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Creativity. Expertise. Business success.

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About us

What the Academy stands for

The Professional Balloon & Decor Academy is the training programme run by RS Segelken. It teaches customers and trade partners how to work professionally with balloons and decorations in a commercial setting. We pass on the know-how of many years in the industry – hands-on, structured and always with your business results in mind. From your first workshop to specialising as a professional, we are with you at every step.

Your benefits

What the Academy does for you

CONFIDENCE

You know what you are doing. You handle materials and techniques so confidently that your customers notice it the moment you talk to them.

QUALIFICATION

Your skills in black and white. Certificates and the final diploma make your ability visible: on your website, in your quotes and in your shop window.

NEGOTIATION SKILLS

Calculate properly and argue convincingly. You learn how to set prices that add up, and how to explain them so your customer accepts them.

NETWORK

You are not on your own. You meet colleagues facing the same questions. Out of that come contacts, referrals, orders and friendships.

KNOWLEDGE

Learn from our mistakes instead of your own. We pass on decades of balloon experience unfiltered. That saves you time, money and frustration.

HANDS-ON PRACTICE

You do it yourself, not the trainer. From the very first moment you work with professional materials from our range. Whatever you build in the workshop, you can build at a customer’s site on Monday.

The course system

Your path. Your pace. Your progress.

You decide where to start – and when. Every foundation workshop and every masterclass can be booked independently, in any order. If you are new to the industry, we recommend all four foundation workshops. And if you are unsure what suits you best, just call us and we will advise you.

4 workshops – one certificate each on completion

Certificate Workshop A
→ About Workshop A
Certificate Workshop B
→ About Workshop B
Certificate Workshop C
→ About Workshop C
Certificate Workshop D
→ About Workshop D
Diploma of the Professional Balloon & Decor Academy

Diploma A–D

Complete all four workshops (A–D) and you automatically receive your personal Diploma of the Professional Balloon & Decor Academy.

Masterclasses

For everyone who wants more

Got the basics down? Then the masterclasses are your next step: one level up, for professionals who want to deepen their craft and lead their market.

Top instructors Internationally recognised experts from the balloon and event industry.
Limited places Deliberately small groups – and therefore often sold out quickly. Best to subscribe to our Newsletter.
High standards Not an entry-level format. You need to have the basic techniques down.
Strong partners Close cooperation with Sempertex, Kalisan, Tuftex and Grabo.

Your standing in the industry

Every masterclass counts towards your progress. At 3, 5 and 10 completed masterclasses you reach the three award levels of the Academy. For each level you reach you receive another special diploma.

Professional Level 3 Masterclasses
Expert Level 5 Masterclasses
Master Level 10 Masterclasses
→ See all upcoming dates

Upcoming workshops & masterclasses

Dates and registration

TUFTEX Live

Marquee and twisting balloon techniques with Marvin Ohmstedt (CBA)

25 Oct 2026 · Bremen

→ More information and registration

Foundation Workshop A+B

Module A: latex balloon basics, foil balloon basics. Module B: organic style with latex balloons, transparent bubble balloons

27 + 28 Feb 2027

Registration opening soon

→ More information and registration

Foundation Workshop C+D

Module C: balloon walls from latex balloons, Link-o-Loons. Module D: flowers, rainbows and clouds from latex balloons, balloon base „Deco to Go“

3 + 4 Apr 2027

Registration opening soon

→ More information and registration

Masterclass

TBA

24 + 25 Apr 2027

Registration opening soon

→ More information and registration

The foundation workshops

Workshops A–D in detail

A

Foundation Workshop A

Module 1: latex balloon basicsModule 2: foil balloon basics

Do you dream of creating balloon decorations, or even opening your own balloon business? Or are you already in the balloon trade and want to train your staff? Then our foundation workshop for balloon decorators and balloon artists is exactly right for you.

Learn the most important techniques and basics of working with balloons from experienced balloon expert and instructor Silke Segelken. This course is designed for beginners and gives you the perfect foundation to get started with balloon decoration.

