A Year of Growth and Achievements
Looking Back and Leaping Forward
Hey friends! It’s been a whirlwind year for us here at NWI Party – Party Lane, and we’re so grateful to have had your support every step of the way. 2024 was all about pushing our creative limits, strengthening relationships, and growing in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Let’s catch you up on everything we’ve been up to and share what’s on the horizon for 2025!
Award-Winning Designs: Our FLOAT Experience
One of the biggest highlights of 2024 was competing at FLOAT, North America’s largest balloon convention. Let me tell you—it was a game changer! I entered live competitions for the first time and walked away with incredible honors:
🥇 1st Place in Organic Decor
🥇 1st Place in Centerpiece Design (and delegate’s choice!)
🥈 2nd Place in Large Sculpture
🥉 3rd Place in Foil Balloon Design
🏆 Designer of the Year
Winning these awards wasn’t just exciting—it validated all the hard work we’ve poured into mastering our craft. It also set the stage for us to expand our business and inspire others in the industry.
Sharing Knowledge and Building Community
In 2024, I made a commitment to not only learn but also teach. Mentoring up-and-coming balloon artists and event planners became one of the most rewarding parts of our year. Passing on our expertise and seeing others thrive was a reminder that collaboration lifts everyone up. I was so happy to be a featured artist and teach a class for ALOFT and the Balloon Guild, as well as building a relationship with Alexis at Fanfaire and creating our Big Designer Energy series of Instagram lives.
Behind-the-Scenes Upgrades
We also focused on streamlining our processes to serve you better! From improved communication to more efficient project management, we worked hard behind the scenes to make every step of your experience with us seamless and stress-free. We used tech by enabling our build your own garland feature for those who want to just order and have us show up, instead of contacting our office. The process is so quick and easy! Check it out if you haven't already.
Looking Ahead
As we step into 2025, we’re excited to build on this momentum and take things to the next level. Here’s what our clients can expect from us:
🌟 Even Better Balloon Designs: We’re always innovating and can’t wait to bring fresh trends and ideas to your events.
🤝 Stronger Partnerships: We’ll continue collaborating with event planners, venues, and corporate clients to make your events unforgettable.
🚛 Flexible Local Expertise: Based in Northwest Indiana and serving the Chicagoland area, we’re ready to cater to your unique needs with tailored designs and expert execution.
Continuing Professional Development and Opportunities
I began the year serving as a panelist at FULCRUM, a national conference for balloon professionals. I had the privilege of sitting on a panel teaching others how to nurture and grow vendor relationships, which has been a key part of our success. I also had the opportunity to reconnect in person with my mastermind team—a group of brilliant balloon pros from across the country who are my accountability partners.
I also also partnered with Alexis at Fanfaire to create a FREE online community for balloon artists where we will host teaching moments and business workshops, beginning with The Dos and Don'ts Of Helium in addition to creating a welcoming space for artists to ask questions to grow their businesses.
At the end of January I will be a judge at Balloon Empowerment Creative Connection, where I am looking forward to another couple of days of business development and learning from other industry leaders.
Let’s Make Magic in 2025!
We’re beyond excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to partner with you to create unforgettable memories. Ready to get started? Let’s chat and make your next event pop!
Thank you for being part of our journey—we couldn’t do it without you. 💕
With gratitude and excitement,
Alissa
NWI Party – Party Lane
✨ P.S. Got an event coming up? Let’s talk balloons! Reach out today to schedule a consultation. ✨
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Alissa Murray Lane,
Award Winning Designer
NWI Party - Party Lane
In 2024 we pushed ourselves to be better. Challenged our design brain, learned new skills. Competed for the first time in our industry … and won lots of awards! We forged new friendships, began to mentor and teach, implemented new systems, and took a growth mindset.
As we step into 2025 we are committed to partnerships, excellence in design, and service that exceeds expectations. Join us on this journey as we create something extraordinary, together
