Elevate 2026 Sessions

Sessions

Interactive Sessions and Workshops

Dive deep into the world of pyrotechnics with our expert-led sessions at Elevate 2026. Across three dynamic days, you'll have the opportunity to participate in discussions, workshops, and demonstrations tailored for both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic newcomers. From the latest industry trends to hands-on safety tutorials, our sessions are designed to enrich your knowledge and fuel your passion for fireworks. Join us to learn, share, and connect with the best in the business.

Instructions

To ensure an optimal experience and to prevent registering for sessions that conflict in timing, we recommend using the Session Schedule tab below.

Once there, you can click or tap on any specific session to view more details and complete your registration.

You must have an event ticket to register for sessions.

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Business

PGI Display Operator Course

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 9 hours

Hosted by Daniel Suttkus

Embark on a journey to professionalism in firework display operations with the PGI (Pyrotechnics Guild International) Display Operator Course. This comprehensive training program is designed for those aspiring to become certified in conducting professional firework displays, covering all essential aspects from safety to hands-on firing.

Industry Standards and Safety: In-depth coverage of safety protocols and industry standards for firework displays.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Understanding the legalities and regulations involved in professional firework operations.
Firing Systems and Techniques: Hands-on training in using various firing systems and techniques for executing a flawless show.
Show Design and Execution: Insights into designing and executing captivating firework displays.
PGI Certification: Information on obtaining PGI certification upon successful completion of the course.
Interactive Learning Experience: Engaging sessions with experienced instructors for a comprehensive learning experience.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with other professionals and expand your industry network.

Business

Registrations: 0/50

PGI 1.4 Professional Use Only

Thursday, April 9, 2026

10:15 AM - 2:00 PM 3 hr 45 min

Hosted by Josh Lazarus

Professional Use Only 1.4g pro products, theatrical close-proximity devices, and any other device or product that is not intended for sale to the ordinary consumer. This class focuses on 1.4g pro items. Display items are covered in the PGI Display Operator course. The course was developed to meet the strong need for a standardized training curriculum for these devices, as no such class currently exists. Students who attend and pass the examination will receive a Certificate of Training.

Types of Professional Use Only devices
Selecting appropriate sites for Professional Use Only devices
Setting up Professional Use Only devices
Firing methods
Shooting precautions
Safety precautions
Storage
Transportation

Creative

Registrations: 4/42

Boot Camp 1

Friday, April 10, 2026

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 8 hours

Hosted by Elvira Delgado

Pyromusical Boot Camp is a dynamic learning experience for aspiring and skilled pyrotechnic enthusiasts. It covers the essentials of creating fireworks shows synchronized with music. Participants receive hands-on training in safety, design, and execution, alongside workshops from industry experts. This program is perfect for those eager to delve into the art and technology of pyromusical displays.

Creative

Registrations: 0/42

Boot Camp 2

Saturday, April 11, 2026

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 8 hours

Hosted by Elvira Delgado

This session is the same as Boot Camp 1 but takes place on Saturday, April 11th.

Creative

Keynote

Thursday, April 9, 2026

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM 1 hour

Hosted by Scott Smith

Join us as we open Elevate 2026 with a look at what’s new across the Elevate and COBRA ecosystem. We’ll share the story behind the Elevate rebrand, explore how it connects our growing community, and showcase the latest updates to the back-end social platform that brings pyrotechnicians together. You’ll also get a first look at several major technology advancements from COBRA as we continue to push the boundaries of control, design, and integration. It’s the perfect way to start the week — fresh ideas, familiar faces, and a look at where we’re headed next.

Business

Industry Expert Panel

Friday, April 10, 2026

1:15 PM - 2:30 PM 1 hr 15 min

Hosted by Jason Rude

Join COBRA and leading experts from across the pyrotechnics industry for an in-depth discussion covering all things pyro. This interactive panel will explore key topics such as COBRA system integration, current industry regulations, best practices for on-site safety, and tips on ordering and sourcing products. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting in the field, this session offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights directly from industry veterans.

Creative

Q&A Panel with 1.4 Open Competitors

Saturday, April 11, 2026

1:15 PM - 2:30 PM 1 hr 15 min

Hosted by Jason Rude

Have you ever watched a show and wondered how they came up with that run? Or what made them choose that product or song? Well, this is your chance, you saw their shows on the field, now join us as we sit down with your 1.4 Open Competitors. Hosted by the Jason Rude of Pyro Talk, this will be an open Q&A panel where you can gain insights into their design and execution of their shows.

