DEMA Thanks the Diving Industry for their Participation in DEMA Show 2017

** Thousands of Industry Professionals from Every Segment of the Diving Industry Came Together at Trade-Only Show to Buy, Learn and Collaborate **

DEMA is pleased to say THANK YOU to the more than 9,100 pre-qualified dive professionals who registered for DEMA Show 2017, and more than 590 exhibiting companies who made DEMA Show successful.  The trade-only Show was held at the Orange Convention Center in Orlando, FL from November 1st to 4th, 2017.  

DEMA Show 2017 provided many opportunities for attendees and exhibitors to do great business together by providing hundreds of exhibits, products, services, educational sessions and more.  Verified attendance figures, which are obtained from electronic scans of attendee and exhibitor badges, confirm that over 7,850 Industry Professionals entered and participated in the Show during its four days. The Show’s long-standing credentialing process established by the Board of Directors, helped confirm that the Show maintained a trade-only atmosphere, welcoming highly qualified buyers and influencers.

During the four days of DEMA Show 2017, exhibitors hosted thousands of attendees in their booths to showcase their latest products, programs and services.  DEMA’s event photographer captured the excitement of the action-packed days of DEMA Show 2017 in a series of photos highlighting the Show. 

DEMA extends its THANKS to the entire Industry for the continuing success of DEMA Show! Looking toward the future, DEMA Show will be returning to Las Vegas, NV from November 14-17 in 2018. 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 is available here.

Funds raised through DEMA Show (and all events produced by DEMA) are used to help the industry, including monitoring legislation, advocating for environmental and economic issues, promoting recreational diving, keeping dive sites open and accessible to divers, providing DEMA-Member access to benefit programs such as the promotional program Go Dive Now, and conducting research on behalf of the Industry.  With this year’s strong DEMA Show participation, DEMA can continue its mission of bringing businesses together to grow the diving industry.

Voting Now Open for the Inaugural Wave Makers Award!

**Funds Available to Assist DEMA Member Exhibitors and Buyers of DEMA Show 2017 **

The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Executive Committee of the Board of Directors has approved the expansion of the Disaster Assistance Program, previously aiding those impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, to include DEMA-Member Show Exhibitors and Buyers impacted by the recent California Wildfires.

DEMA’s Disaster Assistance Program was first created in 2004 and has been used when DEMA-Member companies are impacted by natural disasters which may interfere with their ability to promote their businesses, products, services and destinations. As funds are limited, DEMA has earmarked them specifically for DEMA-Member companies who plan to exhibit or buy at DEMA Show 2017 and have been negatively impacted by these large storms. Funds will be provided to Exhibitors in the affected areas based on their exhibit size and to Buyers in the impacted areas who attend DEMA Show and stay in a DEMA block hotel.

Exhibitors from the areas indicated below are eligible to apply for the funds to help them exhibit at this year’s Show. Registered DEMA Member “Buyers” who plan to attend DEMA Show can also apply for funds to assist in covering hotel costs while staying onsite at DEMA Show. 

"DEMA’s Disaster Assistance Program funds are available to Member manufacturers, destinations and other industry-related entities to aid them in getting to and exhibiting at DEMA Show 2017,” said Tom Ingram, President and CEO of DEMA.  “Registered Buyers from DEMA Member businesses who are staying in the DEMA hotel block are also eligible for funds to assist in attending DEMA Show so they can buy the products and services they need to keep their businesses in operation.”

Exhibitor Assistance Program: DEMA’s Disaster Assistance Program funds are available to DEMA-Member Exhibitors who are fully paid by the close of business on October 6, 2017, and physically located in the following areas:

Impacted by California Wildfires:

• Butte County (Fire name: LaPorte Fire, Cherokee Fire, Honey Fire)
• Calaveras County (Fire name: Point Fire)
• El Dorado County (Fire name: Ice Fire)
• Lake County (Fire name: Ridge Fire, Sulphur Fire)
• Mendocino County (Fire name: Redwood Valley Fire)
• Napa County (Fire name: Tubbs Fire, Partrick Fire, Atlas Fire)
• Nevada County (Fire name: Lobo Fire, McCourtney Fire)
• Solano County (Fire name: Atlas Fire)
• Sonoma County (Fire name: Pocket Fire, Tubbs Fire, Pressley Fire, Adobe Fire, Nuns Fire, Norrbom Fire, 37 Fire)
• Yuba County (Fire name: Cascade Fire)