What to expect
Module 1: latex balloon basics
  • Materials: Learn the fundamentals of latex and foil balloons.
  • Inflation techniques: Air or helium? Learn when and how to use each one.
  • Balloon tools and equipment: Discover professional valves and inflators.
  • Basic techniques: Build basic balloon garlands and helium bouquets.
  • Business basics: Tips on pricing and on setting up a balloon business.
  • Hands-on exercises: Build the designs yourself and gain valuable practical experience.
  • Free balloon samples and information material for your first own projects.
Module 2: foil balloon basics
  • Materials: Learn the fundamentals of latex and foil balloons.
  • Inflation techniques: Air or helium? Learn when and how to use each one.
  • Number and letter balloons: inflate and style them professionally.
  • Business basics: Tips on pricing and price positioning.
  • Hands-on exercises: Build the designs yourself and gain valuable practical experience.
  • Free balloon samples and information material for your first own projects.
Foundation Workshop A
On completion: Certificate Foundation Workshop A
B

Foundation Workshop B

Module 1: organic style with latex balloonsModule 2: transparent bubble balloons

This workshop builds on Foundation Workshop A and is designed for beginners. It consists of the two modules organic style with latex balloons and transparent bubble balloons, and gives you the perfect foundation to start working professionally with balloon decoration.

What to expect
Module 1: organic style with latex balloons
  • Applications and examples
  • Differences between classic balloon decoration and organic style
  • Technique variants in organic style
  • Which inflators work best?
  • Using accents and accessories deliberately in organic style
  • Business basics: Tips on calculating materials and pricing
  • Hands-on exercises: Organic style hands-on. Build your own organic style garland and work as a group on a larger organic style project.
  • Free balloon samples and information material for your first own projects.
Module 2: transparent bubble balloons
  • Applications and examples
  • Deco bubbles, crystals and aqua balloons compared
  • Sealing techniques (welding and knotting)
  • Differences when using air or helium
  • Which inflators do I need and which accessories make sense?
  • Basics of personalising deco bubbles
  • Confetti balloons with crystal globes
  • Business basics: Tips on calculating materials and pricing
  • Hands-on exercises: Filling a deco bubble with latex balloons, sealing a bubble balloon, making a confetti balloon, welding an aqua balloon.
  • Free balloon samples and information material for your first own projects.
Foundation Workshop B
On completion: Certificate Foundation Workshop B
C

Foundation Workshop C

Module 1: balloon walls from latex balloonsModule 2: Link-o-Loons

Foundation Workshop C builds on Foundation Workshops A and B and is designed for beginners. It gives you the perfect foundation to start working professionally with balloon decoration.

What to expect
Module 1: balloon walls from latex balloons
  • Applications and examples
  • Learn the fundamentals of balloon walls
  • Difference between classic balloon walls and organic style balloon walls
  • Technique variants when building balloon walls
  • Which inflators should I use?
  • Using accents and accessories (artificial flowers, foil balloons and so on) deliberately in balloon walls
  • How do I plan a balloon wall and install it on site?
  • Business basics: Tips on calculating materials and pricing
  • Hands-on exercises: Together with all participants you build a large balloon wall from latex balloons.
Module 2: Link-o-Loons
  • Applications and examples
  • Learn the fundamentals of Link-o-Loons
  • Differences when using air or helium
  • Build plans for balloon walls and sculptures
  • Link-o-Loons combined with foil balloons
  • Business basics: Tips on calculating materials and pricing
  • Hands-on exercises: You build a balloon sphere from Link-o-Loons, and together the group creates a large balloon tunnel.
Foundation Workshop C
On completion: Certificate Foundation Workshop C
D

Foundation Workshop D

Module 1: clouds, flowers & rainbows from balloonsModule 2: balloon base Deco to Go

Foundation Workshop D builds on Foundation Workshops A, B and C and is designed for beginners. This workshop focuses strongly on practical work – which is why you need the knowledge and skills from Workshops A, B and C. It gives you the perfect foundation to start working professionally with balloon decoration.

