The 2025 annual convention is in Boone, Iowa!
August 2nd - 8th
Every summer, members of the Pyrotechnic Guild International assemble for the PGI annual convention. It's a full week of entertainment and education, with nightly fireworks shooting and beautiful displays. Hundreds of people gather from all across the country to spend time with other pyrotechnic enthusiasts, learn from expert professionals and hobbyists, purchase supplies, and share their creativity.
How to attend the annual convention
PGI Member
Attending the convention as a member is an all-encompassing experience. The convention starts on Saturday and runs till the following Friday. We have a trade show, seminar programs where individuals can take classes on everything from making fireworks to how a sight impaired person might experience fireworks. Manufacturing of fireworks is allowed on-site in our manufacturing tent and in the evenings, we open the shooting lines for people to shoot the fireworks they made or the class c fireworks they purchased on-site. There are many opportunities to volunteer and get involved. Safety is high on everyone's minds and we have a team dedicated to keeping everyone safe. There are separate fees to become a member and to attend the convention. The annual membership fee is $100. Convention fees are adjusted annually based on expenses.
- Exclusive member seating & parking
- Full week convention access
- Access to members only displays
- Access to purchase fireworks onsite
- And much much more!
Public Spectator
As a spectator you will see some of the nation's best Pyro–Musicals. These displays are tightly choreographed to music. The evening show typically lasts roughly an hour to an hour and a half. Each night consists of several display companies or pyrotechnic clubs presenting displays. There will be two public display nights this year. Sunday and Friday. The Friday display is the longest and typically has something unique. The disadvantage of Friday night is the larger crowd. We typically sell out on Friday night. Each night has its benefits.
- No membership required
- Two nights of public displays
About the convention
Education
Learn the art of fireworks from members who have advanced skills and are recognized for their capabilities. The convention includes a full slate of lectures, seminars, and classes—on everything from basic fireworks safety to designing musically choreographed displays that will move your audience to tears. There are even “hands-on” classes where you can make a fireworks device and opportunities to participate in setting up fireworks displays.
Family
The PGI convention is a family-friendly event. Families can enjoy shooting consumer fireworks together, watching displays, and participating in seminars. The convention also has special youth-oriented activities through the Junior Pyrotechnics Association (JPA)—a “club within a club” made up of youth aged 6 to 17 who are either related to a PGI member or hold a PGI Junior membership. Under adult supervision, the JPA plans, organizes, and presents its own fireworks display using consumer fireworks for the enjoyment of all convention attendees.
Displays
During the week there are multiple fireworks displays—both traditional and pyro-musicals—as well as fireworks product demonstrations. The final night includes the PGI "All Stars" display featuring the work of the Guild's most talented fireworks makers.
What happens on "the other side of the fence"?
Members refer to their area as "the other side of the fence", that separates convention goers from public display attendees. Throughout the week, there's numerous events, including (but not limited to):
Manufacturing
Facilities are provided for members to conduct certain types of fireworks manufacturing activities under safe and controlled guidelines. Seminars, workshops, and member experts show you how.
Vending
Open shooting of consumer and display fireworks takes place nightly. There are wholesale vendors on the convention site providing the opportunity to purchase consumer fireworks and walk to an open shooting area with everything you need to safely shoot your purchases. Friendly safety personnel are on hand to help if you have any questions or need help using the fireworks.
Competition
There are fireworks competitions throughout the week judging members' pyro manufacturing skills. Members can compete in many display categories including aerial shells, rockets, comets, ground displays, proximate shows, class C extravaganzas, and many more!
Collectors
The convention area includes dedicated space for collectors to display and sell historic fireworks memorabilia.
Art Show
PGI also hosts an art show where Guild members exhibit their fireworks-related creations. These include paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, and more! A popular feature is the fireworks quilts competition. Members have plenty of opportunities to appreciate the artistic talents of their peers and also vote for winners in the various art categories.
Auction
Join the PGI auction on Thursday night, where a wide variety of fascinating pyro-related items will go to the highest bidder. Offerings include books and literature, tools, firing systems, collectibles, historical pieces, consumer fireworks, and more.
Luncheon
PGI's Annual Awards Luncheon is held at noon on Friday of the convention. It is a fun occasion, with a luncheon and presentation of awards—including the coveted Grand Master Award.
Afterglow
After display nights, PGI members are welcome to join an evening social to remenise and catch up with fellow firework enthusiasts.
2025 - Convention Registration & Pricing
| By June 1 @ 5 p.m. CDT | After June 1 @ 5 p.m. CDT | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary member (Requires an active PGI Membership) | $327* | $347* |
| Spouse attendee | $150 | $160 |
| Youth attendee (age 7-20) | $60 | $70 |
| Child attendee (age 6 and under) | Free | Free |
*Primary member convention price includes a $27 insurance surcharge.
**Immediate family members (spouse and children) may attend the convention without PGI membership as long as one individual has an active PGI membership. All immediate family members are subject to convention registration fees, irrespective of membership status.
Online registration is available through Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Central time. After that, registrations can be purchased in-person at the convention site.
NOTE: Checks are not accepted at the convention.
NOTE: Lodging is not included in convention registration. Members may optionally purchase a camping location on site (contingent on availability).