DEMA Welcomed Back Deep Ambitions Career Fair at DEMA Show 2013

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Career Fair Strived to Increase the Number of Youth Who Enter the Dive Industry

As an addition to DEMA Show 2013, held November 6-9, 2013 in Orlando, FL, DEMA brought back their Deep Ambitions Career Fair. The objective of the career fair was to expose local youth to career options affiliated with the marine environment and to provide those on the verge of choosing a career path with additional options involving diving. The Career Fair was a huge success with over 150 students from two local schools attending the two-day event.

“DEMA realizes that encouraging the younger generation to get involved in diving is vital to the future of the Industry, its business and the marine environment,” commented Tom Ingram, Executive Director of DEMA. “Hosting a Career Fair at DEMA Show was a wonderful way to energize teachers, expose students to a host of positive career role models, tie academic skills to people who actually use them and involve parents and the community in recreational diving as well as in their child’s school. We will continue to host Career Fairs in the future that will give students a forum wherein they can learn more about the opportunities affiliated within the marine environment and diving.”

The two-day Career Fair involved students participating in two full days of experiential learning about the underwater world and the opportunities related to diving careers. Brian Zollweg, father to one of the middle schoolers who attended the Career Fair, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity for his son and how the Fair " was a really inspiring and educational experience for him... He is in Boy Scouts and is now interested in earning the BSA Scuba award and merit badge." High school students were even given the chance to try diving in the Be A Diver Pool right on the DEMA Show floor. Members of the Be A Diver staff were on site at the Pool to provide assistance to the students, and provide a memorable first-time experience.

DEMA would like to thank Industry influencers Martin Stepanel, Rogest, Wyland, the staff from Infinite Scuba and REEF and Reefmakers for volunteering their time to interact and educate the students about the underwater environment.

DEMA will continue to host Career Fairs throughout 2014, as a source for students interested in exploring their aquatic career options in greater depth. For more information visit www.dema.org.

2014 DEMA Board of Directors Election Begins December 13, 2013

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All Category “A” Members are Requested to Review the Candidate Information Packet and Vote During the Official Voting Period 

DEMA’s upcoming 2014 Board of Directors election will take place during the period starting December 13, 2013 and ending January 31, 2014. All Category “A” DEMA Members who pay their 2014 dues by the official date of record, 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on January 10, 2014, will be eligible to vote in this election and current 2013 Members are strongly encouraged to renew their dues for 2014 immediately in order to participate. All Category “A” Members will receive a Candidate Information Packet and Official Election Ballot via US mail. The Candidate Information Packet can also be viewed online. 2014 Members can vote online once voting is activated beginning December 13^th.

DEMA's 2014 Board of Directors Election candidates are:

Category A1 – Manufacturers, Distributors and Affiliated Field/Sales Representatives:

• Scott Daley, Body Glove International (incumbent)
• Richard Hill, Catalina Cylinders

Category A2 – Diver Certification and Training Agencies, and Affiliated Field/Sales Representatives:

• Tom Leaird, Scuba Educators/PDIC International (incumbent)
• Jeff Seckendorf, Unified Team Diving

Category A3 – Dive Publishing, Media, Dive Industry Consulting, Associations & Non-Retail Service Providers:

• Bonnie Borkin, Bonnier Corporation – Dive Group (incumbent)

• Matt Weiss, Divephotoguide

Category A4 – Retail Distribution of Diving Goods & Services:

• Werner Kurn, Ocean Enterprises, Inc. (incumbent)

Category A5 – Dive Travel Provider or Resort:

• Stuart Cove, Stuart Cove's Dive Bahamas
• Ronny Roskosch, Active Scuba Divers

Category “A” DEMA Members must pay their 2014 dues by 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on January 10, 2014 to be eligible to vote in this election. DEMA encourages Members to consider each candidate carefully and to vote for the candidate in each category that meets industry needs as perceived by the individual Member. Members can refer to the DEMA Office at the number or email below, or the DEMA Bylaws for any questions regarding voting procedures,   For membership information please contact membership@dema.org or (858) 616-6408.

In accordance with the DEMA Bylaws, Directors serve three-year terms. The following Board members will continue to serve through 2014:

Category A1 – Manufacturers, Distributors and Affiliated Field/Sales Representatives:

• Stephen Ashmore, Tabata USA, Inc. (TUSA)

Category A2 – Diver Certification and Training Agencies, and Affiliated Field/Sales Representatives:

• Jeff Nadler, PADI Americas

Category A3 – Dive Publishing, Media, Dive Industry Consulting, Associations & Non-Retail Service Providers:

• William Cline, Cline Group Advertising, Inc.

Category A4 – Retail Distribution of Diving Goods & Services:

• Darcy Kieran, Total Diving-Montreal Scuba

Category A5 – Dive Travel Provider or Resort:

• Jenny Collister, Reef & Rainforest Dive & Adventure Travel

For more information on DEMA's Board of Directors and Bylaws visit www.dema.org.

DEMA Releases Demographic and Household Data on Divers

Profile Infographics on Different Market Segments Assists Members in Understanding Customer Buying Behaviors and Where to Find More Customers

 

DEMA has announced an updated profile of several market segments within the diving population developed by using the AnySite Marketing Information System, produced by Pitney Bowes. The profiles are broken into four separate categories; (1) Who is the Open Water Diver, (2) Who is the Diver Buying Equipment (hard goods), (3) Who is the Continuing Education Diver and (4) Who is the Diver Traveling to a Resort. 

“The objective of conducting this research is to help DEMA-Members acquire more new customers or re-activate divers who have been out of the water for a time,” commented Tom Ingram, Executive Director of DEMA. “ Having these updated diver profiles available to our Members will allow them to have a better understanding of their current and potential customers, how to reach the potential new customer and how different promotions can work to generate additional business of each life-stage.”

The multivariate study uses 16 data points ranging from age, income, net worth, and home ownership/value, to stages of family life and education, employment and other behaviors that govern their recreational purchases. Understanding these variables provides a clear awareness of customer buying behaviors and understanding of where to find more and similar customers, and is more reliable than single variable studies using age or income alone.

Colorful infographic posters which summarize key findings of the study are available online now for all DEMA Members to view, download and share with their staff. If you have any questions about these findings please contact us at US toll free (800) 862-DIVE (3483) or (858) 616-6408 or email us at info@dema.org.

DEMA Thanks the Recreational Diving Industry for Their Participation in DEMA Show 2013

DEMA is pleased to say THANK YOU to the more than 9,200 pre-qualified dive professionals who registered for DEMA Show 2013, and the 600+ exhibiting companies who made DEMA Show successful. The trade-only Show was held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL from November 6^th to 9^th.

Once again, DEMA Show 2013 provided many opportunities for Attendees and Exhibitors to do great business together by providing hundreds of exhibits, products, services, educational sessions and more. Opening day commenced at 10:00 am on November 6^th with more than 6,400 professionals on hand for the first day’s activities, including buyers, travel buyers, instructors and other dive professionals from all over the world. Verified attendance figures, which are obtained from electronic scans of Attendee and Exhibitor badges, confirm that over 8,000 Industry Professionals entered the Show during its four days – a 3% increase over the previous Orlando-based DEMA Show. Verified Attendees and Buyers showed an 8.1% increase over DEMA Show 2011 in Orlando and even a slight (.6%) increase over last year’s Las Vegas-based event. The Show’s credentialing process established by the Board of Directors, once again helped confirm that the Show maintain a trade-only atmosphere, welcoming highly qualified Buyers as well as all levels of Diving Industry professionals.