Impacted by Hurricane Harvey:

Counties in Texas:

Aransas, Austin, Bee, Calhoun, Chambers, Colorado, Brazoria, DeWitt, Fayette, Fort Bend, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzales, Harris, Jackson, Jefferson, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kleberg, Lavaca, Liberty, Live Oak, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria, Waller, Wharton, and Wilson.

Parishes in Louisiana:

Allen, Acadia, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Iberia, Jefferson Davis, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vermilion, and Vernon.

Impacted by Hurricane Irma & Hurricane Maria:

• Alabama
• Anguilla
• Antigua
• Bahamas
• Barbuda
• British Virgin Islands
• Cabo Engano
• Cuba
• Culebra
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• Florida
• Georgia
• Guadeloupe
• Haiti
• Isla Saona
• Mole
• Montserrat
• Nevis
• Puerto Plata
• Puerto Rico
• Saba
• Sint Maarten
• South Carolina
• St. Barthelemy
• St. Eustatius
• St. Kitts
• St. Martin
• St. Nicholas
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• US Virgin Islands
• Vieques

For affected Exhibitors, for each 100 net square feet of exhibit space purchased and paid for by October 6, 2017, DEMA will provide regular Exhibitors with $US 400.00 in assistance.  Funds will be awarded onsite at DEMA Show 2017 to the exhibiting companies who apply and fall within the guidelines deeming them eligible for assistance. Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis up to the maximum available from the DEMA disaster assistance fund. All interested parties must apply for the assistance funds on site at DEMA Show in Orlando, FL prior to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 4, 2017. 

Attendee Assistance Program:  DEMA Member Buyers who are registered for the Show and staying in the official DEMA Show hotel block (The Rosen Centre, Hilton Orlando or the Days Inn on International Drive) are eligible for reimbursement as follows; One registered Buyer from an attending DEMA Member business physically located in the aforementioned-affected areas can receive reimbursement for a one-night hotel stay(single occupancy) in the DEMA hotel block prior to midnight eastern time, November 3, 2017.

Buyers applying for assistance must provide a copy of the receipt for the DEMA Block hotel stay to the DEMA Office prior to close of business on December 1, 2017.   Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis up to the maximum of the DEMA disaster assistance fund.  Exhibitors are not eligible for hotel reimbursement assistance under this program, but can receive Exhibitor Assistance as described above.

For more complete details and disbursement information and to obtain an assistance request form, visit DEMA Central in Booth #1371 at DEMA Show 2017 in Orlando, FL.

Voting Now Open for the Inaugural Wave Makers Award!

** Deadline to Vote is 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time on October 26, 2017 **

DEMA recently announced it will recognize new professionals in the diving industry who are employed by (or own) a DEMA-Member business by honoring a recipient with the Wave Makers Award at the annual DEMA Awards Party! 

The Membership of DEMA chooses the 2017 Award recipient by viewing and voting for the finalist of their choice, based on a short video that the finalists submitted. Voting for the inaugural Wave Makers Award is now open to DEMA Members! Log in and cast your vote today! The deadline to vote is 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Thursday, October 26, 2017.

The 2017 finalist are listed below. View each of their videos by clicking on their name.

• Angela Cowan, National Association of Underwater Instructors
• Robert Currer, Patriots Scuba
• Karina Erickson, Ralph Erickson Educational Foundation
• Jessica Keller, Associate DEMA Member

 To vote for the 2017 Wave Makers Award Recipient:

1. View all four nominee video submissions.
2. Log in to the Members Only area of DEMA.org to CAST YOUR VOTE.

VOTING IS OPEN NOW UNTIL 12:00 P.M. PACIFIC TIME ON OCTOBER 26, 2017!LOG IN AND VOTE TODAY!

