Annual PGI Convention
Pyrotechnics Guild International Annual Convention
American Wholesale Fireworks is proud to highlight the Pyrotechnics Guild International Annual Convention, one of the largest and most respected gatherings of fireworks professionals, hobbyists, builders, display operators, photographers, collectors, and enthusiasts in the United States.
Since its founding in 1969, the Pyrotechnics Guild International has been dedicated to helping people enjoy and participate in fireworks legally, responsibly, and safely. The annual convention brings that mission to life through a full week of education, hands-on learning, competition, networking, manufacturing, trade shows, and incredible public fireworks displays.
About the PGI Annual Convention
The PGI Convention is a week-long celebration of virtually every part of the pyrotechnic world.
Members come together to learn new skills, build fireworks, attend classes, participate in competitions, explore new products, volunteer, shoot fireworks, and connect with people who share the same passion.
The convention offers opportunities for everyone from experienced professionals to hobbyists who simply want to learn more about the art and science of fireworks.
What to Expect at PGI
The convention includes an extensive schedule of activities throughout the week, including:
- Educational Seminars & Classes
- Fireworks Manufacturing Opportunities
- Member Trade Shows
- Pyrotechnic Competitions
- Art Shows
- Auctions
- Open Shooting
- Professional Fireworks Displays
- Pyromusicals
- Ground Effects & Specialty Pyrotechnics
- Drone Integrations
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Networking With the Pyro Community
With more than 100 categories of pyrotechnic competitions and a wide range of educational programs, PGI offers something for nearly every area of interest within fireworks.
Education & Hands-On Learning
Education is one of the biggest parts of the PGI experience.
Seminars and classes cover a wide range of topics, from fireworks construction and safety to display operation, photography, show design, specialty effects, and new ways of experiencing pyrotechnics.
Attendees have opportunities to learn from experienced builders, display operators, instructors, and other members of the fireworks community.
The combination of classroom learning and real-world participation makes the convention an incredible place to build new skills.
Fireworks Manufacturing
One of the most unique aspects of the PGI Convention is the opportunity for members to manufacture fireworks on-site in designated areas.
Participants can learn about fireworks construction, put their knowledge into practice, and later shoot the products they have created during designated firing periods.
This hands-on approach gives members a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship, science, and safety practices involved in pyrotechnics.
PGI Display Operator Training
The PGI Display Operator Course has earned national recognition and is one of only two fireworks training programs recognized by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
The course is designed to help display operators and aspiring pyrotechnicians better understand:
- Professional display safety
- Setup procedures
- Firing practices
- Regulatory considerations
- Site preparation
- Fireworks handling
- Display operations
- Industry best practices
The program has become an important educational resource for people looking to work more professionally within the fireworks industry.
Pyrotechnic Competitions
Competition is another major part of the PGI Convention.
Members compete across more than 100 categories, showcasing skill, creativity, craftsmanship, timing, design, and technical ability.
Competitions can include handmade fireworks, aerial effects, ground devices, show design, and other specialized areas of pyrotechnics.
For spectators and participants alike, these competitions provide an opportunity to see some of the most creative work being produced within the fireworks community.
Member Trade Show
The PGI trade show is a members-only marketplace that brings together manufacturers, suppliers, equipment providers, firing-system companies, and other businesses serving the pyrotechnic industry.
Members can explore:
- Fireworks products
- Display equipment
- Firing systems
- Tools and accessories
- Pyrotechnic supplies
- Safety equipment
- Industry services
- New technology
The trade show also provides an excellent opportunity to speak directly with companies and connect with vendors from throughout the industry.
Open Shooting
During designated periods, PGI members have opportunities to shoot fireworks purchased on-site or products they created during the convention.
Open shooting is one of the most popular parts of the week because it allows members to experiment, share products, and enjoy fireworks in an environment built specifically for the pyro community.
Safety remains a top priority, with dedicated teams and procedures in place throughout the event.
Public Pyromusical Shows
The PGI Convention isn't only for members.
Select evenings are opened to the public for some of the most impressive fireworks displays of the entire week.
Public spectators can experience professionally designed pyromusicals, where fireworks are tightly synchronized to music to create full-scale productions in the sky.
Displays may feature:
- Massive aerial shells
- Professional pyromusicals
- Ground effects
- Fireballs
- Specialty fireworks
- Drone integrations
- Displays from professional companies and pyrotechnic clubs
Each public show has its own style, energy, and lineup.
Public Spectator Experience
Public spectators do not need to be PGI members to attend designated public show nights.
There are typically several public display evenings throughout convention week, with each show lasting approximately one to one-and-a-half hours.
Multiple professional display companies and pyrotechnic clubs may perform during the same evening, giving spectators a chance to experience different show styles and creative approaches.
Friday's finale is often one of the most anticipated nights of the convention and may sell out quickly.
Experience PGI as a Member
Attending the convention as a PGI member provides access to the full week of activities.
Member benefits may include:
- Full convention access
- Member-only displays
- Exclusive seating and parking
- Trade show access
- Seminar and class participation
- Opportunities to manufacture fireworks
- Open shooting
- Access to purchase fireworks on-site
- Volunteer opportunities
- Competitions and special events
PGI membership and convention registration are required to participate in member-only portions of the event.
The annual PGI membership fee is currently listed at $100, while convention registration fees may vary from year to year.
Register for PGI Membership & Convention Access
More Than a Convention
PGI brings together people with nearly every kind of interest in fireworks.
Members may be interested in:
- Consumer fireworks
- Professional display operations
- Fireworks manufacturing
- Pyromusical design
- Fireworks photography
- Pyrotechnic memorabilia
- Safety education
- Regulations
- Firing systems
- Collecting
- Show production
- Simply watching incredible fireworks
That diversity is one of the things that makes the organization unique.
No matter what part of pyrotechnics interests you most, there are people within PGI who share that passion.
Representing Fireworks Hobbyists
The Pyrotechnics Guild International also works throughout the year to represent fireworks hobbyists within the broader industry and regulatory environment.
Its efforts include:
- Participation on NFPA technical committees
- Collaboration with the ATF regarding hobbyist issues
- Training for fire marshals and bomb squads
- Advocacy for responsible hobbyist participation
- Cooperation with industry organizations
PGI helps provide a voice for individuals who participate in pyrotechnics outside of large commercial companies.
Industry Partnerships
PGI works alongside organizations throughout the fireworks and safety industries, including:
- American Pyrotechnics Association (APA)
- National Fireworks Association (NFA)
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
These relationships help support education, safety, training, and responsible pyrotechnic practices throughout the industry.
A Community Built Around Fireworks
At its core, the PGI Convention is about community.
Professionals, hobbyists, builders, display operators, collectors, photographers, and fireworks fans spend an entire week sharing knowledge, creating displays, volunteering, competing, learning, and celebrating the art of pyrotechnics.
It's an opportunity to meet people from across the country and around the world who share the same enthusiasm for fireworks.
Learn More About the PGI Convention
For current convention information, registration details, membership requirements, public ticketing, future locations, and show schedules, visit the official Pyrotechnics Guild International website.
Visit the PGI Annual Convention Website
American Wholesale Fireworks is proud to support a community built around education, safety, craftsmanship, creativity, friendship, and a lifelong passion for PYRO.
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