Swany Posted February 19, 2006 Posted February 19, 2006 PGI convention is the largest meeting of pyrotechnitions in North America. PGI stands for Pyro Guild International, and the website is http://www.pgi.org/. It was in Iowa last year, and this year it will be in Appleton, Wisconsion. Anyone been to it from here? I know a few people have, and I am intregued as to what it really is all about. Looks neat. After this year it is quite close to me, and I will for sure make it to West Fargo in '07. Logically if you were to meet someone from APC, and you both are near PGI, that would be the place. It also looks to be a rather massive trade show... What does everyone else know?
Pretty green flame Posted February 19, 2006 Posted February 19, 2006 PGI convention is the largest meeting of pyrotechnitions in North America. PGI stands for Pyro Guild International, and the website is http://www.pgi.org/. It was in Iowa last year, and this year it will be in Appleton, Wisconsion. Anyone been to it from here? I know a few people have, and I am intregued as to what it really is all about. Looks neat. After this year it is quite close to me, and I will for sure make it to West Fargo in '07. Logically if you were to meet someone from APC, and you both are near PGI, that would be the place. It also looks to be a rather massive trade show... What does everyone else know? All i know is it would be really nice if the convention would be in Europe, ONCE, is that too much to ask for. Why the hell is it called Pyrotechnics guild INTERNATIONAL when they don't go outside the US.
Chris Posted February 19, 2006 Posted February 19, 2006 Why the hell is it called Pyrotechnics guild INTERNATIONAL when they don't go outside the US. My though exactly!
Frozentech Posted February 19, 2006 Posted February 19, 2006 PGI convention is the largest meeting of pyrotechnitions in North America. PGI stands for Pyro Guild International, and the website is http://www.pgi.org/. It was in Iowa last year, and this year it will be in Appleton, Wisconsion. Anyone been to it from here? I know a few people have, and I am intregued as to what it really is all about. Looks neat. After this year it is quite close to me, and I will for sure make it to West Fargo in '07. Logically if you were to meet someone from APC, and you both are near PGI, that would be the place. It also looks to be a rather massive trade show... What does everyone else know?All i know is it would be really nice if the convention would be in Europe, ONCE, is that too much to ask for. Why the hell is it called Pyrotechnics guild INTERNATIONAL when they don't go outside the US. I am just guessing here, but the logistics of holding it elsewhere probably make it difficult. The PGI, for tax and other legal reasons, is a US corporation. They carry a tremendous amount of insurance at great cost, which would have to be reworked entirely in Europe most likely. Also the staff of PGI Inc., is unpaid volunteer labor except for one secretary. To expect them to put on an overseas convention is unreasonable. There is no reason though, that a similar organization could not be created in Europe ? If you could get 3,000 or so members to sign up, and some corporate sponsorship from fireworks manufacturers/display companies, it might be possible.
Pyrohawk Posted February 20, 2006 Posted February 20, 2006 I hate that they never seem to have the PGI anywhere near Ohio! Its always good ways a way from here....atleast since I've been interested in Pyro.... I would love to meet some other true pyro's.....we should have an APC Convention hehe that always starts some conversation!
Frozentech Posted February 20, 2006 Posted February 20, 2006 I hate that they never seem to have the PGI anywhere near Ohio! Its always good ways a way from here....atleast since I've been interested in Pyro.... I would love to meet some other true pyro's.....we should have an APC Convention hehe that always starts some conversation! It was held in Ohio one time, a long time ago. Not sure where 'North Royalton' is, but that was the location. Like any other convention, it goes where it's wanted more or less. To locations that offer the best deals on space rental, emergency and fire service, insurance, lodging, etc. I'm hoping to go the Appleton WI convention this year The PGI has already scheduled the locations through 2017, not sure how flexible they are though. According to Mapquest, it would be a 9 hour drive from Cleveland OH to Appleton, WI.
Mumbles Posted February 20, 2006 Posted February 20, 2006 According to Mapquest, it would be a 9 hour drive from Cleveland OH to Appleton, WI. It depends on the traffic in Chicago for that time. I also suggest not taking I-90 through chicago unless you want to pay out the ass for tolls. I think it is about $10 each way, though that is from Chicago to rockford. Anyway, I hope to go this year. I'd be happy to meet up with some people if they wanted. It's probably as close as it will get to me. It seems they are in a rotation between WY, IA, WI and ND now. I would personally love to see some other sites so I get to see the rest of the country. It'd be nice to go to OH, or PN, or MO, or TX, or something like that. I'm pulling for a TN site and a tour of the Jack Daniel's facility . About the only one of the rotation I won't be going to is WY, at least not until I am out of college. I kind of doubt the sites are set in stone. They probably just have preliminary agreements with those cities.