“We are happy to see that the Show continues to bring a strong professional audience together to do business, learn, discuss and brainstorm ideas and issues affecting our industry,” said Tom Ingram, DEMA Executive Director. “The DEMA Staff, along with the Board, our Members and all Industry stakeholders will continue to find ways to strengthen the Show, our community and our industry as a whole. We encourage all Industry Professionals to stay informed via DEMAIL and the DEMA website and social media pages. Your involvement in the Industry’s trade association helps us all make positive progress.”

One of the positive additions to this year’s Show was the return of the Deep Ambitions Aquatic Career Fair. On Thursday November 7^th over 85 middle school students and on Friday November 8^th 45 high school students participated in a full day of experiential learning about the underwater world and the opportunities presented related to diving and careers. High School students were even given the opportunity to try diving in the Be A Diver pool right on the Show floor. Industry influencers like Martin Stepanek, Rogest and Wyland joined staff from Infinite Scuba™, REEF and Reefmakers to interact and educate the students about our underwater environment, inspired them to get involved to help our ocean planet, and gave them ideas about careers in which learning to dive can play a key role.

During the Annual Member Meeting, Attendees learned about the activities of the Association during 2013 and the goals being set for 2014. Tom Ingram also revealed the preliminary results of DEMA’s new industry-wide research project, providing key demographic data on current entry-level divers, divers participating in continuing education, divers traveling to resorts and those purchasing hard goods such as regulators.

Exhibitors such as American Underwater Products, Aqua Lung, Bahama’s Diving Association and MANY more hosted hundreds of Attendees in their booths to showcase their latest products, programs and services. DEMA’s video production partner, Border Cross Productions, has captured the excitement of the action-packed days of DEMA Show 2013 in a series of videos available for viewing on the Be A Diver YouTube Channel.

Looking toward the future, DEMA Show will be returning to Las Vegas for 2014. DEMA continues to look at additional venues for future shows, using key factors of exhibitor and attendee cost and venue availability. A complete overview of how DEMA Show venues are selected, along with an analysis of the other cities considered, is available here.

Funds raised through DEMA Show (and all events produced by DEMA) are used to promote recreational diving, keep dive sites open and accessible to divers, provide DEMA-Member access to benefit programs such as health insurance and worker’s compensation insurance, monitor legislative activity, advocate for diving with law and policy-makers, and conduct research on behalf of the Industry. With this year’s strong DEMA Show participation, DEMA can continue its mission of promoting sustainable growth in safe recreational diving and snorkeling while protecting the underwater environment.

DEMA extends its THANKS to the entire Industry for the continuing success of DEMA Show!

Trade-Only Show Brings Together Thousands of Industry Professionals from Every Segment of the Diving Industry to Buy, Learn and Network

DEMA is pleased to say THANK YOU to the more than 9,200 pre-qualified dive professionals who registered for DEMA Show 2013, and the 600+ exhibiting companies who made DEMA Show successful. The trade-only Show was held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL from November 6^th to 9^th. 

Once again, DEMA Show 2013 provided many opportunities for Attendees and Exhibitors to do great business together by providing hundreds of exhibits, products, services, educational sessions and more. Opening day commenced at 10:00 am on November 6^th with more than 6,400 professionals on hand for the first day’s activities, including buyers, travel buyers, instructors and other dive professionals from all over the world. Verified attendance figures, which are obtained from electronic scans of Attendee and Exhibitor badges, confirm that over 8,000 Industry Professionals entered the Show during its four days – a 3% increase over the previous Orlando-based DEMA Show. Verified Attendees and Buyers showed an 8.1% increase over DEMA Show 2011 in Orlando and even a slight (.6%) increase over last year’s Las Vegas-based event. The Show’s credentialing process established by the Board of Directors, once again helped confirm that the Show maintain a trade-only atmosphere, welcoming highly qualified Buyers as well as all levels of Diving Industry professionals.

“We are happy to see that the Show continues to bring a strong professional audience together to do business, learn, discuss and brainstorm ideas and issues affecting our industry,” said Tom Ingram, DEMA Executive Director. “The DEMA Staff, along with the Board, our Members and all Industry stakeholders will continue to find ways to strengthen the Show, our community and our industry as a whole. We encourage all Industry Professionals to stay informed via DEMAIL and the DEMA website and social media pages. Your involvement in the Industry’s trade association helps us all make positive progress.”

One of the positive additions to this year’s Show was the return of the Deep Ambitions Aquatic Career Fair. On Thursday November 7^th over 85 middle school students and on Friday November 8^th 45 high school students participated in a full day of experiential learning about the underwater world and the opportunities presented related to diving and careers. High School students were even given the opportunity to try diving in the Be A Diver pool right on the Show floor. Industry influencers like Martin Stepanek, Rogest and Wyland joined staff from Infinite Scuba™, REEF and Reefmakers to interact and educate the students about our underwater environment, inspired them to get involved to help our ocean planet, and gave them ideas about careers in which learning to dive can play a key role.

During the Annual Member Meeting, Attendees learned about the activities of the Association during 2013 and the goals being set for 2014. Tom Ingram also revealed the preliminary results of DEMA’s new industry-wide research project, providing key demographic data on current entry-level divers, divers participating in continuing education, divers traveling to resorts and those purchasing hard goods such as regulators.

Exhibitors such as American Underwater Products, Aqua Lung, Bahama’s Diving Association and MANY more hosted hundreds of Attendees in their booths to showcase their latest products, programs and services. DEMA’s video production partner, Border Cross Productions, has captured the excitement of the action-packed days of DEMA Show 2013 in a series of videos available for viewing on the Be A Diver YouTube Channel.

Looking toward the future, DEMA Show will be returning to Las Vegas for 2014. DEMA continues to look at additional venues for future shows, using key factors of exhibitor and attendee cost and venue availability. A complete overview of how DEMA Show venues are selected, along with an analysis of the other cities considered, is available here.

Funds raised through DEMA Show (and all events produced by DEMA) are used to promote recreational diving, keep dive sites open and accessible to divers, provide DEMA-Member access to benefit programs such as health insurance and worker’s compensation insurance, monitor legislative activity, advocate for diving with law and policy-makers, and conduct research on behalf of the Industry. With this year’s strong DEMA Show participation, DEMA can continue its mission of promoting sustainable growth in safe recreational diving and snorkeling while protecting the underwater environment.

DEMA extends its THANKS to the entire Industry for the continuing success of DEMA Show!

- See more at: http://dema.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=899#sthash.V69ojpou.dpuf

Trade-Only Show Brings Together Thousands of Industry Professionals from Every Segment of the Diving Industry to Buy, Learn and Network

DEMA is pleased to say THANK YOU to the more than 9,200 pre-qualified dive professionals who registered for DEMA Show 2013, and the 600+ exhibiting companies who made DEMA Show successful. The trade-only Show was held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL from November 6^th to 9^th. 

