Fuse to Finale: The NFA Podcast
From the first spark of an idea to the last shell shot, this show will deep dive into the work, chaos, and creativity that make the NFA expo an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s the inner workings of the fireworks industry, the planning of large-scale events, or the stories of the people who make it all happen, Fuse to Finale pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to deliver the NFA Expo. Because while everyone sees the finale, nobody notices the fuse.
Fuse to Finale: The NFA Podcast
Fuse in 5 | The Big 4 in the City of 3 Rivers
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Allyson talks through our 4 main venues in Fort Wayne - what they're being used for, where they are, and a few fun facts about each!
Fort Wayne, Indiana. It is the meeting point of the St. Mary's, St. Joseph, and Maumee Rivers. It was the original home to what is now known as the Detroit Pistons, and the first professional basketball game was played here in 1871. Fort Wayne is full of history, and we're making it our home in just six short weeks. Welcome to Fusion 5, the Know Before You Go mini companion to the Fuse to Finale podcast. Designed to be listened to individually or consecutively as a pre-convention guide, Fusin 5 is giving you the high points of NFA 2026. Today we're going to be talking about our four main spots in Fort Wayne and how they're going to be used, as well as a few fun facts about each. The first spot to talk about is the Hilton at the Grand Wayne Convention Center. So the Hilton is our host hotel for the week, and it has a Starbucks in the lobby, a restaurant known for their omelet bar, a complimentary airport shuttle, a fitness center, and it's right in the heart of downtown. It's also connected to the convention center for easy access, and it's recently been renovated, and it is beautiful. Our second hotel home for the week is the Courtyard by Marriott downtown, and it overlooks the home of the Fort Wayne Tin Caps Parkview Field. It also has the delicious Connors Kitchen and Bar, which I can vouch for the cheesecake and the cocktails. So delicious. And it also has an indoor pool and a fitness center. There is also a beautiful patio area that will be great to hang out in in September. Our main convention site is the Grand Wayne Convention Center. Opened in 1985, it was renovated to double in size between 2003 and 2005. The convention hall is about 50,000 square feet and can have about 260 10 by 10 booths. We know that for a fact because we maxed it out. The Grand Wayne is connected to downtown via Skywalks and it's within walking distance of multiple restaurants, entertainment venues, and the riverfront. It's a beautiful space. There are tons of rooms for breakout sessions, private meeting areas, as well as activities. And when you walk out of the main trade hall, you are greeted with floor-to-ceiling windows that are beautiful. A half hour up the road is our shoot site, Cruz Plaza. This property was once home to the Cruise Museums and Expo Center, and it's located in Auburn, Indiana, which is considered the birthplace of collector car auctions. Cruise maintains a rotating collection of classic, muscle, and exotic automobiles. And they have a huge annual classic auto auction the weekend of Labor Day, so we might see a few yet-to-be-picked up classics during our event. They also recently opened the J. Cruise Education Center, which is a nonprofit focused on hands-on career exploration and workforce development for students. Cruise Plaza is about 25 to 30 minutes away from the convention center, so give yourself some time to get there. Also, I have to say, to make sure you have your parking pass and your badging lanyards. We are offering bus transportation that will pick up and drop off in front of the convention center each evening. For more information about our downtown venues, Cruise Plaza, to register, to find the schedules, or any other information you need, head on over to the National Fireworks Association website, click on that expo tab, and you will find everything you need to answer your questions. Make sure you're following along to Fuse to Finale for all of your NFA behind the scenes information, as well as your Fuse and Five episodes for your No Before You Go. We cannot wait to see you in six weeks in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and stay tuned for more know before you go information.