Kilo_G Posted February 20, 2006 Posted February 20, 2006 According to Mapquest, it would be a 9 hour drive from Cleveland OH to Appleton, WI.HA! 9 hours? I can do that with my eyes closed (seriously I did it once. No I didn't) Try 19 hours and 30 minutes. That how long mapquest tells me. All so I can watch other people light 1.3 and I can light 1.4 and maybe buy some chemicals/fuse/food/cheap hooker from the local motel. All of that is great in it's own right, I love all fireworks and everything that goes with them. But to be in a pyroclub and not be able to light your own stuff of.... I dunno. PGI convention is cool and uncool at the same time, just the way I see it. I don't know, for the life of me, why they won't have a PGI on the mother fucking east coast, anywhere on the east cost, except perhaps the Florida Keys.
RUUUUUN Posted February 20, 2006 Posted February 20, 2006 19 hours 30 mins? PSHAW!!! i got 30 hours 54 minutes if I want to drive it, and I probably won't. It would be interesting to go sometime, Maybe when I am all grown up. Why don't they have the convention in the Pacific North West? we got some Great country up here. And It is wet so no fires. I am like the only semi-serious pyro up here. (could that be it?) Make all you peoples drive for HOURS, if Kilo Started in Miami it would take him minimum 49 hours going straight through.
BigBang Posted February 20, 2006 Posted February 20, 2006 Well I guess it will take me 49 hours then, aye? I would like to go to the pgi convention, but I know of something *slightly* better. I spose alot of you have heard of kellfire? Well, maybe not, but they are the ones who supply all of the good fireworks to phantom and other stores, along with 3, 6, 8" and up shells. From April 20-22, they hold a nice sized meet, the first day alonging everyone to shoot off their own stuff as long as they are a member of a club. A friend of mine has been and says it is quite spectacular, and I'm trying to go this year. It's in Penn. Here's a link to their site http://kellfire.com/
Pyrohawk Posted February 21, 2006 Posted February 21, 2006 Or maybe..... Desert Blast??? Sounds like a blast and seems to have no or very few rules!!!
TheSidewinder Posted February 21, 2006 Posted February 21, 2006 I was at Mason City last August for my 1st PGI. By the second day I was saying "I can't wait until Appleton!". It was that good, at least for me. I'm going for sure this year, already have reservations at a nearby campground with other Guild members from the WPAG. I'll be entering the competitions for the first time, too. It'd be great if we had an APC get-together there. Count me in. Who else is going? M
Mumbles Posted March 9, 2006 Posted March 9, 2006 I heard some happy rumors that that are moving the site from appleton to Jefferson county fairgrounds in 2010. Some of the big names in the PGI have already visited, with more to come. They like what they see. They would like to make it the permanant replacement for the one in Appleton. The town it is actually in from the appleton convention is called Kaukauna. Kaukauna has a paper mill so the whole city(at least parts that I have been in) has a rather foul odor. If they could smell it at the speedway, I would want to get out of there too. I hope to see some of you there. I could be like that APC convention people always talk about, but are always afraid of travel cost and legal implications that may arrise.
Frozentech Posted March 9, 2006 Posted March 9, 2006 I heard some happy rumors that that are moving the site from appleton to Jefferson county fairgrounds in 2010. Some of the big names in the PGI have already visited, with more to come. They like what they see. They would like to make it the permanant replacement for the one in Appleton. The town it is actually in from the appleton convention is called Kaukauna. Kaukauna has a paper mill so the whole city(at least parts that I have been in) has a rather foul odor. If they could smell it at the speedway, I would want to get out of there too. I hope to see some of you there. I could be like that APC convention people always talk about, but are always afraid of travel cost and legal implications that may arrise. 2017 - Mason City, IA 2016 - Gillette, WY 2015 - West Fargo, ND 2014 - Appleton, WI 2013 - Mason City, IA 2012 - Gillette, WY 2011 - West Fargo, ND, August 6th - 12th 2010 - Appleton, WI, August 5th - 13th 2009 - Mason City, IA, August 8th - 14th 2008 - Gillette, WY, August 9th -15th 2007 - West Fargo, ND, August 4th - 10th 2006 - Appleton, WI, August 5th - 11th
Mumbles Posted March 9, 2006 Posted March 9, 2006 Those are tentative. I was talking to a guy from the WPAG the other day, and like John Steinbeck, and a few others came to check out the site, and they really liked it. I believe he went with them to talk to them because he is from the area. I don't know what is wrong with Appleton, but Jefferson County fairgrounds is a bit less of a drive for me. I also have relatives in the area I could stay with.
fredjr Posted March 9, 2006 Posted March 9, 2006 I was in Mason city last year and I highly recommend attending the PGI convention. Where else can you meet so many pyros? Take seminars on pyro construction etc. Not to mention the massive amount of fireworks to enjoy. As far as a convention in Ohio, that will never happen again unless the laws are changed. You must be registered with the state to shoot 1.3 and there's no way to expect everyone coming to a convention to go through the headache of getting registered with the state. Plus the nonesense about 1.4 in Ohio, requires a registered 1.3 shooter with a specific permit for the shoot. Could never have an open 1.4 shooting line.