Once again, DEMA Show 2013 provided many opportunities for Attendees and Exhibitors to do great business together by providing hundreds of exhibits, products, services, educational sessions and more. Opening day commenced at 10:00 am on November 6^th with more than 6,400 professionals on hand for the first day’s activities, including buyers, travel buyers, instructors and other dive professionals from all over the world. Verified attendance figures, which are obtained from electronic scans of Attendee and Exhibitor badges, confirm that over 8,000 Industry Professionals entered the Show during its four days – a 3% increase over the previous Orlando-based DEMA Show. Verified Attendees and Buyers showed an 8.1% increase over DEMA Show 2011 in Orlando and even a slight (.6%) increase over last year’s Las Vegas-based event. The Show’s credentialing process established by the Board of Directors, once again helped confirm that the Show maintain a trade-only atmosphere, welcoming highly qualified Buyers as well as all levels of Diving Industry professionals.

“We are happy to see that the Show continues to bring a strong professional audience together to do business, learn, discuss and brainstorm ideas and issues affecting our industry,” said Tom Ingram, DEMA Executive Director. “The DEMA Staff, along with the Board, our Members and all Industry stakeholders will continue to find ways to strengthen the Show, our community and our industry as a whole. We encourage all Industry Professionals to stay informed via DEMAIL and the DEMA website and social media pages. Your involvement in the Industry’s trade association helps us all make positive progress.”

One of the positive additions to this year’s Show was the return of the Deep Ambitions Aquatic Career Fair. On Thursday November 7^th over 85 middle school students and on Friday November 8^th 45 high school students participated in a full day of experiential learning about the underwater world and the opportunities presented related to diving and careers. High School students were even given the opportunity to try diving in the Be A Diver pool right on the Show floor. Industry influencers like Martin Stepanek, Rogest and Wyland joined staff from Infinite Scuba™, REEF and Reefmakers to interact and educate the students about our underwater environment, inspired them to get involved to help our ocean planet, and gave them ideas about careers in which learning to dive can play a key role.

During the Annual Member Meeting, Attendees learned about the activities of the Association during 2013 and the goals being set for 2014. Tom Ingram also revealed the preliminary results of DEMA’s new industry-wide research project, providing key demographic data on current entry-level divers, divers participating in continuing education, divers traveling to resorts and those purchasing hard goods such as regulators.

Exhibitors such as American Underwater Products, Aqua Lung, Bahama’s Diving Association and MANY more hosted hundreds of Attendees in their booths to showcase their latest products, programs and services. DEMA’s video production partner, Border Cross Productions, has captured the excitement of the action-packed days of DEMA Show 2013 in a series of videos available for viewing on the Be A Diver YouTube Channel.

Looking toward the future, DEMA Show will be returning to Las Vegas for 2014. DEMA continues to look at additional venues for future shows, using key factors of exhibitor and attendee cost and venue availability. A complete overview of how DEMA Show venues are selected, along with an analysis of the other cities considered, is available here.

Funds raised through DEMA Show (and all events produced by DEMA) are used to promote recreational diving, keep dive sites open and accessible to divers, provide DEMA-Member access to benefit programs such as health insurance and worker’s compensation insurance, monitor legislative activity, advocate for diving with law and policy-makers, and conduct research on behalf of the Industry. With this year’s strong DEMA Show participation, DEMA can continue its mission of promoting sustainable growth in safe recreational diving and snorkeling while protecting the underwater environment.

DEMA extends its THANKS to the entire Industry for the continuing success of DEMA Show!

- See more at: http://dema.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=899#sthash.V69ojpou.dpuf

Trade-Only Show Brings Together Thousands of Industry Professionals from Every Segment of the Diving Industry to Buy, Learn and Network

DEMA is pleased to say THANK YOU to the more than 9,200 pre-qualified dive professionals who registered for DEMA Show 2013, and the 600+ exhibiting companies who made DEMA Show successful. The trade-only Show was held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL from November 6^th to 9^th. 

Once again, DEMA Show 2013 provided many opportunities for Attendees and Exhibitors to do great business together by providing hundreds of exhibits, products, services, educational sessions and more. Opening day commenced at 10:00 am on November 6^th with more than 6,400 professionals on hand for the first day’s activities, including buyers, travel buyers, instructors and other dive professionals from all over the world. Verified attendance figures, which are obtained from electronic scans of Attendee and Exhibitor badges, confirm that over 8,000 Industry Professionals entered the Show during its four days – a 3% increase over the previous Orlando-based DEMA Show. Verified Attendees and Buyers showed an 8.1% increase over DEMA Show 2011 in Orlando and even a slight (.6%) increase over last year’s Las Vegas-based event. The Show’s credentialing process established by the Board of Directors, once again helped confirm that the Show maintain a trade-only atmosphere, welcoming highly qualified Buyers as well as all levels of Diving Industry professionals.

“We are happy to see that the Show continues to bring a strong professional audience together to do business, learn, discuss and brainstorm ideas and issues affecting our industry,” said Tom Ingram, DEMA Executive Director. “The DEMA Staff, along with the Board, our Members and all Industry stakeholders will continue to find ways to strengthen the Show, our community and our industry as a whole. We encourage all Industry Professionals to stay informed via DEMAIL and the DEMA website and social media pages. Your involvement in the Industry’s trade association helps us all make positive progress.”

One of the positive additions to this year’s Show was the return of the Deep Ambitions Aquatic Career Fair. On Thursday November 7^th over 85 middle school students and on Friday November 8^th 45 high school students participated in a full day of experiential learning about the underwater world and the opportunities presented related to diving and careers. High School students were even given the opportunity to try diving in the Be A Diver pool right on the Show floor. Industry influencers like Martin Stepanek, Rogest and Wyland joined staff from Infinite Scuba™, REEF and Reefmakers to interact and educate the students about our underwater environment, inspired them to get involved to help our ocean planet, and gave them ideas about careers in which learning to dive can play a key role.

During the Annual Member Meeting, Attendees learned about the activities of the Association during 2013 and the goals being set for 2014. Tom Ingram also revealed the preliminary results of DEMA’s new industry-wide research project, providing key demographic data on current entry-level divers, divers participating in continuing education, divers traveling to resorts and those purchasing hard goods such as regulators.

Exhibitors such as American Underwater Products, Aqua Lung, Bahama’s Diving Association and MANY more hosted hundreds of Attendees in their booths to showcase their latest products, programs and services. DEMA’s video production partner, Border Cross Productions, has captured the excitement of the action-packed days of DEMA Show 2013 in a series of videos available for viewing on the Be A Diver YouTube Channel.

Looking toward the future, DEMA Show will be returning to Las Vegas for 2014. DEMA continues to look at additional venues for future shows, using key factors of exhibitor and attendee cost and venue availability. A complete overview of how DEMA Show venues are selected, along with an analysis of the other cities considered, is available here.

Funds raised through DEMA Show (and all events produced by DEMA) are used to promote recreational diving, keep dive sites open and accessible to divers, provide DEMA-Member access to benefit programs such as health insurance and worker’s compensation insurance, monitor legislative activity, advocate for diving with law and policy-makers, and conduct research on behalf of the Industry. With this year’s strong DEMA Show participation, DEMA can continue its mission of promoting sustainable growth in safe recreational diving and snorkeling while protecting the underwater environment.

DEMA extends its THANKS to the entire Industry for the continuing success of DEMA Show!

