balloon Pong

What is Balloon Pong?

Balloon Pong was created to help connect balloonists to competitions across the world as well as stay current on issues and discussions that are relevant to the sport.  We strive to cover events and issues in a positive, respectful way.  We'll cover any event or any organization as long as we feel their ideals are focused on promoting better competition or in some way furthering competitive ballooning - including capturing social events.

Commonly Asked Questions

Have pictures to share from an event?
Send pictures, video, recaps, and anything else you conisder useful to our gmail account and we'll throw it up on the site.  We can't be everywhere so your help is always appreciated.

How can I get my event covered?
We need a representative from your event to be willing to send us a minimum of pictures, an event preview, short summary of each flight (even if it is just that the flight was canceled), a recap of the event, and timely tweets to provide live updates to our growing followers on Twitter.  These need to be sent to balloonpong69@gmail.com as soon as possible in order to update the site in a timely manner.

If this sounds like something you're interested in, send us an email and we'll add your event to our Events page, as well as provide a link to the official event website so all of our followers can check out detailed information.

When do you update the site?
We update the site as soon as we can get an internet connection and media downloaded to put on the site.  For the latest updates be sure you're following us on Twitter. 

We also have a weekly schedule of features below:

Monday - Monday Morning Wrap-Up
Tuesday - National Ranking Update
Wednesday - Feature Article (changes every week)
Thursday - Event Previews
Friday - Event Coverage
Saturday - Event Coverage
Sunday - Event Coverage

How can I contact Balloon Pong editors?
Send us an email at balloonpong69@gmail.com and we'll respond to you in a timely manner

BANCABILITY USES BALLOON TO REACH KANSAS CITY MARKET

Around Kansas City in 180 Days

The Spirit of High & Free hot air balloon is 77,000 cubic feet  built by Cameron Balloons and fully inflated reaches nearly 75 feet tall. It can carry a pilot and two passengers. A typical flight is treetop to 3,000 feet. It is piloted by Chris and Amanda Sabia of Kansas City AeroSports, visit www.kcballoon.com Follow them on Twitter @ TeamBancAbility or on facebook at Team BancAbility

On a calm day in the Greater Kansas City area you might spot it, the BancAbilitySM High & Free Hot Air Balloon!  Nicknamed The Spirit of High & Free, the balloon flies to celebrate the BancAbilitySM network of banks' bold high interest checking account. BancAbility is banking made easy through a network of 7 community banks with 48 convenient branches and ATMs across greater Kansas City. The Spirit of High & Free will be flying over and making appearances at events around the city, dispensing fun and goodies at take off and landings.   Download WEB BANCABILITY

Oliver Winery Balloons Attend Second Annual Speedway Event

The two Oliver Winery balloons participated in the second annual Centennial Era balloon event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  The Oliver Winery balloons are piloted by Bill Oliver and Warren Smith of Bloomington, Indiana.  The balloons are two of more than six balloons that the winery has operated as part of a public relations program since the late 1970’s.  Oliver Winery is located north of Bloomington, Indiana and is Indiana’s oldest and largest winery. The winery started in the 1960s as a hobby in the basement of Indiana University law professor William Oliver.  
  
 
Professor Oliver was instrumental in passing legislation allowing for the creation of small wineries in Indiana. The Indiana Small Winery Act passed in 1971 and Oliver Winery opened to the public in 1972.  Professor Oliver's son, Bill, took charge of the winery in 1983. He focused on enhancing the visitor experience by increasing wine quality and variety, establishing gardens and providing great customer service. Sales grew steadily in the 80s, reaching 25,000 cases by 1990.  In 1993, Kathleen Oliver joined the winery as General Manager. This allowed Bill to focus on winemaking and viticulture and the new Creekbend Vineyard, which was started in 1994. Retail sales continued to grow and allowed for the construction of a new tasting room in 1997. By 2000, sales had reached 60,000 cases.

While retail sales marked the greatest growth prior to 2000, subsequent years saw tremendous growth in wine sold through wholesale channels. Major facility expansions occurred in 2002 and 2007 making Oliver Winery one of the largest wineries in the eastern United States. In 2002, interstate expansion began as Kentucky became the first state outside of Indiana to offer Oliver wines. By 2008, they had distribution in 14 states and total case sales exceeded 270,000 cases.

The winery balloons have been seen all over the country but are commonly seen over the hills of Southern Indiana and the Creekbend Vineyards.

 Download Web oliver

 

 

Commercial Balloons in Leon, Mexico

Commercial Balloons in Leon, Mexico

   The Festival De Globos in Leon Mexico attracts balloons from across the world to this first class balloon event.  Nearly 100 balloons took place in this year’s event including balloons from the United States, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Spain, Germany and Mexico.  This festival designed to celebrate freedom and diversity was held November 13^th through the 16^th in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico.  The event attracts visitors from all across central Mexico to see the great balloons float across the lake and the skies of Leon.

