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About IBS

Our Story

IBS Balloons was founded in 1995 by Johan Wijns and Leo Verlinden, with a simple goal: to serve both balloon decorators and balloon entertainers with a wide, reliable range of products.

The turning point came in 1997, at the FISM World Magic Convention in Dresden, Germany. What started as a sales booth turned into a defining moment — modelling balloons sold out within days, and IBS returned home with contacts from over 500 artists across Europe. It was clear: there was a real, growing demand for quality balloons and modelling supplies across the continent.

From there, IBS grew into a trusted name for both balloon decorators and entertainers, hosting regular workshops and training across Belgium, France, and beyond. In 2000, IBS launched The Millennium Jam, a balloon festival unlike any other — bringing decorators and twisters together under one roof. Its opening edition included a World Record attempt, with 45 balloon artists from 17 countries building two giant figures using over 42,000 modelling balloons.

Over eleven editions, The Millennium Jam became a beloved fixture in the European balloon community, closing its final chapter in 2010 with its biggest celebration yet — over 500 participants from 28 countries.

Since then, IBS has continued to focus on what matters most: supporting decorators, entertainers, and balloon shops with quality products, ongoing training, and a deep commitment to the craft. The spirit that built those early years — community, craftsmanship, and a love for the industry — still drives everything we do today.

IBS Balloons · Belgium

Everything Balloons.
Since 1995.

Three decades of balloons, people, ideas and professional knowledge. Now IBS is building its next chapter.

Professional Wholesale|Training & Education|30+ Years of Experience
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Our story

Built around balloons long before they became an online trend.

IBS Balloons was founded in 1995 by Leo Verlinden and Johan Wijns with a clear ambition: to provide balloon decorators and entertainers with reliable professional products and specialist support.

A defining moment came in 1997 at the FISM World Magic Convention in Dresden. What began as a sales booth led to connections with more than 500 artists across Europe and revealed a growing demand for quality modelling balloons, professional supplies and shared knowledge.

IBS later organised workshops across Europe, but The Millennium Jam became one of Leo’s most personal and cherished projects. His vision was to bring decorators, twisters and entertainers together to learn, exchange ideas and form genuine friendships.

Across eleven editions, The Millennium Jam grew into a much-loved international gathering. The final edition in 2015 welcomed more than 500 participants from 28 countries. Its influence lived on through the friendships, ideas and professional connections formed there.

Artists at The Millennium Jam
Artists at The Millennium Jam
Balloon maze built for the final Millennium Jam in 2015
The balloon maze built for the final Millennium Jam in 2015.
A classic question

Before the Masterpieces,
There Was a Balloon Dog

Filmed during one of The Millennium Jams, this original IBS film asks artists and figures from across the balloon industry a deceptively simple question.

What do they think of the balloon dog?

The answers differ, but the question carries a real undertone. Before the elaborate sculptures, large installations and advanced techniques, there was the balloon dog. For many artists, it was their first creation and their introduction to the possibilities of balloon art. Perhaps this familiar little figure deserves more credit than it receives.

The Balloon Dog. An IBS film created by Leafpics FilmWorks & Art during The Millennium Jam.

A few milestones

More than 30 years in the balloon industry.

1995

IBS Balloons is founded by Leo Verlinden and Johan Wijns.

1997

FISM Dresden opens the door to a wider European network of balloon professionals.

2000

The first Millennium Jam brings decorators and twisters together.

2015

The final Millennium Jam takes place after fifteen years of bringing the international balloon community together.

2026

IBS begins a wider renewal.

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IBS today

A new chapter.

The balloon industry has changed considerably in recent years. New brands have emerged, supply chains have shifted and the needs of balloon professionals continue to evolve.

In 2026, IBS began a wider renewal built on the knowledge and relationships developed since 1995. The work includes a new website, an expanding professional range, renewed workshops and clearer product information.

Long-standing experience and fresh perspective now come together to strengthen how IBS sources products, shares knowledge and supports balloon professionals.

The people behind IBS today

Building on experience.

Continuity

More than three decades of IBS knowledge

IBS continues to draw on the experience and industry relationships built by Leo Verlinden over more than three decades.

Business development and operations

Perine Pretorius

Perine brings more than 25 years of balloon-industry experience across decorating, wholesale distribution, training and business development. Her focus is helping shape the next phase of IBS, from products and suppliers to education, colour and professional business support.

Here when you need us

Tell us what you need.

Many useful decisions at IBS have started with a conversation. A customer needed advice, struggled to find a product or shared an idea worth exploring.

We listen

We take time to understand what you need and how you work.

We share what we know

We offer practical guidance drawn from real industry experience.

We keep improving

Your questions and requests help shape the products and support IBS provides.

Leo and the IBS team built valued relationships through this way of working. Today, long-standing experience and fresh perspective come together to carry it forward.

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Where next?

Explore, learn or talk to us.

Browse the IBS range, visit the Knowledge Centre or tell us what you are looking for.