IAAPA Preview

IAPPA 2005 Preview

By Scottie Claiborne ©2005

Who's displaying at IAAPA this year? Why should you go? Good questions! This year's IAPPA convention is being held in Atlanta November 16-19 and there's still time to register and find a place to stay.

Historically, trade shows like IAAPA are the place to view the latest and greatest designs, try them out, and see the quality for yourself. Not to mention that tradeshow discounts are designed to compel you to get out your credit card and get yourself some new equipment!

Who's Exhibiting This Year?

Here is a list of the vendors under the "inflatable" category who are exhibiting at IAPPA:

I got on the phone and contacted all of this year's exhibiters to find out why they think you ought to come see them at the show. Some had no comment for fear of giving away their industry secrets, others were unable to be reached.

The ones who were willing to toot their own horn said:

Bill Holsten of Pitchburst, LLC:

We've put together some terrific "show special" price packages for both Pitchburst(R) and Boom Blaster(TM).

In 2005 we've seen Pitchburst really take off as the primary dunk tank alternative worldwide, as it's been on cruise ships, with the U.S. troops in Iraq, and of course thousands of inflatable events across the U.S.

And, as noted in the A-IRCO online forum, Boom Blaster has been the runaway hit of the year, adding a surprising new twist to kids events from pay-per-plays to big-budget corporate parties.

For Boom Blaster, at IAAPA we'll be exhibiting a wide range of new accessory items, to help build fun "blasting" themes (Boom Blaster hard hats, caution tape), and build presence at big events (banners, a-frame signs). Plus we'll be showing the new Boom Blaster Carry Bag Sets, to help maintain the games to last. We've also added an a-frame sign for Pitchburst. The a-frames are full-color 28" tall vinyl banners with game pictures and "Come Play" written on them, plus there's a page-sized white space to let event runners add their own signage.

We're also cooking up a whole new game for 2006, and plan to show the concept to our friends at IAAPA to get the early word out.

Andrew from Twister Display:

Our hot item at the show will be the Pit Stop Challenge- come by and try it out! Pit Stop Challenge is a NASCAR game where you compete to change a tire with a real air gun and a real tire. We'll be offering 10% off on all products at the show.

Dunk tanks are still very popular and a big seller for us. The cow milking game is also a huge hit- it's big wooden cow and participants milk it. We get ton of people at the show who want their picture taken with it. It's a real attraction for rental companies. We are also selling more Money Machines- for birthday parties, corporate events. People use tickets to win a prize, monopoly money and other fun items inside the game.

Beth Lewis from Huffer Games:

We have some of the coolest new table top games, including some with remote control cars. Stop by the booth and test them and you'll be hooked!

We haven't overlooked our popular Bang-a-Rang stackable games either. We are introducing more 3-D styles this show and we'll have some great show specials.

Note- Huffer no longer sells blowers and focuses solely on games. It's under new ownership of Beth and Jody Lewis and they are committed to adding more exciting portable games so keep an eye on them!

Gary from Jump a Lot Jumpers:

We are really excited about the new obstacle course we are bringing. It is 60' and comes in 2 sections.

The real news is that we are offering free dollys and rental software with each inflatable purchase- that's a $3400 value.! We only have limited quanities, so make your purchase early.

Kit McKee from Inflatation Creations

We have more new designs this show than we've every had, they are just awesome! It is simply the best stuff we've ever done. It's all the great. The quality is top notch. We are really looking forward to the show!

We work hard to be as innovative as we can. I've has a lot of creative freedom to do new stuff and try new designs, and everyone at the show will get to see them. Be sure to check us out.

Carter Hogan from Hogan Stakes

You can drop by our booth and see and feel the different types of stakes we are offering. Several manufacturers are now shipping our stakes with their inflatables. If your inflatables didn't come with Hogan Stakes, check ours out and you'll see the difference.

We are offering free freight on orders placed at the show, which is a big deal when you are shipping heavy stakes!

Daniel from Bouncin Bins:

Combos are where it's at. We are bringing 4 new combo styles to the show that have your needs covered from toddlers to teens. Be sure to stop by and check them out.

Chris Carducci from Inflatable Depot:

Our entire booth is new- it's our premiere show. We are going to rock the world with 6500 ft. of brand new styles.

Find Out for Yourself!

Will this year's show live up to the big claims of the secretive moonwalk manufacturers? There's only one way to find out- book a ticket and head to Atlanta next month to try out the latest and greatest inflatbles and games on the market. See you there!

All The Profits You Can Bear

Interview with Marisa A. Catusco of My Pawfect Bear

By Scottie Claiborne

This month we interviewed Marisa A. Catusco, of My Pawfect Bear, a stuff-your-own bear system that is portable and designed specifically for rental companies. The popularity of bear stuffing has caught on in a big way and My Pawfect Bear can help you to capitalize on this fun trend.

[AIRCO] What's the idea behind My Pawfect Bear?