 

International balloons including Coke and Curves bring balloons into this event to get the exposure this event offers.  Newspapers, televisions as well very large crowds.  Other balloons contact with local businesses and fly temporary banners that promote their company.  The crowds that come out every morning and evening are simply hard to describe as you can see from the photos.  The in person impressions is nearly impossible to express.    Next year’s event will be November 19^th through 22^nd and is scheduled to have 200 balloons as part of the celebration of the Mexican Bicentennial Celebration.  

The personal attention given to each balloon team is unprecedented.  Each pilot is assigned a group of well trained local crew who not only provides excellent ground support but make every effort to ensure that balloonists, their friends and or family are able to experience the historic sights, shopping, food and culture of the area.   

 

Download Web leon

NEW JASPER BALLOON MAKE DEBUT

New Jasper Balloon Makes Debut

    The new Jasper Engines and Transmission hot air balloon will make debut at the 2010 Kentucky Derby Festival Great Balloon race in Louisville Kentucky.  The Great Balloon Race will take place on April    at the Kentucky State Fair Grounds.  Nearly 50 balloons will take part in the event, which is part of the Derby Festival events that lead up to the running of the Kentucky Derby the first leg of the Triple Crown.  Jasper Engines and Transmissions has had a balloon program for fifteen years attending sporting events across the country. 

JASPER sells its products through a Dealer network of qualified installers.  These are not used or rebuilt engines, transmissions and differentials, but totally remanufactured components with warranties of up to 3 years and 100,000 miles. Every JASPER product is built to meet or exceed OEM specifications and tolerances, and thoroughly inspected or tested to ensure quality, reliability and satisfaction.   So, whether you're looking for a remanufactured gas or diesel engine, transmission or differential for your car, truck, or SUV, or a marine engine for your boat, you can count on JASPER.

    The balloon program is operated by Big Red Balloons based in Bloomington, Indiana.  This is Jasper’s third balloon as part of this program and the second designed and built by Lindstrand Balloons, US.  The Jasper balloon will include appearances at the Great Kentucky Derby Festival, the Indianapolis 500 Centennial Era Balloon Event in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Pro-Football Hall of Fame Classic in Canton, Ohio, the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis, Indiana and the Blue Grass Balloon Festival in Louisville, Kentucky.  You can follow the Jasper Balloon Team twitter  @bigredballoons.

 

Download Web jasper

Wizard of Oz Balloon part of Warner Bros. Events in New York City

Warner Bros. Entertainment Stages Spectacular Events in New York City to Culminate Worldwide 70th Anniversary Celebration of The Wizard of Oz at Tavern on The Green.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2009 NEW YORK, NY: Grammy Award Winner Ashanti and Judy Garland's Daughter Lorna Luft Performed at the Emerald Gala; Original Munchkins Make a Rare Appearance along wih the grand 71/2 story Wizard of Oz Hot Air Balloon.

The Emerald Gala was a glorious event at Manhattan's historic Tavern on the Green, hosted by its owner and CEO Jennifer Oz LeRoy, granddaughter of The Wizard of Oz producer Mervyn LeRoy.

The entire restaurant and surrounding grounds transformed for a night into the Emerald City, replete with a winding Yellow Brick Road.

The Emerald Gala featured a musical performance by Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter and actress Ashanti, who recently made her theatrical debut as Dorothy in the City Center Encores! production of The Wiz. In addition, Lorna Luft, the daughter of Judy Garland will honor her mother's legacy with a special musical tribute.

Contributing to the affair was a rare appearance by five of the original actors who played the "Munchkins" characters in 1939's The Wizard of Oz, along with members of the cast of The Wizard of Oz National Tour performing acts from the traveling show.

The grand Wizard of Oz Hot Air Balloon, a seven-and-a-half story stunningly decorated balloon provided a majestic backdrop to the evening gala. The WOO Balloon will be concluding the final leg of its nationwide promotional tour in October. more info

 

Mayflower Program Patterned After United Model

The Mayflower Balloon program is patterned after the long standing United Van Lines program of UniGroup Incorporated.  Now both balloon programs travel the country often appearing together at large rallies and festivals lending great advertising exposure for their companies.

These balloons have been seen on the front page of newspapers across the country, including the Kansas City Star and the Bend Central Oregon News.      We focus on brand awareness for both companies said Carl Walters.  “I know what it would have cost me to pay to be on the front page of The Star,” Walter said.  “I couldn’t afford it.”  The balloon program is supported by the UniGroup’s public relations and market staff at corporate headquarters who lobby the local media, offering rides and other photo opportunities.

The balloons are also hosted by the local Mayflower and United agents to generate local awareness of the agencies and to provide rides to valuable customers.  The balloon programs also have chase vehicles which are branded with corporate logos and graphics.  Roy Canton Pilot of the United program stated “the vans are so attractive and unique; we get a lot of awareness and exposures from them even on days when the weather won’t let us fly.”

The programs are rounded out with wearable’s and give-a-ways of the corporate balloons, trading cards, stickers, and lapel pins are just a few of the customized products that round out the programs.  Adding memorable items really adds to teh overall experience for each participant.   UniGroup credits much of the success o f the program to the strong working relationship they have with their pilots roy Cayton and Kevin Knapp.  Thier high degree of professionalism makes a great differentce to the pulbic perception of the brand. 