- See more at: http://dema.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=899#sthash.V69ojpou.dpuf

DEMA and Bonaire Collaborate to Create the Diving for Bonaire Treasure Challenge

Pilot Underwater Treasure Challenge Provides Destinations with Opportunities to Attract Divers

Collaborating with a premier DEMA-Member dive destination, DEMA and Bonaire have applied the lessons learned from the recent Diving for Texas Treasure Challenge to create an International version of this underwater geocaching game; The Diving for Bonaire Treasure Challenge. The Bonaire Challenge, a pilot program to encourage dive travel, is the perfect example of an activity that can help destinations encourage return dive trips to their land-based resorts and travel operators.

The Diving for Bonaire Treasure Challenge uses the game of DiveCaching, an underwater treasure hunt in which certified scuba divers hunt for small treasures in the form of underwater geocaches. The game is designed to help support a fun diving adventure while traveling to any destination where DiveCaches are hidden. DiveCaching includes the use of technology and a few basic diving skills such as navigation, buoyancy control and search and recovery techniques to play the game.

“DiveCaching is fun all on its own and is the perfect reason to get divers back in the water,” commented Tom Ingram, Executive Director of DEMA. “With the Diving for Bonaire Treasure Challenge DEMA is testing how DiveCaching can help destinations promote dive travel using this fun and exciting Challenge. Our Member destinations, resorts and dive travel providers are always looking for fresh ideas to get their customers coming back to dive at their destination again. DiveCaching accomplishes this and much more! The Diving for Bonaire Treasure Challenge, is another great way DiveCaching can be put to work to benefit divers and Dive Industry professionals alike!”

In the Diving For Bonaire Treasure Challenge, divers will have to find five of the ten DiveCaches that have been strategically hidden at different dive sites around the island in order to win a variety of prizes. Divers who find at least five and log their finds on Opencaching.com, are eligible to win. The Grand Prize winner will receive two round-trip U.S. airline tickets to Bonaire and a 7 night stay at Captain Don’s Habitat; 2nd prize is a 5 night stay at Bruce Bowker’s Carib Inn; 3rd Prize is a 3 night stay at Hotel Roomer.

DEMA and Bonaire will launch the Challenge at DEMA Show, November 6-9, 2013 in Orlando, FL. The game will run for six months November 6, 2013 – April 30, 2014, with the winners being announced the week of May 17, 2014. To view additional details and enter the Challenge visit www.BeADiver.com.

For more information on how to promote a DiveCaching Challenge at your destination visit www.DiveCaching.org or DEMA Members can log into their Member Dashboard to access the Member-Only DiveCaching Toolkit (located under “Research and Educational Guides”).

Insider Tips and Tricks Can Help You Make the Most of Your DEMA Show 2013 Experience

Featuring over 650 exhibitors and hundreds of educational and networking opportunities, you’re likely to have a jam-packed schedule during DEMA Show 2013. Below are helpful tips and tricks, both on and off the Show floor that can help you make the most of your experience:

NEW! Mobile App:
The DEMA Show 2013 mobile app provides easy-to-use interactive capabilities to enhance the DEMA Show experience including:

• An all-in-one dashboard to keep you organized with up-to-the-minute Exhibitor, seminar and event information
• A personal scheduler for setting up appointments, seminars and meetings
• Show maps and a "Locate Me" feature to help you navigate the Show floor and seminar locations
• Timely alerts and helpful reminders to keep you updated in real-time
• Attendee & friends features to help you make connections with the thousands of Attendees at DEMA Show
• Social networking links, a video gallery and a shared photo gallery to make sharing your experience easy and fun
• A listing of local places including dining, entertainment and shopping options

Download the app now! For iPhone, iPad, iPod or Android phones, visit the App Store or Google Play on your device and search for DEMA Show 2013. For all other phone types, while on your smartphone, point your mobile browser to http://m.core-apps.com/demashow2013.

Internet Access at DEMA Show 2013:
Complimentary internet access is available in the:

• Power Up iCafe located in DEMA Booth #1267
• Member & VIP Member Lounges #1601 & 1605
• South Hall concourse
• South Hall food courts

The OCCC Business Centers have a number of computer terminals available for email and internet browsing at a small fee.

Shuttle Service:
Shuttle service will be provided between the Days Inn, Rosen Inn and the Orange County Convention Center Wednesday, November 6 – Saturday, November 9. A Days Inn or Rosen Inn room key will be required to board the shuttle. Due to the close walking proximity to the South Hall, shuttle bus services will NOT be offered from the Rosen Centre or the Hilton Orlando. View a complete schedule on the DEMA Show website.

Scooter Service:
Scooters can be rented onsite via Scootaround, Inc., located onsite near the FedEx office business center in the South Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center. Scooters can also be reserved in advance to be picked up onsite or delivered to your hotel in Orlando. Daily and weekly rates are available. Operators are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week at (888) 441-7575.

Food Court:
Numerous options will be available to DEMA Show Exhibitors and Attendees looking for quick and easy food during DEMA Show 2013, including:

• Located in Section A of the South Hall, the Fern Food Court features Panini Soup & Salad, OC Spice Grill, La Mia Famiglia and Tortilla Junction.
• Located in Section B of South Hall, the Cypress Food Court features Sandwich Zone, Habana Grill, Papa John’s Pizza and Ezra’s BBQ.
• Located on level 2 of the South Hall, Orchid Restaurant will be open for diners Wednesday-Friday at 11:00 a.m.

Portable Concession carts will be located throughout the DEMA Show floor offering options such as:

• Aroma Pasta & Soup
• Crepe Factory
• Cuban Café
• Ezra's BBQ
• Hill of Beans Coffee
• Nathan's Hot Dogs
• Panini Soup & Salad
• Papa John's Pizza
• Pita Hut Greek
• Pretzels & Lemonade
• Sandwich Zone
• Taco Twist
• Taste of Asia
• Zaza Cuban Coffee

DEMA Member & VIP Member Lounges:
All 2013 DEMA Members and their staff have access to a private Member-exclusive lounge, accessible directly from the Show floor. With meeting tables, electrical outlets and a computer and printer, the Member lounge is a place where Members and their staff can meet, charge their electronics or simply take a break. The DEMA Member VIP lounge is open exclusively to 2013 Level 2 and Level 3 DEMA Members and staff with the additional amenities of coffee and water.

DEMA Show Specials:
DEMA Show 2013 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 where DEMA Members can save $50 on their 2014 dues by joining onsite and by doing so will be entered into a daily drawing for one of two $40 gift cards. Drawings will take place daily at 3:00 p.m. Members are not required to be present to win. Learn more about ways to save at DEMA Show here.

Exploring Orlando:
The DEMA Show website offers countless resources to plan your trip and experience everything Orlando has to offer. Orlando provides numerous activities to entertain your family while attending DEMA Show or during your free time. See our Travel Information webpage for information on local theme parks, attractions, sightseeing tours, museums, shopping, wineries, golf courses and more!

