FPBA? please help me decide..

I was thinking about going to this convention, and was wondering if any of you attended in previous years,
and what you think of this event.
I am a beginner and probably can attend one or two conventions in 2011. should I invest in this one, or should I try another?
here is the convention link:
http://www.fpbaconvention.com/

Thanks for posting this, I've been keeping my eyes open for a closer-to-West-coast convention.

"We are a PG, nudity free convention that does not allow pasties, g-strings or thongs. You can be assured that you will feel comfortable with our more conservative minded event."

This made me laugh - they do know they're hosting it in Vegas, right? Was SLC booked?

GO TO FABAIC!!! why? b/c it's their 10 yr anniversary so its gonna be awesome PLUS I will be there for the first time too

Fabaic is during a busy face painting season... If I went to another one it would be FPBA

I'm with you on that Suzy...busy time and I personally like the somewhat personal feel of small events like Fabbulas. I'd never take my brushes out at Fabaic simply because of the amount of talent that would be running around...it's just me. I don't want a party, I want to paint and learn and I don't need all of the additional bells and whistles. The CT conventions and Fabbulas fall right into the season slowdown and they both avoid December when all of the Christmas gigs take place...I couldn't ask for better. If they ever got huge, I'd stop going.

This is just my opinion (as you all know I love to SHARE it!) but I prefer the smaller events. No more than 200 or so attendees max - and even that is a bit too many for me.

When it gets to be over that it becomes a real crush and I am NOT into crowds, waiting in line, showing up for a session only to find it full and then having to find one where there is still room.

Smaller events are more personal, you get to meet more people as you aren't overwhelmed and have time to chat as you work and wander around.

I am not there to party - I've actually left banquets at conventions as I was more in need of sleep (I even missed dessert at one cause I was falling asleep in my chair.)

I've found "jams" somewhat anti-climatic... so unless there is a group of us wanting to get together ourselves I generally just stick my head in to see what is going on, just in case. As noted, I like my sleep or I can't function in the morning.

Also... I am a firm beleiver in "ALL INCLUSIVE" events. Ones that include your room, meals, and all the classes and events for one fee. This is standard in the UK. Wish it was here too.

I'm planning on going to the one in Vegas.

May is so busy with the end of the school year for the girls.....

Even though I'm closer to fabaic, I might go to the one in Vegas for several reasons.
1) I can bring my daughter(she doesn't want to see nude people & I respect that).
2) It's a bust season for me in May
3) I never want to miss my son's bday again
4) I went to fabaic & hardly anyone jammed. That to me would have been the best part & I don't know where everyone went, but it wasn't in the jam room.

Chris and I have just decided that we are going to get married during FPBA!!! We set a date finally!! I think we are going to get married while face painted...haha THis is going to be fun!!!!

oooh congratulations! I love the idea of that, it must have taken a lot of persuasion if he's anythign like my partner.

Aww, what a great idea haha, im made up, cant wait to see pics

Congrats Suzy! Now i'm going to have to be there to witness that
that's a great idea!! My DH and I once planned to rent a convertible, head to Vegas and get married in one of those Drive through Chapels, dressed up as little red riding hood and the wolf in grandma's clothes... It never happened... the plan was to do it after our wedding in Israel, but then life happened and we never got to it...

lol Suzy! That's great!

I went to the Vegas convention this past Feb! My first one, so I can't compare, but let me tell you, it was like coming home...haha.

I had a lot of fun, learned SO much and met some great people. I didn't do a lot of jamming - partially from being exhausted (), partially because I wanted to watch as much as I could and soak it all up, and partially because I was so very humbled by the amount of talent that was there, that I could barely get myself to pick up a brush outside of class, lol.

I went solo and didn't besides the day I flew in and did a bit of shopping (I love outlets - and Ross!), I didn't leave the hotel once.

I'm doing a balloon convention in 2011 instead, so I don't think I'm making it to another fp one until 2012

I have every intention of going to fabbulas next year. I can't wait!

Kristal, which balloon convention are you going to? My hubby is the balloon artist of the family so was just curious for him.

Twist & (N? lol) Shout! It's in Burlington, MA this time around.

www.balloonconvention.com