Ben Collins Honored as DEMA’s 2025 Wave Makers Award Recipient

 **Announcement Made at the 2025 DEMA Member Update and Annual Meeting**

The Diving Equipment and Marketing Association is pleased to announce that Ben Collins is the 2025 recipient of DEMA’s Wave Makers Award. The announcement was made at the DEMA Member Update and Annual Meeting on November 12, 2025.

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.

The finalists for the 2025 Wave Makers Award included:

• Ben Collins, Garmin
• Viviana Marcy, International Training, Inc
• Suzanne Tucci, Jr Scientists in the Sea

2025 DEMA Members selected Ben Collins as the 2025 Award recipient by viewing and voting for the finalist of their choice, based on the biographies and short videos that the finalists submitted.

Ben Collins has rapidly emerged as an innovator whose work is reshaping the future of dive technology. As Senior Product Manager for Garmin’s dive category, he has led the development of safety-driven, performance-enhancing tools that blend intuitive design with deep personal diving experience. In under five years, Ben has guided strategy for breakthrough technologies—from diver-to-diver messaging and enhanced surface visibility tools to integrated satellite emergency communication and eco-forward product design using recycled ocean-bound plastics. His leadership has advanced apnea training, improved coordination underwater, and expanded accessibility for both new and experienced divers.

Beyond his contributions at Garmin, Ben brings more than 25 years of scuba experience and a world-class athletic background, shaped by his career as a professional triathlete and long-time member of Team USA. His roles as a Paralympic guide and cycling pilot reflect the same precision, resilience, and user-focused mindset that define his approach to product innovation. Ben’s work consistently elevates divers as explorers and stewards, reinforcing a vision of safer, smarter, and more inclusive diving for all.

DEMA congratulates Ben Collins for his hard work and passionate service to our Industry and looks forward to seeing the contributions he will continue to make throughout his career.

Congratulations to the 2025 Diving Community Champion Awards Recipients

Once again, we'd like to congratulate the 2025 Diving Community Champion Award recipients:

• 2025 Platinum Winner: Rainbow Reef Dive Center
• 2025 Gold Winner: Maputo Dive Center
• 2025 Silver Winner: California Scuba Center

Watch their awards videos to learn more about these businesses giving back to their communities and our industry.

WATCH RECIPIENT VIDEOS

DEMA Expands Disaster Assistance Program to Aid Those Impacted by Typhoon Tino

 ** Funds Available to Assist DEMA Member Exhibitors and Buyers of DEMA Show™ 2025 **

DEMA announced today that the DEMA Executive Committee has approved the expansion of the 2025 DEMA Disaster Assistance Program to include DEMA-Member Show Exhibitors and Buyers located in the Philippines who have been impacted by Typhoon Tino.

DEMA’s Disaster Assistance Program was previously activated on October 29 to include those who were affected by Hurricane Melissa.

This additional expansion will account for exhibitors and buyers located in the Philippines as a result of Typhoon Tino. DEMA-Member companies who were negatively impacted by this storm and who planned to exhibit at DEMA Show 2025 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 DEMA Member Exhibitors at DEMA Show 2025 who are located in declared disaster areas following Hurricane Melissa and Typhoon Tino, to aid them in getting to and exhibiting at DEMA Show 2025,” said Tom Ingram, President and CEO of DEMA.  “One registered ‘Buyer’ from each DEMA-Member operation located in these designated disaster areas and staying in the DEMA hotel block is 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.”

DEMA has earmarked disaster assistance funds specifically for affected DEMA-Member exhibitors and registered buyers located in the designated disaster areas impacted by Hurricane Melissa and Typhoon Tino, including:

• Bahamas
• Dominican Republic
• Haiti
• Jamaica
• Philippines
• Turks and Caicos

EXHIBITOR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

DEMA’s Disaster Assistance Program funds are available to DEMA-Member Exhibitors who were fully paid for their contracted exhibit space by 5:00 PM Pacific time, September 22, 2025, and physically located within the aforementioned designated disaster areas impacted by Hurricane Melissa and Typhoon Tino. Qualifying exhibitors are eligible to receive disaster assistance funds based on their exhibit space size. For-profit exhibitors are eligible for $400 US per contracted 10x10 exhibit space and non-profit exhibitors paying the DEMA-Member non-profit rate are eligible for $100 per 10x10 space.

