Voting is Now Open for the 2021-2023 Board of Directors Election

 DEMA's 2021-2023 Board of Directors election will take place between December 14, 2020 and 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time on January 25, 2021.

All 2021, A-category DEMA Members who join by 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time on January 18, 2021, the date-of-record for this election, are eligible to vote.

The candidates for the 2021-2023 Board of Directors Election are:

A1 MANUFACTURING 

• Craig Lees, Suunto 
• Jenna Meistrell, Body Glove ​

A2 DIVER CERTIFICATION AND TRAINING AGENCIES 

• Jeff Mondle, PADI Americas​

A3 DIVE PUBLISHING, MEDIA, CONSULTING, AND NON-RETAIL SERVICE PROVIDERS 

• Jeffrey Bozanic, Next Generation Services 
• Larry McKenna, Save our Leatherbacks Operation (S.O.L.O.)
• Dan Orr, Dan Orr Consulting​

A4 RETAILERS

• Merial Currer, Patriot Scuba 
• Patrick Hammer, Dive Right in Scuba, Inc.
• Richard Thomas, International Scuba  

A5 TRAVEL & RESORTS 

• Bradley Barnett, Clearly Cayman Dive Resorts 
• Karolin Troubetzkoy, Anse Chastanet/Scuba St. Lucia 

PLEASE NOTE: Jerry Beaty has withdrawn from the A-3 Category. Any vote for him will not be counted.

Click through to learn more about the candidates and to cast your vote once NOW!

VOTE NOW

DEMA Backs Great American Outdoors Act

 With backing from DEMA and other outdoor recreation associations, the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) was signed into law on August 4th by President Trump. The original bill was sponsored by Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Joe Manchin (D-WV), and co-sponsored by a bipartisan coalition of 59 other Senators, and it passed the Senate by a broad bipartisan vote of 73-25. The bill also passed in the House with another bipartisan vote of 310-107.

GAOA fully funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) at a level of $900 million annually and addresses the approximately $20 billion maintenance backlog on federal public lands through a new "National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund.” The bill helps address priority repairs in national parks and on other public lands by directing up to $9.5 billion over five years to address maintenance needs within the National Park System, other public land agencies, and Bureau of Indian Education schools. It will also fully and permanently commit $900 million per year to the Land and Water Conservation Fund to ensure protection of, and access to, irreplaceable lands, waters and local recreation opportunities.

GAOA helps fund maintenance and conservation for diving areas in national parks such as:

• Acadia National Park
• America Samoa National Park
• Amistad National Recreation Area
• Apostle Islands National Park
• Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
• Biscayne National Park
• Buck Island Reef National Monument
• Cape Cod National Seashore
• Cape Hatteras National Seashore
• Cape Lookout National Seashore
• Channel Islands National Park
• Curecanti National Recreation Area
• Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
• Dry Tortugas National Park
• Fire Island National Seashore
• Gateway National Recreation Area
• Glacier National Park
• Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
• Grand Teton National Park
• Gulf Islands National Seashore
• Isle Royale National Park
• Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
• Lake Mead National Recreation Area
• Olympic National Park
• Ozark and Buffalo Rivers National Scenic Riverways
• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
• Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
• Redwood National Park
• Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve
• San Juan Islands National Historical Park
• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
• Virgin Islands National Park and Coral Reef Monument
• War in the Pacific National Historical Park
• Yellowstone National Park

DEMA Publishes Most Recent Dive Consumer Survey Data

 

** Reports Help Members Understand Current Customer Behaviors and Activities ** In late 2019, DEMA launched the 2019 Diver Online Survey with the goal of updating demographics and psychographics of divers everywhere. DEMA and industry professionals asked diving customers both within the U.S. and internationally to participate. More than 9,700 divers responded to the survey, with almost 1,000 coming from Canada, almost 5,000 from the US, and the remainder from countries across the globe. The survey requested activity information from respondents through 2019 and into the first quarter of 2020, and as such does not reflect the full impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The survey specifically probed information about diving consumer “behaviors” and activities to help the diving industry understand more about these aspects of the recreational diver market.  Two data sets are currently available with a third to be released in the coming weeks: An “All Countries” data set includes all 9,700 responses from every location, and a data set that includes only the U.S. is also available. The third data set will include only information from Canada. DEMA extends its thanks to the DEMA-Member companies who helped obtain participation by their customers in order to obtain this important information.  With an estimated 5 - 6 million active scuba divers worldwide, the large sample size is helpful in obtaining the clearest picture possible for the state of the market. The reports are available free to all DEMA Members, and can be purchased by non-members for $249.00 each. Members can obtain their free report by logging into their account on DEMA.org and downloading the report found under the "Market Research & Insights" section of their DEMA Member Dashboard.  Non-members can order their report here.