[My Pawfect Bear] Being involved in portable rentals for over 12 years, I have watched our industry as it has been crippled by high risk forms of entertainment. Love-N-Stuff My Pawfect Bear was conceived to satisfy the portable rental company's need for low liability, high profit, year round services to offer their clients. The "Stuff your own Teddy Bear" concept is a proven success thanks to retail venues all over the world. Having the ability to bring this concept to the client instead of the client coming to you is ideal for today's portable rental company.

[AIRCO] How does this concept work for portable rentals?

[My Pawfect Bear] There are so many ways to implement My Pawfect Bear into your menu of services. Stuffing your own Teddy Bears has been featured at Birthday Parties, Company Picnics, Corporate Team Building and Morale Boosters, Post Prom, Project Graduations, Church and School Carnivals and Fund Raisers, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, and so many more opportunities.

[AIRCO] Is it easy to transport and set up?

[My Pawfect Bear] The GingerBear House has been developed with our experience in portable rentals. The machine breaks down into 2 pieces, so it can be transported most minivans. The machine itself has a large capacity storage drawer so you can roll into a party ready to go. The GingerBear House is a true Plug and Play piece of equipment! We have fixed our machine with additional and necessary features not found on any other stuffing machines available including the 25 ft retractable power cord, the storage nook for the foot pedal and removable stuffer nozzle, its storage drawer and safety switches, The outer shell is constructed to be durable during transport but also posses an attractive finish so it never goes unnoticed. All of these features are essential for a safe, functional and profitable attraction.

[AIRCO] How much can a rental operator be expected to invest upfront to get started with bear making?

[My Pawfect Bear] I was always frustrated with new purchases in that being able to tell my clients about the new attractions coming I would have to "fend for myself". I would like for our clients to have to invest less than I had to. Included with the initial package purchase of the machine and starter inventory (a retail value of at least $2000.00) is a Marketing and Production tool book, marketing graphics, birth certificate graphics, and postcard mailers for our clients to get the word out. I believe this part of the package has a priceless value! This package is priced at $7495.00.

[AIRCO] I notice the insurance companies you list on your site also insure inflatable companies. Do you have any idea how much insurance on the bear stuffing machine generally runs per year?

[My Pawfect Bear] Of course, it varies, but typically less than half of what you pay for a single moonwalk.

[AIRCO] What kind of profit margins can an operator expect? Are the bears or the clothes more profitable?

[My Pawfect Bear] There is about a 300% markup available in most areas of the US.

[AIRCO] What ways to you recommend upselling clients to get more out of each sale?

[My Pawfect Bear] Our "Beary Cool Party Production" booklet provided with the package purchase is filled with theme ideas and party packages designed to help structure a party package and provides insight on how to up sell the event.

More Info About the My Pawfect Bear Rental Package:

My Pawfect Bear plush stuffing machines are easy to operate, light weight and come in a variety of styles instantly appealing to children and adults alike. They are specifically designed for the Portable Party Rental Market. You can choose from The GingerBear House, The Enchanted Toy Castle, The Farmyard Barn or your very own custom design.

50" Long x 28" Wide x 54" Tall (when assembled for operation). Each section weighs less than 250lbs. Each machine is literally packed with features:

• Quiet and efficient, impeller-less fill system
• Extra large capacity fill hopper with an automatic kill switch
• Storage space for additional stuffing, skins and accessories

My Pawfect Bear stuffing machines are the first portable machines that allow the operator to carry all supplies to accommodate more than 50 projects within the Stuffing Machine itself; this feature reduces the risk of leaving essential parts behind. Additional storage can be obtained with the purchase of our bench seat which features locking castors and cushioned seat.

Additional features include:

• 25-foot retractable power cord
• Storage nook for the foot pedal
• Removable stuffing nozzle

For more details, see the website: http://www.lovenstuff.biz

Our thanks to Marisa Catusco for taking the time to tell us more about her business.

Bouncing in the UK- Same Issues, Different Solutions

Member Profile- Tracey Christie of Bounce Krazee

By Harold Fisher

Where are you located? What country?

In the UK, about half way between London and Oxford.

How long have you been in business?

3 years in partnership with my sister.

Do you also rent games or is it just the bouncers and slides?

Just bouncy castles and inflatable slides at the moment, but we are continually expanding our hire fleet and next season is already approaching fast!

Do you have any employees?

The business consists of two partners, an all-year round employee, plus three casuals for busy summertime periods - and of course our husband's who work for love not money when we need them!

Do you have much competition?

Yes, a fair amount, but friendly competition is always healthy and on the whole we have a good relationship with most of them, and swap bookings when we are fully booked.

How would you rate your business as large or small?

Small in the business world, medium in the inflatable world and 2nd largest in our delivery area.

How long is your season? How many parties do you average a season?

We operate all year round but obviously it's quieter in winter months when we hire mainly to indoor venues because of the weather!

What size of a delivery area do you have? Is it highly populated or mostly rural (farms)?

We cover a fairly wide delivery area - roughly a 20 mile radius and involves two sometimes three delivery vans in peak season. It's mainly populated but we do also cover small rural villages too.

