PGI Never Sleeps: Off-Season with President Craig Hetherington

 In this episode of the Ignition Point podcast, hosts Joel Robinson, Adam Keeley, and Skylar Marshall welcome Craig Hetherington, the new president of PGI. They discuss Craig's journey in pyrotechnics, the logistics of planning conventions, and the importance of community and collaboration within the industry. Craig shares insights on the challenges of his new role, the significance of engaging with other organizations, and the ongoing efforts to build membership and involvement in PGI. The conversation also touches on memorable stories from past conventions, the planning process for future events, and the importance of permits and regulations in the pyrotechnics field.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Craig Hetherington02:09 Craig's Journey in Pyrotechnics05:00 The Role of PGI President08:14 Volunteer Appreciation and Team Dynamics09:57 Building Relationships with Other Organizations12:41 Engagement at Industry Events15:42 The Origin of the Nickname 'Tippy'19:49 Reflections on Past Conventions22:56 Planning for Future Conventions25:10 Logistical Challenges and Solutions30:05 Evaluating New Sites for PGI31:34 Vendor Coordination and Display Planning35:41 Public Engagement and Competition Planning38:28 Getting Involved with PGI