Download Mayflower Program Patterned After United Model

Hospital Utilizes Hot Air Balloon Program

 

Louisville’s Kosair Children’s Hospital uses a hot air balloon promotional campaign.  The Kosair Children’s Hospital has utilized balloons for several years as a public relation tool, now they have incorporated the balloon into their complete promotional campaign.   Kosairs Children’s Hospital, part of the Norton Healthcare System is Kentucky’s only free standing pediatric hospital. 

 

 

Link to TV Commercial

The Hot Air Balloon program operated by Crawford Hot Air Balloons has been included in a television ad campaign.

Indiana State Fair Giant Balloon Race Moves to Saturday

The 2009 Indiana State Fair Giant Balloon Race moved to Saturday mid fair after 35 years as an opening day tradition.  Thirty Balloons took place in this year’s event including commercial entries AVocal On, Re/Max, United Van Lines, Pepsi, Jasper Engines, Pioneer, Estridge Group, Indiana Propane Association, as well as several private entrees.   The event included a balloon glow on Friday evening and a morning flight on Saturday.  The event was won by Chris Smart and Travis Vencel  finished second.    The balloons flew over Indianapolis to the north with most balloons landing by 82^nd Street.

 

 

IMTS Balloon Serves as Symbol of Technology Show

 

IMTS Balloon Serves as Symbol of Technology Show

The balloon that serves as the symbol for the International Manufacturing Technology Show is a great metaphor. The mood at the show this year—held in September 2008 at Chicago’s McCormick Place—was buoyant. Attendance was up. Attendees and exhibitors were serious and busy. If there is one thing anyone who attended IMTS remembers, it is the fantastic balloon that appeared in the front lawn of McCormick Place.

The balloon travels the country promoting the annual trade show and offering exhibitors the opportunity to win free advertisements.  Snap shots are submitted for an annual calendar. 

Held in Chicago during September, the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) is the place to see the latest in manufacturing technology, network with business colleagues, and find solutions to your current and future needs.

 

 Download IMTS Balloon Serves as Symbol of Technology Show

Boy Scout Balloons Add To Festivities

Boy Scout Balloons Add To Festivities

The Boy Scouts use hot air balloons to add to the festivities at their national events.  The Loyal and Brave balloons travel the country promoting scouting.  The balloons often attend national scouting events like Jamborees and Conferences.  The balloons include 40 foot replicas of the Order of the Arrow and the Eagle Scout badges.

 

Recently the balloons were in Bloomington, Indiana where they made several appearances for the scouts.  Nearly 7,000 Boy Scouts gathered at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana for the 2009 National Order of the Arrow Conference.  The closing day was topped off with a concert and ice cream party while eight balloons served as the back drop. Loyal and Brave were accompanied by the Break-a-way to Bloomington and the Jasper Engines Balloons.

                                                             

At the Boy Scout National Jamboree in 2005 the Scout balloons are seen with the Army balloon awaiting a visit from then President Bush.  Approximately 40,000 Boy Scouts from across the World were in West Virginia for the 2005 National Jamboree.  The next Jamboree is 2010 and the scouts hope to have an additional balloon in their program.    The balloons, based in Texas, are managed by Michael Little.

 

Download Boy Scout Balloons Add To Festivities

Pepsi Balloons For Brand Awareness

BALLOONS FOR BRAND AWARENESS

BRAND AWARENESS/PREFERENCE

Capture a target audience in a relaxed, high visibility, high impact, market place that creates long lasting retention through the use of Pepsi-Cola brand hot air balloons.  The displays increase: brand awareness, customer and employee satisfaction, product knowledge, brand preference, and generate qualified leads.

EXCELLENT DOLLAR VALUE (ROI)
When compared to money spent on other forms of marketing this is a far more effective and cost efficient tool. STOP WASTING MONEY on small ineffective banners, inadequate sponsorships on local events with no actual results, or 2.3 million for another 30 seconds of air time that achieves a low percentage success rate and poor ROI.   Instead, advertise using hot air balloons and achieve rates as high as 90% and even greater ROI, include the amount of reach and frequency this program offers and you have a one of a kind advertising vehicle that must be used in today's market place. Measure effectiveness by studying jumps in local retailer sales both during and after events, products sold at local events, and repeat purchases during and after events. Add in the reach and frequency figures for all the collected media coverage, event attendance, and all external coverage customer are exposed to and you are left with an incomparable form of marketing.

 HOT AIR BALLOONS POSSESS A UNIVERSAL AND MAGICAL APPEAL
Every walk of life is enticed and captured by these larger than life marketing vehicles. A wide range of age, ethnicity, gender, and personality is represented in a non-bias form.

MARKET ACTIVATION / INCREASE SALES
Increase market exposure locally, regionally, nationally, and increase company sales both during and after events through the use of Pepsi Aerosports.

Download PEPSI Balloons