What We Do
The Balloon and Party Industry Alliance (BAPIA) is a UK-based organisation dedicated to supporting party professionals at every stage of their business journey.
Whether you’re a balloon artist, face painter, soft play specialist, or any other party pro who brings the fun to celebrations, we are here to support and help you grow.
As part of our membership we include public liability insurance, exclusive training opportunities, access to industry experts, discounts with industry suppliers, online and high street retailers, as well as a wealth of business resources. Our goal is to help our members thrive by promoting professionalism, encouraging best practices, and fostering a strong and supportive community.
BAPIA works closely with suppliers, educators, and industry leaders to ensure our members stay informed about trends, products, and opportunities. From insurance and business advice to marketing support and networking, BAPIA is here to help you build a successful, sustainable business in the celebrations industry.
THE MISSING PIECE TO YOUR BUSINESS PUZZLE
Membership Benefits
Your BAPIA membership includes:
FREE tailored £10 Million Public & Products Liability Insurance - plus Employers’ Liability cover.
Exclusive wholesaler discounts to help you save on supplies.
Training opportunities - online and in-person, to grow your skills and your business.
Access to the BAPIA Members-Only Facebook Group for networking, advice, and inspiration.
Exclusive, helpful business resources in the members-only section to make running your business easier.
Ready-to-use downloadable social media content and marketing content - perfect for engaging your audience.
A customisable Terms & Conditions template for your business.
Online promotion through bapiaonline.com and regular social media features.
Members-only webinars on skill development, marketing, and business growth.
BAPIAplus discounts on a wide range of products and services with online and high street retailers.
Friendly, expert help and advice from the BAPIA team whenever you need it.
YOUR PARTNER IN THE PARTY AND EVENTS INDUSTRY
Our Mission
Our mission is to champion the celebrations industry and the talented professionals who bring unforgettable moments to life. Every day, we work to raise the profile of our members, showcasing their expertise and creativity to the public. We’re passionate about encouraging people to choose trusted BAPIA professionals for their special occasions, knowing they’ll receive exceptional service and memorable results.
LEARN AND DISCOVER
Training with BAPIA
At BAPIA, we’re committed to providing the highest-quality training for our members. With a team of highly experienced and respected trainers, we deliver exceptional learning experiences designed specifically for celebrations professionals. Whether you’re new to the industry or have been perfecting your craft for years, you’ll leave every BAPIA training session with valuable new skills and insights.
In addition to our exclusive BAPIA courses, you’ll be the first to hear about training opportunities from our supplier and manufacturer members, as well as many of your highly talented industry peers. Our goal is simple, we want to help you grow, develop, and succeed in the celebrations industry.
Meet Our Team
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John Bowler
CEO
At the helm is John, our CEO, whose leadership blends decades of experience with a clear vision for the future. Over 15 years ago, John founded BAPIA, building on more than 35 years in the party industry. From running his own retail and wholesale businesses to leading sales for industry-recognised brands, there’s little in this sector he hasn’t seen or done. Deeply passionate about supporting small businesses, John is always exploring innovative ways for BAPIA to help them thrive. Away from work, he enjoys weekends watching Formula 1 and spending time with his dog, Mylo.
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Sue Bowler
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Sue keeps our operations running seamlessly, ensuring members receive the best possible support. A well-known and respected figure in the balloon industry, she brings over 35 years of expertise and has taught at more than 50 international training events and balloon conventions. Always ready to share her knowledge, Sue is a familiar presence in the exclusive BAPIA member Facebook groups and forums, helping others develop their skills and grow their businesses. Her popular blog, The Balloon Blog, has attracted nearly 3.5 million views so there’s a good chance you’ve already learned from her without even realising it! A true foodie at heart, Sue loves unwinding with a glass of wine, cooking for her family, and exploring mouth-watering culinary destinations.
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Jacob Megram
EVENTS AND PROJECTS MANAGER
Jacob oversees events and projects with a flair for creativity and innovation, bringing fresh ideas to every initiative. With more than a decade in the party and celebration industry, he has worked for leading global manufacturers to develop product ranges, design and deliver impactful brand experiences, from trade exhibitions to training events, and supported balloon artists in maximising the potential of top brands. Jacob has also worked closely with wholesalers and suppliers to help them engage and inform their customers, ensuring they get the very best from their product ranges. Outside of work, you’ll often find him on the golf course at weekends or taking the plunge in his favourite open-water swimming spots.
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Michelle Dunn
MEMBERSHIP ADMINISTRATOR
Michelle is the friendly face and trusted point of contact for all things membership, always ready to assist and support our ever-growing community. With a solid background in HR administration within the corporate world, she brings a wealth of organisational skills and professionalism to her role. Since joining BAPIA two years ago, Michelle has embraced the unique charm of working for a family-run business and is enjoying every moment of learning about the vibrant party industry. Outside of work, Michelle keeps active with running, yoga, and long countryside walks with her dog, Arlo. She also treasures quality time with her two boys.
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Rebecca Dodoo
DIGITAL MARKETING EXECUTIVE
With 18 years’ experience in customer-facing and service roles, from hospitality management and call centre team leadership to working with a housing association, Bex knows how to put people first. She now brings those skills to caring for BAPIA members and, as manager of the 2026 UKFABAC, has spent the past year immersing herself in the vibrant face painting community to ensure the convention is every bit as colourful and fun as its artists. When she’s not busy planning events, Bex is with her husband and kids…or occasionally swapping the school run for a well-earned bottomless brunch with friends!
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Angie George
TRAINING COORDINATOR
Angie brings over 25 years of teaching experience in balloon and event styling, leading BAPIA’s training programmes to help members grow their skills, creativity, and confidence. A former international gymnast turned educator, she combines the discipline of sport with a background in design, fashion, sales, and marketing, ensuring training is both inspiring and practical. Having taught regulated qualifications and bespoke courses as a college lecturer for 18 years, Angie is a recognised and well respected speaker and demonstrator at trade events worldwide. Outside of work, she loves travelling to visit her children and relaxing at home with her cat, Gravy.