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 in Orlando, FL by visiting DEMA Central (Booth #421) prior to the close of the Show at 5:00 pm on Friday, November 14, 2025.

 

BUYER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

One registered “Buyer” from each DEMA-Member organization located in the impacted area is eligible for assistance when they are staying in the official DEMA Show hotel block (Rosen Centre or Days Inn). Eligible Buyers can be reimbursed at the base rate for one night’s stay in the hotel. The individual must be registered as a “Buyer” (as defined by DEMA) for DEMA Show 2025 and be booked in the DEMA hotel block prior to midnight Pacific Time on November 13, 2025. DEMA will reimburse the Buyer for the DEMA hotel block base price of one hotel night stay (single occupancy), regardless of the actual rate paid.
Buyers applying for assistance must provide a copy of the receipt for the DEMA Block hotel stay to the DEMA Office by 5:00 PM Pacific time on December 4, 2025.

All funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis up to the maximum of the allotted DEMA disaster assistance fund. Exhibitors are not eligible for hotel reimbursement assistance under this program but can receive Exhibitor Assistance as described above.

For more complete details and disbursement information and to obtain an assistance request form, visit DEMA Central in Booth (Booth #421) at DEMA Show 2025 in Orlando, FL. 

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 at DEMA Show.

DEMA Activates Disaster Assistance Program to Aid Those Impacted by Hurricane Melissa

 ** Funds Available to Assist DEMA Member Exhibitors and Buyers of DEMA Show™ 2025 **

The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Executive Committee has approved the activation of DEMA’s Disaster Assistance Program to assist DEMA-Member Show Exhibitors and Buyers in designated disaster areas impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

"DEMA’s Disaster Assistance Program funds are available to DEMA Member Exhibitors at DEMA Show 2025 who are located in declared disaster areas following Hurricane Melissa, to aid them in getting to and exhibiting at DEMA Show 2025,” said Tom Ingram, President and CEO of DEMA.  “Registered DEMA-Member ‘Buyers’ from these designated disaster areas 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.

”DEMA has earmarked disaster assistance funds specifically for affected DEMA-Member exhibitors and registered buyers located in the designated disaster areas impacted by Hurricane Melissa, including:

• Bahamas
• Dominican Republic
• Haiti
• Jamaica
• Turks and Caicos

EXHIBITOR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

DEMA’s Disaster Assistance Program funds are available to DEMA-Member Exhibitors who were fully paid for their contracted exhibit space by 5:00 PM Pacific time, September 22, 2025, and physically located within the aforementioned designated disaster areas impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Qualifying exhibitors are eligible to receive disaster assistance funds based on their exhibit space size. For-profit exhibitors are eligible for $400 US per contracted 10x10 exhibit space and non-profit exhibitors paying the DEMA-Member non-profit rate are eligible for $100 per 10x10 space.

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 in Orlando, FL by visiting DEMA Central (Booth #421) prior to the close of the Show at 5:00 pm on Friday, November 14, 2025.

BUYER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Impacted DEMA Member attendees registered as “Buyers” for DEMA Show 2025 and who are staying in the official DEMA Show hotel block (Rosen Centre or Days Inn) can be reimbursed at the base rate for one night’s stay in the hotel.  The individual must be registered as a “Buyer” (as defined by DEMA) for DEMA Show 2025 and be booked in the DEMA hotel block prior to midnight Pacific Time on November 13, 2025. DEMA will reimburse the buyer for the DEMA hotel block base price of one hotel night stay (single occupancy) regardless of the actual rate paid.

Buyers applying for assistance must provide a copy of the receipt for the DEMA Block hotel stay to the DEMA Office by 5:00 PM Pacific time on December 4, 2025.

All funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis up to the maximum of the allotted DEMA disaster assistance fund. Exhibitors are not eligible for hotel reimbursement assistance under this program but can receive Exhibitor Assistance as described above.

For more complete details and disbursement information and to obtain an assistance request form, visit DEMA Central in Booth (Booth #421) at DEMA Show 2025 in Orlando, FL.

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 at DEMA Show.

DEMA Opens Search for Next President & CEO

 **Applications now being accepted for the position beginning early in 2026**  

The Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) has announced the opening of its search for a new President and Chief Executive Officer, with the selected candidate expected to assume the role in early 2026. This leadership transition follows the upcoming retirement of Tom Ingram, DEMA’s long-time President and CEO, who will step down at the end of 2025 after more than two decades of distinguished service to the Association and the diving industry.

Under Ingram’s leadership, DEMA has evolved into a true trade association dedicated to advancing the diving industry worldwide. His tenure has been marked by significant achievements, including the continued growth and success of DEMA Show™, the expansion of meaningful industry research and marketing programs, and impactful legislative advocacy supporting dive professionals and businesses across the globe.

“Tom’s steady leadership and unwavering commitment have strengthened DEMA and positioned the organization for a vibrant future,” said Dan Orr, DEMA Board Chair. “We’re seeking a visionary leader who can continue this legacy—someone with the strategic insight, industry passion, and collaborative spirit to guide DEMA and the diving community forward.”

The DEMA Board of Directors has appointed a Search Committee to oversee the recruitment process and ensure a smooth leadership transition. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter expressing interest, resume, and additional materials by 11:59 PM Pacific time, November 24, 2025, with applications submitted to this secure Dropbox.

Ideal candidates will have expertise in the diving industry along with experience in non-profit trade associations, government relations and advocacy, business research, and convention/trade show leadership. Click here for full position details.

🌊 Voting for the 2025 Wave Makers Award is Now Open!

 

Voting for the 2025 Wave Makers Award is now open to DEMA Members! This award recognizes up-and-coming professionals who have been working in the diving industry for five years or less and have already made a significant impact. Your vote helps celebrate the next generation of leaders shaping the future of diving—so take a moment to make your voice heard! 🗳️ Vote now and help shine a spotlight on the industry’s rising stars. Voting closes at 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time on November 7, 2025.

CAST YOUR VOTE

Please note: You'll need to log in using your 2025 DEMA Member username and password in order to vote.

Tom Ingram, DEMA President and CEO, Announces Retirement

Tom Ingram, long-time President and CEO, has announced his retirement from the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA). Under Ingram’s leadership, DEMA has evolved into a true trade association for the diving industry—one that not only continues to grow DEMA Show™ but also delivers meaningful industry research, impactful marketing benefits and communication programs, and strong legislative advocacy that helps the industry. He also played a key role in bringing stakeholders across the industry together to grow the diving industry worldwide. “It has been my privilege and honor to be part of DEMA and this industry,” said Ingram. “I have so many to thank for the opportunity to serve in this position—the DEMA Board of Directors, the volunteer leadership and committee members, the professional DEMA staff, the DEMA Show™ Management team, and of course the DEMA Members.” “During my 23 years at DEMA, I have been proud of the work the DEMA Staff and Board have accomplished together, including overcoming economic downturns such as the challenges of COVID-19. I expect this trajectory will continue, and I look forward to watching the organization’s continued success in the years ahead.” “Tom Ingram has brought a wealth of knowledge and experience in the diving industry to the position of DEMA President/CEO that has benefited both the diving consumer and the industry stakeholders. The DEMA Board of Directors is committed to finding a replacement for Tom that will continue to work with all industry stakeholder groups to focus on industry growth and the mission of DEMA,” Dan Orr, DEMA Board Chair. Ingram will step down as President and CEO at the end of 2025. The DEMA Board has chartered a Search Committee and will begin the search to fill this position in the coming weeks. During this transition, Ingram will work closely with the Board and DEMA Staff to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities. As more information becomes available, it will be found at www.dema.org.