Monday, December 17, 2018

LEGISLATIVE ALERT: DEMA Offers Testimony to FWC on Topics Critical for Divers

On December 12, DEMA’s President and CEO, Tom Ingram, and Legislative Advocate, Bob Harris, along with numerous interested divers and diving professionals, provided testimony to members and staff of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC). The parties provided input to proposed rules and processes suggested by FWC staff on three topics important to divers in Florida:
  1. Rules protecting sharks and divers during shore-based shark fishing
  2.  Rules applied to collecting aquarium specimens from the waters under the Blue Heron Bridge
  3.  Rules/research for Florida’s Goliath Grouper
Shore-Based Shark Fishing
DEMA’s input to the proposed rules for shore-based shark fishing included the need to:
  • Prevent a hooked shark from being landed (removed from the water) on a beach for the purpose of taking their picture or measuring the fish (which generally harms the animal).
  • Require the use of specific fishing equipment to make it easier to release prohibited and at-risk sharks.
  • Prevent chumming for sharks from shore, in the interest of the safety of swimmers, surfers and divers.
  •  Require all fishers, regardless of age, complete an education program prior to receiving a (free) permit which is required to target sharks from shore.
  •  Require that the distance from shore-based shark fishers to designated public bathing areas be 100 yards, the same distance from designated public beaches as required by current law for spear fishers.
While FWC is unlikely to adopt this last proposed distance rule because of the resistance from fishing interests, it appears the remaining rules are likely to be adopted at the February 2019 FWC meeting, making this a win for sharks and for divers wishing to see these animals.
Prohibition on Collecting Marine Life at Blue Heron Bridge
DEMA offered testimony in favor of a prohibition being placed on the removal of “ornamental” or aquarium-sized marine life and plants in the area under the Blue Heron Bridge in West Palm Beach, Florida.
This well-known shore dive site is unique, and it appears that, even with FWC’s limited data on the 500+ different species found in this area, excessive collecting and removal of marine life and marine plants is having a detrimental impact on this location. DEMA asked that the FWC create essentially a no-take zone at the Bridge which would remain open to divers for photography and observation. Since the area is already closed to spear fishing, DEMA suggested closing the area to hook and line fishing as well.  Although the request for closure to hook and line fishing is unlikely to be adopted, again owing to pressure on the FWC from the fishing community, the proposed rules that prevent removal of aquarium animals and plants mean that divers will be able to see the many different species at this dive site for years to come.
Maintaining the Moratorium on Harvesting the Goliath Grouper in Florida
Ingram and Harris reiterated DEMA’s long-held position that Goliaths should remain protected and that the current moratorium on harvest, in place since 1990, should remain.
DEMA’s testimony included the fact that in 2016 the FWC attempted but failed to complete a scientifically acceptable stock assessment of Goliath Grouper, and as a result, no valid stock assessment exists.  DEMA also testified that research shows Goliath Grouper flesh contains extremely high levels of mercury, rendering the flesh unsafe to consume and making even a limited harvest of Goliaths impractical and dangerous.  DEMA also suggested that protections commensurate with another slow-moving and valuable animal, the manatee, should also be afforded the Goliath Grouper. 
While DEMA’s testimony was that FWC does not have sufficient data to justify lifting the current moratorium,  the diving community should be aware that FWC staff are working to devise a scientifically-acceptable means to model the Goliath fishery so that it becomes possible to determine if the fishery should remain closed or open to some form of harvest in the future.
As a result of this meeting, FWC has indicated that until an acceptable stock survey is performed, the harvest moratorium will continue. FWC staff have indicated it will take until at least 2022 to make the determination. This is a great victory for Goliath Grouper and divers everywhere!
All of the proposed rules discussed during the FWC meeting in St. Augustine, Florida are still subject to additional changes before they are finalized.  Finalized rules will be available for public comment prior to the FWC meeting scheduled for February 2019. DEMA will also attend this meeting at that time to provide comment on the final version of the rules.

