The RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon is one of the most recognized corporate symbols in the business world. In addition, it is also an excellent vehicle for obtaining positive media coverage and public relations. It is a natural and welcomed companion at nearly all community events as well as a focus of fascination by interested parties of all ages.
By searching the Hot Air Balloon category you will find all you need to know about requesting, hosting and promoting an appearance at your local community event in Indiana, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. As RE/MAX INTEGRA, Midwest associates, we encourage you to become involved by sponsoring a balloon appearance at your local community celebration.
Questions?
Indiana:
Contact Emily Endress at eendress@remaxintegra.com
Minnesota & Wisconsin:
Contact Michele Roy at mroy@remaxintegra.com
Event Descriptions
Are you interested in having the RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon make an appearance at a local event? If so, there are five options you can consider. Learn about each one below:
Event Fly-Over (Free Flight)
All eyes turn to the skies when the RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon flies over your community event. This makes a balloon fly-over a great branding option when you are unable to get on-site space at your event. The RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon can accommodate two passengers of average weight plus the pilot. Flights vary, but last approximately one hour, and adhere to sunrise and sunset times and wind and weather restrictions. Note: requesting party must be able to provide 3 ground crew members- two of which can ride in the balloon during the flight and one to assist in the chase vehicle.
Tether Rides
RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon tether rides are a great option when you are able to get clearance for an on-site presence at your community event. In a tether event, passengers go up and come back down in the balloon while it is anchored to the ground at three fixed points. Each ride lasts approximately 3 minutes and can accommodate two adults plus the pilot. A tether event can last from 30 – 90 minutes depending on weather conditions and adhere to sunrise and sunset times and wind and weather restrictions. Tether rides require a 200 x 200 foot area of grass for set-up. Note: requesting party must be able to provide a tie-off vehicle and 4 ground crew members.
Parade Unit
The RE/MAX branded balloon chase vehicle and trailer with basket and burners has become one of our most popular options- especially for evening and holiday parades. The basket is set up with burners attached, which can be periodically blasted during the parade ride. This event draws a great deal of attention, and is a great choice as it is not weather permitting. Note: requesting party is responsible for any and all parade applications, entrance fees etc.
26-Foot Cold Air Balloon
The 26 foot tall RE/MAX inflatable is an excellent option for all-day branding exposure. It may be used inside or outside and is more flexible than the hot air balloon when it comes to weather conditions. The 26-foot balloon can be up day or night and requires 3 – 4 anchor points and a space approximately 30 x 30 feet. The 26-foot cold air balloon runs on electricity or a generator (upon request). It may be requested for use, but is always available for set up in the event that the hot air balloon cannot be inflated.
Night Glow
A RE/MAX
Hot Air Balloon night glow consists of the pilot inflating the balloon on the ground after dark. The burners of the balloon create a “glowing” effect. A night glow is a great accent to fireworks displays and other night time events.
Balloon Event Marketing Tips
If you recently requested the RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon, tether balloon, or parade balloon basket to appear at your event, be sure to get the most out of it by marketing your event. We’ve included a few suggestions below. If you have additional ideas to share with your peers, consider leaving them in the comment fields at the bottom of the page.
- Get the entire office involved! Make it a fun outing for Sales Associates, their families and friends. You will draw a lot of attention so make sure to wear your RE/MAX attire and bring your business cards.
- Use one of these press release templates to notify your local media of the RE/MAX balloon appearance. Consider inviting your local newspaper to come and cover a community event or balloon rally from a bird’s eye view.
- Plan to include information on your balloon event in your regular advertising and social media posts, starting one month prior to your event date. Create a buzz, “The RE/MAX hot air balloon is coming!”
- Print flyers to hand out at closings, inviting your customers to come and see the balloon. If part of a fair or festival, make sure the balloon is included in any materials that may be created for advertising.
- Consider a Children’s Miracle Network or Komen Breast Cancer fundraising event if hosting tether rides. Suggest a minimum donation from each person who wishes to take a ride. This helps your charity and shows that you care about giving back to your community.
- Always promote flights and tether events with a “wind and weather permitting” disclaimer. Also note that “No children under the age of 10 may be flown.”
Wind, Weather & Safety Guidelines
Hot air balloons are an eye-catching spectacle that can really capture the attention of a crowd; however, as fascinating as they are, ballooning enthusiasts know how important it is to keep safety top of mind. It’s no different with our RE/MAX Hot Air Balloons. If you are interested in requesting the RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon to appear at a local event, there are a number of safety precautions you need to be aware of:
Safety First
Safety is the first consideration in all situations involving the balloon. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations are specific regarding the safe performance of any aircraft, and the judgment of our qualified pilots is vital to ensure the safe operation of the RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon. The Pilot in Command is directly responsible for the safety of everyone involved, including the crew, passengers and bystanders. Therefore, the Pilot has full decision making authority regarding any and all activities during any ballooning event.
Passenger Guidelines
For safety reasons, it is important to pre-screen passengers prior to the day of the flight. When pre-screening a passenger, you should consider their age and physical condition. Children under the age of 10 and elderly persons will not be allowed on a flight. The majority of the landings are very smooth and uneventful, however, sometimes the wind picks up and the basket ends up on its side. If this occurs, small children can end up on the bottom of the basket and elderly passengers cannot brace properly for this type of landing.
Weather Conditions
A hot air balloon is greatly affected by weather. A clear sunny day does not necessarily make ideal conditions for a hot air balloon event. The most important factor considered in a balloon flight is the wind.
• Calm-Light Winds (0-6mph): Prospect is good for tether and flights.
• Increased Winds (6-10mph): This becomes a marginal situation. Pilot’s discretion as to whether or not a flight tether can occur.
• Windy (10+ mph): 26-foot cold air inflation only. Program can be given by demonstrating use of balloon equipment, periodically blasting burners and discussing hot air balloons in general.
Time of Day
It is a common misconception that a hot air balloon can fly at any time of day. For flights, tethers or tether rides we have a two-hour window after sunrise and before sunset. This is the only time of day that inflation of the balloon is possible due to wind and atmospheric conditions. Inflation of the hot air balloon at any other time would endanger the crew and passengers, and is not permitted.
Press Release Templates
A press release is a great way to let your local media publications know about your upcoming Hot Air Balloon event. Download one of our press release templates to share your announcement:
Hot Air Balloon Fly-Over
Hot Air Balloon Tether Rides
Hot Air Balloon Tether Rides with Donation to Charity
For more information on RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon appearances, click the appropriate link below:
>> Indiana
>> Minnesota
>> Wisconsin