Four finalists and the new professional chosen as the first of the Wave Makers will be honored at the DEMA Awards Party being held on Friday, November 3, 2017 in Orlando, Florida at the Rosen Centre Hotel Executive Ballroom. Complete DEMA Awards Party details and tickets are available on the DEMA Show website.

Insider Tips to Help You Make the Most of Your DEMA Show 2017 Experience

Featuring over 650 Exhibitors and hundreds of educational and networking opportunities, you’re likely to have a jam-packed schedule during DEMA Show 2017.  From internet access to discounted dining options, here we offer some helpful tips and resources to help you make the most of your DEMA Show experience, both on and off the Show floor. 

PLAN YOUR TRIP
Looking for helpful planning information to help you prepare for your trip to DEMA Show in Orlando? Click here to get useful information on things like local weather, maps, safety tips, medical services, and more.

FIRST-TIMER ORIENTATION
Is this your first time attending DEMA Show? Join us for a quick half hour session which will provide you with the information you need to make the most of your time at the Show, including answers to the most frequently asked questions, tips for navigating the Show floor, and information about special events and Show features. When registering, note it is your first time attending and sign up for an orientation session.

2017 DEMA SHOW MOBILE APP
The DEMA Show 2017 mobile app provides easy-to-use interactive capabilities to enhance the DEMA Show experience including:

• Stay organized with up-to-the-minute exhibitor, speaker, and event information
• Sync the app across all your devices with Multi-Device Sync
• Receive important real-time communications from DEMA
• Build a personalized schedule and bookmark exhibitors 
• Take notes and download event handouts and presentations
• Rate and comment on the sessions you attend
• Locate sessions and exhibitors on using interactive maps of the convention center
• Find your bookmarked exhibitors on the Show floor using Quick Route
• Find attendees and connect with your colleagues through “Friends”
• Stay in-the-know and join in on social media with #DEMAShow
• Share your event photos and experiences in the Photo Gallery
• Watch DEMA videos
•  And much, much more!

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 2017.  For All Other Device Types (including BlackBerry, Windows, and all other web browser-enabled devices): While on your smartphone, point your mobile browser to www.core-apps.com/dl/demashow to be directed to the proper download version for your phone. 

Once you have downloaded and opened the app, choose DEMA Show 2017 and tap Download. If you already have the DEMA Show mobile app with the 2016 Show open, go to settings and tap “Exit to Show List”. Choose DEMA Show 2017 and then tap download. 

INTERNET ACCESS
Please note the following options for Internet access during DEMA Show 2017:

• DEMA provides complimentary Internet access to DEMA Show Attendees in the iCafe (located at DEMA Central at the end of the main aisle).
• DEMA Members can utilizes the computers in the Member lounges in booths 1783 and 1982.
• The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) provides complimentary wi-fi on the concourses and in the food courts.
• Internet service can be purchased throughout the OCCC. Click here for pricing information.

DEMA MEMBER LOUNGES
All 2017 DEMA Members and their staff have access to private Member-exclusive lounges, accessible directly from the Show floor.  With meeting tables, electrical outlets, and a computer and printer, these lounges provide a space for Members and their staff to meet, charge their electronics, and take a moment to relax during the Show. 

SHOW SPECIALS
DEMA Show 2017 is committed to providing Attendees with exclusive deals, discounts, and promotions. Find exclusive Exhibitor Show Specials here before you head to the Show to help you plan a valuable experience.

Be sure to take advantage of DEMA’s very own Show Special at DEMA Central located at the end of the main aisle. DEMA Members can save $50 on their 2018 dues by joining onsite and will receive an exclusive Member-only gift.

“SHOW YOUR BADGE” FOR DISCOUNTED DINING
DEMA Show and Visit Orlando have teamed up with more than 40 delicious restaurants to give DEMA Show Attendees and Exhibitors great dining options...at discounted prices! Show your convention badge at a participating “Show Your Badge” restaurant during the dates of DEMA Show to take advantage of great dining offers! View a list of participating restaurants here.