For additional information, please stop by the Visit Orlando Guest Services Desks located on Level 2 near the South A Hall Entrance. Visit Orlando Guest Services Desk Hours during DEMA Show 2013 as follows:

• November 5: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
• November 6-8: 7:30 am - 6:30 pm
• November 9: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm

DEMA Members Can Save Big and Win Big by Visiting the DEMA Booth at DEMA Show 2013

Attendees can find a wealth of information and savings by visiting the new DEMA Booth #1267 at DEMA Show 2013. All Exhibitors and Attendees are encouraged to get involved in DEMA’s latest acquisition and retention program, The Diving for International Treasure Challenge;  learn from in-booth member benefit providers and daily mini-sessions; join DEMA to honor local Florida combat veterans; and take advantage of DEMA’s 2013 specials and drawings. Don’t miss out – make sure the DEMA Booth is a scheduled stop on your DEMA Show itinerary!

• All Exhibitors and Attendees are encouraged to learn about DEMA’s upcoming program, the Diving for International Treasure Challenge by visiting the DiveCaching Resource Center located in the DEMA Booth. The launch of this International program is taking place in tandem with the unveiling of Simon Morris’ latest piece, The Guardian of the Reef, which will become one of the virtual caches that will be part of the Diving for International Treasure Challenge. Stop by to view the statue, learn more about this new Treasure Challenge and earn a chance to win one of two DEMA Show 2014 Prize Packages. Drawing for prizes will take place Saturday, November 9^th at 1:00 p.m. from the DEMA Booth’s Link-Up Lounge. Prizes include two DEMA Show 2014 Prize packages with each package offering one 4-night stay in a standard room at the Las Vegas Hotel during DEMA Show 2014 and one DEMA Show 2014 Seminar Package Registration. Must be present to win. Visit the DEMA Booth for complete details.
• Are you looking for more customers? Attend the following mini-sessions taking place in the DEMA Booth’s Link Up Lounge from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m.:
  • Wednesday & Friday: Finding More Customers Using DEMA’s Free-for-Members Customer Acquisition Tools
    Join speaker Tom Ingram to uncover how DEMA’s Demographic Analysis tools can help you evaluate your current location and customer and find more customers in your area.
  • Thursday: The Dive Adventure Tourist: Changing Faces with Changing Needs
    Join Industry Professionals Sharon Kegeles and Fraser Bathgate for a discussion on promoting industry awareness of how to minimize traveling obstacles and maximize repeat bookings through client-based accessible tourism.
• All Industry Professionals are invited to join DEMA in honoring local combat veterans who are a part of Florida’s Operation Blue Pride on Thursday afternoon at DEMA Show. Representatives from the group will be recognized in the DEMA Booth’s Link-Up Lounge at 1:30 p.m. and will be on hand for the afternoon to speak with members of the Diving Community.
• DEMA Members can save $50 on their 2014 dues by joining onsite and by doing so will be entered into a daily drawing for one of two $40 gift cards.  Drawings will take place daily at 3:00 p.m. Members are not required to be present to win.
• Save money all year long with your DEMA Membership! Gain helpful insights by speaking with participating member benefit providers on-hand at DEMA Show 2013 including representatives from DEMA’s Health & Business Insurance and  Member Freight Savings programs. 

With so much happening directly on the Show Floor, the DEMA Booth #1267 is a must stop at this year’s DEMA Show!

Complete Show Features and Exhibits can be found on the DEMA Show website. 2013 DEMA Members can save up to $105 on their seminar package price by registering now. Become a 2013 DEMA Member today and SAVE! All attendees are encouraged visit the DEMA Booth to learn how they can make the most of their Membership and take control of their businesses.

Special Sessions at DEMA Show Provide Strategies for Business Success for the Coming Year and Beyond

Free Espresso & Special Sessions are Open to ALL Attendees

Professionals wishing to make the most of their DEMA Show 2013 experience are invited to attend DEMA Show’s Espresso Education and Special Sessions. Each day begins with a motivating and informative session designed to provide you with valuable, up-to-date information that can help you be successful in your business. These FREE sessions are open to ALL ATTENDEES and are held at times when Exhibitors can also attend at no charge. Session topics include:

NEW in 2013! By Request, DEMA Brings Back the “Keynote” Session!: The Challenge of Change: Finding Opportunity in Adversity
Thursday, November 7, 2013 from 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. in room S310EF | Speaker: Warren Macdonald, President, Warren Macdonald Unlimited
We've all heard it a million times; “change is constant,” “the only certainty in life is change,” “change or perish.” We all know it, but Warren is someone who has actually dealt successfully with incredible change. His “Challenge of Change” presentation reminds you why we all love this industry, and helps us realize that challenges brought on by change hold endless opportunities for innovation and personal and professional growth. That it is possible to not just survive, but to thrive despite adversity. (Complimentary coffee will be available).

Special Session: Lionfish Update and Collection and Handling Workshop
Thursday, November 7, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.| Speakers: Lad Akins REEF Director of Special Projects, and Peter Hughes Founder, DivEncounters
This workshop will include the latest updates on the invasive lionfish issue including research findings and removal successes. In addition, there will be a hands-on demonstration on removal tools and techniques being used around the region and how the dive industry can take part in ongoing removal efforts to minimize lionfish impacts. Examples of local and regional successes and challenges will be discussed. The workshop will be interactive with questions from participants encouraged.

DEMA Member Update and Annual Meeting
Friday, November 8, 8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Speaker: Tom Ingram, Executive Director, DEMA
Network with fellow industry leaders and DEMA Members and get an update on DEMA's projects and programs to help the dive industry succeed. Don't miss this information-filled morning, including complimentary coffee and pastries.

Espresso Education Session: How to Ban the Sale of Shark Fins in Your Area
Saturday, November 9, 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. | Speaker: Bob Harris, DEMA Legislative Consultant, Messer Caparello Law Firm
This session will outline how to introduce legislation in your state or community that would make the sale of shark fins illegal. Join Bob Harris, DEMA Legislative Consultant, for this informative session on how you can help DEMA and the diving industry put an end to this thoughtless practice once and for all.

Special Session: Moving Toward 2020: Developing a Strategic Vision for the Recreational Diving Industry
Saturday, November 9, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Moderator: Tom Ingram, DEMA Executive Director
Join DEMA for this brainstorming session on the direction of the Diving Industry over the next few years. DEMA has already implemented many of the ideas generated in similar brainstorming sessions throughout 2011 and 2012, including:

• Access to workers compensation and health insurance for DEMA Members, including business owners and their employees.
• Increased use of social media with the diving community.
• Implementation of programs to reach a younger audience and bring them into diving.
• Creation and promotion of programs which encourage “local diving.”

All of these ideas came directly from previous 2020 Vision Sessions and members of the Industry just like YOU! As DEMA moves toward a specific strategic direction in 2014 we need your input! We hope you’ll join us to help generate ideas that help you take control of your business.

Additional details on DEMA’s Espresso Education and Special Sessions are available on the DEMA Show website.

Winner of the Diving For Texas Treasure Challenge to be Selected at the 5th Annual Dive Around Texas 2013 Recognition Day

Recognition Day Will Take Place on October 6th, 2013 in San Marcos, TX

In April of 2013, DEMA launched the “Diving for Texas Treasure Challenge” in tandem with Dive Around Texas 2013 as a way to promote local diving using DiveCaching (underwater geocaching) to keep divers active and having fun. This DiveCaching pilot program was designed to help support the concept that local diving is fun and easy, and to provide retail businesses with a simple and competitive diving promotion. The Challenge requires divers to locate and deposit a unique tag in each submerged DiveCache listed as part of the Challenge and then log their visit on OpenCaching.com. Those who qualify will be entered in a drawing for the $1,000 grand prize which will take place on October 6, 2013 in San Marcos, TX with complete event details available at DiveAroundTexas.com.