Mephistos Minion Posted March 9, 2006 Posted March 9, 2006 2010 - Appleton, WI, August 5th - 13th 2009 - Mason City, IA, August 8th - 14th 2008 - Gillette, WY, August 9th -15th Depending on how my financial situation goes (wether I can get a job in the industry after school) I may be able to make it to one/all of these and possible ones after. 2009 one starts on my Birthday
Mumbles Posted March 9, 2006 Posted March 9, 2006 That would be cool to have some foreign people there. I hear they are lots of fun. I will let you know later this august.
Pyrohawk Posted March 10, 2006 Posted March 10, 2006 Well, look at all of those locations The nearest one is half a country away!! Yeah I know fredjr, Ohio sucks with all its laws about fireworks.... Noone around here cares though, people set off fireworks all the time especially out in the country where I live and noone see's and if they do see they don't care. I understand Ohio is probably a bad place as sad as it makes me to say it.... But I wish there would atleast be one in a nearby state where I could drive to! How about Kentucky, they don't have any laws regarding fireworks (atleast consumer) hardly....atleast that I know of.... Look at all those locations and none of them are anywhee near the Northeast United States even! Theyre all out West....
BigBang Posted March 10, 2006 Posted March 10, 2006 HEH, they should have one down here in Florida I actually know of sites that are used by my rocket club. During the summer in some areas you can have 5-10 square miles or sod or dirt The winter is the best time as everything is gone. And it is far enough out of town to not piss people off by the noise. Too bad they hate Americas wang
TheSidewinder Posted March 10, 2006 Posted March 10, 2006 To whoever mentioned it: The reason that the current Appleton location is being reconsidered is because of the layout of the site. Our guild (WPAG) will have the honor of doing the opening show this year, a "Welcome To Wisconsin" theme. We've already had headaches trying to deal with overhead electrical and sound system wires which could be damaged, and other physical layout issues. Also, there is VERY limited onsite camping. Fortunately, our group found a nearby campground that fits our needs perfectly, Apple Creek Campground, in nearby DePere, WI. Anyone who is looking to camp, and would like a NICE place to do so, should check this place out. You should be able to get a better price than normal if you mention that you are attending to the PGI, but no guarantees. We negotiated as a group so we got a better rate. An "APC convention within a convention" sounds like a great idea. Looking forward to meeting anyone who shows up! M
keepkool79 Posted March 16, 2006 Posted March 16, 2006 Well I guess it will take me 49 hours then, aye? I would like to go to the pgi convention, but I know of something *slightly* better. I spose alot of you have heard of kellfire? Well, maybe not, but they are the ones who supply all of the good fireworks to phantom and other stores, along with 3, 6, 8" and up shells. From April 20-22, they hold a nice sized meet, the first day alonging everyone to shoot off their own stuff as long as they are a member of a club. A friend of mine has been and says it is quite spectacular, and I'm trying to go this year. It's in Penn. Here's a link to their site http://kellfire.com/Do they check if you are a member? I have been to a few club shoots but have not joined because money is tight. If anyone has been there please let me know the set up.Thanks,
Mumbles Posted June 16, 2006 Posted June 16, 2006 Well, the PGI is approaching. Who all is still going? I highly suggest going. Even if you're not a PGI member you can still come for the shows and competitions I think, but you need to pay. From talking to some people I know who are members of the WPAG, the opening show will be amazing. When this person says this, I believe him. I'll be going if anyone wants to meet up. One clarification Kilo. I am lead to believe there is indeed open shooting for the members of the club. I hope to meet some of you guys there.
FrankRizzo Posted June 16, 2006 Posted June 16, 2006 I think having a little APC get-together would be great; I'll likely be in the rocket area for a good part of the day all week. I'd love to have a few beers with you fellas at the after-glow as well. Open shooting usually starts promptly @ 4:30 with a nice *big* salute.
Pyrohawk Posted June 16, 2006 Posted June 16, 2006 Where is it being held at this year?? Me and some buddies were talking about taking a road trip this summer.... But I'm not driving to the other side of the country!! Which is where its probably at.... All the North East states such as mine (Ohio) are so firework hostile they never have stuff here.
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