SHUTTLE SERVICE
All three DEMA Show block hotels (Rosen Centre, Hilton, and Days Inn) are within walking distance of the convention center. There will be only one shuttle bus available for those requiring transportation or for those who prefer not to walk on all show days. Shuttle bus service will run approximately every 30 minutes from the DEMA Show block hotels. Click here for the shuttle bus schedule. ADA accessible shuttle bus service will also be offered during all Show days for all three DEMA Block hotels upon request.

NEED TO RENT A CAR?
Receive an exclusive DEMA Show rate through Avis when you book online or call 1-800-331-1600. The Avis World Discount (AWD) Number is T690399.

WHEELCHAIRS AND SCOOTERS
Wheelchairs and scooters can be reserved through the FedEx Business Center located in the South Concourse.

New Member Benefits Added to Membership

DEMA Members now have access to new Member Benefits! These benefits include access to health benefits for businesses located in the U.S., consumer payment solutions, and web and marketing solutions. Learn more about how these benefits can help your business.

LEARN MORE

Don't Be A Beach Bum!

Go Dive Now's latest video, "Don't Be a Beach Bum," encourages viewers to live life beyond their social media feed. It promotes scuba diving as a great way to connect with friends and see some amazing things underwater. And for those active social media users, it also allows for some great photos to share on social media! This new video is perfect for embedding on your website or sharing on social media. Watch it for yourself and share it with your social media communities today!

WATCH & SHARE VIDEO

CA's Spiny Lobster Season is Right Around the Corner - Help Keep Divers Safe and Well Prepared

California's 2017/2018 Spiny Lobster Season begins on September 30, 2017. In an effort to increase diver safety and prepare divers in advance of the season, DEMA is circulating it's California Spiny Lobster Season Public Service Announcement (PSA) and printable visual aid. The PSA materials are part of DEMA's ongoing efforts to encourage divers to refresh their training and maintain their equipment prior to getting back in the water. DEMA Members are encouraged to share the visual reminders with their customers and community to spread this important and timely message.

VIEW & SHARE NOW

Let DEMA Help Share Your Hurricane Recovery Update

In an effort to make dive industry professionals and consumers aware of the operation status of businesses located in the areas impacted by recent hurricanes, DEMA has published a Dive Industry Hurricane Recovery Update webpage.  If your business is located in one of the areas impacted by any of these hurricanes, we invite you to submit a notice informing the industry if and when your business is up and running.  You can submit your notice for inclusion on our Dive Industry Hurricane Recovery Update webpage by completing the online form.

ACCESS THE FORM

VIEW HURRICANE RECOVERY UPDATE WEBPAGE

DEMA Expands Disaster Assistance Program to Aid Those Impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria

**Funds Available to Assist DEMA Member Exhibitors and Buyers of DEMA Show 2017 **

 
Updated September 19, 2017: The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Board of Directors has approved the expansion of the Disaster Assistance Program to assist DEMA-Member Show Exhibitors and Buyers impacted by Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria.
 
DEMA’s Disaster Assistance Program was first created in 2004 and has been used when DEMA-Member companies are impacted by natural disasters which may interfere with their ability to promote their businesses, products, services and destinations. As funds are limited, DEMA has earmarked them specifically for DEMA-Member companies who plan to exhibit or buy at DEMA Show 2017 and have been negatively impacted by these large storms. Funds will be provided to Exhibitors in the affected areas based on their exhibit size and to Buyers in the impacted areas who attend DEMA Show and stay in a DEMA block hotel.

Exhibitors from the areas indicated below are eligible to apply for the funds to help them exhibit at this year’s Show. Buyers who plan to attend DEMA Show can also apply for funds to assist in covering hotel costs while staying onsite at DEMA Show.  

"DEMA’s Disaster Assistance Program funds are available to Member manufacturers, destinations and other industry-related entities to aid them in getting to and exhibiting at DEMA Show 2017,” said Tom Ingram, President and CEO of DEMA.  “Registered Buyers from DEMA Member businesses who are staying in the DEMA hotel block are also eligible for funds to assist in attending DEMA Show so they can buy the products and services they need to keep their businesses in operation.”