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Jessica Keller Honored as DEMA’s 2018 Wave Makers Award Recipient

** Announcement Made at the 2018 DEMA Awards Party **

The Diving Equipment and Marketing Association is pleased to announce that Jessica Keller is the 2018 recipient of DEMA’s Wave Makers Award. The announcement was made at the 30th annual Black & White inspired DEMA Award’s Party The event took place in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 16, 2018, to honor the 2018 recipient and finalists and celebrate the careers of the 2018 Reaching Out Award Recipients.
The Wave Makers Award was first introduced in 2017 and aims to recognize professionals who have been working in the industry for five years or less and have made a significant contribution to the industry during that time. The Wave Makers Award encourages the Industry to support a culture that fosters innovative thinking and encourages engagement with the association and industry by new professionals.
Other finalists for the 2018 Wave Makers Award included:
  • Mike Johnson, Michael Johnson Entertainment
  • Allie Paschen, Leaird's Underwater Services
  • Italino Pietrantonio, Air Hog Scuba
2018 DEMA Members selected Jessica Keller as the 2018 Award recipient by viewing and voting for the finalist of their choice, based on the biographies and short videos that the finalists submitted.
JESSICA KELLER is an underwater archaeologist for the National Park Service’s Submerged Resources Center. She graduated with a Master of Science Degree from the Recreation, Parks and Tourism Studies Program focusing on the development, sustainability and archaeological interpretation of underwater parks from Indiana University. The Submerged Resources team travels all over the country to assist National Parks with their underwater resources through the use of remote sensing surveys, shipwreck mapping and documentation, or natural resource management such as lionfish in Biscayne National Park or crown of thorn removal in American Samoa.
Keller is dedicated to industry growth through her work focused on outreach and education for children. She created an educational booklet that has been published by the National Park Service’s Junior Ranger Underwater Explorer Booklet. The booklet, which can be downloaded for free at the website nps.gov/submerged, is also available in Spanish.
DEMA congratulates Jessica Keller for her dedication and service to our Industry and looks forward to seeing the contributions she will continue to make throughout her career.

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Legislative Alert: Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Meeting Regarding Goliath Grouper

Meeting in St. Augustine, Florida, Also Includes Draft Rules for Shore Based Shark Fishing and Marine Life Harvest While Diving at the Blue Heron Bridge
A meeting of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and open to the public, will take place on December 12 and 13 at 8:30 am in St. Augustine, Florida.
The FWC Commission meeting will include a Staff review and discussion on the next steps for Goliath Grouper research and management. This presentation will include an overview of current and future Goliath Grouper research. Staff will present information on how recent events, such as Hurricane Irma and the 2018 red tide, have impacted Goliath Grouper. Staff will seek direction on adopting a management goal for Goliath Grouper in state waters.
You may recall that DEMA favors continuing the current moratorium on harvesting the Goliath Grouper. In the recent past, DEMA surveyed members of the Diving Industry and determined that 73% of divers responding favored continuing the moratorium.
DEMA’s President and CEO, Tom Ingram and Legislative Advocate, Bob Harris will be in attendance at this meeting to provide DEMA’s position to the Committee. YOUR public comments and input are also needed at this meeting; public comments opposed to lifting the moratorium could help prevent the future harvesting of this animal, which is slow to mature and reproduce.  There are substantial arguments against harvest, some of which can be foundhere.  Without your public comments, the status of the current moratorium could change in the near future allowing harvesting of the Goliath Grouper for the first time since 1990.  If you dive in Florida or live there, such a change in the moratorium status could impact your ability (and your customers’ ability) to see these animals.
This meeting will also include several Draft Rules important to the Florida Diving Industry; Draft Rules on Shore-based Shark Fishing, which has been shown to result in the killing of at-risk shark species such as the Great Hammerhead and Tiger, and Draft Rules on Marine Life Harvest at Blue Heron Bridge in Palm Beach County. 
The FWC meeting agenda and topics planned can be found on the FWC website here.
Time:
8:30 am
Dates:
December 12 - 13, 2018
Place:
Renaissance World Golf Village 
500 South Legacy Trail 
St. Augustine, Florida 32092
The meetings are scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. on December 12 and 13, 2018.  However, as of this writing, the discussion of Goliath Grouper is scheduled for the afternoon of December 12.  Please note that the time and date of this discussion could change.
DEMA urges all professional members of the diving community to join DEMA in attending these meetings to offer public comment in favor of maintaining the current moratorium on harvest of the Goliath Grouper.  Public comments will be accepted at the end of each meeting day.  More diving community voices will be helpful. 
For those unable to attend or wishing to submit comments prior the beginning of the Committee meeting, send your written comments to Commissioners@MyFWC.com.

