Albuquerque International

Balloon Fiesta?  
NAVIGATOR NEWS
 July 2015

In This Issue
 

Makin g Balloon Fiesta Safer for Everyone  

 Thanks to all of the Navigators who came out to Johnson Center at UNM on Saturday, June 20th for Project Heart Start Day! (See photo above.) Thirty-three people attended the Compression-Only CPR classes throughout the morning.  

 

It's our goal to make Balloon Fiesta the safest it can be. As such, we are offering both Compression-Only and Certification classes in CPR to all Navigators. And you have responded with enthusiasm, showing your commitment to this event: 

  • 168 Navigators (over 20%) are CPR-Certified
  • 42 Navigators have completed Compression-Only CPR Training
  • 8 Navigators have completed Compression-Only CPR
    Facilitator Training

To sign up for upcoming Compression-Only and Certification CPR Classes, visit Navigator Central.

 

FAST FACTS:

What is a Balloonmeister?  


The Balloonmeister is a well-respected and experienced balloonists appointed by Balloon Fiesta to oversee all ballooning events. 

He or she coordinates with Balloon Fiesta's Event Director and meteorologists to determine if ballooning events can happen. They brief the pilots on conditions for the day's flight or for the glows, including restrictions that may apply, and recommend closing the field for launches if unfavorable conditions for flight exist. The Balloonmeister is responsible for and directs all officials and is the point of contact for pilots and officials regarding problems, safety concerns, or competition-related protests.


Balloon Fiesta has had 25 Balloonmeisters in its 44 years, the current position being held by Sam Parks, of North Carolina. To read more about Sam, click here... 

We Want Pictures ... Of You! 

 

Balloon Fiesta works with professional photographers to capture a wide variety of event highlights. While they take thousands of photos, they can't be everywhere all the time.  

 

So we want your photos! 

 

Specifically, we want photos of you and your fellow Navigators. We don't need photos of balloons, guests, pilots or crew. We just want pictures of you - preferably in your volunteer shirt and/or jacket - at your work area, at a party, hanging out... anywhere!  

 

Please send photos to [email protected]. By submitting your photos, you give Balloon Fiesta the rights to use your photos without compensation. Who knows? You might see yourself in print! 

 

  
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
4401 Alameda Boulevard N.E.
Albuquerque, NM 87113
[email protected]
(505) 821-1000, ext. 109
  
FAQs About Balloon Fiesta Refund Policies 
                     
How is it determined if an event is cancelled?
The only reason a session may be cancelled is for the safety of the pilots, Navigators and/or guests at the Park. Please understand that while safety is the priority in this decision, the decision is not taken lightly. Balloon Fiesta understands there are tens of thousands of people, including guests, concessionaires and Navigators anticipating a successful event and have spent their time and money to see the balloons.
  
Click here to read more...
Call for Submissions: AIBF Official Pos ter Art    
New Mexico Artists Invited to Submit Art for the 2016 Official Poster

The Balloon Fiesta Official Poster is one of the most popular and coveted collectibles among our official merchandise. You have the opportunity to be part of that history! If you are a New Mexico artist and you would like to create a submission to be considered for the 2016 Official poster there are a few things you need to do:  
  1. Create an original design in your style and medium of choice. (Remember Balloon Fiesta is all about color!)
  2. "Hide" a roadrunner somewhere in the piece.
  3. Bring your finished artwork to Lisa Mulder, Merchandise Manager, by August 15th, 2015.
It's that easy! The official poster for 2016 will be chosen by committee and the winner will be notified by the end of August 2015! Any questions? Please email Lisa at [email protected]
To learn more about the artist behind the 2015 AIBF Official Poster, by New Mexico artist, Victoria de-Almeida, click here... 

 

The greatest impression we can make for those visiting the Balloon Fiesta is the quality of the customer (guest) service that we deliver to each and every one of our customers.  The one thing people will remember aside from the beautiful balloons is the people here and how they were treated by them during their visit to Albuquerque. This is our opportunity to make a great first impression. It's easy to define great service, but it's not easy to deliver it. The challenge lies in building a strong service culture that aligns with our already unique and genuine southwestern culture.

 Click here to read more...

Balloon Fiesta Wins the Readers' Choice Award!
Albuquerque Journal Readers Pick Balloon Fiesta Above the Rest!

Thousands of Albuquerque Journal readers voted for their favorite businesses in 96 categories - from sandwich to shoe store, from barber to bike path, from donut to dentist - and so much more.

They voted for Balloon Fiesta as the favorite Annual Event, beating out the NM State Fair, Albuquerque Grecian Festival,
Chocolate Fantasy, Doggie Dash and Dawdle, Gathering of Nations, Globalquerque, Summerfest, Weems International Artfest.

Thanks, Albuquerque! We think you're the best, too!

To read more about the Albuquerque Journal Reader's Choice Awa
rds, click here...  
Opening on the Media Team

Every year, Balloon Fiesta welcomes hundreds of media representatives from around the world. One media outlet may send a photographer that only needs one good shot, while another will send a film crew of 10 for several days.

The Balloon Fiesta media team needs 1-2 new Navigators to come on board. They're looking for people who have a complete understanding of how Balloon Fiesta operates - what can and can't be done on the field, how balloons operate - and can chaperone a crew on and off the field to ensure their needs are being met. The team's goal is to help their media guests secure best possible footage of the event.

If you are interested in learning more about this position with the media team please email [email protected] with a description of your background and interests. Submit a letter of interest no later than August 1st.