Creative

Ask a Pyro

Thursday, April 9, 2026

2:15 PM - 3:15 PM 1 hour

Hosted by Timothy Jameson

Tim Jameson, owner of IPC, is no stranger to the pyro community. Whether competing at Sky Wars, entertaining crowds at COBRA-CON, or putting on PYROJAM, Tim has reached thousands of pyros across the country.

In this open Q&A session, Tim invites you to bring all your burning “need-to-know” questions. Whether it’s show design tips, ATF compliance, starting a display company, or navigating DOT regulations, no pyro topic is off limits.

Join us for this unique and rare opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business.

Creative

Bring Your Shows to Life with DMX, SFX and Finale 3D

Friday, April 10, 2026

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM 1 hour

Hosted by Will Harvey

Jump in to explore the latest techniques for adding flame machines, special effects, and DMX lighting to your shows. With Cobra’s new DMX ramp feature and the expanded DMX tools in Finale 3D, you can now create seamless fades, color blends, and smooth motion with ease. The old bottleneck of painstakingly defining each effect is gone. It’s never been simpler to pick any DMX fixture you like, drop it into your show, and light it up with professional, choreographed precision.

What to buy if you are just getting started
Basic and advanced DMX scripting techniques in Finale 3D
Creating new DMX fixtures and effects
Fades, color blends, and smooth movements
Addressing and exporting a DMX script for COBRA
Printing DMX fixture and show setup reports
Open Q&A

Technical

COBRA Control Panel and Show Operator

Friday, April 10, 2026

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM 1 hour

Hosted by Zach Gilbert

This is an interactive, hands-on session on how to use Control Panel and Show Operator for your COBRA system and take advantage of its key features. We'll cover how to control your show, use manual fire, and set up Disable Groups for added security. You’ll also learn how to use Quickfire— a must-have feature for football and soccer season. Bring your laptops to participate in the hands-on portion of the Show Operator training.

Using Control Panel Gen 2 to get a complete overview of your shoot site
Changing module voltage mode and firing mode
Quick Fire Scripts
Event Disablement
Manual fire with product descriptions
Benefits of using COBRA Control Panel or Show Operator
And more…

Technical

COBRA Show Creator

Saturday, April 11, 2026

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM 1 hour

Hosted by Jonathan McCormick

Whether you're new to designing automated shows or looking to create displays perfectly synced to music, this introductory class is designed for you. Ideal for both hobbyists and professionals, this course provides a solid foundation in automated show creation using COBRA Show Creator.

Starting a New Show: Learn how to initiate a new project from scratch.
Managing Fireworks and Inventory: Keep track of your pyrotechnic elements and inventory with ease.
Incorporating Events: Seamlessly add and organize events in your show timeline.
Customizing Show Layout: Tailor columns and configure settings for your specific needs.
Syncing to Music: Explore how to add and synchronize music for a dynamic show experience.
Labeling and Reporting: Effectively label fireworks and generate comprehensive reports.
Exporting to COBRA Systems: Export your show to the 18R2 and send audio files to the Audio Box.
Show Execution: Get hands-on with executing your finalized show.
Open Q&A Session: Bring your questions and receive expert guidance.

Technical

COBRA Trouble Shooting

Thursday, April 9, 2026

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM 1 hr 30 min

Hosted by Zach Gilbert

In this session, you’ll learn how to spot and fix the most common problems that come up when using COBRA gear. We’ll go through real-life examples of troubleshooting, and you’ll even get the chance to practice with live demos. Plus, we’ll share some tips on how to keep your equipment working its best throughout the year.

How to change a cue strip
How to change a module internal antenna
Common error codes
Hotwiring a module key switch
And more…

Technical

DMX with COBRA

Friday, April 10, 2026

2:45 PM - 3:45 PM 1 hour

Hosted by Scott Smith

DMX stands for Digital Multiplex and was created in the mid-80s as a standard communication protocol for controlling lighting fixtures. Since then, the DMX protocol has been used to control a wide variety of SPFX (special effects) hardware devices including: lights, flame projectors, cryo jets, fog, spark machines, bubble machines, and more.

A simple Amazon.com search for “DMX lights” shows the variety of devices available for this protocol. In short, DMX is a way to control hardware devices that do cool and fun things.

Integration with COBRA: Any device that supports a DMX input can integrate with COBRA, enabling synchronized SPFX and pyrotechnic effects.