Sunday, November 11, 2018

DEMA Expands Disaster Assistance Program to Aid Show Exhibitors and Buyers Impacted by the California Camp and Woolsey Fires

**Funds Available to Assist DEMA Member Exhibitors and Buyers of DEMA Show 2018 **
The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) announced today that the DEMA Board of Directors has approved the expansion of the 2018 DEMA Disaster Assistance Program to include DEMA-Member Show Exhibitors and Buyers impacted by the California Camp and Woolsey fires.

DEMA’s Disaster Assistance Program was previously activated on October 16 to include those who were affected by Hurricane Michael in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, and expanded on November 2 to include those impacted by Typhoon Yutu.  This additional expansion will account for exhibitors and buyers impacted by wildfires that began in California during the week of November October 5th. DEMA-Member companies who were negatively impacted by these fires and who planned to exhibit at DEMA Show 2018 are eligible to apply for the funds to help them exhibit. Buyers who planned to attend DEMA Show can also apply for funds to assist in staying onsite at DEMA Show. 

"DEMA’s Disaster Assistance Program funds are available to Member manufacturers, destinations and other industry-related entities to aid them in getting to and exhibiting at DEMA Show 2018,” said Tom Ingram, President and CEO of DEMA.  “Registered Buyers from DEMA Member businesses who are staying in the DEMA hotel block are also eligible for funds to assist in attending DEMA Show so they can buy the products and services they need to keep their businesses in operation.”

Exhibitor Assistance Program: DEMA’s Disaster Assistance Program funds are available to 2018 DEMA-Member Exhibitors who are fully paid by 5:00 PM Pacific time, September 21, 2018, and physically located in the affected mandatory evacuation areas of Butte, Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. 

For each 100 net square feet of exhibit space purchased and paid for by September 21, 2018, DEMA will provide regular DEMA-Member Exhibitors with $US 400.00 in assistance.  Funds will be awarded onsite at DEMA Show 2018 to the exhibiting companies who apply and fall within the guidelines deeming them eligible for assistance. Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis up to the maximum available from the DEMA disaster assistance fund. All interested parties must apply for the assistance funds on site at DEMA Show at DEMA Central in Las Vegas, NV prior to close of DEMA Show at 5:00 pm on Saturday, November 17, 2018.

For more information and to receive a DEMA 2018 Disaster Assistance Fund Processing form visit DEMA Central in Booth #1858 at DEMA Show 2018 in Las Vegas, NV. Complete rules for disbursements will be available onsite at DEMA Show.

Attendee Assistance Program:  Impacted DEMA-Member Buyers who are registered for the Show and staying in the official DEMA Show hotel block at The Westgate Las Vegas Resort are eligible for reimbursement as follows; One registered Buyer from an attending DEMA-Member business physically located in the affected mandatory evacuation areas of Butte, Los Angeles and Ventura Counties can receive reimbursement for a one-night hotel stay (single occupancy) in the DEMA hotel block prior to midnight Pacific time, November 16, 2018. The complete rules for disbursement will be available at DEMA Central onsite at DEMA Show 2018.


