The Global Pyro Community Gathers in Frankfurt: A Review of PTC 2026
Despite the unexpected challenges facing the industry landscape this year, the 3rd Pyro-Technology Conference (PTC) proved once again to be the premier independent hub for pyrotechnicians, manufacturers, and show designers worldwide.
On March 23, 2026, the city of Frankfurt became the center of the pyrotechnic world. While the news of the cancellation of Prolight + Sound—originally scheduled to begin just one day later—sent shockwaves through the event industry, the PTC stood firm as a beacon of resilience and networking.
A Truly International Gathering
The numbers speak for themselves: 180 participants from 27 different nations made the journey to Frankfurt. This impressive turnout confirms that the PTC has established itself as a mandatory standalone event, independent of larger trade fairs. The diversity of the attendees fostered a unique atmosphere of global knowledge-sharing and high-level networking that is rarely found elsewhere in the industry.
Keynote Highlight: “Pop meets Pyro”
A standout highlight of this year’s conference was our guest speaker, Steffi Menacher from ER-Productions. In her captivating presentation, “Pop meets Pyro,” Steffi gave the audience an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the planning and execution of Dua Lipa’s latest World Tour.
It was fascinating to hear how a production of this magnitude is managed and how Finale 3D and Finale Inventory were utilized to support the complex workflow. From creative show design to meticulous inventory management across global tour dates, Steffi’s insights proved just how vital these tools have become for the world’s biggest arena shows. Her talk was a masterclass in combining artistic vision with technical precision.
Record-Breaking Interest: More Space for Innovation
Due to unprecedented demand from the industry, the organizers took the bold step of expanding the exhibition floor this year. The enlarged area was necessary to accommodate 27 exhibitors, providing them with the space needed to showcase the latest hardware, software, and firing system technologies.
From cutting-edge firing controllers to innovative set-piece designs, the exhibitor area was buzzing with activity from start to finish. The direct interaction between creators and users highlighted the core mission of the PTC: to drive the technological future of fireworks forward.
- Cobra
- FireTek
- Pyromac
- Finale Fireworks
- PyroOffice
- PLS Event
- Verge Aero
- Pyrosolution
- Jorima
- Parente
- SStotz
- Explo SFX GmbH
- Nano 3
- Onfa
- MagicFX
- Magic Drone
- Showven
- Piroshow
- Galaxis
- Nitro Paris
- Monetti
- Descartes Inventory
- JGW Berckholtz
- Le Maitre
- PyroQuip
- Gamon
- Pyro Artists
- BVPK
Spotlight on DMX: The Tech of the Future
The central theme of this year’s conference was the significant expansion of DMX integration within the pyrotechnic world. To bring the theoretical discussions to life, the event concluded with a short Demo Show that showed all new DMX features in action.
The performance perfectly illustrated the seamless interaction between a wide array of hardware, featuring state-of-the-art Flamers from industry leaders MagicFX, Galaxis, Explo, and Jorima, alongside dynamic Moving Heads and precision Single Shots by Pyro Artists. The entire choreography was expertly programmed using Finale 3D and executed with surgical precision via the fireTEK firing system. This display was a powerful testament to how the combination of the right software and hardware can create a unified, breathtaking spectacle.
A Night to Remember
The conference concluded in true “Finale” fashion, with an evening event that lasted well into the early morning hours. It was a celebration of a successful day, a resilient industry, and the strong friendships that define our community.
We want to thank every sponsor, attendee, speaker, and exhibitor for making PTC 2026 an unforgettable success. We look forward to seeing you all again!
