Media Contact:
Caitlin MacWilliams
Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau
caitlin@discoveroshkosh.com
(920)303-9200
For Immediate Release
The Olympics of Fireworks Returns to Wisconsin
Oshkosh to host the largest fireworks convention in the country in 2023
OSHKOSH, Wis., May 30, 2023 – Oshkosh will be booming as it hosts the Pyrotechnics Guild International (PGI) Convention August 12-18, 2023 at the Sunnyview Expo Center. This is the first time the conference will be held in Wisconsin since 2010.
The weeklong convention is for members of PGI, which is currently supported by more than 1,600 firework enthusiasts around the world. Convention activities include seminars, workshops, training, fireworks and supplies vending, socializing and nightly fireworks.
PGI was founded in 1969 as an organization for fireworks enthusiasts, with the goal to educate its members as well as the media, politicians and the public, about pyrotechnics. Members are from all walks of life and range from people with just a passing interest all the way up to hard-core fireworks enthusiasts. More information about PGI and its conventions can be found on the organization’s website at PGI.org.
The public is invited to attend two community nights, which will feature multiple firework displays. Tickets go on sale June 1, 2023 for the community nights on Sunday, August 13 and Friday, August 18. Admission will be $10/person and free for children 3 & under. Parking will be $5 cash only per vehicle per event night. All tickets must be purchased in advance as tickets will not be sold at the gate. Tickets can be purchased online at https://winncoparks.recdesk.com/Community/Home and the wristbands can be mailed to you for $2. If you did not pay to have your wristbands mailed to you, you must pick them up. Wristbands can be picked up Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at either the Winnebago County Parks Department (625 E. County Road Y, Suite 500, Oshkosh) or Oshkosh CVB (100 N. Main Street, Suite 112, Oshkosh).
“We are extremely excited for PGI to come to Oshkosh,” Amy Albright, Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director, said. “Not only is this a family-friendly event, it’s also a great stimulus to the local economy when we can sell out hotels and campgrounds in our city.”
The Oshkosh CVB estimates the total economic impact of the weeklong convention at approximately $5 million for Oshkosh and the surrounding area.
The Oshkosh CVB and Sunnyview Expo Center have worked with members of PGI for many years to bring the event back to Wisconsin.
“The Sunnyview Expo Center has everything PGI needs to host its annual convention,” Albright, said. “Through our collaborative efforts and support from the county, we are able to bring this amazing event to Oshkosh.”
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About The Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for Winnebago County, committed to support and enhance the economic impact of tourism through events, service, sales and marketing. The OCVB is a private, not-for-profit organization funded through room tax dollars from the Oshkosh area.