Verge Aero drone-and-firework shows return to PGI 2026

Verge Aero’s partner network returned to the Pyrotechnics Guild International convention for a fourth straight year, with drone-and-firework displays once again becoming a ticket draw at the Wisconsin International Speedway. PGI 2027 planning is already underway as the integration cements itself as a signature part of the event.

Why it matters: - Drone-and-pyrotechnic shows are moving from novelty to expected feature at PGI, a shift that is helping shape audience demand for live pyrotechnic entertainment. - Social media footage from prior drone-and-firework displays became a major ticket driver for PGI’s public display nights this year. - Verge Aero says the integration supports growth for both drone shows and fireworks by treating them as complementary art forms.

What happened: - Verge Aero announced in August that its partner network returned to the Pyrotechnics Guild International convention for the fourth year in a row. - The 52nd PGI convention took place at Wisconsin International Speedway in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. - Verge-powered operators flew several hundred light show drones alongside fireworks for thousands of ticket holders and PGI members on multiple public display nights. - Precision Fireworks led the pyrotechnics for the headlining integrated display on Saturday, August 8. - Spirit of '76 Fireworks co-presented the National Anthem display with drones on Wednesday, August 12.

The details: - Verge Aero first integrated drones with fireworks at PGI in 2023 with a dystopian performance featuring a drone-built robot that “attacked” with fireworks. - That 2023 performance went viral and reset expectations for live pyrotechnic entertainment. - The annual format evolved into a narrative-driven “Cosmos” display in 2024, the 2,500-drone “Quest” production in 2025, and a musically driven show in 2026. - PGI President Craig Hetherington said drones changed pyromusicals after first imagining them following Verge Aero’s appearance on America’s Got Talent: Extreme. - Rachel Harrison, PGI’s social media lead and a Verge Aero team member, said prior drone-and-firework footage was one of the most useful visual tools in the ticket campaign. - Harrison said the campaign was aimed at selling an experience people may not have seen before. - Pyrotechnician and photographer Tom Calderwood said he was “gobsmacked” by the integration and pointed to the timing and the way fireworks hid and revealed the drones in sync with music. - Verge Aero’s partner network included BrightWave FX, Chicago Drone Light Shows, Fantasy Drone Shows, FlyLight Drone Shows, Northern Lights Drone Shows, Sky Harmony Drone Shows, Vector Aerial Systems, Vegas Drones, Fireworks by Grucci, and Adhoc Creative House. - Many people across the network began their careers in pyrotechnics, which helped align the two crafts during production. - Chris Lutts, Verge Aero vice president of sales, said integrations like this are key to growing live entertainment. - Verge Aero also supports the Pyrotechnics Guild International and the American Pyrotechnics Association. - Verge Aero designs and develops drone show technology in the U.S. for global operations. - Verge Aero says its systems are recognized by the FAA and EASA. - More information is available in the company's announcement.

Between the lines: - PGI’s embrace of integrated drone-and-firework shows suggests the format is becoming part of the event’s identity, not just an add-on. - The repeated return of the Verge Aero network shows the pyrotechnics industry is building a shared production language around drones rather than treating them as a separate category. - The ticket-sales link to social media footage shows visual novelty remains a powerful marketing tool for live events.

What's next: - Verge Aero and its network partners are already planning new drone-and-pyrotechnic integrations for PGI 2027. - The company is likely to continue positioning drones as a complement to fireworks in future industry collaborations. - The recurring partnership points to another year of integrated displays at PGI, if planning holds.