DEMA’s “Deep Ambitions” Aquatic Career Fair at Our World Underwater Hosts Over 70 Students Who Experience Diving and the Possibilities it Brings

As an addition to the Be A Diver Pool exhibiting at Our World Underwater, held February 14-16, 2014 in Chicago, IL, DEMA hosted a Deep Ambitions Aquatic Career Fair on February 14. Over 70 7th grade students from Timothy Christian Middle School participated in the Career Fair and had the opportunity to learn more about the marine environment, diving and how they can get involved.

 

Dive Industry influencers were on hand, including Annie Crawley of Dive Into Your Imagination and artist Rogest, helping the students open their eyes to the underwater world and the possibilities it brings. DEMA extends a heartfelt thanks to Jonathan Lavan and Janna Nicholas from REEF (Reef Environmental Education Foundation); Bill Thompson, representing ECARA (Eastern Carolina Artificial Reef Association) and Deanna LaSusa-Hotchner with Discover the Depths for their support in educating and inspiring these students during their visit.

 

In addition to learning from these influencers about our oceans and diving, the 7th graders were given the chance to try diving in the Be A Diver Pool right on the Our World Underwater Show floor. Pool Tour Coordinator “Big Wave” Dave Reidenbach and fellow certified scuba diving instructor staff from local dive stores were on-site to provide assistance. Students even had the opportunity to have their photo taken underwater to share with their family and friends on social media and when they get home.

 

“Children of all ages thrive on activity and new experiences,” commented Tom Ingram, Executive Director of DEMA. “Inspiring today’s youth to become involved in diving is vital to the future of the Industry, its business and the marine environment. The goal of DEMA’s Deep Ambitions Career Fair is to foster involvement in diving and diving-related careers from the younger generation.”

 

DEMA extends thanks to all the volunteers for their time and support in making the day a success. For more information about DEMA’s Deep Ambitions Aquatic Career Fair and how you can host one in your area visit DEMA www.dema.org or contact DEMA at info@dema.org.

DEMA Board of Directors to Meet in San Diego, CA for First Face-to-Face Board Meeting of 2014 on February 26th and 27th

DEMA’s Board of Directors will meet on February 26th and 27th to welcome the newly elected members of the DEMA Board of Directors and to continue strategizing ways to help grow our Industry and maximize DEMA’s benefits for Members. Topics for discussion will include Membership Benefits and Marketing, Proposed 2014 Promotions, Continuing Customer Research, plans for DEMA Show 2014, and DEMA’s Strategic Planning Initiative.

 

Day one of the Board meeting will begin with the election of Board Officers from among the current Board Members. With officers in place for the year, the Board will approve reports from past and completed activities as part of a so called “consent agenda.” For February the consent agenda will include:

• November 2013 Board Meeting Minutes
• Post DEMA Show 2013 Summary
• 2013 Year-End Membership & Programs Update
• Legislative Update
• Research Report
• 2013 Year End Financial Summary and Manufacturer’s Fund Report

Following approval of the consent agenda, the Board will have an opportunity to review the latest version  of the customer location intelligence and demographic program, AnySite, which DEMA uses to produce customized store-level research for its Members, allowing individual DEMA Members to find targeted local prospects most likely to buy from their business, and in turn, maximizing marketing efforts to help increase their bottom line. Tom Ingram, Executive Director will review a proposal for the next steps in end-user research and plans for DEMA Show 2014, taking place November 19th-22nd at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV will also be discussed. The Board of Directors will also review the current status of DEMA’s Strategic Planning Initiative and the proposed 2014 budget. Once all other agenda items from day one are addressed the Board’s final task of the day will be to confirm committee chairs and committee members.

 

Day two of the Board of Directors Meeting will allow Committee Chairs to start planning their work for the year. Each Board Member can volunteer to work in various committees based upon their areas of expertise, interest, knowledge and talent. Committees are tactical and the goals of committees include creating new ideas, improving current programs and benefits, clarifying or resolving pending issues and soliciting feedback from Industry stakeholders. Once data and other information is gathered the details are provided to the Board at large for their strategic decision-making.  Additional Committee information is available online.

 

The Board of Directors Meeting will conclude the afternoon of Wednesday, February 27th, after new business is addressed. More information on DEMA’s Board of Directors and Bylaws is available on the DEMA website. Complete minutes from past Board of Directors Meetings are available to current DEMA Members from the Member Dashboard of www.dema.org. Future 2014 meeting dates will be confirmed during February’s meeting.

DEMA Introduces 2014 Board of Directors

The results of DEMA's 2014 Board of Directors Election are in! Members of DEMA's 2014 Board of Directors include the following individuals:

 

A1-Manufacturing
Stephen Ashmore, TUSA
Scott Daley, Body Glove International*

 

A2-Diver Certification and Training Agencies
Tom Leaird, Scuba Educators/PDIC International*
Jeff Nadler, PADI Americas

 

A3-Dive Publishing, Media, Consulting and Non-Retail Service Providers
Bonnie Borkin, Bonnier Corporation – Dive Group*
William Cline, Cline Group Advertising, Inc.

