Special Shape hot air balloons
Special shape hot air balloons

Special shape hot air balloons are a unique and eye-catching addition to any advertising campaign. These balloons, which come in various shapes and designs, offer businesses the opportunity to stand out from the competition and grab the attention of potential customers.

Hot Air Balloons Can Be Made Into Almost Any Shape

Special shape hot air balloons have been around since the 1970s, and as billionaire Malcolm Forbes said, “Hot air balloons have given us 100’s percent more ROI than any other channel”. Malcolm Forbes and Richard Branson used special shape balloons as part of their marketing campaigns.

Malcolm Forbes Had Over 20 Special Shape Balloons

Credit Forbes India

Every time Malcolm Forbes visited a country, he commissioned a special shape hot air balloon to honor the country. Forbes had an Elephant built for India, a Pagoda for Japan, A Sphinx for Egypt, and the ship the Santa Maria for Spain. Some of Malcolm Forbes’s most famous special shape balloons were his giant bike, which was made to resemble his famous Harley Davidson, a huge bottle of champagne, and the bust of Beethoven! The balloons were seen being flown worldwide and used not only as an advertising tool but also as a way to gain VIP access to exclusive events.

Forbes Harley motorcycle hot air ballon special shape
Forbes Motorcycle Special Shape Balloon
Beethoven special shape balloon
Forbes Beethoven Special Shape Balloon

The Virgin Brand Love Special Shape Balloons

Richard Branson’s original marketing balloon was to promote his brand Virgin and had a Virgin Plane in the center of the hot air balloon. For April Fools Day, Branson took a special shape hot air balloon to the sky over London in the shape of a UFO. It was reported worldwide as a UFO and landed Richard Branson a ton of free earned media, reaching millions of potential customers.

Credit Reddit

Many companies have used special shape balloons, from Microsoft to Disney to Pepsi to Wells Fargo, as part of their marketing campaigns.

Branson In The Virgin Balloon

Special Shape Balloon Advertising

One of the most famous special shape hot air balloons is the Darth Vader balloon, which has become a beloved character at hot air balloon events across the United States. Special shape balloons are also available in various designs, from animals and cartoon characters to bespoke designs explicitly created for a business or event. These balloons are popular at hot air balloon festivals and gatherings, drawing in crowds of spectators eager to see the creative and unique designs.

Darth Vader Special Shape

In addition to their unique and memorable designs, special shape hot air balloons also offer businesses a unique advertising opportunity. Unlike traditional hot air balloons, which are typically round and feature a single logo or design, special shape balloons allow companies to fully customize the balloon’s envelope, incorporating their brand and messaging into the design. This allows businesses to create a cohesive and impactful advertising campaign that stands out from the traditional advertisements typically seen at hot-air balloon events.

Types Of Special Shape Balloons

There are three types of special shape hot air balloons. Appendage balloons, product replicas, and character-shaped balloons. Each type requires different engineering and design.

Appendage Special Shape Balloons

Appendage special shape balloons are a unique and eye-catching type of special shape hot air balloon. These balloons are often shaped like characters or creatures and have additional appendages attached to the main balloon envelope. For example, a hot air balloon shaped like a dragon might have wings and a tail attached to the envelope. These types of balloons can be an excellent way for businesses to promote their brand in a fun and creative way.

Koala Special Shape

Product Replica Special Shape Balloons

Product replica special shape balloons are a popular type of special shape hot air balloon. These balloons are designed to look like a specific product or object and can be a fantastic way for businesses to promote their products uniquely and memorably. For example, a company that sells beer might have a special shape hot air balloon that is shaped like a beer bottle. This type of balloon can help grab potential customers’ attention and create a positive association with the business’s brand.

Character Special Shape Hot Air Balloons

Character special shape hot air balloons are a fun and creative way for businesses to promote their brand. These balloons are shaped like popular characters or creatures and can be a great way to grab the attention of potential customers. For example, a business that sells toys might have a special hot air balloon shaped like a beloved toy character. This type of balloon can help to create a positive association with the business’s brand and make it stand out from the competition. Disney and Coca-Cola love their special shape balloons.

Credit Cameron

Rides In Special Shape Balloons

Hot air balloons offer a unique and exciting activity for customers and clients. Morning hot air balloon rides with certified pilots are a popular activity at special shape events, providing a one-of-a-kind experience that customers will remember for years to come. These rides offer a unique perspective on the world, as passengers are able to see the landscape from high above. The experience is both serene and exhilarating, making it a valuable addition to any marketing campaign.

Certified Balloon Pilots

In order to participate in hot air balloon events and offer rides to customers, businesses must work with certified balloon manufacturers and pilots. These Aeronaut professionals have the experience and knowledge necessary to safely operate the balloon and provide a high-quality experience for passengers. Working with a reputable manufacturer and pilot is essential for ensuring the success of a special shape hot air balloon advertising campaign. Seattle Ballooning has the experience and design experience to create the type of promotion you want

Hot Air Balloon Festivals

One of the most well-known hot air balloon events in the United States is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place every year in October at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This event attracts 300,000 spectators and over 500 hundred hot air balloons. Although there isn’t a special shape balloon festival, the Alburquerque Balloon Festival puts on the largest special shape balloon event in the world.

Balloon Fiesta

In addition to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, many other hot air balloon events are held throughout the United States each year. These events allow businesses to showcase their special shape or advertising balloon and connect with potential customers. Many of these events also include traditional shape balloons, providing contrast and allowing businesses to showcase the unique features of their special-shaped balloons.

Time To Build A Balloon For Your Business?

Businesses looking to stand out from the competition and grab the attention of potential customers should consider adding a special shape hot air balloon to their advertising efforts. With their unique designs, customizable envelopes, and exciting ride experience, special shape balloons are valuable to any marketing campaign.

If you are interested in a special shape hot air balloon advertising campaign, we would be happy to take your complex design and integrate it into our design studio! Looking forward to working with you.

Hot Air Balloon Pilot Eliav C.
About the Author

Chief pilot of Seattle Ballooning. I get the opportunity to provide luxury hot air balloon rides just South of Seattle in front of Mt. Rainier. When you do what you love, it’s not considered work.

Seattle Ballooning Icon
Recent Posts
History of the Winthrop Balloon Festival
How to Book a Hot Air Balloon Ride Durning The Great Prosser Balloon Rally
A Day in the Life of The Great Prosser Balloon Rally Pilots and Crews
Best Viewing Spots for the Great Prosser Balloon Rally
History of the Great Prosser Balloon Rally