What is DMX?
DMX SPFX options available (smoke, cryo, flame, light, etc.)
How COBRA generates DMX with the 18R2 and 36M/72M
Fundamentals of DMX (universe, channel, value, and pulse time)
DMX script format and data
DMX device documentation
DMX demonstration with COBRA Show Creator and a PAR RGB light
DMX Q&A

Creative

Elevate Your Pyro

Friday, April 10, 2026

2:45 PM - 3:45 PM 1 hour

Hosted by David Anglin

Elevating your product even just a few feet off the ground can completely change the site picture. Raising it 75 or 100 feet adds a whole new dimension to your field, including the ability to fire effects in 360 degrees.

Join David Anglin as he walks you through elevating your pyro, how it impacts design, and key safety factors to consider.

In this session, David will guide you through raising close prox products a few feet, firing aerials a hundred feet in the air, and creatively using the space in between.

When to elevate your pyro up in the air
Things to consider for spacing and height requirements
What effects to use and how to script these effects using Finale3D
Safety considerations with raised positions
Different lifts, platforms, and holders to use

Creative

Everything Audio

Thursday, April 9, 2026

3:30 PM - 4:45 PM 1 hr 15 min

Hosted by Miles Kieft

Dive into the exciting world of pyromusicals with our comprehensive session, “Everything Audio.” Designed for beginners, hobbyists, and advanced users ready to make their mark in the fireworks industry, this seminar walks you step-by-step through the essentials of creating your master track to maximize the impact of your show.

Editing for time
Seamless cutting & comping (“the RIGHT way”) for lengthening or shortening tracks smoothly
Effective and creative transitions
Production techniques for spicing up tracks
Volume leveling and loudness mastering
File organization

Business

Firework Insurance 101

Friday, April 10, 2026

2:45 PM - 3:45 PM 1 hour

Hosted by Kristy Wolfe

Join us for "Firework Insurance 101", a vital session for anyone in the pyrotechnics industry. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about insuring your firework displays and operations. Learn about the importance of insurance in protecting your business, employees, and spectators—especially in an industry that involves significant risk.

Understanding Insurance Needs: Discover the types of insurance coverage crucial for firework businesses.
Risk Assessment: Learn how to assess risks in firework displays and operations to determine appropriate coverage.
Navigating Policies: Gain insights into understanding and choosing the right insurance policies for your specific needs.
Legal Compliance: Understand the legal requirements for insurance in the pyrotechnics industry.
Claims and Liability: Learn about handling insurance claims and reducing liability in the event of an accident or incident.
Case Studies:Review real-world examples of how proper insurance has benefitted firework shows and businesses.
Q&A with Insurance Experts: Opportunity to ask questions and get advice from insurance professionals experienced in the pyrotechnics sector.

Creative

Gasoline Fireballs and Ghost Fuel Mines

Thursday, April 9, 2026

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM 1 hour

Hosted by Bill Corbett

Do you want to learn how to shoot gasoline fireballs & ghost mines? Do you need to know how to build a steel mortar for shooting fireballs? Do you have questions about black powder & making lift charges? This class will have all of your answers & more! If you are just now starting to shoot fireballs or are a seasoned veteran, there will be information for everyone to learn something.

Safety reminder: Fireballs, pyrotechnic devices, and explosive materials are hazardous. Follow all applicable laws, regulations, and safety standards, and consult licensed professionals and local authorities before attempting any demonstrations or builds.

Fireball safety & separation distances from mortars to spectators.
Black powder amounts for mortar sizes & gallons shot.
Mortar construction including pipe & base sizes.
Adding fireworks to fireballs.
Lift charge construction methods. PET bottles & wrapping charges with electrical tape.
Ghost mines: creating fireballs with methanol & various chemicals to make fireballs that are different colors.

Additional topics will be covered. All attendees are encouraged to ask questions during the entire seminar.

About Bill Corbett

Bill Corbett of FIREBALL DUDES has been shooting fireworks and fireballs since 2003 and has amassed extensive hands-on experience. With tens of thousands of gallons of gasoline used and hundreds of mortars built, Bill has shot fireballs at large and small fireworks events and air shows. In this session he will share lessons learned and practical knowledge from years of field experience.

Creative

Hazardous Brew: Coffee Creamer Fireballs

Saturday, April 11, 2026

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM 1 hour

Hosted by Jason Rude

In this unique class, we'll explore the fascinating chemistry behind using an everyday household item — coffee creamer — as a surprising ingredient for creating fireballs. While it may sound unexpected, coffee creamer can be highly flammable and, when handled responsibly, used to produce dramatic visual effects.