 

A4-Retailers
Darcy Kieran, Total Diving
Werner Kurn, Ocean Enterprises, Inc.*

 

A5-Travel & Resorts
Jenny Collister, Reef & Rainforest Dive & Adventure Travel
Stuart Cove, Stuart Cove's Dive Bahamas*

*New/Re-elected members

In accordance with the DEMA Bylaws, Directors serve three-year terms. Additional information on DEMA's Board of Directors and Bylaws is available online. The election was conducted by CPA firm, Gray, Proctor & McMannis, based in Newport Beach, CA. All A-category DEMA members who had joined or renewed their DEMA Membership for 2014 by 1/10/14 were eligible to vote in this election. The final vote count is available for DEMA Members who are logged into the Members-Only Dashboard of www.dema.org.

 

Congratulations to all of DEMA's Directors! In the coming weeks, the Board will meet to conduct officer elections, form committees and select individuals to chair them. Contact us at toll free (800) 862-DIVE (3483), (858) 616-6408 or info@dema.org if you have any questions or are interested in serving on one of the DEMA Board committees. Additional Committee information can be found online here. Thank you for your continued support!

DEMA Opens Official Hotel Block for DEMA Show 2014 in Las Vegas, NV

Block Offers Exclusive Savings and Benefits for DEMA Show 2014 Attendees and Exhibitors at the Las Vegas Hotel

 

DEMA Show 2014 will be here before you know it and to help Dive Industry professionals keep their planning efforts on track for this year’s annual trade-only event for the Diving Industry, DEMA has now opened the DEMA Hotel Block and reservation portal. Start your planning for the Show, taking place November 19-22 in Las Vegas, NV by booking your room reservation in the exclusive DEMA Show Hotel Block, featuring exclusive exhibitor and attendee rates, terms, and benefits.

 

DEMA Show will feature the Las Vegas Hotel (LVH) as this year’s Host Hotel. The Las Vegas Hotel is conveniently located adjacent to the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center – home to DEMA Show 2014. Those booking in DEMA’s block at the Las Vegas Hotel will have access to exclusive savings and benefits including complimentary shuttle access to and from DEMA Show 2014. Those booking by August 11, 2014 have access to even more savings so ACT NOW! Room rates are as follows:

• $95 Single/Double for the following nights:  November 13-25, 2014*
  *Must be booked by October 17, 2014 in order to receive this exclusive DEMA Show rate. Based upon availability.

Additionally, DEMA Show registrants who are planning to arrive early in Las Vegas, or stay after the Show concludes have access to a special Early Bird Discount on "pre" and "post" show dates when they book their rooms in the official DEMA Show block by August 11, 2014.  These special discounted rates are based on availability as follows:

• $49 Single/Double for the following nights:  November 13-17 and 23-25, 2014.**
• $95 Single/Double for the following nights:  November 18-22, 2104.**
  **Must be booked by August 11, 2014 in order to receive this special discounted rate. Based upon availability. 

Complimentary shuttle bus service for those booking within the DEMA Show Hotel Block will be provided to and from the North Hall during Show dates. 

 

As we do each year, DEMA again would like to caution attendees and exhibitors to be wary when booking accommodations through unauthorized third party vendors claiming to work with DEMA Show. While these room “pirates” may offer what appears to be a lower rate than the official block rate, room reservations may be offered at significantly lower quality and may not be available for the duration of your planned stay. In addition, cancellation polices are often harsh and unforgiving. Booking within the official DEMA Hotel Block also benefits the Industry, allowing DEMA to negotiate exclusive rates and terms for DEMA Show attendees and exhibitors. Help support the Industry’s annual trade-only Show and trade association – please book within DEMA’s official hotel block.

DEMA Calls for Nominations for the 2014 Reaching Out Awards

Deadline to Submit Nomination Forms is 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday, May 30, 2014

 

DEMA is honored to request nominations for the 2014 DEMA Reaching Out Award, asking members of the Diving Industry to submit the names and qualifying information of those Industry professionals who have made a significant contribution to the sport of scuba diving.

 

Each year DEMA recognizes Industry professionals who have “reached out” in some special way to improve the sport for everyone; those who help develop techniques related to their special areas of expertise. Areas of contribution from past Diving Industry nominees have included photography, training, equipment design, publishing, travel, retailing, water safety, exploration and science. For details about nomination requirements and selection criteria, review the 2014 Reaching Out Award Nomination Form. All nominees should have been active in the Diving Industry for a minimum of 10 years, and made a significant contribution to the sport of scuba diving.

 

Since it was first presented in 1989, the Reaching Out Award recognizes those who belong in the Industry's HALL OF FAME. These are the leaders and heroes of our sport, and the people who have helped make diving what it is today. Some past honorees have greater name recognition than others, but each in his or her own way, is as important to the development of diving as any other.

