The fireworks world descended on Rogers, Arkansas, this September, and Reliable Fuse was right there in the thick of it. From September 8–12, the town buzzed with energy as the National Fireworks Association Expo 2025 brought together the biggest gathering of pyrotechnic pros all year. Picture it: seminars, product demos, late-night networking, and more industry knowledge being shared than you could pack into a finale rack. And yes, in case you missed the highlight, Jed handed out fuse-shaped licorice at our booth. Spoiler alert: it was a massive hit.
Inside the NFA Expo
The NFA Expo is unlike anything else in the fireworks calendar. It’s not open to the public; this is where the professionals gather to swap stories, sharpen skills, and see the latest innovations before they hit the market. Think of it as fireworks summer camp, but with more business cards.
This year, Rogers became a hub of energy. Big sponsors like TNT Fireworks and Brothers Pyrotechnics pulled out all the stops with memorable events (90’s Night had everyone singing along), while each day packed in seminars, panel discussions, and live demos. There was plenty of learning, plenty of laughter, and more than a few lightbulb moments.
Reliable Fuse Brings the Spark
Jed proudly represented Reliable Fuse, and our booth turned into a steady stream of conversations. We brought along a selection of our most popular Visco fuses, so attendees could see, touch, and talk through the products that so many professionals already trust. Having the product right there on the table gave people something to connect with, and the fuse-shaped licorice sealed the deal. It was silly, it was sweet, and it made our booth unforgettable. By the end of the week, Jed could barely keep up with the requests for “just one more piece.”
Conversations That Counted
While the licorice kept the booth lively, the real heart of the expo was the conversations. Jed met seasoned veterans who’ve been working with fuse for decades, eager newcomers attending their very first expo, and everyone in between. The topics were as varied as the crowd:
- Consistency matters. Attendees shared how vital it is to have fuse that performs reliably, every single time.
- Knowledge needs to be shared. Safe storage and cutting techniques were hot topics, with many looking for ways to pass that wisdom along to their own customers.
- Demand for variety. Pros are asking for different diameters and burn rates so they can design with more precision.
These weren’t just casual chats. They were real, valuable exchanges that gave us insight into what the industry needs and how we can keep meeting (and exceeding) those needs. Jed came home with a stack of cards, plenty of follow-ups to make, and a notebook full of ideas.
Beyond the Booth
Of course, the magic didn’t stop when the trade floor closed. Evenings were packed with dinners, theme nights, and impromptu hangouts. Some of the best conversations happened over barbecue, late-night snacks, or while swapping stories about unforgettable fireworks shows of the past. These off-the-clock moments are where lasting connections are built, and often where the boldest ideas take shape. Jed left feeling not just connected, but inspired by the creativity and camaraderie of this community.
More Than Just a Trade Show
For Reliable Fuse, the NFA Expo is more than just another date on the calendar. It’s our chance to show up, listen, and be part of the bigger fireworks story. Sure, we showcase products, but just as importantly, we hear what professionals are struggling with, what they’re excited about, and what they want next. That kind of insight helps us keep improving, keep innovating, and keep delivering exactly what our customers need.
And let’s be honest: every laugh shared, every licorice-powered chat, and every handshake matters. This industry thrives on relationships just as much as it does on sparks and smoke.
Until Next Time
We can’t say thank you enough to the National Fireworks Association for putting together such an incredible event, and to every professional who stopped by the Reliable Fuse booth. We left Rogers with new friends, fresh ideas, and more than a little excitement for what’s ahead.
Until the next time we gather, you can bet we’ll be bringing the products, the knowledge, and maybe even a fresh batch of candy. After all, keeping it reliable isn’t just our name; it’s our promise.