Your Partner in the Party and Events Industry

The UK’s independent trade organisation for the celebration industry

Join our community of professionals in balloons, face painting, soft play, and beyond - with the tools and support to thrive.

Two children with face paint, smiling and giving thumbs up, standing against a yellow background.
Colorful birthday party hats, balloons, paper straws, and confetti.
Young boy playing in a colorful ball pit with pink, blue, green, and yellow plastic balls.

WHO ARE BAPIA?

What We Do

BAPIA is the UK’s independent trade organisation for celebration businesses, including balloon artists, face painters, soft play providers, and more. We offer expert advice, professional training, and exclusive member benefits to help you grow your business, connect with others, and succeed in the industry.

Find Out More
A collage of nine images depicting a colorful party scene with balloons, children playing in ball pits, a balloon arch, gifts, and children with face paint.

ALL-IN WITH BAPIA

Membership

We offer a comprehensive membership package for party professionals - including balloon artists, soft play providers, and face painters who offer more than just face painting, and a whole range of other party services. Our full UK membership includes public liability insurance, discounts, resources, and training to help your business grow. We also have a dedicated membership for businesses in Ireland, plus a lighter, affordable option tailored for face and body artists.

Become A Member
Collage of images showing people at a balloon and party industry event with the Bapia logo and a five-star rating, featuring people smiling, working with balloons, and attending the conference.
Event poster for CAP EXPO, a celebration and party expo powered by Bapia. The background is teal, with white text and a pink balloon.
Colorful birthday party decorations including pastel tassel banners on a pink wall, a birthday cake with multicolored sprinkles and a yellow 'Happy Birthday' banner on top, a large gold disco ball, and pastel-colored honeycomb paper decorations.
A performer in colorful body paint and costume dancing with large pink and blue fans at an event called UKFABAC, Face & Body Art Convention.
A smiling woman with curly hair, wearing a white t-shirt and ripped jeans, is jumping and showing a smartphone displaying a discount app, with a pink background and the Bapiao Plus+ logo.

  • “BAPIA have been absolutely fantastic with all the questions & advice I have approached them with. From day one, they have been really supportive and provided valuable guidance towards all that I have needed help with along my journey. They truly have been complete gems! I highly recommend 110% to all considering becoming a member!!”

    Snapety Snapper

  • “Thank you so much for your help. I just renewed my shop insurance through Sharrock’s at a much cheaper rate than I previously paid. They made it so easy, I have already saved my BAPIA membership fee!”

    Pacific Balloons

  • “I’m so glad we found BAPIA. As an event supplier it’s so important that we have public liability insurance, and their cover is cover us perfect for what we need. They offer so much to their members and I’d highly recommend them to anyone out there in the balloon or party industry to check them out.”

    Northants Budget Crockery Hire

  • “I love the little online balloon family I have made over the last 5 and a half years. Bapia is an incredible organisation, the love and support that is shown by the BAPIA team and the BAPIA members is heart warming, I wouldn’t want to be part of any other organisation.”

    Little Bears Balloons

  • “You are always treated with respect no matter your experience. And when you have a question no matter how many times the team have been asked, help is always given to reassure and guide you.”

    Balloon Treats

  • “I joined BAPIA right from the start of my business journey and felt a huge support immediately, from the Facebook support groups, the expert advice, the discount codes, to having the knowledge the most fabulous team are behind you if ever you were to need help in a sticky situation, I never regret joining BAPIA and feel lucky to be a loyal member.”

    The Little Balloon Story

  • “After being part of @bapiaparty for over 10 years now I have to say there isn’t a best thing about being a member. For me every aspect of BAPIA is phenomenal, from the discounts with suppliers, support groups on social media, training days, online resources the list goes on, but for me it’s the fact that you can call on the team no matter how big or small your question is they will always help and be there for their members.”

    Balloon World Online

Latest News

News
Introducing the BAPIA Trusted Supplier Compliance Charter

Introducing the BAPIA Trusted Supplier Compliance Charter

Building confidence, compliance, and stronger industry standards together.

BAPIA has created the Trusted Supplier Compliance Charter — a new initiative designed to strengthen trust and transparency across our industry. The Charter gives suppliers the opportunity to demonstrate their genuine commitment to compliance, safety, and professionalism, helping to protect both their customers and their own reputations.

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Elf Marketing Do’s and Don’ts for Party Professionals

Elf Marketing Do’s and Don’ts for Party Professionals

As Christmas approaches, many of us are busy planning festive deliveries — and for many businesses, that includes those adorable little elves!
But before you launch your marketing, it’s important to make sure you’re not accidentally infringing on trademarks such as Elf on the Shelf®.

Here’s what you need to know to keep your Christmas promotions both merry and compliant

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Which Glues are Best for Balloons?

Which Glues are Best for Balloons

When it comes to creating stunning balloon designs, the right adhesive can make all the difference! Whether you’re connecting latex balloons, repairing a foil, or adding delicate details, choosing the best glue or tape is essential for a strong, clean, and professional finish.

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Why Every Balloon & Party Professional Should Be at CAP Expo 2026

Why Every Balloon & Party Professional Should Be at CAP Expo 2026

For professionals in balloons, décor, face painting, retail, and event styling, the challenge is clear, stay ahead of the trends, keep learning, and connect with the right people. That’s why The Celebration and Party Expo (CAP Expo 2026) is such a vital date in the calendar

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Embracing Sustainability

BAPIA Cares for Our Planet

At BAPIA, we’re passionate about parties — from balloons to face painting and everything in between! But we also know that protecting our planet is just as important.

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A Simple Guide to Balloon Product Safety

A Simple Guide to Balloon Product Safety

Making sure balloon products are safe can feel complicated, so this guide is designed to make things as straightforward as possible. It isn’t legal advice, but it should help you carry out your own checks and protect both your business and your customers.

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