 

Get started on your nominations now! If you have any questions about submitting a Reaching Out Award nomination contact us at (858) 616-6408 or info@dema.org.

DEMA’s Diving For International Treasure Challenge Can Help Promote Your Destination

Challenge Provides DEMA Member Destinations with an Opportunity to Drive Business Using DiveCaching and $5,000 Grand Prize

 

Following the success of last year’s Diving for Texas Treasure Challenge, DEMA has taken its latest underwater “treasure hunt” to international waters with the Diving for International Treasure Challenge. This international Challenge is an exciting in-water game that will have divers on an international search for unique dive sites, destinations, sunken “treasures” and more, for their chance at the $5,000 grand prize!

 

“The game of DiveCaching has many different applications for keeping divers involved. DEMA developed this latest version of the game because it helps drive traffic to participating DEMA Member destinations and demonstrates the kinds of promotions that can help operators everywhere engage their customers. Destinations can also take advantage of DEMA’s partnership with OpenCaching.com to list additional and unique dive sites and run their own contests.”

 

The fun of the Challenge is for divers to travel to and visit four of the Challenge dive sites that can be found in fun and exciting international locations. Divers participate by registering for the Challenge online at DiveCaching.org. Divers can use the descriptions and clues of each of the Challenge sites posted on OpenCaching.com, the free OpenCaching app (or a GPS) and an underwater compass to find the dive sites and become eligible to win $5,000! 

 

DEMA is encouraging all Member Destinations who have a unique dive site to become involved in the 2014 Diving for International Treasure Challenge. This is a great opportunity to increase exposure for your destination, pique customer interest, and offer a unique and memorable experience to your dive travelers! Participating Members are provided with:

• A listing of their specific and unique dive site on DEMA's Be A Diver website. 
• A certificate describing their unique dive site which will be sent to each of the participants visiting the dive site they recommend. 
• An International Diving Challenge log book for their operation which divers sign upon arrival. To be eligible for the grand prize each Challenge diver must visit the operator and sign the log book which, of course, provides a great face-to-face opportunity with them!

Destinations will also be included in DEMA’s ongoing efforts to promote the Challenge and, ultimately, their destination and of course, they benefit from the lure of the $5,000 Grand Prize for the lucky winner of the Challenge!  

 

The Challenge officially kicked-off January 31, 2014 and runs through October 19, 2014. New dive sites are being added to the Challenge and a complete description of the Diving for International Treasure Challenge can be found online here. A nominal participation fee of $250 is required of participating DEMA Member destinations to receive the website listing and other Challenge participant benefits.

Obtain New Retail Customer Leads by Participating in A Be A Diver Pool Tour Event

DEMA Member Retailers Encouraged to Register Early to Maximize Benefits of Participation

 

For more than 10 years now, the Be A Diver Pool Tour has traveled around the U.S. to large scale events allowing attendees to try diving in the warm, safe confines of its four-foot deep swimming pool under professional supervision. With 9 events already scheduled for Quarter 1 alone, the Be A Diver Pool Tour is looking at another productive year of promoting scuba diving, helping retailers acquire new customer leads and generating positive press coverage for the diving industry.   

 

DEMA Member Retailers are encouraged to sign up with the Be A Diver Pool Tour early to participate in events coming to their area to maximize their success in getting publicity and new leads. DEMA offers many benefits and resources that can help retailers before, during and after a Pool Tour Stop. Retailers who are interested in participating or who can suggest an event with potential for attracting new divers are encouraged to contact DEMA’s Pool Tour Coordinator, Dave Reidenbach at (920) 205-3657 or bigwavedave@dema.org. Participation with the Be A Diver Pool is available for DEMA Members only.

 

DEMA Members can also gain valuable exposure for their equipment, destination or other product by becoming a sponsor for the Pool Tour. There are a variety of different sponsorships available with options for all budgets. Detailed information can be found in the Be A Diver Pool Prospectus or by contacting Dave Reidenbach, at bigwavedave@dema.org.

 

“The Be A Diver Pool is often a potential customer’s first diving experience and the introduction they need to develop a lifelong passion for the sport,” commented Tom Ingram, Executive Director of DEMA. “Since 2001, the Pool has introduced tens of thousands of people to diving with the participation of DEMA Member retailers, allowing these interested customers to try diving in a fun and controlled environment. For local DEMA Member dive centers, the Pool is a great opportunity to acquire new customers and generate media coverage for their store and for recreational diving, both locally and nationally. The Be A Diver Pool attracts an affluent customer who is a prime marketing target for retailers.” 

 

Participating in a 2014 Be A Diver Pool Tour Event is a unique and effective way to build relationships with up-and-coming divers and receive free publicity for your dive center. With 14 confirmed Pool Events already scheduled for 2014, now is the time to start planning for success – contact DEMA now and get started!