Diamond Jam is coming up in a few weeks which I'm looking into getting possibly a cheapish flight out to attend.
They have some good names lecturing and a balloon fashion show on the 16th Aug plus balloon camp which is for the balloon decorators so all in all a good few days of ballooning.
More details and website are; http://www.diamondjam.com/registration.htm

I'm also looking into going to the August magical masterclass that Jeff McBride is holding on the 19/26th Aug which just happens to follow on nicely from the balloon convention and is also in Vegas.

I wanted to let you know about some exciting news for our industry. To receive some exposure for the talents and artistry of Balloonists worldwide, we've arranged to get some national media coverage.

NBC’s The TODAY SHOW has confirmed they will be joining us this year. We’re proud to have been a part of putting this together and we’re sure it will be a big boost to our industry
Our special guest and celebrity model this year will be Jenna Wolfe Correspondent and weekend anchor for the NBC Television show. Jenna will be joining us, with her film crew, to so do some special features on the Fashion Show, Diamond Jam and Summer Balloon Camp. They will be filming from Friday until Monday to cover the classes and activities at the events. The 2008 winner of the “Top Fashion Designer” Award, Debbie Stevens, will be creating a dress for Jenna and has agreed to teach a class on Dress Making on Monday morning at Balloon Camp.
The 2009 Balloon Couture Fashion Show has a few spaces left for competitors vying for the “Top Fashion Designer” Award.
So if you’re a dressmaker or want to be a dressmaker now is your opportunity to show your talents and skills to the Balloon Industry and the public. There’s no cost to be a part of the Fashion Show competition. Just be registered for either Diamond Jam, and have a dinner ticket for the show, or register for Balloon Camp.
All the information is on our web sites. Hope to see you there!

Well I finally done it after looking at the screen for booking my flight to America for 30 mins yesterday and two hours tonight I've finally pressed the buttons tonight and booked
I come out in a cold sweat just booking the tickets let alone flying.

yea!! I'm glad you're coming Graham, it will be nice to visit with you again

So, is anyone else planning on going?

No sorry, I will be performing my balloon show at the Edinburgh festival!

But i look forward to reading about Diamond Jam on the forum here!

Yes, it will be good to see you again Graham! You too Tonya!! I will be at the Tuscany from the 12th-18th. Ive chose to attend Diamond Jam and just "hang around" the hotel during balloon camp. Drinks on me! See you soon!

Very cool Jack, glad you'll be there too
I'll only be there the 12th thru the 14th though.
See you soon.

Jack, the same as myself. Attending diamond jam and hanging around the hotel for balloon camp. And the drinks are on you, perfect

I have a week to go before we fly out for Diamond jam and the Jeff McBride Magic masterclass.
Have hotels booked, how cheap can they be? For the balloon convention I'm booked in for six nights at the convention hotel and will be sharing, the cost to me $110 and then we are booked in at a motel for the masterclass again sharing the room but with a hire car and for eight nights the all in the price is $195. Rooms in Vegas in August are very sensibly priced.

I will try and do a bit of reporting back on the convention and classes that I sit in on so that we can give a rough feel to how things are and possibly tempt you into coming to one of the American conventions sometime soon.

My stress levels are getting up to maximum
All packed, just sorting out the paperwork etc for the 11 am flight tomorrow morning.
I've started on the wine to help me relax, very much looking forward to the trip, once there