Fernando Tapia, a skilled balloon artist from San Antonio, Texas, has 15 years of experience in his craft. Alongside his brother, they founded the Balloon Bros, where creativity knows no bounds, as evident in their unique sculptures and innovative balloon cooking videos. As an enthusiastic teacher, Fernando is thrilled to be an instructor at this year's event.

José Tapia has been a balloon artist for 16 years, inspired from a young age by his father, who worked as a party clown and introduced him to the joy of entertaining through balloons. That passion grew into Balloon Bros, a creative brand he started with his brother, where they push balloons beyond the ordinary—making everything from detailed sculptures to viral "balloon cooking" videos, where food comes to life entirely out of balloons. He is truly excited and honored to be teaching at this convention and sharing what he has learned with such an inspiring community

Since 2007, Tonya McNeill has been a professional balloon artist and owner of Twisted Critters N More in Montrose, Colorado. Specializing in everything from event décor to custom parade costumes—including a 2025 first-place Christmas parade entry—Tonya is driven by the creative process and the joy her art brings to all ages. An international instructor since 2009, she has taught across Europe and at major conventions like Twist & Shout and the Florida Super Jam. A former Balloon Magic Magazine Spotlight Artist, Tonya remains dedicated to the community by teaching local youth and sharing instructional designs online and via DVD

Michael Mauthe is an award winning multi-talented balloon artist! He has traveled the world, not only as a balloon artist, but as a magician, juggler, stilt walker and much more. His use of balloons on headbands is very popular and sought out in the corporate and college markets! Michael is very excited to be teaching at the first Pop-up Jam!