PGI wraps Wisconsin convention, sets 2027 event for Wyoming

The Pyrotechnics Guild International said nearly 2,000 members and more than 19,000 spectators took part in its 2026 convention and fireworks festival in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. PGI also announced its 2027 convention will be held Aug. 14-20 in Gillette, Wyoming.

Why it matters: - The annual PGI convention is one of North America's largest fireworks gatherings. - The event combines public spectacle with safety training, education and industry networking. - PGI's next host city will get a weeklong influx of members, exhibitors, professionals and visitors.

What happened: - The Pyrotechnics Guild International concluded its 2026 convention and Wisconsin Fireworks Festival in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, on Aug. 17, 2026. - Nearly 2,000 PGI members from 46 states and international visitors attended the weeklong event. - More than 19,000 spectators watched the public fireworks festival across three nights: Grand Opening Night, Competition Night and the Grand Public Display Finale. - PGI announced its 2027 convention will be held in Gillette, Wyoming, Aug. 14-20, 2027. - PGI said additional details on the 2027 convention, membership and public events will be released in the coming months at more information.

The details: - The convention took place at Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna. - Attendees included hobbyists, professional display operators, manufacturers, suppliers and enthusiasts. - The week included seminars, demonstrations, certifications and hands-on learning. - Training focused on fireworks safety, display operations, regulatory compliance and best practices. - Fire marshals and public safety officials also attended educational programs. - PGI was founded in 1969 and describes its mission as advancing the safe, legal and artistic use of fireworks through education, training and public outreach. - Convention attendees participated in a community blood drive that drew more than 60 donors. - Members and guests also contributed to a food drive for local charitable organizations. - PGI thanked Wisconsin International Raceway, local government officials, law enforcement, fire departments, emergency personnel, public works teams, sponsors, area businesses, volunteers and Kaukauna-area residents for support during the event. - PGI also recognized hundreds of volunteers who helped plan and execute the convention.

Between the lines: - The convention is not just a consumer fireworks show; it functions as a trade and training event for a niche industry. - The presence of fire marshals and public safety officials suggests PGI is trying to reinforce safety standards and working relationships with regulators. - The blood and food drives show PGI uses the convention to build goodwill in host communities, not just draw crowds. - Moving the 2027 event to Gillette indicates PGI is already planning the next major gathering and shifting the economic benefit to a new host city.

What's next: - PGI will share more information about the 2027 convention, membership opportunities and public events in the coming months. - Planning for the Gillette event is already underway. - The 2027 convention is expected to draw global fireworks enthusiasts and industry participants to Wyoming.

The bottom line: - PGI closed a large Wisconsin convention with strong attendance and community outreach, then immediately pivoted to its 2027 event in Gillette, Wyoming.