Has the rental rate gone down in your area or has it gone up?

The area we live and operate in is an affluent part of the UK but I would say it's increased steadily, roughly with inflation.

What is the majority of your business, back yard parties, fund raising events?

Private garden hires are the bread and butter of our business as with most hire companies, but we also have a good customer base which includes local schools, nurseries, sports centres, fund-raisers and corporate organizations - we even supplied a bouncy castle to Tony and Cherie Blair at their private home recently - I nearly fell off my chair when I took the initial call!

After viewing our forums do you see much commonality between what we do here in the states and you?

Yes, we seem to operate similarly from what I've learnt about your setting-up and safety procedures, although the States based inflatables are considerably enclosed with netting compared to ours. However, we seem to be hotter on safety rules, anchorage, safety mats etc. You also seem to encounter similar insurance problems as us, but ours appears much cheaper per unit - thankfully, the recent introduction of more competition here drove our insurance premiums down considerably.

Is there much legislation regarding bouncys on your side of the pond? Do units have to be built to certain specifications? Is there a required means of anchoring?

The "Law" subject is a hot topic of debate here at the moment! In terms of actual legislation ie Law, I have no legal experience but I'll try to answer to the best of my knowledge! UK companies have to adhere to the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 which is Law and means that inflatable hirers and their employees should do everything possible to ensure the safe use of the equipment. Part of the legal requirement is that we have to have our electrical equipment tested, which includes blowers, extension reels and RCD's.

There is the Inflatable Play Inspection Scheme called PIPA, which is the only testing scheme that is supported by the Health and Safety Executive at present. PIPA is widely considered "best practice" but it's not Law or compulsory. The PIPA scheme is modelled on the European draft CEN TC 136.

I'm sure that there are certain specifications for bouncy castles and electrical equipment such as flame retardant materials must be used, but I'm unsure of the details - sorry!

Does the legislation vary between areas?

No, where Legislation or the Law applies, it applies to the UK.

Is the insurance required and is it expensive?

There are different types of insurances that are applicable-

Public liability insurance is not a legal requirement so it's not compulsory but it's generally considered extremely unwise not to have it. Insurer's do set certain criteria as a condition of insurance such as annual testing, adhering to Health and Safety's Entertainment Sheet 7 for inflatables (although this document has now been withdrawn) using all anchorage points, fully supervised by an adult at all times whilst in use, equipment must be set-up and dismantled by us or our employees only, adults and children must be use equipment separately on adult units, footwear is to be removed, to name but a few! Public liability insurance costs around £50 per unit per year for £1 million cover.

Vehicle insurance is a legal requirement and is therefore compulsory so we have to insure any employees who also drive for us. A condition on commercial vehicle insurance is usually that drivers must be over 25.

Employers are responsible for the Health and Safety of employees whilst they are at work. Employer's Liability Insurance is a legal requirement and is therefore compulsory.

What form of advertisement do you use?

Mainly local: Yellow Pages, local village magazines, leaflets in schools etc, and of course best of all is word of mouth for good quality inflatables, emphasis on safety and a first class service!

If you could offer somebody just starting up some advice what would it be?

Before you even think about buying any inflatables, research the market and the options considerably. Learn as much as you can about the business because it will influence what you decide to purchase - join message forums, read Inflated News magazines, visit trade shows and talk to other hirers before you decide what to buy. The local hirers in your area may be your competition but they could also become your friends too who help out with a spare blower when needed, cover a booking last minute in an emergency or swap bookings with you in peak season.

How did you find the forum and do you find it helpful? Would recommend it?

I found the forum when Scottie (from AIRCO) joined the British Inflatable Hirers Asscociation message board. Yes, I've found it helpful and extremely fascinating to compare how we do things differently in some ways but very similar in others. It's a friendly forum and yes, I'd definitely recommend it.

Thanks for your time, Tracey!

Hot Threads at the Forum

International interest this month with UK-based members

Wrap Up

October already! Where does the time go...

The biggest weekend of the year, Halloween, is less than 3 weeks away. Hang in there, it will all be over soon and you'll have the winter to put your feet up and nurse your sore back.

Save the Date- Friday Night, November 18, Atlanta!

We're putting together an AIRCO meet-and greet for Friday night at IAPPA so keep your calendar open! We might talk at ya a little, but for the most part it will be a fun evening to hang out and get to know those people you only know by their avatars. (Is Mike's hair really that orange? Is Harold really Darth Tater?)

It's open to rental companies and vendors alike. If you are a vendor and you'd like to be a sponsor for the meeting, please contact me ASAP. If you aren't exhibiting at IAPPA, this would be a great opportunity to show off what you do. If you are exhibiting, you'll have a chance to get to know the attendees in a formal, relaxed setting.

As always, if you've got a great idea for an article, send it to us at scottieclaiborne@a-irco.org. We want to hear from you!

See you next month, or feel free to join us at the AIRCO moonwalk forum anytime, day or night. We'd love to hear from you!