The designated Buyer from an affected DEMA Member must apply for the disaster funds and present the receipt for the hotel stay through the DEMA Office prior to close of business on December 6, 2018.   Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis up to the maximum of the DEMA disaster assistance fund.  Exhibitors are not eligible for hotel reimbursement assistance under this program but can receive Exhibitor Assistance as described above.

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

DEMA Board of Directors to Meet in Las Vegas, NV on November 12th

DEMA’s 2018 Board of Directors will meet on November 12th in Las Vegas, NV in conjunction with DEMA Show 2018 in final preparations for the Show and to plan for 2019.
The Board Meeting will include a review and discussion of Board self-evaluations that will be completed by DEMA Board members prior to the end of the year.  These self-evaluations provide an opportunity for the Board to review their own 2018 activities and ensure that they continue to perform their strategic role.  The group will also receive an update from the DEMA Staff on DEMA Show 2018 and re-affirm the scheduled 2019 Board Meeting dates.
The Board meeting will conclude with an “Open Session” to discuss relevant Member business. During this time, current DEMA Members are invited to participate by bringing their topics of interest to discuss with the Board. (Please note: The Board Meeting will be held at the Executive Board Room at the Westgate Hotel and the Open Session is anticipated to begin at 2:30 pm. However, delays could occur due to unfinished business in the closed session portion of the meeting.) The Board Meeting will conclude following the Open Session.
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. The next Board of Directors Meeting will be held in February in San Diego, CA.

Friday, November 2, 2018

DEMA Expands Disaster Assistance Program to Aid Show Exhibitors and Buyers Impacted by Typhoon Yutu

**Funds Available to Assist DEMA Member Exhibitors and Buyers of DEMA Show 2018 **
The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) announced today that the DEMA Board of Directors has approved the expansion of the 2018 DEMA Disaster Assistance Program to include DEMA-Member Show Exhibitors and Buyers impacted by Typhoon Yutu.
DEMA’s Disaster Assistance Program was previously activated on October 16 to include those who were affected by Hurricane Michael in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.  This expansion will account for exhibitors and buyers impacted when Typhoon Yutu went through the Northern Mariana Islands on October 23, 2018.  DEMA-Member companies who were negatively impacted by this large storm and who planned to exhibit at DEMA Show 2018 are eligible to apply for the funds to help them exhibit. Buyers who planned to attend DEMA Show can also apply for funds to assist in staying onsite at DEMA Show. 
"DEMA’s Disaster Assistance Program funds are available to Member manufacturers, destinations and other industry-related entities to aid them in getting to and exhibiting at DEMA Show 2018,” said Tom Ingram, President and CEO of DEMA.  “Registered Buyers from DEMA Member businesses who are staying in the DEMA hotel block are also eligible for funds to assist in attending DEMA Show so they can buy the products and services they need to keep their businesses in operation.”
Exhibitor Assistance Program: DEMA’s Disaster Assistance Program funds are available to 2018 DEMA-Member Exhibitors who are fully paid by 5:00 PM Pacific time, September 21, 2018, and physically located in the Northern Mariana Islands including Guam. 
For each 100 net square feet of exhibit space purchased and paid for by September 21, 2018, DEMA will provide regular Exhibitors with $US 400.00 in assistance.  Funds will be awarded onsite at DEMA Show 2018 to the exhibiting companies who apply and fall within the guidelines deeming them eligible for assistance. Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis up to the maximum available from the DEMA disaster assistance fund. All interested parties must apply for the assistance funds on site at DEMA Show at DEMA Central in Las Vegas, NV prior to close of DEMA Show at 5:00 pm on Saturday, November 17, 2018.
For more information and to receive a DEMA 2018 Disaster Assistance Fund Processing form visit DEMA Central in Booth #1858 at DEMA Show 2018 in Las Vegas, NV. Complete rules for disbursements will be available onsite at DEMA Show.
Attendee Assistance Program: Impacted DEMA Member Buyers who are registered for the Show and staying in the official DEMA Show hotel block at The Westgate Las Vegas Resort are eligible for reimbursement as follows; One registered Buyer from an attending DEMA Member business physically located in the affected areas can receive reimbursement for a one-night hotel stay (single occupancy) in the DEMA hotel block prior to midnight Pacific time, November 16, 2018. The complete rules for disbursement will be available at DEMA Central onsite at DEMA Show 2018.
Designated disaster areas eligible for Buyer funds include the Norther Mariana Islands, including Guam. The designated Buyer from an affected DEMA Member must apply for the disaster funds and present the receipt for the hotel stay through the DEMA Office prior to close of business on December 6, 2018.   Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis up to the maximum of the DEMA disaster assistance fund.  Exhibitors are not eligible for hotel reimbursement assistance under this program but can receive Exhibitor Assistance as described above.