“The success and participation we saw from retailers and divers with the Diving for Texas Treasure Challenge has led to great exposure for local diving,” commented Tom Ingram, DEMA Executive Director. “Over 170 divers participated in the Challenge and this pilot program has set the stage for a number of similar challenges to be launched in other markets. These future Challenges will be designed to promote both local diving and dive travel by using a fun treasure hunt which encourages diving, the use of social media and technology and a few basic diving skills such as navigation. ”

To wrap up 2013 Dive Around Texas and DEMA’s Diving for Texas Treasure Challenge, an exciting weekend has been planned for local Texas retailers, divers and Challenge participants:

On Saturday, October 5, 2013, dive store owners and managers are invited to attend a DEMA/Dealer Luncheon beginning at 12:00 p.m. at the Salt Grass Restaurant in San Marcos, Texas. During this luncheon, DEMA Executive Director, Tom Ingram, will introduce a new service sponsored by DEMA. This service enables DEMA-Member stores to receive a FREE store market analysis from Pitney Bowes and AnySite, using the same marketing information database used by retailers like Home Depot and Office Max, vacation properties such as the Fairmont Hotels, and even MasterCard. This is a great opportunity to learn more about how this market analysis can help with customer acquisition and business growth!

On Sunday, October 6, 2013, DEMA will conduct the drawing to award the $1,000 grand prize to a lucky diver who has completed the Diving for Texas Treasure Challenge and give away other prizes from Garmin, Edge Scuba and Ocean Reef. Additional activities will be taking place throughout the day. View the complete schedule of events here.

Official Challenge Rules & FAQ's can be found online and a current schedule of the Dive Around Texas Recognition Day (where the grand prize drawing will take place) is available here. DEMA encourages local Texas retailers to attend these two events and share this information with their local diving community and customers.

“VH1 You Oughta Know” Band ‘Rocks’ DEMA’s Upcoming Shark Finning Public Service Announcement (PSA)

Youngblood Hawke Delivers Shark Preservation Message

DEMA and Youngblood Hawke, a Los Angeles based band, are teaming up to film a Public Service Announcement (PSA) aimed at boosting awareness of the increased demand for shark fins and the devastating effect it is having on the global shark population.

Youngblood Hawke’s break-out single “We Come Running,” features the band underwater, playing music and scuba diving with sharks in the Bahamas diving with DEMA-Member operator Stuart Cove's Dive Bahamas. Despite the playful feel of the video, the band delivers a deeper message of the importance of environmental conservation in the soon-to-be-released PSA.

“DEMA and the dive industry are committed to putting an end to shark finning in the U.S. and everywhere,” commented Tom Ingram, Executive Director of DEMA. The industry has already taken initiatives to assist several activist organizations in the U.S. in their effort to ban shark finning. Since Youngblood Hawke is known for using their celebrity status to advocate worthwhile causes, DEMA feels privileged to work with the band on this important endeavor. It is intended to reach all generations and make a lasting impression while reinforcing the value that sharks have and the vital role they play in our ecosystem.”

The 30-second PSA will inform consumers about this issue and emphasize the drastic effects that killing one of the top ocean predators for frivolous items, such as shark fin soup, has on the marine environment and beyond. It will encourage consumers to join the diving industry in their commitment to ban shark finning. The PSA was filmed Monday, September 16 in Los Angeles and will be launched later this fall.

More than 70 million sharks are killed each year, many simply so their fins can be taken for consumption. Primarily the fins are used to make shark fin soup and after the fins are removed the remainder of the animal is often discarded into the sea to die. Without the presence of this apex ocean predator, the entire ocean ecosystem is thrown out of balance. Taken to the extreme, this out-of-balance situation endangers the health of the oceans and everyone on earth. For more information on DEMA’s public service announcements visit www.dema.org.  

2014 DEMA Board of Directors Election Slate Announced

DEMA Member Write-In Petitions Must Be Submitted by October 11, 2013

DEMA has announced that its 2014 Board of Directors election will take place from December 13, 2013 to January 31, 2014. All 2014 DEMA Members are eligible to vote. DEMA's 2014 Board of Directors Election candidates are:

Category A1 – Manufacturers, Distributors and Affiliated Field/Sales Representatives:

• Scott Daley, Body Glove International
• Rick Hill, Catalina Cylinders

Category A2 – Diver Certification and Training Agencies, and Affiliated Field/Sales Representatives:

• Tom Leaird, Scuba Educators/PDIC International
• Jeff Seckendorf, Unified Team Diving

Category A3 – Dive Publishing, Media, Dive Industry Consulting, Associations & Non-Retail Service Providers:

• Bonnie Borkin, Bonnier
• Matt Weiss, Divephotoguide.com

Category A4 – Retail Distribution of Diving Goods & Services:

• Werner Kurn, Ocean Enterprises

Category A5 – Dive Travel Provider or Resort:

• Stuart Cove, Stuart Cove's
• Ronny Roskosch, Active Scuba Divers.com

Write in nominations for the 2014 Board of Directors election slate are currently being accepted by DEMA and to be valid must be received by 5:00 pm Pacific Time on October 11, 2013. There are two options for a write-in candidate to be included on the final election slate:

1. The nomination can be proposed by a petition of Members (renewed for 2014) holding two percent (2%) or more of the voting power of the Association; or
2. The candidate may be written in by a petition of at least ten (10) A-class Members (renewed for 2014). 

The write-in candidate may choose the petition option that best fits their circumstances. Those primary DEMA Member Voting Delegates interested in becoming a write-in candidate should contact DEMA at secretary@dema.org to request a write-in petition form.

All A-category DEMA Members who pay their 2014 dues by 5:00 pm Pacific Time on January 10, 2014 will be eligible to vote in this election. DEMA encourages Members to consider each candidate carefully and to vote for the candidate in each category that meets industry needs as perceived by the individual Member. There is neither a requirement in the DEMA Bylaws nor any obligation in the voting procedures which compels DEMA Members to conform to a “voting bloc.” For membership information please contact membership@dema.org or (858) 616-6408.

In accordance with the DEMA Bylaws, Directors serve three-year terms. For more information on DEMA's Board of Directors and Bylaws visit www.dema.org.

DEMA Submits Comments on Re-Establishing the National Marine Sanctuary Nomination and Designation Process

Association Supports Sanctuaries and Suggests Criteria for Nominations and Designations of these Important Environmental Areas 

The Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) recently submitted comments in support of re-establishing the nomination process for National Marine Sanctuaries and for determining how sanctuaries are selected. The comments were submitted by Tom Ingram, Executive Director of DEMA, on behalf of the Association.

Sanctuary officials solicited comments in the Federal Register, Volume 78, No. 125, asking for comments on the proposed amendments to the rules for nominations and for evaluating sites to be designated as National Marine Sanctuaries.

“As an Industry, the diving community supports the concept of having criteria-driven proposals and designation procedures which ensure that local communities and interested parties are a part of the overall process for these environmentally important areas,” commented Ingram. “The Diving Industry depends on sustainable interaction with the marine environment as well as with certain submerged cultural resources for its very existence, and is aware of the need for long term sustainability of these resources for all citizens of the U.S.”

