Elevate/Cobra-Con
ELEVATE/Cobra-Con
American Wholesale Fireworks was proud to be part of ELEVATE 2026, formerly known as COBRA-CON, one of the premier annual gatherings for fireworks shooters, show designers, pyrotechnicians, and industry professionals.
Held over three packed days, ELEVATE brings together education, hands-on training, new technology, networking, a full trade show floor, and live fireworks displays in one dynamic event built around the future of pyrotechnics.
About ELEVATE
ELEVATE represents the next chapter of the event previously known as COBRA-CON.
As the event has grown, the focus has expanded beyond firing systems to create a larger industry experience centered around professional development, innovation, show design, safety, technology, and community.
It is a place where experienced pyrotechnicians and newer shooters can learn side-by-side, discover new products, build relationships, and gain practical knowledge they can bring back to their own shows.
Three Days of Education, Training & PYRO
ELEVATE 2026 featured a packed schedule of seminars, workshops, demonstrations, and hands-on training opportunities.
Educational tracks covered topics such as:
- DMX Integration
- Special Effects & SFX
- Finale 3D Show Design
- COBRA Control Panel Training
- Show Operator Workshops
- System Troubleshooting
- Audio Production
- Pyromusical Design
- Firing-System Technology
- Display Safety & Best Practices
- PGI Display Operator Training
The variety of sessions makes ELEVATE valuable for everyone from hobbyists building backyard pyromusicals to experienced professional display operators.
Pyromusical Boot Camps
One of the signature experiences at ELEVATE is the Pyromusical Boot Camp.
These hands-on training sessions give participants the opportunity to work through the process of creating a synchronized fireworks display from concept to execution.
Boot Camp participants gain experience with:
- Show design
- Music selection
- Effect selection
- Timing and choreography
- Firing-system programming
- Team coordination
- Setup and execution
- Live synchronized performance
The program gives attendees an opportunity to learn by doing while working alongside other shooters and experienced industry professionals.
The ELEVATE Trade Show
The ELEVATE Trade Show brings together manufacturers, suppliers, technology companies, fireworks brands, firing-system providers, software developers, and other members of the pyrotechnics industry under one roof.
Attendees can explore:
- New fireworks products
- Firing systems
- Show-design software
- Special-effects equipment
- Accessories and hardware
- Professional display equipment
- Consumer fireworks products
- Industry services and technology
The trade show is also an important opportunity to speak directly with manufacturers and suppliers, see products firsthand, and discover new ideas for upcoming seasons.
Explore. Connect. Discover.
ELEVATE's trade show brings together some of the brightest minds and newest innovations in pyrotechnics.
It's an opportunity to explore cutting-edge products, connect with professionals from throughout the industry, and discover new opportunities in a marketplace built entirely around fireworks and live entertainment.
Live Fireworks Demonstrations
Of course, an event built around pyrotechnics wouldn't be complete without plenty of fireworks.
ELEVATE 2026 featured multiple evenings of live demonstrations and pyromusicals created by Boot Camp teams, professional designers, manufacturers, and fireworks companies.
The displays gave attendees the chance to see new products in action while experiencing a wide variety of show-design styles, effects, firing techniques, and synchronized performances.
Friday Night Shows
Friday's lineup included multiple Pyromusical Boot Camp team performances along with demonstration shows from participating fireworks companies and industry partners.
The evening showcased everything from team-designed synchronized displays to professional product demonstrations.
Saturday Night Shows
Saturday continued the live-fire portion of ELEVATE with additional Boot Camp performances, professional pyromusicals, consumer fireworks demonstrations, and a large closing display.
The combination of classroom education during the day and live shows at night gives attendees a chance to immediately see many of the techniques, products, and technologies discussed throughout the event put into action.
Learn From the Industry
One of the biggest benefits of ELEVATE is access to experienced professionals from across the pyrotechnics industry.
Attendees can learn from:
- Professional show designers
- Display operators
- Firing-system specialists
- Software developers
- Fireworks manufacturers
- Special-effects professionals
- Audio specialists
- Safety instructors
- Industry vendors and suppliers
That combination of education and networking makes ELEVATE an ideal event for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and become more involved in professional or advanced hobbyist pyrotechnics.
Connect With the Pyro Community
ELEVATE is about more than equipment and training.
It brings together a community of people who share the same passion for fireworks.
Shooters, hobbyists, professional display companies, manufacturers, vendors, designers, and enthusiasts have the opportunity to meet face-to-face, exchange ideas, build relationships, and learn from one another.
For many attendees, those connections are just as valuable as the seminars and demonstrations.
Innovation in Pyrotechnics
Technology continues to change the way fireworks shows are designed and executed.
ELEVATE gives attendees an opportunity to see how modern tools such as wireless firing systems, DMX, special effects, advanced show-design software, audio production, and computerized synchronization are being integrated into today's displays.
From small backyard productions to large professional pyromusicals, these technologies are helping show designers create more precise, creative, and immersive experiences.
ELEVATE 2026 Highlights
ELEVATE 2026 included:
- Three days of pyrotechnic education
- Hands-on technical training
- Pyromusical Boot Camps
- Industry seminars
- PGI Display Operator training
- A large pyrotechnics trade show
- Manufacturer and product demonstrations
- Consumer fireworks demonstrations
- Professional pyromusicals
- Boot Camp team shows
- Networking with industry professionals
- New technology and equipment
- Live evening fireworks displays
Shaping the Future of Pyrotechnics
ELEVATE has grown into an important gathering for anyone interested in where the fireworks industry is headed next.
By bringing together education, technology, creativity, products, manufacturers, and pyrotechnicians, the event creates an environment where attendees can improve their skills while discovering new possibilities.
Whether you're designing your first synchronized display or you've been working professionally in the industry for years, ELEVATE offers opportunities to learn, connect, experiment, and grow.
Visit the Official ELEVATE Website
American Wholesale Fireworks looks forward to continuing to connect with the pyro community at future ELEVATE events and helping support the education, innovation, and passion that keep pushing the fireworks industry forward.
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