Exhibitor Assistance Program: DEMA’s Disaster Assistance Program funds are available to DEMA-Member Exhibitors who are fully paid by the close of business on September 22, 2017, and physically located in the following areas:

Impacted by Hurricane Harvey:

 
Counties in Texas:
Aransas, Austin, Bee, Calhoun, Chambers, Colorado, Brazoria, DeWitt, Fayette, Fort Bend, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzales, Harris, Jackson, Jefferson, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kleberg, Lavaca, Liberty, Live Oak, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria, Waller, Wharton, and Wilson.

Parishes in Louisiana:
Allen, Acadia, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Iberia, Jefferson Davis, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vermilion, and Vernon.

Impacted by Hurricane Irma:

• Alabama • Anguilla • Antigua • Bahamas • Barbuda • British Virgin Islands • Cuba • Culebra • Dominica • Dominican Republic

• Florida • Georgia • Guadeloupe • Haiti • Mole • Montserrat • Nevis • Puerto Rico • Saba • Sint Maarten

• South Carolina • St. Barthelemy • St. Eustatius • St. Kitts • St. Martin • St. Nicholas • Turks & Caicos Islands • US Virgin Islands • Vieques

For affected Exhibitors, for each 100 net square feet of exhibit space purchased and paid for by September 22, 2017, DEMA will provide regular Exhibitors with $US 400.00 in assistance.  Funds will be awarded onsite at DEMA Show 2017 to the exhibiting companies who apply and fall within the guidelines deeming them eligible for assistance. Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis up to the maximum available from the DEMA disaster assistance fund. All interested parties must apply for the assistance funds on site at DEMA Show in Orlando, FL prior to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 4, 2017. 

Attendee Assistance Program:  DEMA Member Buyers who are registered for the Show and staying in the official DEMA Show hotel block (The Rosen Centre, Hilton Orlando or the Days Inn on International Drive) are eligible for reimbursement as follows; One registered Buyer from an attending DEMA Member business physically located in the aforementioned-affected areas can receive reimbursement for a one-night hotel stay (single occupancy) in the DEMA hotel block prior to midnight eastern time, November 3, 2017. 

Buyers applying for assistance must provide a copy of the receipt for the DEMA Block hotel stay to the the DEMA Office prior to close of business on December 1, 2017.   Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis up to the maximum of the DEMA disaster assistance fund.  Exhibitors are not eligible for hotel reimbursement assistance under this program, but can receive Exhibitor Assistance as described above.

For more complete details and disbursement information and to obtain an assistance request form, visit DEMA Central in Booth #1371 at DEMA Show 2017 in Orlando, FL.

 

DEMA Board Member Election Slate Announced - Deadline for Write-In Candidates is October 18th

The candidates for the 2018-2020 DEMA Board Member Election are:  A1: Jenna Meistrell, Body Glove A1: Ronny Roskosch, Cayago AG A2: Kirk Krack, Performance Freediving International A2: Kristin Valette, PADI A3: Jerry Beaty, Dive Training Magazine A3: Linda Sue Dingel, Bonnier Corporation A4: Patrick Hammer, Scuba Emporium A5: Brian Rickman, Dive Georgia, LLC A5: Steve Weaver, Dream Weaver Travel A5: Tim Webb, Caradonna Dive Adventures Write-in candidates will be accepted when required materials are submitted to DEMA no later than 4:00 pm Pacific Time October 18, 2017.  NOTE: Write-in candidates and those petitioning for them must be current 2017 DEMA Members AND must be renewed for 2018 by the date of record for the election.

ACCESS WRITE-IN NOMINATION FORM

Important Update for DEMA Show Attendees and Exhibitors Regarding Hurricane Irma

UPDATED: September 12, 2017

Important Update for DEMA Show Attendees and Exhibitors Regarding Hurricane Irma

DEMA Show will be open for business as planned on Wednesday November 1.

Our priority, as always, is to ensure the safety of our attendees, exhibitors and partners and to provide the best safeguards for your business.  

DEMA has no plans to cancel or postpone DEMA Show due to Hurricane Irma.  The DEMA Board has approved Disaster Assistance Funds for exhibitors and buyers located in the impact areas to make it easier for them to attend and exhibit at the show, allowing them to continue making their customers aware that their businesses remain in operation. The Orange County Convention Center is also closely monitoring Hurricane Irma. For updates from the convention center, visit www.occc.net/Irma.  

