A Report From The
National Fireworks
Association Expo 2008
Several hundred fireworks enthusiasts from around the world converged in Billings, Montana, for the National Fireworks Association’s Expo 2008. The Expo was scheduled around daytime seminars and a large trade show with over eighty exhibitors representing an impressively wide range of products and services for the fireworks industry. Each information-packed day was followed by an equally impressive evening of fireworks demonstrations provided by a variety of manufacturers. Needless to say, there was little down-time.
The NFA seminars were conducted by esteemed experts and, as a whole, highly informative and topical. For instance, Bengt Henriksen of Quality Logistics provided the membership with the latest information regarding the current environment surrounding overseas shipping of pyrotechnic products, and mentioned the possibility of an additional Chinese port opening itself to fireworks exports. Eugene Baker, President of Explosives Practical Solutions LLC, provided insightful remarks about how to make the BATF inspection a smooth, rather than bumpy, process; the presentation was entitled ‘Changes to the BATF Orange Book’. Eugene Baker’s years of experience at the BATF speaks volumes about the wisdom and reliability of his observations and recommendations. Another regulatory-oriented seminar was offered by Dr. John Steinberg, who discussed recent changes in the NFPA guidelines and also provided thoughtful explanations of the process of how NFPA regulations are drafted and adopted.
Without exception, each evening’s series of pyrotechnics demonstrations was elaborate and entertaining; with all of them being held at a motor speedway approximately twenty minutes outside of Billings, allowing everyone to enjoy Big Sky sunsets. In many instances the quality and performance of the 1.4g products is nearly indistinguishable to the 1.3g products, continuing a trend in the industry.
Once again, the NFA offered a quality experience for anyone and everyone in the fireworks industry, not to mention fireworks enthusiasts. Mark your calendars, next year’s exposition is in Iowa; check with the NFA for details at www.nationalfireworks.org.