The science of flammable powders and why coffee creamer works
Essential safety practices and precautions
Step-by-step demonstrations on creating controlled fireballs
Material lists needed for safe execution of this pyro effect

Important safety reminder: Pyrotechnic demonstrations involve hazardous materials and behaviors. Always follow applicable laws, venue rules, and industry safety standards. Attendees should never attempt demonstrations without proper training, supervision, and permissions from authorities.

Jason Rude has been a professional pyrotechnician for 23 years and a lead pyrotechnician for 12 of those years. He manages a shooting team and hosts the podcast Pyro Talk, which shares accurate and timely information about fireworks and features interviews with leading industry personalities. Jason has participated in nearly 200 shows and is an active member of the Iowa Pyrotechnics Guild, MOPYRO, WPAG, and the Pyrotechnics Guild International.

Business

IGNITE

Thursday, April 9, 2026

3:30 PM - 4:45 PM 1 hr 15 min

Hosted by Scott Smith

IGNITE is an entry-level smartphone-enabled firing system designed for consumers. If you are brand new to e-firing, this is the perfect system to get your feet wet and create incredible shows — including full pyromusicals.

For Consumers: Prepare to learn how the system works, how to design shows using our IGNITE Show Designer software, and how to perform pyromusicals, including integration with PYROCAST to play audio through a sound system or directly to your audience members' phones.

For Retailers: We believe customers who shoot electronically create bigger, more impressive shows and purchase more fireworks. By empowering your customers to shoot from multiple positions simultaneously and design shows in advance, you unlock a new level of creativity and control. Learn how IGNITE can help grow ticket sales by inspiring customers to dream bigger and shoot better shows.

Free-shoot firing
Designing and automating shows, including to music
Integrated product catalog
Electronics igniter options
Selling in your retail stores
IGNITE Kiosk
IGNITE Pricing
IGNITE Demonstration
Q&A

Technical

Igniters

Friday, April 10, 2026

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM 1 hour

Hosted by Jeff Genzel

A brief history of e-matches, igniters, and firewire, explaining how they differ, the legalities surrounding their use, available adapters, installation processes, and how to customize igniters for specific applications.

Important: Igniters and firing systems are hazardous if mishandled. Always follow local laws, manufacturer instructions, industry standards, and consult licensed professionals before attempting installations or modifications.

History of e-matches, igniters, and firewire
How e-matches, igniters, and firewire differ
Legalities and regulatory considerations
Available adapters and compatibility options
Typical installation processes (overview)
Customizing igniters for specific applications (concepts)

About Jeff Genzel

Jeff Genzel has been involved in the pyrotechnics industry since 1999. He began his career in the connecting wire business with Seminole Wire & Cable, which provided a natural transition into igniters. Jeff worked under Phil Martinez and helped establish MJG Technologies in 2002.

In 2009, the company relocated production to Mexico to improve efficiency and reduce costs, passing savings directly on to consumers.

Technical

Intro to COBRA

Thursday, April 9, 2026

2:15 PM - 3:15 PM 1 hour

Hosted by Zach Gilbert

This is a beginner-friendly session that provides an overview of the COBRA Firing System, covering the fundamentals and explaining why it’s trusted by professionals worldwide. You’ll learn about the features that make COBRA both easy to use and incredibly powerful — helping you design and execute better, safer shows. Whether you're new to pyrotechnics or transitioning from another system, this session will guide you through everything you need to get started and make the most of your COBRA setup.

The A to Z of COBRA hardware
How the COBRA system communicates issues through error codes
COBRA Firing Systems’ connection-agnostic approach
System startup sequences
Syncing your COBRA equipment, checking signal, continuity, and more…

Creative

Intro to Finale 3D

Thursday, April 9, 2026

2:15 PM - 3:15 PM 1 hour

Hosted by Drew Espenshade

Interested in designing scripted fireworks shows? This is the session for you. Whether you're an aspiring designer or just looking to brush up on the fundamentals, join this engaging session for a walkthrough of the addictively fun show design process in Finale 3D. See how designing a show and exporting it for your COBRA remote is as easy as Click, Drag, Boom!

How to download/install Finale 3D and create an account.
Outline of the differences between Finale 3D "Lite", "Hobbyist", and "Pro".
Finale 3D user interface overview (design/simulation window, timeline, effects & script windows)
Browsing and adding fireworks from industry supplier catalogs
Creating your own fireworks including single shots, shells and cakes
Making a firing position layout
Adding songs or a music soundtrack
Inserting fireworks into a show
Angling effects and creating dynamic sequences
Assigning firing system addresses (module and cue numbers)
Exporting a script file
Printing setup reports and labels
Open Q&A

Technical

PYROCAST

Saturday, April 11, 2026

2:45 PM - 3:45 PM 1 hour

Hosted by Scott Smith

PYROCAST continues to evolve, with major improvements rolled out each year. The 2024 and 2025 updates introduce new tools and enhanced accuracy, making the platform increasingly popular among the pyro community.