We have everyone impacted by Irma and Harvey in our thoughts.  Please consider donating to established charities that will be helping in the recovery efforts from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, local charities, and others.

Sincerely,

 

Tom Ingram
President and CEO

Go Dive Now’s Photo Contest Generates Significant Web Traffic & Brand Awareness

On July 1, 2017 DEMA launched an exciting social media contest in affiliation with the Go Dive Nowconsumer Marketing Campaign. The DIVE INTO SUMMER PHOTO CONTEST was created to increase traffic to GoDiveNow.com, engage the diving community, and promote the sport of scuba diving to non-divers. The contest concluded on August 3rd with the top three winners taking home incredible prizes donated by industry businesses. During the contest, divers were asked to submit their best diving photos and then promote their entries to their friends and family on social media to collect votes. The contest received 82 photo entries and 5,570 votes were submitted. The contest, both located on GoDiveNow.com and on Facebook, received over 17,200 page views! The photo contest was very successful in using social media to increase traffic to GoDiveNow.com as website sessions derived from social media increased 230% during the contest when compared to the previous period. Over 21% of visitors to the voting page on GoDiveNow.com then went on to view other pages throughout the Go Dive Now website.  As expected, the contest reached thousands of people on social media and was highly influential in generating awareness and interest in the sport of diving and the diving lifestyle. Dive businesses who donated a prize benefited by receiving significant exposure to potential new divers and customers! Thank you to the following companies who donated a prize to the DIVE INTO SUMMER PHOTO CONTEST: Charlie Hudson Writes, Harbour Village Beach Club, Martinique Promotion Bureau, Michael Johnson Entertainment, LLC, Minelab, Mobby’s LLC, Ocean Maps GmbH, and Ocean Technology Systems.  The contest winners can be viewed on the contest page on GoDiveNow.com. Congratulations!

DEMA Submits Comments on the Goliath Grouper Moratorium in Florida

As you may be aware, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission (FWC) is under pressure by fishing groups to lift a 25+ year moratorium on the harvest of the Goliath Grouper in Florida. In an effort to capture the opinions of all diving stakeholders on this issue, DEMA conducted a survey of divers and dive professionals asking their opinions on maintaining the Florida Goliath Grouper harvest moratorium. The results showed that by a large percent, respondents want to maintain the moratorium.

VIEW SURVEY RESULTS

With these survey results in, DEMA submitted a letter expressing the desire that a moratorium on harvesting the Goliath Grouper in Florida be maintained, as there is no scientific data indicating that this fish population has recovered from severe over fishing. Fishers continue to blame the increased population of Goliath on lower populations of lobster, snapper and other fish species. In fact, there is no data to indicate that Goliaths are the cause of these issues. In addition, Goliath Grouper are known to contain toxic levels of mercury, making the flesh inedible.

READ DEMA'S SUBMITTED COMMENTS

Share your input and learn more about the current status of Goliath Grouper by attending one of the FWC's upcoming public workshops. Workshops will be from 5 to 8 p.m. local time: Aug 16: Pensacola, Sanders Beach - Corinne Jones Resource Center, 913 South I St. Aug. 17: Panama City, Bland Conference Center, 4750 Collegiate Drive. Oct. 9: Jacksonville, Pablo Creek Regional Library, 13295 Beach Blvd. Oct. 10: Titusville, American Police Hall of Fame & Museum, 6350 Horizon Drive. Oct. 11: Stuart, Flagler Place, 201 SW Flagler Ave. Oct. 12: Davie, Old Davie School Historical Museum, 6650 Griffin Road. Oct. 16: Pinellas Park, Bill Jackson's Shop for Adventure, 9501 U.S. Highway 19 N. Oct. 17: Port Charlotte, The Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron St. Oct. 18: Naples, Collier County Public Library - South Regional, 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway If you cannot attend an in-person meeting, please submit comments online.

SUBMIT COMMENTS ONLINE