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.