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Insider Tips to Help You Make the Most of Your DEMA Show 2018 Experience

Featuring over 650 Exhibitors and hundreds of educational and networking opportunities, you’re likely to have a jam-packed schedule during DEMA Show 2018.  From internet access to Show specials, here we offer some helpful tips and resources to help you make the most of your DEMA Show experience, both on and off the Show floor. 
 
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Looking for helpful planning information to help you prepare for your trip to DEMA Show in Las Vegas? Click here to get useful information on things like travel discounts & deals, airport parking, transportation around Las Vegas, and more. 
 
FIRST-TIMER ORIENTATION
Is this your first time attending DEMA Show? Join us for a quick half hour session which will provide you with the information you need to make the most of your time at the Show, including answers to the most frequently asked questions, tips for navigating the Show floor, and information about special events and Show features. Sign up for an orientation session today. 
 
DEMA SHOW 2018 MOBILE APP
Navigate DEMA Show like a pro with the DEMA Show 2019 Mobile App, powered by core-apps.com.

With the DEMA Show mobile app, you can:
  • Stay organized with up-to-the-minute Exhibitor, Speaker, and Event information
  • Sync the app across all of your devices with Multi-Device Sync
  • Receive important real-time communications from DEMA
  • Build a personalized schedule and bookmark exhibitors 
  • Take notes and download event handouts and presentations
  • Rate the sessions you attend and comment on them, too
  • Interactively Locate sessions and exhibitors on the venue maps and use the Quick List for Best Path Routing
  • Find attendees and connect with your colleagues
  • Stay in-the-know and join the conversation using the Social Media icon
  • Share your event photos and experiences on the Photo Gallery/Activity Feed
  • Find Local Places in Las Vegas, NV
  • And much, much more!
Click here for information on how to download the DEMA Show 2018 Mobile App. 
PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to minimize waste, DEMA will not produce a PRINTED directory for DEMA Show 2018. Attendees can download a PDF version of the full directory and utilize the DEMA Show 2018 Mobile app to prepare for their DEMA Show experience. A limited quantity of session summaries including a floor plan will be available upon request from registration.
 
INTERNET ACCESS
Please note the following options for Internet access during DEMA Show 2018:
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in all common areas, lobbies and meeting rooms of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
  • DEMA provides complimentary Internet access to DEMA Show attendees in the i-Café (located in DEMA Central, booth #1858).
  • Gold and Platinum DEMA Members can also gain access in the VIP Member Lounge located in booth #1670.
  • Internet service can be purchased in the exhibit hall for one, three or five days directly from the device that needs to be connected. Pricing is as follows:
    • 1 day: $79.99
    • 3 days: $149.99
    • 5 days: $239.99
DEMA MEMBER LOUNGES2018 DEMA Members and their staff have access to private Member-exclusive lounges based upon their membership level, accessible directly from the Show floor.  With meeting tables, electrical outlets, and a computer and printer, these lounges provide a space for Members and their staff to meet, charge their electronics, and take a moment to relax during the Show. 
 
SHOW SPECIALS
DEMA Show 2018 is committed to providing Attendees with exclusive deals, discounts, and promotions. Find exclusive Exhibitor Show Specials here before you head to the Show to help you plan a valuable experience.

