Pika Shimooka is an accomplished balloon artist from Hiroshima, Japan, with an incredible 26 years of experience and holds both CBA and MBP certifications. Specializing in line-work balloon art, Pika’s talents also include balloon shows, décor, balloon dresses, and wire art.
In 2026, Pika will make her international teaching debut at the Bling Bling Jam, sharing her creativity and experience with our balloon community while also paying a very special tribute to her dear friend, the late Nao Osaka. Her appearance will help celebrate Nao’s creativity, friendship, and lasting legacy in the balloon world.
Sponsored by The Bling Bling Jam – The Balloon Convention
Janet Lenox
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA 🇺🇸
❤️ Part of the Bling Bling Jam Family From the Beginning
🌟 Longtime Loyal Attendee & Supporter
✨ Celebrating 12 Years of Bling Bling Jam
2026 Bling Bling Jam Convention Staff
Helping Keep the Bling Bling Jam Magic Going Strong
Sam Doupe-Smith has been twisting, performing, and teaching with balloons for over 15 years. Originally from Toronto, now living in downtown Vancouver, BC, Sam has become one of the West Coast's premier balloon artists as Twistin’ Sam. Sam, a challenge twister by trade, has appeared as a balloon artist in a FUJIFILM commercial, been recruited to create balloons for a magazine spread, and, most proudly, been recognized on the streets of Vancouver by many awesome children. Returning to Bling Bling Jam for the third year in a row, he’ll be bringing some of his favourite ideas, and crazy requests.
Alia Hymon
Levittown, Pennsylvania, USA 🇺🇸
🏆 Top Dog Award Winner — 2023 & 2025
An Amazing Balloon Artist Award from the Entertainment Capital of the World — Las Vegas
2026 Bling Bling Jam Instructor
Featuring Balloon Fusion & Creative Balloon Artistry
Sponsored by The Bling Bling Jam – The Balloon Convention
Debbie Verge Stevens
Toronto, Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦
👗 Master Balloon Dress Designer & International Balloon Artist
💍 Official Balloon Wedding Dress Designer — 2026
🌟 Returning Bling Bling Jam Featured Artist
Featuring Balloon Fusion & Creative Balloon Artistry
Sponsored by The Bling Bling Jam – The Balloon Convention
Register here for Early Bird In Person November 8-12 2026 or virtual replays with Zooms of $375 plus $13.58 PayPal Fee and total of $388.58
Bling Bling Jam las Vegas in Person in November and attend in person for jam classes and More!
Virtual classes will vary!
Ken Stillman
Pahrump, Nevada, USA 🇺🇸
🌎 Internationally Known Balloon Artist & Educator
🌟 Returning Bling Bling Jam Instructor
🎈 Owner — Balloon Click & Koalatex
Featuring Balloon Fusion & Creative Balloon Artistry
Sponsored by The Bling Bling Jam – The Balloon Convention
Carmen Mason-May | Touch of Class Balloons & Event Décor
With more than 36 years in the event décor and balloon industry, Carmen Mason-May is a Certified Event Designer and the creative force behind Touch of Class Balloons & Event Décor.
Her experience spans weddings, corporate events, milestone celebrations, schools, and large-scale community events, combining balloon artistry, fabric draping, custom framing, florals, and creative embellishments to transform spaces into memorable celebrations.
At the 2026 Bling Bling Jam, Carmen will share techniques she has developed and refined throughout her career, including wedding framing, fabric draping, balloon accents, florals, and finishing details that can take a design to the next level.
After 36+ years of creating, Carmen is still learning, growing, and excited to share, inspire, and BLING in Las Vegas!
Or register for 2025 replays twisting and Zooms along with 2026 in person and replays and zooms for both years!
🏨 Host Hotel & Room Block – Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall
We’re excited to officially welcome you to our host hotel for Bling Bling Jam – The Balloon Convention
📅 November 8–12, 2026 | Las Vegas
💲 Room Rates (Approximate with Taxes & Fees)
Sunday–Thursday: ~$73.44 per night (single/double)
Friday & Saturday: ~$130 per night (single/double)
Suites: Available at higher rates
👉 These are estimated totals including taxes and fees.
📞 How to Book
You can reserve your room right now:
📱 Call: 877-593-5993
🌐 Or use the official booking link https://samstownlv.boyd.pegsbe.com/promo?hotel=LV&accessCode=BALK26C
⚠️ IMPORTANT – Room Block Policy
To keep registration prices LOW for everyone, we have secured a contracted room block with the hotel.
✅ All attendees are required to stay within the official hotel block
🚫 No more than 2 people per room
💵 A $100 fee will be added to your registration if you choose to stay outside the host hotel
Why?
Because we must meet a minimum number of booked rooms as part of our agreement with the hotel. Staying in the block helps protect the event and keeps costs affordable for the entire community.
🎈 Why Stay at the Host Hotel?
