Pyro Technology Conference 2026

Attendees may check in, collect materials, and visit exhibitor booths. While the trade show will remain open throughout the day, this time period is dedicated trade show and networking time before the seminar program begins.

The conference will begin with opening remarks presented by Will Harvey, Founder of Finale, to welcome attendees and introduce the day’s program.

This session covers the end-to-end rack workflow in Finale 3D, including major improvements to addressing and rack loading for complex real-world scenarios (single-shots, adjustable angles, pre-wired pins, multi-module racks) and the new hybrid rack diagrams that combine visual rack layouts with corresponding script and setup information on a single page. The presentation will also highlight diagram configuration features such as per-position or per-module diagram generation, configurable side panels with dynamic text variables, selectable tube labeling options (pins, full addresses, angles), and tools designed to produce clearer, more complete setup packets.

A short intermission between sessions. Coffee, light refreshments, and snacks will be available. Attendees are welcome to visit exhibitor booths, connect with other participants, and prepare for the next presentation.

Presented by Steffi Menacher, Head of Project Management at ER Productions, a UK-based special effects company known for large-scale touring productions and major live events worldwide, this session will explore how Finale 3D was used in a major international tour for Dua Lipa.

Lunch will be provided for attendees. The trade show will remain open, offering additional time to visit exhibitor booths and connect with other Finale 3D users, partners, and industry professionals.

This session will introduce Finale DB, a new online platform designed to improve how fireworks products and effect simulations are discovered and shared. The presentation will demonstrate how users can search across brands, explore demo media and verified simulations, add effects directly to My Effects in Finale 3D, and request missing products or simulations. It will also discuss the broader goal of connecting users who create simulations with those who need them, helping to build a shared resource for the pyrotechnics community.

A short intermission between sessions. Coffee, light refreshments, and snacks will be available. Attendees are welcome to visit exhibitor booths, connect with other participants, and prepare for the afternoon sessions.

This session explores Finale 3D’s redesigned DMX engine, featuring true ramp support for fades, color blends, and precision movement across lighting and special effects fixtures. Attendees will see programmable modulation with amplitude, phase, and cycle-time control — enabling advanced pan/tilt sweeps, rolling circles, searchlight effects, and audience-relative aiming — along with improved simulation accuracy and a streamlined workflow for scripting lighting, flame, sparks, and other DMX-controlled special effects.

A brief intermission before the final sessions of the day. Coffee, light refreshments, and snacks will be available. Attendees are encouraged to visit exhibitor booths, connect with partners, and prepare for the closing presentations.

This session will feature a presentation from one of our exhibiting partners, highlighting products, services, or technologies relevant to the pyrotechnics industry.

This session explores how emerging AI tools can assist with technical aspects of show design. Demonstrations will include using AI to calculate pan and tilt angles for single-shot patterns and generate custom 3D break-pattern geometries. The session will also feature a guest segment from Verge Aero highlighting AI-assisted workflows in drone show design and offering perspective on how artificial intelligence may influence future production tools.

Brief closing remarks to conclude the seminar program, thank presenters, partners, and attendees, and provide final announcements before the evening trade show and outdoor demo.

The trade show will continue with dedicated time to visit exhibitor booths, explore products and services, and connect with partners and fellow attendees. Finale team members will also be available for questions and informal discussion.

This is an open break before the evening demonstration. Attendees may dine at the hotel restaurant or use this time to relax before the Pyro & SFX Demo.

An outdoor demonstration featuring a show designed entirely in Finale 3D and fired using the fireTEK system to control both pyrotechnics and DMX-based lighting and special effects.

Join us for drinks, light refreshments, and a good time with friends as we bring PTC 2026 to a close.