Be sure to take advantage of DEMA’s very own Show Special at DEMA Central (Booth #1858). Become a 2019 DEMA Member onsite at DEMA Show 2018 to save $50 on 2019 dues and receive an exclusive Member gift.
 
SHUTTLE SERVICELimited shuttle service will be provided between the Westgate Resort and Casino and the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center Wednesday, November 14 to Saturday, November 17 for those attendees staying in the Official DEMA housing block.

All DEMA block participants will be required to present their shuttle pass (available at check-in) to board the shuttle during Show hours. Shuttle service is limited to two shuttles during peak hours and one shuttle during off-peak hours. Click here for the shuttle bus schedule. ADA accessible shuttle bus service will also be offered during all Show days upon request by calling (504)650-1257. 
 
NEED TO RENT A CAR?
Receive the DEMA Show rate when you BOOK ONLINE or call 1-800-331-1600. The Avis World Discount (AWD) Number is T690399. 
 
WHEELCHAIRS AND SCOOTERS
Wheelchairs and scooters are available via Scootaround, Inc., located in the North/Central Hall in front of the FedEx Business Center. Reservations required.

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Voting Now Open for the 2018 Wave Makers Award!

** Deadline to Vote is 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time on November 8, 2018 **

DEMA will once again recognize new professionals in the diving industry who are employed by (or own) a DEMA-Member business by honoring a recipient with the Wave Makers Award at the annual DEMA Awards Party! The Wave Makers Award was first introduced in 2017 and aims to recognize professionals who have been working in the industry for five years or less and have made a significant contribution to the industry during that time.
The Membership of DEMA chooses the 2018 Award recipient by viewing and voting for the finalist of their choice, based on the finalist’s brief biography and a short video that the finalists submitted. Voting for the 2018 Wave Makers Award is now open to DEMA Members! Log in and cast your vote today! The deadline to vote is 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Thursday, November 8, 2018.
The 2018 finalist are:
  • Mike Johnson, Michael Johnson Entertainment
  • Jessica Keller, National Park Service
  • Allie Paschen, Leaird's Underwater Services
  • Italino Pietrantonio, Air Hog Scuba
 To vote for the 2018 Wave Makers Award Recipient complete the two steps below:
  1. Log in to the Members Only area of DEMA.org, then
  2. Click here to review the 2018 Wave Maker nomination submissions, nominee videos and CAST YOUR VOTE!
VOTING IS OPEN NOW UNTIL 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time on NOVEMBER 8, 2018!LOG IN AND VOTE TODAY!
Four finalists and the new professional chosen as the first of the Wave Makers will be honored at the DEMA Awards Party being held on Friday, November 16, 2018 in Las Vegas, NV at the Las Vegas Westgate Resort Ballroom. Complete DEMA Awards Party details and tickets are available on the DEMA Show website.

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Disaster Assistance Program Activated to Aid Show Exhibitors & Buyers Impacted by Hurricane Michael

**Funds Available to Assist DEMA Member Exhibitors and Buyers of DEMA Show 2018 **


The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) announced on October 16, 2018 that the DEMA Executive Committee has approved the activation of the Disaster Assistance Program to assist DEMA-Member Show Exhibitors and Buyers impacted by Hurricane Michael.
DEMA’s Disaster Assistance Program was first created in 2004 and has been used when DEMA-Member companies are impacted by natural disasters which may interfere with their ability to promote their businesses, products, services and destinations. As funds are limited, in this instance, DEMA has earmarked them specifically for DEMA-Member companies who planned to exhibit or buy at DEMA Show 2018 and were negatively impacted by this large storm. Funds are provided to Exhibitors in the affected areas based on their exhibit size and to Buyers in the impacted areas who attend DEMA Show and stay in a DEMA block hotel.
 
