Ignite the Night
Saddle Up Gillette 2027
PGI Wraps Up 2026 Convention in Wisconsin, Reveals 2027 Event in Gillette, Wyoming Nearly 2,000 Members and 19,000 Spectators Take Part in the Fireworks Celebration
KAUKAUNA, WI, UNITED STATES, August 18, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Pyrotechnics Guild International Wraps Up a Successful 2026 Convention in Wisconsin, Reveals 2027 Event in Gillette, Wyoming.
Nearly 2,000 Members from 46 States Came Together in Kaukauna while More Than 19,000 Spectators Attended the Wisconsin Fireworks Festival
KAUKAUNA, Wis. (August 17, 2026) — The Pyrotechnics Guild International (PGI) has wrapped up a productive 2026 Convention and Wisconsin Fireworks Festival in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, assembling nearly 2,000 PGI members from 46 states plus international visitors for a week of pyrotechnic education, safety training, contests, camaraderie, and top-tier fireworks shows.
Based at Wisconsin International Raceway (WIR), the convention turned the Fox Valley into the global hub of pyrotechnics as hobbyists, professional display firms, manufacturers, suppliers, and fans gathered for one of the biggest fireworks events across North America.
Alongside convention attendance, the Wisconsin Fireworks Festival drew more than 19,000 public spectators over its three evening shows open to the public, including the Grand Opening Night, Competition Night, and the Grand Public Display Finale.
More Than Fireworks
Though PGI is best known for its stunning public displays, the organization's purpose reaches well beyond entertainment. The yearly convention serves as a leading educational and safety event in the fireworks sector, delivering training and career development opportunities for display operators, pyrotechnicians, and fire service personnel. Over the course of the week, participants took part in seminars, demonstrations, certifications, and practical learning sessions focused on fireworks safety, display operations, regulatory compliance, and industry best practices.
The convention also welcomed Fire Marshals and public safety officials who attended training and educational sessions aimed at strengthening ties between regulators and the fireworks industry while encouraging safe and responsible pyrotechnic operations.
Established in 1969, PGI continues to advance its mission of promoting the safe, legal, and artistic use of fireworks via education, training, and public engagement.
Giving Back to the Community
PGI members showed their dedication to community service throughout the week. Those attending the convention took part in a community blood drive that drew more than 60 donors, aiding regional healthcare needs and potentially affecting hundreds of lives. Members and guests also donated to a food drive supporting local charitable organizations, carrying on a long-standing PGI tradition of giving back to the communities that host the annual convention. "Every year, our members strive to leave a positive impact on the communities that welcome us," said PGI leadership. "Whether through charitable activities, safety education, professional training, or the economic impact generated by thousands of visitors, we are proud to partner with our host communities."
Thank You to the Fox Valley Community
PGI offers its sincere thanks to Wisconsin International Raceway, local government officials, law enforcement, fire departments, emergency personnel, public works teams, sponsors, area businesses, volunteers, and the residents of Kaukauna and the greater Fox Valley region for their hospitality and support throughout the event.
The organization also acknowledges the hundreds of PGI volunteers whose commitment and countless hours of planning helped make the 2026 Convention and Wisconsin Fireworks Festival a success.
Looking Ahead to 2027
As one convention ends, planning for the next is already moving forward. The Pyrotechnics Guild International is pleased to announce that the 2027 PGI Convention will take place in Gillette, Wyoming, August 14-20, 2027. Situated in the heart of Wyoming's high plains, Gillette will welcome PGI members, industry professionals, public safety officials, exhibitors, and fireworks enthusiasts from around the world for another week of education, training, camaraderie, innovation, and spectacular fireworks displays. Further details regarding the 2027 convention, membership options, and public events will be shared in the months ahead at www.pgi.org.
About the Pyrotechnics Guild International
The Pyrotechnics Guild International (PGI) is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to fireworks safety, education, training, and the advancement of the pyrotechnic arts. Founded in 1969, PGI brings together fireworks enthusiasts and professionals from around the globe to promote the safe, legal, and artistic use of fireworks while preserving the traditions and future of the hobby and industry.
For inquiries about the event contact media relations, Connie Widmann media@pgi.org.
Dan Muzzey
Pyrotechnics Guild International (PGI)
+1 605-651-4179
www.pgi.org
Dan Muzzey
Pyrotechnics Guild International
+1 605-651-4179
email us here
