Dateline-Orlando, FL
For those readers who could not attend the APA’s annual convention celebrating 60 years, you missed one spectacular event that was attended by hundreds of members of the APA, many of them fireworks royalty. The attraction of the APA annual convention is such that it seems as if every important industry member—in manufacturing, retailing, display, proximate, suppliers—was in the same place, if only for a few days.
Once again, the APA convention committee offered attendees a jam-packed schedule of daily seminars, with many panels including a representative from a wide array of law enforcement agencies. Indeed, the APA is to be credited for its ability and skill in inviting to its conventions government representatives that are both interesting and interested in the issues that affect the industry.
The evening events that the APA schedules are truly unique and invariably exciting; and this year at Orlando was no different. Without doubt, the highlight of the evening activities was the gala celebration held on Saturday evening and, as I understand it, billed as the largest fireworks display ever conducted on the property by Disney. Special mention must also be given to Pyrotecnico for giving the audience (the evening before) a brief tease from its award winning display performance at Montreal 2008.
The APA’s 60th Anniversary was an unqualified success; and Julie Heckman, its executive director, deserves much of the credit. Each year, the APA seemingly becomes more relevant in terms of its unique ability to provide meaningful assistance to its members in navigating the changing regulatory environment—APA’s Gregg S. Smith has no equal—as well as its ability to provide an environment and culture of professionalism where industry members and regulators can freely exchange ideas and, at the same time, fostering mutual trust and confidence.