DEMA’s comments emphasized:

• Having a clean and healthy environment in which divers can easily participate in the recreation contributes to the economy of the community which is local to the Sanctuary.   By some estimates recreational diving contributes more than $11 billion to the US GDP overall.
• The interest of snorkeling and scuba diving participants in protecting and respectfully using the marine environment while keeping it clean and healthy.
• The interest of snorkelers and scuba divers in protecting and observing historical and cultural resources.
• Suggestions for criteria to be used in the Sanctuary nomination and designation process, to include; the need for input from all user groups, the need for a clear balance between access and use by interested parties, and the health of the resource, recognizing that diving and snorkeling are NOT inherently consumptive activities, and the need to avoid unnecessarily restricting non-consumptive activities.
• DEMA’s continuing interest in participating with the nomination re-establishment and designation processes.

Ingram concluded, “DEMA and the Dive Industry look forward to working with the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Department of Commerce (DOC) to provide data and input from the recreational diving community so that decisions can be better made regarding sanctuary area nominations and designations.”

For more information, see National Marine Sanctuaries and the official comments submitted by DEMA.

Wounded Warriors Complete Scuba Certification With Help From DEMA & DEMA Members

Veterans and Their Families Hosted for a Week-long Dive Trip to Bonaire

From August 17-24, a group of twelve “Wounded Warriors” completed their scuba certifications during a fully-sponsored trip to the Caribbean island of Bonaire. Now in its 8^th year, DEMA first reached out to Disabled Sports USA (DSUSA) and the Wounded Warrior Project in 2006 to bring the therapeutic use of recreational diving to these veterans of the U.S. military who sustained severe injuries while serving their call of duty. DEMA Members and many others sponsored this event.

“The fact that DEMA and various DEMA members could unite to positively impact these brave men, women and their families through learning to Be A Diver is both inspiring and a significant accomplishment in our mission to raise awareness for the sport of diving and the health benefits it provides,” said Tom Ingram, Executive Director of DEMA. “The unifying and empowering effect that diving together had on the Warriors and their families clearly illustrates the equalizing power and three-dimensional freedom that the underwater environment offers.”

These Wounded Warriors sustained life-altering injuries while serving in the military. The Warriors and their family members kicked off their week-long trip by completing their open water dives to earn their PADI and Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA) sponsored certifications. After becoming certified, they continued diving throughout the week with several shore and boat dives, sightseeing excursions, shopping, dining and participating in a multitude of activities arranged especially for them. A highlight of the trip took place when these extraordinary individuals and their travel companions took part in a parade where they were greeted warmly by the island citizens and later treated to a reception held in their honor.

The certification trip was the culmination of the efforts of a number of DEMA Members including local dive centers, manufacturers and travel providers.

Sponsors of this year’s 8^th Annual Be A Diver-Bonaire Wounded Warrior Scuba Certification Trip included: 9Line LLC, Air Hogs SCUBA, Adams Unlimited Public Relations & Marketing, Bistro de Paris, Bonaire KFC, BonPhoto, BonaireTalk.com, Bonaire Quad Tours, Bonaire Guided Motorcycle Tours, Bonaire Tours & Vacations, Budget Rent A Car Bonaire, Captain Don's Habitat Bonaire, Caradonna Dive Adventures, Care Coalition, Chat & Browse Bonaire, Chesapeake Bay Diving Center, CIEE Bonaire, Destinations Weddings & Honeymoons Magazine, Disabled Sports USA, DEMA/Be A Diver, DiveNewswire, Dive Training Magazine, Elements Bonaire, Enchanted Florist, Femme Fatales Women Motorcycle Club (Ffwmc), Henderson, H.S.A. International Training Center of New Jersey, Innovative Scuba Concepts, Inc, Iron Order Motorcycle Club Bonaire (Caribbean Pirates Crew), Islands Magazine, Jack Chalk, Jewel of Bonaire, Joe’s Grill House, LeisurePro, Maspeth Lion’s Club, Mountain Bay Scuba, Inc., NetTech, N.V., OCEANIC, Ocean Enterprises, Omnicomm Media Group, PADI, Paradise Moon Bar & Restaurant, Patriot Dive Center, Princeton Tec, Rum Runners, Scuba Diving Magazine, Scuba Toys, Sport Diver Magazine, Tourism Corporation Bonaire, and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Saturday-Only “Immersion” Pass Available for New, Part-Time and Busy Dive Professionals Interested in Attending DEMA Show 2013

Qualified dive professionals can register for a one-day experience at DEMA Show 2013 using the Saturday-Only Immersion Pass. Available for as little as $20 for DEMA Members and $60 for non-Members, The Saturday-Only Immersion pass was created to help Divemasters, Dive Control Specialists, Assistant Instructors and Instructors attend the Show and can be purchased by visiting www.demashow.com and clicking on Register Now. Those registering for the Immersion Pass will be required to provide credentials as outlined on the DEMA Show website.

Although any diving professional may register for the Saturday-Only Pass, the Immersion Pass program specifically recognizes the need for local or regionally-located dive professionals to attend DEMA Show, even though time may not allow them or they feel they are too “new” to the Industry to attend the entire Show. Now they can attend DEMA Show without paying full attendance prices and acquire the information needed to remain active in the Industry.

According to Tom Ingram, Executive Director of DEMA, “The Immersion Pass is designed to encourage these upcoming professionals and important diver influencers to explore new products and services, attend seminars and meet face-to-face with Industry colleagues.” As with everyone attending DEMA Show, professionals obtaining the Saturday-only Immersion Pass are required to provide professional credentials in order to receive a DEMA Show badge and are NOT automatically qualified to receive a “Buyer” designation.

The Immersion Pass provides attendees with Saturday-only access to DEMA Show Exhibits, Exhibitor Sponsored Seminars, IRC Seminars, TDRC Seminars and Espresso Education Sessions. Those attending the Show on Saturday are encouraged to join us for two important sessions to help guide the future of our Industry:

Starting off the Show’s Saturday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. will be the Espresso Education Session:  How to Ban the Sale of Shark Fins in Your Area. Presented by Bob Harris, DEMA Legislative Consultant of Messer Caparello Law Firm, this session will outline how to introduce legislation in your state or community that would make the sale of shark fins illegal.

On Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. all attendees are encouraged to join Tom Ingram, DEMA Executive Director for Saturday’s session: Moving Toward 2020: Developing a Strategic Vision for the Recreational Diving Industry. Come brainstorm with your colleagues to guide the direction of the Diving Industry over the next few years and help DEMA implement new ideas, such as those generated during 2020 Sessions in 2011 and 2012:

• Access to workers compensation and health insurance for DEMA Members, including business owners and their employees.
• Increased use of social media with the diving community.
• Implementation of programs to reach a younger audience and bring them into diving.
• Creation and promotion of programs which encourage “local diving”. 

Visit the DEMA Show website for additional information on these sessions and DEMA Show registration.