What to expect
Module 1: clouds, flowers & rainbows from balloons
  • Applications and examples
  • Techniques, planning and placement of balloon flowers, clouds, columns & rainbows
  • Learn the distortion technique for special balloon creations
  • Business basics: tips on calculating materials and pricing
  • Hands-on exercises: building a balloon flower. Group work: a balloon rainbow with clouds.
Module 2: balloon base Deco to Go
  • Applications and examples
  • Balloon deco to go: marquees and gift balloons
  • Ways of combining latex and foil balloons
  • Using air and helium
  • Basics of building marquees with foil numbers
  • How do you make gift balloons with a balloon packaging machine?
  • Business basics: Tips on calculating materials and pricing
  • Hands-on exercises: Building a marquee from latex and foil balloons, and making a packaging balloon with the balloon packaging machine.
Foundation Workshop D
On completion: Certificate Foundation Workshop D
Once you have completed all four workshops (A–D) you automatically receive your personal Diploma of the Professional Balloon & Decor Academy.

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

1 About the Academy

What is the Professional Balloon & Decor Academy? +
The Professional Balloon & Decor Academy is the training programme run by RS Segelken. It teaches customers and trade partners how to work professionally with balloons and decorations in a commercial setting. We pass on the know-how of many years in the industry – hands-on, structured and always with your business results in mind. From your first workshop to specialising as a professional, we are with you at every step.
Who can take part in the Academy? +
The Academy is aimed at commercial trade partners of RS Segelken who want to learn professional balloon and decoration skills and build a successful business. If you are new to the industry and looking for a professional partner to teach you the essentials, you are in the right place. The foundation workshops are designed for beginners. The masterclasses, by contrast, are aimed at participants with solid prior knowledge.
What is the difference between a foundation workshop and a masterclass? +
The foundation workshops are designed for beginners. For the masterclasses you should have very good prior knowledge, or have completed at least all four foundation workshops. Masterclasses focus on creative ideas and special techniques, and the pace is considerably faster because a lot is taken as given.

We usually run our masterclasses in cooperation with our main suppliers. They are led by experienced balloon instructors who have been active in the industry for years and have built successful businesses themselves. As the instructors are often international, masterclasses are usually held in English – the foundation workshops are always held in German.

We aim to run all workshops, foundation courses and masterclasses alike, around a theme (for example weddings or Halloween), so you leave with creations you can put to work straight away.
What language are the courses taught in? +
The foundation workshops are always held in German. The language of a masterclass depends on the respective instructor – please check the workshop description for details.
Who leads the workshops? +
The foundation workshops are led by certified balloon artist and experienced decorator Silke Segelken . The masterclasses are run by successful balloon instructors who have been active in the industry for years and enjoy passing on their knowledge.

2 Requirements & content

Do I need prior knowledge? +
No prior knowledge is needed for the foundation workshops. If you are a beginner we recommend starting with Foundation Workshop A – everything is explained step by step and put into practice straight away.

In terms of content each workshop builds on the previous one: Workshop C assumes the knowledge from A and B, Workshop D that from A, B and C. If you have little or no experience, start with Workshop A.

The masterclasses are aimed at advanced balloon professionals and assume all the knowledge from the foundation workshops.
Do I have to take the workshops in the order A–D? +
No. In principle you can start with any foundation workshop and choose the order freely. Do bear in mind, though, that the workshops build on one another and assume the knowledge from the earlier ones. That is how we make sure every participant has a rewarding workshop experience and learns as much as possible.
Can I start straight away with a masterclass? +
Yes, masterclasses can in principle be booked independently of the foundation workshops. We do recommend completing all four foundation workshops (A–D) first, or being confident with the skills they cover, because masterclasses assume a high level and move quickly.
What can I expect in a workshop – theory or practice? +
The workshops combine theory with plenty of hands-on exercises. You carry out all the important techniques yourself. In our view the practical work matters most. YouTube tutorials are useful, but they cannot give you critical feedback or point out your mistakes. Hands-on.
Which topics do the foundation workshops cover? +
Workshop A
  • Module 1: latex balloon basics
  • Module 2: foil balloon basics
Workshop B
  • Module 1: organic style with latex balloons
  • Module 2: transparent foil balloons (bubble, aqua, crystal)
Workshop C
  • Module 1: balloon walls from latex balloons
  • Module 2: Link-o-Loons
Workshop D
  • Module 1: flowers, clouds and rainbows from latex balloons
  • Module 2: balloon base „Deco to Go“
Are business topics covered as well? +
Yes. Alongside the creative techniques we cover topics such as:
  • Calculating materials
  • Pricing
  • Order handling
  • Planning and organising decoration projects