Be right in the action – classes, jam room, competitions
Network late night with fellow balloon artists
No transportation needed
Fully immersive Bling Bling Jam experience
💥 Final Note
We’ve worked hard to secure one of the best values in Las Vegas—especially with today’s rising hotel costs.
👉 Book early to lock in your rate and support the convention.
No refunds and subject to $100 fee/any Promo free items costed out!/ No transfers to anyone who already has a deposit down. Only transfer to someone who is a new registrant and needs to be approved on a case by case basis! No double transfers and all credits from 2020 must be used by 2022 events! Or any other year! If anyone cancels for covid and or any other reason, They will still receive the re plays for that year! (Meaning no credits for the following year as the reason we have replays)
Folks may sell their tickets for the price they paid only and not to be used by more than one person! One registration per person.
Only to folks over 18 year of age and please contact The Bling Bling Jam for approval. It's going to be the best Jam ever!
To Mail in check/write out to
"Promo Magic Productions" 9 Conestoga Rd Lexington, Ma. 02421- Must always be post marked before registrations go up in price!
Folks, who are not local must stay at Sam's Town hotel and casino during the Convention and must use book through the room block only!-This keeps the cost down for registration. Otherwise attendees subject to an additional fee Of $100
You must book on the block and not a third party to ask for your book at check in!
Thanks for visiting "The Balloon Convention" The- "Official" Deco-Twisting Convention Not to be confused with balloonconvention(Dot)com
Plus so much more!
The Best convention for your buck with 5 days of learning-plus many replays, Zooms and more!
Most of our attendees are full time and Deco Twisters! We have a active jam room, competitions, business classes, magic, panel discussions, the newest product vendors/jam product (the best quality in the industry), Entertainment, awards, raffles, Parade, Balloon Couture Fashion show and costume, the local media and always more! Once you attend you too will say "Bling it on" We look forward to joining our Balloon Family at Bling bling Jam!
Attending Bling Bling Jam for his third year, Darren Mortiboy is travelling all the way from Northern Ireland to squeak, bend, and twist latex into unique, high-level balloon art. As one of the UK’s premier, multi-award-winning artists, Darren’s distinct creations are recognized globally. Having taught across Europe and the United States, he is thrilled to be coming back to share his latest designs and techniques with everyone.
Known internationally as The Balloon Comic, Paul Belanger has spent decades combining balloon artistry, comedy, magic, juggling, and personality to create unforgettable entertainment. His career has included sold-out theater performances and entertaining audiences ranging from major events to royalty and Presidents. As an instructor, Paul shares clever, practical balloon creations and proven performance techniques that help entertainers stand out, create memorable experiences, and generate more bookings.
Paul doesn’t just teach you how to make balloons—he teaches you how to make balloons work for you.
🇯🇵 PIKA — JAPAN
Special Guest Instructor • Honoring Nao
Originally from Peru and now based in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Cecilia Villar, known as Cecilia Lady Balloons, is a professional balloon artist, instructor, and YouTube influencer who has been bringing smiles through balloon art for years. Her passion has taken her to festivals, fairs, schools, libraries, and balloon events across the country, where she loves inspiring other artists while continuing to learn and grow herself. Cecilia is a returning Bling Bling Jam instructor and believes, “You don't have to be perfect, but always try to do your best. And remember to always be flexible just like balloons.”
My name is Alia Hymon and I am a 34 time international award winning balloon artist including 2 time top dog winner for 2023 and 2025 at Bling Bling Jam. I have been twisting balloons and making smiles in Philadelphia,New Jersey, and Bucks County Pennsylvania for 12 years.
Paul Belanger
Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA 🇺🇸
🏆 Head of Competitions — Bling Bling Jam 2026
🌟 Returning Bling Bling Jam Instructor
🎈 Former Co-Producer — Florida Super Jam
Featuring Balloon Fusion & Creative Balloon Artistry
Sponsored by The Bling Bling Jam – The Balloon Convention
Arla Albers is anything but your typical retired Navy Commander. For 30 years, Arla brought smiles to children and adults alike as a face painter at parties and restaurants, and for 20 of those years, she performed at parties and restaurants Go-Go the clown. Arla earned numerous top-10 awards in ballooning, character clowning, and face painting at Clowns of America International and other East Coast conventions. She even claimed the coveted “Best All-Around Clown” title at a major Virginia convention.
