CRC 2nd Annual Member Meeting
The Future Of Celebration: Responsible. Innovative. United.
EVENT DETAILS
WELCOME RECEPTION
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Date: Wednesday, November 12
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Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
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Location: Sheraton Bloomington Hotel, Minneapolis, MN
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Join fellow CRC members and industry leaders to kick off the event with drinks, small bites, and great conversation.​
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ANNUAL MEETING
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Date: Thursday, November 13
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Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Location: Sheraton Bloomington Hotel, Minneapolis, MN​​
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A full day of programming, including panels, networking, and inspiration centred on sustainability, innovation, and industry unity.
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REGISTER TO ATTEND
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Ticket
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$200/person
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Leader Ambassadors
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$100/person
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By invitation only​
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HOTEL INFORMATION ​
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The event will take place at:
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Sheraton Bloomington Hotel
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5601 W 78th St, Minneapolis, MN 55439
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Why Attend
CRC’s 2nd Annual Member Meeting is the premier gathering for celebration industry leaders, decorators, innovators, and suppliers.
Join us to exchange insights, explore trends, and shape the future of the celebration economy. With timely topics, strategic discussions, and valuable connections, this one-day event is designed to advance a stronger, more sustainable industry — together.
AGENDA
AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
Responsible- Navigating Challenges for a Stronger Future
Session: Helium at a Crossroads: Securing Supply and Strategy for the U.S. Balloon Industry
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Speaker: Phil Kornbluth; Executive Consultant, Kornbluth Helium Consulting
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Overview: Gain timely insights into helium market dynamics and practical strategies for navigating volatility, sourcing challenges, and long-term supply stability.
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Session: Driving Sustainable Innovation in Packaging and Product Circularity
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Moderator: Suteesh Chumber, CRC CEO
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Panelists:
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John Kupsch; President, Product Safety Group, LLC
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Andrew Swanson; Research, Development & Engineering Manager; Anagram International
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​As sustainability regulations evolve, manufacturers and suppliers are rethinking packaging and product design for a circular future. This session explores how companies across the celebration ecosystem are adapting materials, processes, and partnerships to meet regulatory demands while advancing innovation, efficiency, and brand responsibility.
Moderator: Suteesh Chumber; CRC CEO
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Suteesh leads the CRC global sustainability and innovation agenda. He unites brands, suppliers, and policymakers to advance circular design, responsible growth, and cross-industry collaboration.​
Panelist: John Kupsch; President, Product Safety Group, LLC
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John partners with global brands to strengthen product safety, compliance, and sustainability strategies. Formerly Chief Product Compliance Officer at Party City, he is recognized for aligning regulatory excellence with responsible innovation.
Panelist: Andrew Swanson; Research, Development & Engineering Manager, Anagram International
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Andrew pioneers sustainable material innovations in non-latex balloon technologies. A named inventor on multiple patents, he advances circular design and product durability across the celebration and packaging sectors.
Innovative - Reimagining Retail, Products, and the Celebration Experience
Session: The New Celebration Experience: Reimagining Your Store, Recharging Your Business
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Speaker: Chris Richardson; President, Accents Enterprises
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Overview: Discover how celebration retailers can affordably modernize their stores, strengthen vendor relationships, adopt time-saving AI tools, and build deeper community connections — all while aligning with growing consumer expectations for responsible celebration.
Session: Understanding the Challenges of Balloon Professionals
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Moderator: Maria Stockham, Executive Director, CRC
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Panelists:
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Joette Giardina; Founder, BalloonCoach.com
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Allison Dunning; CEO, Balloon Art by Merry Makers​​​
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Balloon professionals are on the front lines of consumer demand and event innovation. This session offers direct insight into the creative, operational, and supply challenges they face — revealing opportunities to strengthen partnerships, align products with market needs, and support long-term growth across the celebration industry.
Moderator: Maria Stockham; Executive Director, CRC
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Maria leads the CRC, guiding advocacy, education, and member engagement across the celebration industry. She connects balloon professionals, suppliers, and retailers to address shared challenges and drive sustainable growth.​
Panelist: Joette Giardina; Founder, BalloonCoach.com
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Joette is a leading business coach for balloon professionals. She has guided thousands of artists in building sustainable and profitable businesses. Drawing on decades in balloon décor and business management, she helps entrepreneurs overcome creative and operational challenges to build successful careers.​
Panelist: Allison Dunning; CEO, Balloon Art by Merry Makers
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Allison leads one of Colorado’s leading balloon décor studios, known for inventive design and sustainable event practices. She actively promotes collaboration, advocacy for professional standards, and innovation to help balloon professionals grow stronger, more adaptable businesses.​
Thank You Sponsors
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