3 Organisation & schedule

How long does a workshop last? +
The foundation workshops are one-day seminars and usually run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We often offer combined workshop weekends (for example A + B or C + D) on Saturday and Sunday, with Sunday usually finishing around 3:00 p.m.
Where and when do the workshops take place? +
Dates and venues are announced on the relevant workshop page.

If the workshop takes place at RS Segelken in Bremen:
  • Address: Malthusstraße 9, 28307 Bremen, Germany
  • Public transport: By train to Mahndorf station, then about a 15 minute walk.
Hotels nearby:
Do I need to bring my own materials? +
No. All the materials and tools you need are provided for the workshop.

4 Booking & costs

How do I register? +
You have two options: fill in the online registration form and submit it directly, or download the PDF registration form, complete it and send it back to us by email.
What happens after I register? +
You receive a confirmation of registration from us, along with all the important information, by email.
What does it cost to take part? +
Prices vary depending on the workshop and when you book. You will find all current prices on the relevant workshop page. Register early and you can secure a lower early bird price.
What is included in the course price? +
Depending on the workshop, the course price includes:
  • Participation in the workshop
  • Certificate
  • A high-quality handout covering all the content
  • All working materials
  • Goodie bag with samples & useful information material
  • A €50 voucher for our online shop
  • Lunch
  • Snacks & drinks
How do I secure the early bird price? +
Register by the date shown and you secure the early bird discount. It is even easier with our newsletter: subscribe here and hear about new workshops, masterclasses and discounts automatically – earlier than everyone else.
Are there group discounts? +
If you would like to attend with a group of at least 3 people, write to us and we will put together an individual quote.
Can I book individual foundation workshops? +
Yes. For combined workshop weekends you can also book day tickets and therefore individual workshops.
Is there a limit on participants? +
Yes. Places are limited and the number depends on the workshop and the venue. Early registration is recommended.
Can I cancel or rebook my registration? +
Free cancellation or rebooking is possible up to 14 days before the workshop. After that we charge an administration fee of 20 % of the ticket price.
Can I book a workshop for my staff at our own premises? +
Yes, we can run a workshop at your own premises. The content can be tailored to your needs. Please send us a separate enquiry and we will get back to you shortly with an individual quote.

5 After the workshop

How do I receive my certificate and diploma? +
You receive a certificate after each foundation workshop you complete. Once you have completed all four foundation workshops (A–D) you automatically receive the Diploma of the Professional Balloon & Decor Academy.

Please note: not every masterclass includes a certificate. Please check the respective description.
What can I use the certificate for? +
Balloon decorator and balloon retailer are not yet recognised training professions in Germany, so our certificates give you a way to earn a professional qualification of your own.

You can display your certificate in your shop or on your website – a clear signal of the quality of your work. It strengthens your customers’ trust in your skills and acts as a visible mark of quality.
Do I get materials to take home? +
Yes. At the workshop you receive a high-quality handout covering all the content, so you can take notes as you go and use the materials at home afterwards. Unfortunately we cannot send the handout digitally.
Can I order the products used in the workshop afterwards? +
Yes. All the products we use in our workshops and masterclasses can be ordered from our online shop.

Ready for the next step?

Start with Foundation Workshop A and become part of the Professional Balloon & Decor Academy.

Register now

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