Donald Deich “Vlad”
Leland, North Carolina, USA 🇺🇸
🎩 Mystery Entertainer & Magician
✨ 2026 Bling Bling Jam Instructor
🪄 Magic Jam Room Coordinator
🌟 Bringing Mystery, Magic & Entertainment to the Jam
2026 Bling Bling Jam – The Balloon Convention
Arla Albers
Fairfax, Virginia, USA 🇺🇸
🎨 Face Painter & Balloon Artist
🌟 2026 Bling Bling Jam Team Member
🖌️ Featuring a Special Face Painting Class & Jam
🎈 Bringing Face Painting & Balloon Art Together
2026 Bling Bling Jam Instructor & Convention Staff
Sammy Doupe Smith
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 🇨🇦
🏆 Bling Bling Jam Award Winner — 2025
🌟 Returning International Instructor — 3rd Year
2026 Bling Bling Jam Instructor
Featuring Balloon Fusion & Creative Balloon Artistry
Sponsored by The Bling Bling Jam – The Balloon Convention
Roger Godin
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA 🇺🇸
🎩 Magician & Balloon Artist
🎈 Balloon Artist at Underground Magic Meetup
🌟 Part of the Bling Bling Jam Since the Beginning
2026 Bling Bling Jam Convention Staff
Helping Bring the Magic to The Balloon Convention
Registration of only $375.00 plus fees if Paypal Jam July November 8-12 2026 Bling Jam fully paid no refunds or transfers Register for both 2025 & 2026 Combo Deal of only $700 Plus PayPal Fee ($725.82) .
Kids under 12 years old $125.00 please message me before making this payment on Paypal-Fees will apply- parent needs to be present/registered
As Always bring your own balloons! Click on Add to Cart for payment. We also accept Cash App and Zelle. 617-875-7640 for Zelle "Promo Magic Productions"
In the event-if we are shut down in the summer of 2025/mandates that keep many from coming in person the event will then be virtual and for the same dates and times! We can't control Covid!
http://theballoonconvention.com
Steve Klein – Founder, The Balloon Convention (Bling Bling Jam)
Not affiliated with balloon convention Dot Com
Steve Klein began his journey in magic and balloon artistry at just 10 years old, after visiting the Magic Art Studio where he purchased his first balloons and books. From day one, he was creating balloon zoo animals as part of his magic shows, blending performance and creativity from the very beginning.
Steve has been deeply involved in the magic community for decades, participating in the Society of American Magicians in Boston and the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He proudly served as President of Assembly #9 of the Society of American Magicians for five years.
Today, Steve runs a successful entertainment business under Mr. Balloon Wizard and Promo Magic Productions, LLC, offering professional balloon twisting, custom décor, and high-energy magic shows.
In 2014, Steve founded Bling Bling Jam, now proudly known as The Balloon Convention—the oldest-running décor twisting convention in Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world. This event unites balloon artists, decorators, and entertainers from around the globe through hands-on classes, competitions, and a virtual experience.
Please note: The Balloon Convention is not affiliated with balloon convention Dot Com
Roger moved to Las Vegas in 1994. While working part time in a magic shop he came across a balloon twisting kit for under $10. In the years that followed, he produced five DVD’s and has won awards and many different conventions. Roger has been on Bling Bling Jam’s staff from the beginning. He is always glad to assist new and experienced balloon artist with what ever is needed.
Darren Mortiboy
Northern Ireland 🇬🇧
🏆 Bling Bling Jam Award Winner — Las Vegas
🌟 Returning International Instructor — 3rd Year
2026 Bling Bling Jam Instructor
Featuring Balloon Fusion & Creative Balloon Artistry
Sponsored by The Bling Bling Jam – The Balloon Convention
Pika Shimooka, CBA, MBP
Hiroshima, Japan 🇯🇵
🌟 International Teaching Debut
❤️ Special Tribute Honoring Nao Osaka
2026 Bling Bling Jam Instructor
Featuring Balloon Fusion & Creative Balloon Artistry
Sponsored by The Bling Bling Jam – The Balloon Convention
Robyn Stein
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA 🇺🇸
🌟 Returning Bling Bling Jam Team Member
🎈 Balloon Artist & Creative Enthusiast
❤️ Retired Nurse with a Heart for Helping Others
2026 Bling Bling Jam Convention Staff
Helping Make the Magic Happen in Las Vegas
Carmen Mason May
Enfield, Connecticut USA 🇺🇸
🌟 Bling Bling Jam Teaching Debut — 2026
🎈 Returning Bling Bling Jam Attendee — Now Instructor!
✨ Balloon Décor Instructor
Featuring Balloon Fusion & Creative Balloon Artistry
Sponsored by The Bling Bling Jam – The Balloon Convention
Robyn has been with the Bling Bling Jam in the early years and is back by poplar demand. She is now retired, after being a nurse for 37 years and had always had a passion for balloons for fun! She is thrilled to be with her balloon family!
Cecilia Villar
Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA • Originally from Peru 🇵🇪
🎥 YouTube Balloon Influencer & Balloon Artist
💍 Featured Bride — The Epic Balloon Wedding Vow Renewal 2026
2026 Bling Bling Jam Instructor
Featuring Balloon Fusion & Creative Balloon Artistry
Sponsored by The Bling Bling Jam – The Balloon Convention
Uber to and from Airport to Sam's Town Hotel and Casino
Donate on paypal to the Jeff Hayes Scholarship fund for 2026
at yourpartyschool@gmail.com. Once we have enough in the fund for 2026
We will announce it!
2026 theme "12th Year I'm Married to the Bling Bling Jam"
in Person November 8, 2026 pre-day set up-November 12, 2026