Exhibitors from the areas indicated below are eligible to apply for the funds to help them exhibit at this year’s Show. Buyers who planned to attend DEMA Show can also apply for funds to assist in staying onsite at DEMA Show.  "DEMA’s Disaster Assistance Program funds are available to Member manufacturers, destinations and other industry-related entities to aid them in getting to and exhibiting at DEMA Show 2018,” said Tom Ingram, President and CEO of DEMA.  “Registered Buyers from DEMA Member businesses who are staying in the DEMA hotel block are also eligible for funds to assist in attending DEMA Show so they can buy the products and services they need to keep their businesses in operation.”
 
Exhibitor Assistance Program: DEMA’s Disaster Assistance Program funds are available to 2018 DEMA-Member Exhibitors who are fully paid by 5:00 PM Pacific time, September 21, 2018, and physically located in the areas listed at the bottom of this notice.
 
For affected Exhibitors, for each 100 net square feet of exhibit space purchased and paid for by September 21, 2018, DEMA will provide regular Exhibitors with $US 400.00 in assistance.  Funds will be awarded onsite at DEMA Show 2018 to the exhibiting companies who apply and fall within the guidelines deeming them eligible for assistance. Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis up to the maximum available from the DEMA disaster assistance fund. All interested parties must apply for the assistance funds on site at DEMA Show at DEMA Central in Las Vegas, NV prior to close of DEMA Show at 5:00 pm on Saturday, November 17, 2018.
 
For more information and to receive a DEMA 2018 Disaster Assistance Fund Processing form visit DEMA Central in Booth #1858 at DEMA Show 2018 in Las Vegas, NV. Complete rules for disbursements will be available onsite at DEMA Show.
 
Attendee Assistance Program:  DEMA Member Buyers who are registered for the Show and staying in the official DEMA Show hotel block at The Westgate Las Vegas Resort are eligible for reimbursement as follows; One registered Buyer from an attending DEMA Member business physically located in the affected areas can receive reimbursement for a one-night hotel stay (single occupancy) in the DEMA hotel block prior to midnight Pacific time, November 16, 2018. The complete rules for disbursement will be available at DEMA Central onsite at DEMA Show 2018. Designated disaster areas eligible for Buyer funds are listed at the bottom of this notice.
 
The designated Buyer from an affected DEMA Member must apply for the disaster funds and present the receipt for the hotel stay through the DEMA Office prior to close of business on December 6, 2018.   Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis up to the maximum of the DEMA disaster assistance fund.  Exhibitors are not eligible for hotel reimbursement assistance under this program but can receive Exhibitor Assistance as described above. 

Exhibitors and buyers physically located in the following areas may be eligible to apply for assistance:
 
Florida Counties impacted (emergency declared):
Alachua,Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Okaloosa, Pasco, Pinellas, Santa Rosa, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington
Georgia Counties impacted (emergency declared): 
Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Baker, Baldwin, Ben Hill, Berrien, Bibb, Bleckley, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Calhoun, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Chattahoochee, Clay, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Crawford, Crisp, Decatur, Dodge, Dooly, Dougherty, Early, Echols, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Glascock, Glynn, Grady, Hancock, Houston, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lanier, Laurens, Lee, Liberty, Long, Lowndes, Macon, Marion, McIntosh, Miller, Mitchell, Montgomery, Muscogee, Peach, Pierce, Pulaski, Quitman, Randolph, Richmond, Schley, Screven, Seminole, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Tattnall, Taylor, Telfair, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Turner, Twiggs, Upson, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Webster, Wheeler, Wilcox, Wilkinson, and Worth
South Carolina (emergency declared):
The Governor has extended the emergency declaration for the entire state of South Carolina.

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

2018 DEMA Member Update & Annual Meeting is Happening Thursday, November 15th, at DEMA Show


Join us for this informative session led by DEMA's Executive Director, Tom Ingram, on Thursday morning at DEMA Show. Network with fellow industry leaders and DEMA Members, get an update on how DEMA has been working to help our Members, and get insight on the Association's programs and plans for 2019. ALL Attendees and Exhibitors are invited to join us for this information-filled morning - you won't want to miss it!

