Empowering Our Members Through Shared Wisdom and Experience

At IBRBS, the heart of our community is the spirit of giving—not just to the children we visit, but to each other. Mentor Moments is our premier monthly educational program, designed to foster professional growth and excellence across our entire membership.

What is Mentor Moments?

Mentor Moments is a monthly online program featuring guest speakers and industry experts. This isn’t just a standard curriculum; it is a program for the members, by the members. Topics are specifically chosen based on requests from our community, ensuring that every session addresses the real-world needs of today’s professional Christmas performers.

How It Works:

  • Monthly Sessions: Join us every month (January through October) for live, interactive sessions led by seasoned veterans and subject matter experts.
  • Member-Driven Topics: We listen to you. From business logistics and marketing to performance techniques and costume care, the topics are driven by what our members want to learn.
  • Live Engagement: Members can sign up to attend live sessions via the Mentor Moments Member Registration Page. These live events allow for real-time interaction and the ability to have your specific questions answered.

Never Miss a Moment

We understand that the life of a Christmas professional is a busy one. If you can’t make the live session, you don’t have to miss out on the knowledge:

  • The Video Archive: All past Mentor Moments sessions are recorded and made available for on-demand viewing.
  • Easy Access: Members can revisit any past presentation at their convenience through the Mentor Moments Member Page on the IBRBS dashboard.

Why Participate?

Whether you are a veteran Santa with decades of experience or a newly minted Mrs. Claus or Elf, Mentor Moments provides the tools you need to:

  • Enhance your professional business model.
  • Stay up-to-date on safety standards and insurance.
  • Refine your character performance and storytelling.
  • Connect with a network of peers who share your passion.

Get Involved

We are always looking for fresh perspectives! You can help keep the knowledge flowing by:

  • Volunteering to present on a topic you are passionate about.
  • Joining the Mentor Moments team to help organize future sessions.
  • Suggesting topics you want to know more about.

Email the Mentor Moments team today to get started!

Ready to attend the next session?

Log in to the Member Portal and visit the Mentor Moments Member Page to see upcoming topics, save your seat, or revisit the archives of past Mentor Moments!

Not an IBRBS Member yet? Join the world’s largest organization of professional Christmas performers today to gain access to the full Mentor Moments library and participate in our upcoming live sessions.

Snow on the Roof™: Healthy Hair for Santas (and Everyone Else)

Whether your beard is naturally white or professionally bleached, healthy hair is the foundation of a great
Santa look.
In this class, master stylist Missy Boggs, founder of Snow on the Roof™ with over 40 years of experience,
teaches the science-backed essentials of keeping hair and beards strong, bright, and resilient. You’ll learn why
detoxing is critical, how buildup and minerals weaken hair, what bleach actually does to the hair structure, and
how professional products protect and rebuild hair during and after lightening.
This program also covers proper rinsing, conditioning, and simple daily and weekly home-care routines that
support long-term hair health.
Perfect for naturally white Santas, bleached Santas, and anyone who wants healthier hair—Santa or not.

April 16, 2026 8:00 PM ET		 View

Breaking Barriers with ASL

Inclusion is the greatest gift of all. We are honored to host Paul Burke, a renowned professional Santa, for our upcoming Mentor Moment. Paul has dedicated his career to ensuring every child feels heard and seen during the holidays, regardless of how they communicate.
In this session, Paul will provide an introductory look into American Sign Language (ASL) and discuss the vital importance of accessibility in professional performance and community engagement. We want to encourage everyone to learn the basic signs that make a world of difference in daily communication. You might be surprised to find that you already use a lot of motions and gestures that can help you connect with the Deaf or Hard of Hearing community right now.
By leaning into the natural ways we already move and express ourselves, Paul will show you how to master key holiday greetings and basic interactions. Join us to hear stories from Paul’s unique career and discover how a few simple, intentional gestures can create a more inclusive world for everyone.

March 19, 2026 8:00 PM ET		 View

The Business of Being Santa

The busiest time of year may be over, but for a professional Christmas Performer, February is “Business Season.” Join IBRBS CFO Ann Donley and George Grasic for a deep dive into the business side of the Red Suit.
Ann and George will share their expertise on the essential systems every performer needs, from managing expenses to planning for a sustainable year ahead. If you’re looking to transition from a hobbyist to a pro—or just want to tighten up your operations—this is a “must-attend” session.

February 19, 2026 8:00 PM ET		 View

Answering the Tough Questions

“Can you bring Grampa back?” “I’m getting bullied at school.” “How many reindeer do you have?” “Mommy is sick, can you make her better?” “Why does the reindeer poop on Grampy’s lawn look so much like chocolate bars?” “Do your feet smell as bad as Uncle Billy’s when you take off your shoes?” “Do the elves have to eat their vegetables?” “Why do you smell like a cigarette?” “Why does Daddy like to drink more than he loves me?” These curveball questions can throw us, but with a little preparation, we can handle the tough, funny, and unexpected ones from both children and adults. To help with this, hear from three colleagues who will share their experiences—and how they’ve answered such challenging questions, offering hope, reassurance, and encouragement. You’re also invited to share the questions that stumped you or how you handled them. As the last Mentor Moments session of 2025, you’ll come away with fresh tips to prepare for amazing visits and be ready for anything that comes your way.

October 16, 2025 8:00 PM ET		 View

What Every New and Seasoned Santa and Mrs. Claus Should Know

This general knowledge session is designed to inform the first time Christmas performer as well as engage the seasoned performer looking to enhance their appearance and performance. Topics include selecting the perfect suit, networking with fellow performers, and establishing an online presence utilizing a website that attracts and engages prospective clients. The Big Red Santa and Mrs. Claus will discuss establishing a business model, budgeting, and marketing plans to assist you in achieving productivity and success in your business endeavors.

September 18, 2025 8:00 PM ET		 View

Why You Need Liability Insurance

Just ahead of membership renewal, understand the nuances and specifics of the insurance coverage Christmas performers need and the policy available to IBRBS members. With guest speakers from the Alera Group, our insurance broker.

August 21, 2025 8:00 PM ET		 View

Introducing Mentor Moments

Learn more about the program, upcoming topics, and how you can submit a request to present a topic to fellow members.

July 17, 2025 8:00 PM ET		 View