Where is the Event Decorating Academy located?

Who manages the EDA?

EDA is managed by Multi-award winning balloon artist & designer Carmen Ballering (read Bio). Since 1990, this decor specialist has created award winning dramatic eye-catching centerpieces and decorations with, theme prop elements, balloons and luxurious fabric overlays. Carmen Ballering is Milwaukee’s leader in the design and installation of fabrics. She enhances the look and feel of hotel ballrooms, convention centers, school gymnasiums, tents and more. Her attention to detail will help our students to understand the importance of first impressions.

Success is best taught by those... who have succeeded. Join us for the best classes in the world.

What does each course include?

Depending of the class, most classes include lunch and materials. In addition some of the pieces you make are yours to keep, as well as the manuals/books full of information and step by step designs. Tools and safety equipment are provided by the school to be used while in class.

Do you have the class schedule online?

Yes, we have all upcoming classes with full description and tuition fees. (click here for schedule)

I saw a class in the schedule and now is not there, what happened?

Most of our classes have a space limit. Once the class is full it disappears from the schedule, call us for more information and to see when will it be repeated.

How can I enroll?

What do you get after you complete the Certified Event Decorator (CED) certification program?

You will get a picture ID certifying your credentials, a logo, a professional framed certification (if you attend the graduation) if not you will receive the certificate by mail without framing. A listing in our website as a certified event decorator so people can find you, a private forum only for CED students to network, share ideas, recipes, pictures and new updates from the EDA. (Full CED information)

Why should I attend the Event Decorating Academy?

By starting your own event decorating business as a CED, you can enjoy the freedom, convenience, and comfort of being your own boss. This is your opportunity to join this lucrative field and learn how to start your new career without delay. Even if you are an advance balloon decorator you will be amazed with the amount of things you will learn with this course.

The Event Decorating Academy offers a variety of decorating courses. They are designed to accommodate your busy schedule by allowing you to choose the dates. You not only have the opportunity to take classes year round, you also have the opportunity to learn at your own pace. Whether you are looking for new employment opportunities or just have a passion for decorating, there is a course geared to you.

This program is very useful and informative; It is ideal for people that want a quick way to learn. You can make the best use of this program if you are in a rush to start a business and don’t want to attend conventions a few times a year. It’s a short cut to success!. This educational program will give people the opportunity to learn all the necessary techniques to start or improve their business in the balloon & event decorating industry as well as having the proper credentials to be competitive in this growing market.

Why should I become a Certified Event Decorator?

Even if you have been in business for a while, getting certified in an array of different techniques will help increase your sales. By having these credential your possibilities of getting more jobs is greater. In addition you will learn tips and tricks that will make you a lot of money, and designs that are new in the industry. No one in the balloon industry or in the flower industry has taught the fancy designs of fabric draping and props making as the EDA is teaching. While other instructors keep their most valuable secrets to them selves in the EDA all the decorating secrets will be out.

What do you get after you complete the Certified Event Decorator (CED) certification program?

You will get a picture ID certifying your credentials, a logo pin, a professional framed certification with picture, a free website if you don't have one, a listing in our website as a certified event decorator so people can find you, a private forum only for CED students to network, share ideas, recipes, pictures and new updates from the EDA. (Full CED information)

What are the tuition fees?

You can depend on us for affordable decorating courses. All of our courses have different fees; it depends on the materials needed for each class. See class descriptions or class schedule for tuition fees. All classes require a deposit to hold your space. Classes must be paid in advance or the day of, before the class starts. We accept all mayor credit cards, pay pal, money orders, cashiers checks and cash. DO NOT MAIL CASH.

Tuition fees are subject to change without notice.

Where do EDA students stay?

Students can choose the hotel they want but you will be responsible for your own transportation, we have special rates at some hotels that offer a shuttle to and from the school, please visit the hotel page for all the information.

How can I find a roommate?

Let us know if you will like a roommate and we can put you on the roommate wanted list. Please note that we will pass on your email and telephone number to the people that are looking for a roommate. It will be your responsibility to work out details with them.

Once I enroll, what do I need to take with me?    Very, very important!

• Depending on the time of the year, you want to find out what the weather is like and dress accordingly.
• Comfortable shoes, snickers or closed shoes with rubber soles are required to climb ladders during class.
  
• Comfortable clothes, you may wear shorts and tank tops if you wish during the summer, Miami gets really hot and humid.
  
• Make sure you bring a sweater or light jacket to class everyday as the air conditioner can get chilly.
  
• An extra suit case to take home many of the pieces you make in class
• You should also bring a notebook, pens, pencil, sharpie, and a highlighter. If you forget them we sell them at the school.

What do students do in their free time?

• Many students make field trips on Sundays to go to the beach, if you wish you may bring beach clothes and join the group.
• Others take tours: they go snorkeling, take short boat rides, rent jet skis or even spend the day walking or bike riding at the Hollywood board walk in Hollywood beach.
  
• We are located next to downtown Hollywood with great restaurants and night life, many students like to go out in the evening after class with their classmates and have dinner and even catch a drink or two.
• Some students like to go out dancing on the weekends, we have many places to do so around Hollywood Blvd.
  
• The majority of the students stay at the Quinta and at the Hyatt, which are across from a big shopping center where they can walk to.
• Many also choose to have a relaxing day sitting by the pool at their hotel room.

Creating lifetime memories is where the Event Decorating Academy excels.