Thursday, November 15, 2018
8:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Room: N257


Thursday, September 27, 2018

Don't Miss DEMA Show's Keynote Session

This year, DEMA Show 2018's keynote session, Opportunity Rocks: Taking Your Business from Garage Band to in Demand, will feature international speaker, author and engagement guru, Mark Kamp, as he looks at how your business can thrive during periods of change, develop a rock star team, and much more. 

This session will take place on Wednesday, November 14th, from 1:00 - 2:15 p.m. at DEMA Show. Learn more about what this informative and motivating session has to offer you and your business!


Start Planning for DEMA Show with the Mobile App

Enhance your DEMA Show experience with the DEMA Show 2018 Mobile App, now available for download! Look-up Exhibitors, create your own schedule, connect with other Attendees and MUCH MORE! 

The DEMA Show 2018 Mobile App is a native application for iPad, smartphones (iPhone and Android), a hybrid web-based app for Blackberry, and there's also a web-based version of the application for all other web browser-enabled phones. 

If you already have the DEMA Show mobile app with the 2017 app open, go to settings and tap "Exit to Show List". Choose DEMA Show 2018 then tap download.

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Certification Census Data for Q1 & Q2 Now Available

The latest DEMA Certification Census data is now available for the first and second Quarter of 2018. This data includes actual counts from NAUI, PADI and SDI plus an averaged estimate of U.S. open water certifications at non-reporting diver training agencies.

Participating agencies report their data to a third party administrator with DEMA receiving the total counts; DEMA does not see numbers from any one agency.


Complimentary Diver Demographic Infographics Now Available


In April, DEMA released detailed demographic and life stage analyses divided into four separate reports based on different diving consumer activities: Open Water Divers, Continuing Education Divers, Equipment Buyers, and Dive Travelers.
 
To accompany these detailed reports, DEMA has designed and released FREE infographics summarizing key findings of the research. 

Click the link below to access the free infographics. The individual research reports are free to all DEMA Members and can be purchased by non-members for $249.00 each. Members obtain their free report by logging into their account on DEMA.org and downloading the report found under the "Research & Educational Guides" section of their DEMA Member Dashboard.  Non-members can purchase their report here.



Thursday, September 6, 2018

“Celebrate the Night in Black and White” at the 2018 DEMA Awards Party

“Celebrate the Night in Black and White” at the 2018 DEMA Awards Party

Tuesday, September 4, 2018   (0 Comments
The Dive Industry will come together at the 30th annual DEMA Award’s Partytaking place on November 16, 2018, to honor 2018 Reaching Out Award recipients, Ernie Brooks and Margo Peyton, and to reveal this year’s recipient of the Wave Makers Award. Join us at this year’s Black & White inspired eveningwhich will take place in the Main Ballroom at the Las Vegas Westgate Resort.  Get ready to celebrate the night in your favorite black and/or white party attire with all your friends, business associates, and industry peers! Mark your calendar for an unforgettable evening of entertainment and celebration!
First presented in 1989, the Reaching Out Award honors leaders in the diving community whose significant contributions to the sport have elevated the industry on all levels. Areas of contribution have included equipment design, exploration, photography, publishing, retailing, science, training, travel and water safety. This year’s recipients will be joining an extraordinary list of distinguished past Honorees.
The Wave Makers Award was first introduced in 2017 and aims to recognize professionals who have been working in the industry for five years or less and have made a significant contribution to the industry during that time. The Wave Makers Award encourages the Industry to support a culture that fosters innovative thinking and encourages engagement with the association and industry by new professionals.
Get your tickets today when you register for DEMA Show as prices will increase after October 12th and are only available while supplies last. Additional information about the 2018 DEMA Awards Party including ticket pricing and event details are available on the DEMA Show website. For sponsorship opportunities and VIP reserved seating for tables of 10, please contact Colleen Vasquez at colleen@dema.org.  
2017 DEMA Awards Party
 2017 DEMA Awards Party