What is PYROCAST?
How does PYROCAST work?
Firing systems support (COBRA, IGNITE and others...)
Creating and managing shows
Branding / skinning your show for marketing
Show marketing videos
Show control options
SMPTE time code options
Reporting
Licensing and royalty submissions
PYROCAST full audience demonstration

Creative

Pyromusical Start to Finsh

Saturday, April 11, 2026

2:45 PM - 3:45 PM 1 hour

Hosted by Michael Karr

If you're looking to learn the complete process of creating a pyromusical, this is the session for you. Join Michael Karr AKA “The Novice Pyro” as he guides you through everything from designing your show to capturing it on video and sharing it with the world. This class covers all the essentials from start to finish.

Choosing a concept for your show
Selecting a soundtrack to create emotional impact
Show design fundamentals
Maximizing your shoot site footprint
Product selection to match theme and music
Video settings and post-editing tips

Creative

Pyro Musical Story Telling

Saturday, April 11, 2026

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM 1 hour

Hosted by Travis Kramer

What are the building blocks of a well-made pyromusical? What separates the good displays from the truly great ones? Join Travis Kramer, Secretary of the Kansas City Area Pyrotechnicians, as he walks you through the process of crafting an emotionally compelling pyromusical display.

Part one of the class will introduce the principles of show theory. Part two will put these theories to the test. All display elements discussed are taken from displays he has personally crafted over the last 24 months.

Part One – Tools for Creation (60 Minutes)

Display Tone: Understanding and crafting your overall “emotional mood” from the very beginning
Tool Recognition: Playing to the strengths of what you have available
Color Theory: Learning how it works and using it to tell stories in your displays
Pyrotechnic Effects: Knowing your product and how it will elevate or detract from your show design
Tempo:Using it to your advantage to keep your audience invested
Layering: The power of layered pyrotechnic effects in your display
Site Usage: Taking advantage of your site to create a unique display

Part Two – Tools Applied (30 Minutes)

Show Theory in Action: A walkthrough using video examples of principles and theories put into actual practice
Takeaways: A free, full-color physical course handout for you to keep for personal reference
Q&A: Discussion around the principles

Technical

SMPTE: When and How to Use It for Synchronization

Saturday, April 11, 2026

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM 1 hour

Hosted by Zach Gilbert

In this session, we’ll dive into when SMPTE makes sense and how to get started. From foundational concepts to expert best practices, we’ll guide you through deciding whether SMPTE timecode is the missing piece in your pyrotechnic toolkit. Plus, we'll go hands-on, showing you how to create a SMPTE audio track using Show Creator and Audacity.

What is SMPTE?: A quick introduction to SMPTE timecode and how it can transform your shows.
Why Use It?: Discover the advantages—and limitations—of using SMPTE in pyrotechnics.
Getting Started: A step-by-step guide to integrating SMPTE timecode into your workflow.
Hands-On Demo: Create your own SMPTE audio track with Show Creator and Audacity.
Tips and Tricks: Expert advice for maximizing the benefits of SMPTE timecode in your productions.

Technical

The Ultimate Finale 3D Effects Workshop

Friday, April 10, 2026

2:45 PM - 3:45 PM 1 hour

Hosted by Drew Espenshade

Ready to find simulations for all your favorite fireworks in Finale 3D? This is the session for you. Explore exciting new tools that make finding, organizing, and managing effects faster and easier than ever. You'll learn how to locate simulations of real products, request new ones, create your own, and keep your inventory perfectly aligned with your shows.

Searching and discovering simulations of real-world fireworks
Requesting new brands, products, and simulations
Creating your own effect simulations
Importing product lists and inventory quantities
Tracking available inventory while designing shows
Open Q&A

Creative

Backyard Basics

Saturday, April 11, 2026

2:45 PM - 3:45 PM 1 hour

Hosted by Jonathan McCormick

Are you new to e-firing, or just getting started with pyromusicals? Getting started in this hobby can be daunting, and many times you might not know where to start. This session will cover all the basics to build your next display—from best safety practices and tips for efficient setup to tricks for maximizing budget and equipment.

Building your pyro toolbox
Maximizing cues with breakout boards and wiring techniques
How to save time with slats
Crowd safety practices
Proper product handling
Shoot site management
Open Q&A