The Looner e.V. association looks back with pride and enthusiasm on its first participation as an exhibitor at this year’s VENUS Berlin. Our association is dedicated to promoting and representing the community of so-called “Looners” – people who share a unique enthusiasm for balloons. At VENUS, we seized the opportunity to showcase the Looner community to a wide audience, educate others, and build bridges. Our goal was to reduce prejudice and open the door to a welcoming, vibrant community that embraces its passion with joy and invites others to explore this interest in an open-minded environment.

We were delighted by the wide spectrum of interest we received, not only from attendees but also from other exhibitors. Even some well-known personalities found their way to our booth, often early in the morning or late at night, to discuss Looner culture and, in some cases, even confide in us as fellow Looners. While we cannot name all those who visited due to privacy considerations, we are deeply honored by their trust and openness. These encounters underscored the significance of our work as an association and highlighted the positive impact it can have on individuals and the Looner community as a whole.

Alongside a multitude of Looner enthusiasts, we welcomed representatives from the media, including TV and radio broadcasters and several popular YouTubers, all of whom were intrigued by our association’s work and the community we represent. The overwhelming interest left a strong impression on us and has inspired us to continue expanding our public outreach. Our booth became a hub for discussions and exchanges, where many shared their curiosity and appreciation, with some discovering the Looner community’s diversity and welcoming culture for the first time.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers, both within and beyond our association, who supported us tirelessly throughout the expo. Special thanks go to the VENUS organizers, who believed in us from the beginning and supported us in countless ways. In particular, we wish to thank Julia Hollmann (Holly) and Beatrix Braunroth (Bea) for their dedication, which enabled us to make a powerful statement at VENUS. We would also like to recognize the security team for their exceptional work in ensuring a safe and memorable event for everyone.

Through the many positive interactions and new contacts made at VENUS, we anticipate a lasting impact on the development of our association and the Looner community as a whole. VENUS 2024 marked an important milestone for us, reinforcing our commitment to our goals and to fostering the community in meaningful new ways.