Our Story Takes Flight
Hot Air Events Austin began with a simple idea: combine a love of flight with a passion for creating unforgettable experiences. Kara, with her decades of event planning expertise, and Rob, whose journey as a pilot began with a single awe-inspiring balloon ride, discovered that together they could turn that idea into reality.
Guided by the wisdom and mentorship of David Smuck, the Commodore of Central Texas ballooning, they built a team rooted in skill, care, and a deep respect for the craft. Today, Hot Air Events Austin brings these shared passions to life—whether curating romantic engagements, elegant weddings, or extraordinary team and corporate experiences.
Meet the people behind the magic:
David Smuck - Senior Pilot
David Smuck is known in local ballooning circles as The Commodore—a title earned through decades of leadership, mastery, and quiet authority. Some describe him as the Don of Austin ballooning, a steady presence whose influence is felt across Central Texas skies.
With more than 45 years of ballooning experience, David is the heartbeat of hot air balloon flight in the region. A master balloon pilot and accomplished fixed-wing pilot, his aviation career is matched by a distinguished professional life in construction before retiring to pursue what he does best: flying, teaching, and sharing the joy of ballooning.
David has trained generations of pilots and crew, shaping not only skilled aviators but thoughtful, grounded human beings. Known for his kindness, calm demeanor, and deep respect for the craft, he brings a rare blend of wisdom and humility to everything he does.
There are those who swear David has a special understanding with the Texas winds—an uncanny ability to guide a balloon exactly where it needs to go, regardless of the wind’s own ideas.
Though Central Texas is home, David’s ballooning story spans the globe. He has flown internationally in destinations including Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Canada, Chile, Argentina, Saudi Arabia and Germany, and each winter he spends time soaring above the pyramids in Mexico—continuing a lifelong pursuit of adventure, beauty, and flight.
Robert Snyder- Pilot
Rob Snyder, is the lead pilot and co-owner of Hot Air Events Austin, a trusted hand in the basket and a natural navigator of the skies.
His ballooning journey began with a first flight that was equal parts fear and wonder—an experience that lingered long after landing and quietly changed his course. What began as curiosity became commitment, shaped over years of crewing, mentorship, and time spent immersed in ballooning culture.
Marrying Kara, an Albuquerque native raised beneath the world’s most iconic balloon-filled skies, drew Rob even closer to the craft. That connection, combined with long-standing friendships within the ballooning community and formative experiences at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, laid the foundation for his path forward.
Under the guidance of David Smuck, Hot Air Events Austin’s Senior Pilot, Rob completed the majority of his training, earning both his private pilot certificate and his commercial balloon rating. Today, he continues to refine his skills in Central Texas, with occasional journeys beyond the region to fly in events across the country.
Known for his calm demeanor and thoughtful approach, Rob brings confidence, care, and quiet joy to every flight. He looks forward to welcoming guests aboard and sharing the rare perspective that only ballooning can offer.
Kara Snyder Event Coordinator
Kara is an Albuquerque, New Mexico native whose lifelong connection to hot air ballooning began at an early age, where balloons drifting across the sky was a integral part of her world. That early sense of wonder now defines the elevated experiences she curates today.
With more than 20 years of experience in meeting and event planning, Kara brings a refined, detail-driven approach to every celebration. Her career spans large-scale festivals, luxury food and beverage events, hotel operations, and the ownership of Karevents Austin LLC, as well as four years managing a premier wedding venue in Central Texas. Each chapter has shaped her signature style: thoughtful, seamless, and effortlessly elegant.
When her husband Rob realized his lifelong dream of becoming a hot air balloon pilot, the path forward became clear. Together, they founded Hot Air Events Austin, blending expert event design with the extraordinary beauty of flight.
From intimate engagements and weddings to bespoke corporate experiences and brand activations, Kara specializes in creating unforgettable moments—elevated by the sky, guided by experience, and executed with care.