DEMA Board of Directors Enhances the Trade Show Business Experience for DEMA Show 2014

In May of 2013, the DEMA Show Committee met to discuss changes that could be implemented to enhance business for DEMA Members at the trade-only DEMA Show 2014. The Committee discussed how a number of different policy changes could help Members increase their own business transactions and improve the time they spend at the Show as dive industry buyers and influencers. The changes agreed upon are expected to create an improved Show experience for Exhibitors and Attendees alike. Confirmed changes for DEMA Show 2014 include:

• Recognition of DEMA Membership level in determining the number of Exhibitor Badges allotted per 10x10 Exhibit space.
  To make sure that legitimate and qualified Attendees are served during the limited Show schedule the Board has voted to tightly manage the number of badges allotted for each exhibit space and create a sliding scale based upon DEMA Member Level.
   
• Exhibitor and Attendee Badge Reprints
  Members have asked DEMA to continue to improve the registration process to prevent unqualified consumers (non-trade) from obtaining badges which allow them to slip on to the trade show floor. To improve this process, the Board has voted to implement a badge reprint fee and tighten the badge distribution process to be certain that fewer badges are being lost, distributed to those other than the person indicated on the badge or never being distributed to all registered staff members, thus leaving some registered individuals needing a reprint of a badge they were never given. The Board has voted to implement a $25 reprint fee for DEMA Show badges. DEMA staff has developed a method of properly recording badge distribution to determine if a badge has actually been picked up to avoid unfairly charging for reprints. DEMA will continue to check ID’s in order to distribute a reprinted badge.
   
• Manufacturers Representatives will become a part of the attendee registration system in 2014.
  In consideration of paying DEMA Show Attendees, the DEMA Board has discussed and acknowledged that in general, legitimate Manufacturers Reps are able to obtain an Exhibitor’s badge from at least one of the companies they are representing. The Board has voted to include Manufacturers Reps in the normal diving professional registration process, requiring registration in the same manner as other business Attendees for DEMA Show beginning in 2014. Manufacturers Reps can elect to receive a badge from one of their affiliated Exhibitors or register and pay as all professional Attendees.

More information on DEMA’s Board of Directors and Committees 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.

Media Participates in Hiding DiveCaches in the Caribbean

Diving for treasure in the Caribbean just became an activity for any certified diver!  DEMA is launching a pilot underwater “treasure hunt” in Bonaire, promoting DiveCaching through DEMA”s “Treasure Challenge” and daring divers to find a series of underwater geocaches throughout the Dutch Caribbean island.

Mirrored after the Diving for Texas Treasure Challenge, the Diving for Bonaire Treasure Challenge will be launched this year at DEMA Show in Orlando, FL. The contest will run for six months, and the winners will be announced the first week of May 2014.

In order to promote the Diving for Bonaire Treasure Challenge, Bonaire sponsored a press trip last month that focused on hiding several of the DiveCaches that will be part of the Challenge. Four top U.S. media professionals were on the island for a week of DiveCaching and diving. All journalists are certified divers and on assignment for the following publications; Ashley Castle writing for AFAR magazine, Ted Stedman for Global Traveler magazine, Cynthia Barnes for Montage magazine and Abi Smigel Mullens for Wetpixel. For more information about their outlets and audiences, visit: AFAR, Global Traveler, Montage and Wetpixel.

DEMA Board of Directors to Meet in San Diego, CA for Quarterly Board Meeting on August 14th and 15th

DEMA’s Board of Directors will meet on August 14^th and 15^th to continue strategizing ideas to maximize DEMA’s benefits for Members and the Diving Industry. Topics for discussion will include future DEMA Show venues, Youth Programs at DEMA Show 2013 and beyond, the upcoming Board of Directors Election for 2014-2016 and an Industry Strategic Planning update.

Board meetings focus on strategic topics and the Board receives reports and data prior to the meeting.  Completed work or progress reports are part of a so called “consent agenda,” which is approved for the archives during day one of the Board meeting.  For August the consent agenda will include:

• June Board Meeting Minutes
• Quarterly Financial Report
• Membership and Legislative Reports
• Past Committee Meeting Notes
• Diving for Texas Treasure Challenge Update 

Board Members will break into various committee meetings for the majority of the first meeting day to brainstorm and further discuss strategies to enhance current programs and benefits. Each Board Member has volunteered to work in various committees based upon their areas of expertise, desire, knowledge and talent. The goal of the committee meetings is to create new ideas, improve current programs and benefits, clarify or resolve pending issues and get feedback from Industry stakeholders, as well as to provide details to the Board at large for their strategic decision-making. Additional Committee information is available online.

Committees scheduled to meet on day one include the DEMA Show, Research, Strategic Workshop Planning, Nominations and International Growth committees.  Once these are complete the Board Meeting will conclude with Nicole Russell, DEMA Managing Director, leading a discussion regarding venues for DEMA Show 2018, 2020 and beyond.

Day two of the Board of Directors Meeting will address ongoing business topics as well as a review of Youth Program Plans for DEMA Show 2013, potential Board candidates for the upcoming election and continued discussion of strategic planning to help grow and sustain our industry.  DEMA encourages Industry professionals to communicate with their elected DEMA Board stakeholder representative as well as provide feedback to the Board and staff regarding industry programs and new ideas so we may share ideas and input during such Board meetings.

More information on DEMA’s Board of Directors 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 DEMA Board Meeting is scheduled for November 4, 2013 during DEMA Show 2013 in Orlando, FL.

Come Together in Celebration at the 2013 DEMA Awards Party

Stuart Cove & Dr. Lee Somers to be Recognized at the Beatles-Themed 2013 DEMA Awards Party Held at the Hard Rock Live Orlando Coliseum

DEMA invites you to Come Together at the 25^th annual presentation of the prestigious Reaching Out Awards.  Join us as we take a Beatles-themed trip down the Long and Winding Road of accomplishments and contributions made by this year’s honored recipients, Stuart Cove and Dr. Lee Somers at the Hard Rock Live Orlando.  DEMA’s Awards Party will once again rock Orlando with a networking cocktail hour followed by an array of food and desserts, memorable awards ceremony, dancing, and entertainment provided by “Beatlebeat”, Orlando’s best Beatles tribute band that will take you on a musical and visual trip back to the 60's.

“The DEMA Awards Party honors our annual Reaching Out Award recipients and provides a wonderful opportunity for industry professionals to come together to celebrate and treat themselves, their customers and their staff to a memorable night that includes fabulous food, drinks and entertainment, all packaged at an affordable price,” explained Colleen Vasquez, DEMA Associate Director and Awards Party Coordinator.  Whatever your plans are for the Show, make sure to keep Friday night open!  You don’t want to miss this unforgettable night!

Date:  November 8, 2013

Time:  6:30 PM to 11:30pm

Location:  Hard Rock Live Orlando Coliseum (Shuttle Bus service provided from Rosen Centre & Hilton Orlando Hotels)

Entertainment:  “Beatlebeat”, Orlando’s best Beatles tribute band

Attire:  Party Attire or 1960’s Attire

Individual tickets are available online for $85 until October 11^th, 2013 and $105 thereafter while supplies last. For information on reserved seating for groups of 10, NEW! In 2013 – VIP Suites for groups up to 30 guests and other unique sponsorship opportunities, contact Colleen Vasquez at cvasquez@dema.org or (858) 616-6408 x106. Don’t hesitate! There are a limited number of reserved tables of 10 and VIP Suites available and they are going quickly; reserve yours today!