Marissa Takes Flight at the BFA Event Symposium: Bringing Big Ideas Back to the Southwest

When she’s not piloting the skies over Pagosa Springs, Marissa—the fearless Chief Pilot and owner of Pagosa Adventure—is busy behind the scenes planning some of the most beloved hot air balloon events in the Southwest. As an experienced organizer of some of the hot air balloon rallies in Colorado and the iconic Red Rock Balloon Rally in New Mexico, Marissa plays a key role in shaping unforgettable experiences for pilots, passengers, and spectators alike.

This week, Marissa is attending the prestigious Balloon Federation of America (BFA) Event Symposium, where leaders from across the country gather to refine the future of ballooning events. The Symposium’s mission is simple: to raise the bar for balloon festivals everywhere by sharing strategies for safety, innovation, pilot support, and community engagement.

For Marissa, attending the Symposium is more than professional development—it’s a chance to bring fresh energy and national insights home to the hot air balloon rallies in Colorado and Red Rock Balloon in New Mexico, which she helps coordinate. She’s learning how to streamline operations, boost sponsor engagement, and elevate the guest experience—all things she’ll directly apply to the events she manages and to the commercial ride adventures here at Pagosa Adventure.

Whether she’s helping organize the legendary Red Rock Balloon Rally in New Mexico or contributing to a boutique hot air balloon rally in Telluride Colorado, Marissa’s goal is always the same: to create events that capture the wonder of flight and the warmth of community.

She’s especially focused on learning how to better support pilots and crew, develop unique programming, and incorporate storytelling into both her rallies and the hot air balloon ride experiences offered year-round in Pagosa Springs. These takeaways will ensure that every event—whether it’s a sunrise mass ascension in Colorado or a glow event in New Mexico—feels unforgettable.

As Marissa puts it: “Every rally tells a story. My job is to help write it—and make sure it lifts off smoothly.”

Keep an eye on our socials this week as she shares photos and behind-the-scenes updates from the Symposium floor. We can’t wait to see how her trip will shape the next hot air balloon rally in Colorado, the next hot air balloon rally in New Mexico, and every ride in between.