By Kayla Anderson
MCIN
The Western Pyrotechnic Association (WPA) DO-IT Conference is coming back for another year in a row, taking place in Hawthorne this September 17-22. According to WPA, this conference is one of its two annual events that celebrates the very best of the pyrotechnic industry.
DO-IT is a variation of a pyrotechnic event called Pow Wow that was first held in 1998 at the Avi Casino and Resort in Laughlin, Nevada. Greg Boyd, WPA member and former vice president of the club, felt that there should be an event geared more towards the fireworks hobbyist and created the DO-IT Conference. Over the years the event has become more popular and now hundreds of people who like to create new pyrotechnic items come to Hawthorne for the event.
The immersive five-day DO-IT event focuses on fireworks manufacturing and provides a space for comprehensive training and hands-on practice in the art of making pyrotechnics. It’s tailored for people who want to deepen their understanding of the craft, refine their skills, and gain practical experience under the guidance of industry experts.
DO-IT attendees build products all day and shoot them off all night (well, until 11pm). There are no seminars, no public displays, and a limited number of vendors. The Afterglow main event is held in a dirt parking lot onsite, complemented with a bonfire and lawn chairs. Dry camping may also be available for free. Dinner is included in the registration fee and available Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 5pm after the safety meetings.
To participate in any WPA event, a person must be an active member of the WPA, or be the spouse, child, or sponsored guest of an active attending member. Class B product, BP and chems are available by pre-order only and Class C product will be available for purchase onsite. All pyrotechnic products must be shot onsite.
For more information about the 2024 WPA DO-IT Conference, visit https://www.westernpyro.org/.
