Fireworks Show Checklist - How to ensure you choose the right company

These 11 items will help you stage an unforgettable event 

 

1.     Discuss and agree on the timing of the show so you can brief the contractor

If you're part of an organising committee you will know that different people can sometimes have different opinions on how the show should be run, what time of night, how long etc.  Make sure you have these discussions before engaging a contractor so that you can give a clear, strong brief.

A company like Fireworx is happy to provide you with advice on timing and show contents before you appoint a contractor.

2.     Appoint a single point of reference

Someone needs to champion the show and be responsible for all contact between the organising committee and the contractor.  This avoids any crossed wires in communication and ensures the contractor can concentrate on delivering a show that achieves the creative brief without responding to queries from multiple people in the organising committee who might have slightly different agendas.

3.     Arrive at a budget

Telling the contractor the amount of money you have to work with is not going to disadvantage you in any way.  There are many, many special effects to choose from and the contractor's goal will be to give you the best show that achieves your stated brief within your budget.  Without a budget to work to, there's no yardstick by which to measure the quality of a proposal.

We have found that committees that ask several contractors to create a quote without advising the budget get back the equivalent of apples and oranges - you just can't compare them.

4.     Evaluate the quality of the quote

The contractor's quote should break down the show into its component parts.  Fireworks, permits, insurance, music track, staff & security.  If it doesn't, you must ask yourself if proper care and attention has been paid to the important non-firework items? 

You do not want to get caught out with incorrect insurance cover or too few staff to control the show on the night.

Note: Most clients do not know that the largest part of a fireworks show is typically the labour and permits, not the fireworks themselves.  Fireworx quotes contain the details of all these items so you can be sure your event will be safe and professionally controlled.

5.     Consider logistics

If you are putting on a public display, there are many details to be checked:

Major items to consider and plan for include:

  1. Safe Distances.  There are regulations governing how close the crowd can be to a fireworks display.  Different types of display come with different requirements.  You need to consult experts like Fireworx for the correct distances.  We can work around any limitations of a particular site and compose a show that is safe yet still spectacular
  2. Access to power for lighting and other functions
  3. Viewing and Seating Arrangements.  Have you provided enough seating or standing space for your expected crowd?  Allow 1m2 per person for standing room, and 2m2 per person for seated crowds.
  4. Hire of tables, chairs, portable toilets.
  5. Creation of signage to guide your visitors.
  6. Clean-up Coordination.  This is an often overlooked area of fireworks shows, and one that weekend warrior-style contractors conveniently forget to address.  Fireworx quotes always include a clean-up element.
  7. Emergency plans. What happens if emergency services are required to attend?  You need to keep clear space to accommodate emergency vehicles.
  8. Transportation to the event
  9. Appropriate notification given to neighboring properties

Fireworx advises its clients on the reasonable area of coverage for notification and how this should be done.  e.g. Letterbox drop, media advertisement.

6.     Ask to see the Contactor's Work Cover insurance certificate of currency

Responsible and honest businesses will carry proper workers' insurance.  Without it, the property owner could be liable for any employee accident claim while they are working on your property, a hassle you don't need

7.     Ask to see their Public Risk Insurance certificate of currency

Should someone be severely injured or your property is damaged while the fireworks display is being conducted, your commercial or household insurance policy may not cover these incidents, and even if they do, you don't need the bother of a claim, or the loss of your no claim bonus.  The contractor should have appropriate Public Risk insurance that will cover you.

8.     Ask if they employ qualified tradespeople?

There is a specific licence for fireworks operators.  Fireworx operators are all long-term licence holders.  All must pass Queensland's stringent licensing system (the toughest one in Australia).

9.     Ensure that the Contractor will not sub-contract your work out

Ask the contractor this question directly.  It is a very risky practice.  Once the job is passed to a sub-contractor, the business also passes on the responsibility of quality and potentially insurance.

If the job is sub-contracted and there is an issue with the show or one of the related services like clean-up, you could face a problem establishing responsibility and end up with council or legal bills you don't need.

10.  Does the contractor import their own materials?

If the contractor is buying from a reseller here in Australia, you are likely paying double the mark-up for your fireworks. 

We import all our own fireworks and we only source from suppliers with whom we have built-up a relationship over our 30 year corporate life. 

Our long-standing relationships mean our suppliers reserve the best product for our use.  And by importing our own fireworks we have much better control over quality & price which means you get a better deal all round.

11.  Ask for references

Speak to other clients about the professionalism of the company you're looking at hiring.  Ask questions like these:

  1. What was the show like? 
  2. What was the feedback from show attendees? 
  3. What was the customer service pre-show like?  How about post-show?
  4. What, if anything, could the company have done better?
  5. Would you hire them again?

Fireworx regularly conducts evaluations of its shows, and our feedback is universally positive.

For more education and advice on your upcoming show

Call Fireworx on 1300 133 108 if you're outside Brisbane, otherwise call 07 3272 9423

Facsimile: 07 3272 9703

Email:  info@fireworx.com.au 
Website: www.fireworx.com.au

Head Office - Archerfield, Brisbane

Postal Address:  PO Box 706 ARCHERFIELD  QLD  4108

ABN: 19 010 820 176

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