DEMA Board of Directors to Meet This Week

DEMA’s 2020 Board of Directors will convene during a conference call on October 2nd to discuss ways to help engage with the Industry and maximize DEMA’s benefits for Members.

The Board meeting will begin by voting to approve the “consent agenda,” a Robert’s Rules of Order device used to obtain “general consent” intended to expedite approval of routine items. The Board is provided consent agenda items in advance of the Board Meeting. This allows Board Members to study the documents in detail prior to the meeting so that the Board can spend its limited meeting time discussing forward-thinking items; policy and strategic issues that demand its attention.

For October’s meeting, consent agenda items include:

• Public Policy Committee Report
• DEMA Show Online Report
• Membership Report
• Financial Update
• August 14, 2020 Board Meeting Minutes

The Board will use meeting time to discuss the DEMA Show Online Education Series , happening now through November 20, 2020 as well as the four-day virtual trade show taking place November 17-20, 2020. The Board will also discuss plans for DEMA Show 2021 scheduled for November 16-19, 2021 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. The conference call will conclude with the Board covering any new business or consent agenda items that may require further discussion.

More information on DEMA’s Board of Directors and Bylaws is available on the DEMA website. Complete minutes from past Board of Directors Meetings are available to current DEMA Members from the Member Dashboard of www.dema.org. 

U.S. Federal Bill Supporting 529 Plans for Professional Certification

You may be aware of a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives (HR 5339) and its companion bill in the U.S. Senate (S 379) which would amend IRS regulations and which could have a direct financial impact on those wishing to earn professional certification (e.g., become diving instructors) and those wishing to continue their professional certification education and training. These bills are of direct interest to the diving industry as they would permit the use of 529 savings accounts to pay for such training and certification, including renewals.

A 529 plan is a college savings plan that currently offers tax and financial aid benefits. In addition to college tuition, 529 plans may also be used to save and invest for K-12 tuition. Although contributions are not deductible, earnings in a 529 plan grow federal tax-free and will not be taxed when the money is taken out to pay for college. There are additional benefits available for use with private, public, or religious elementary and secondary schools as well as for student loan payments and some apprenticeship programs. The bills under consideration in the U.S. House and Senate would add professional certification to the list of items for which these 529 plans could be used.

DEMA is supporting these bills and is asking for your support as well. DEMA’s letter to the House leadership and other congressional members can be found here. DEMA is requesting that members of the House sign on as sponsors for HR 3779, and members of the Senate sign on to S 379.

You can use DEMA’s suggested letter template on which to model comments and request support from your representative in the House as well as your Senator.

DOWNLOAD THE LETTER TEMPLATE

To locate and contact your member of the House and Senate, click on the links below and insert your address and zip code. You’ll be able to send an email or a letter by post.

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES  |  U.S. SENATE

DEMA Board of Directors Election Slate Announced

** Deadline to Petition for a Write-In Candidate is October 12, 2020 **

The Diving Equipment and Marketing Association is pleased to announce the candidates for the 2021-2023 DEMA Board of Directors Election:

A1 MANUFACTURING 

• Craig Lees, Suunto 
• Jenna Meistrell, Body Glove 

A2 DIVER CERTIFICATION AND TRAINING AGENCIES 

• Jeff Mondle, PADI Americas

A3 DIVE PUBLISHING, MEDIA, CONSULTING, AND NON-RETAIL SERVICE PROVIDERS 

• Jerry Beaty, Dive Training Magazine 
• Jeffrey Bozanic, Next Generation Services 
• Larry McKenna, Save our Leatherbacks Operation (S.O.L.O.)
• Dan Orr, Dan Orr Consulting

A4 RETAILERS

• Merial Currer, Patriot Scuba 
• Patrick Hammer, Dive Right in Scuba, Inc.
• Richard Thomas, International Scuba  

A5 TRAVEL & RESORTS 

• Bradley Barnett, Clearly Cayman Dive Resorts 
• Karolin Troubetzkoy, Anse Chastanet/Scuba St. Lucia 

DEMA Members interested in being added to the ballot through the write-in process must complete the nominee request and petition signed by a minimum of 2% of the Membership voting power or by 10 Regular (Class A) voting Members of the Association, whichever is less by 4:00 pm Pacific Time October 12, 2020. Write-in candidates and those petitioning for them must be current 2020 DEMA Members AND must be renewed for 2021 Membership by the date of record for the election (January 18, 2021).

DEMA Show Online Registration & Exhibit Sales are Now Open

 ** DEMA Members Save on DEMA Show Online Registration **

DEMA Show Online is now open offering big opportunities for attendees to learn, see the latest products and services, and buy from their favorite (or new) exhibitors. More than 80% of DEMA Show attendees are looking to evaluate new products and services, and almost 70% visit DEMA Show for educational programs from DEMA and participating exhibitors. DEMA Show Online brings attendees and exhibitors together online to learn, connect and grow our industry through an on-going virtual education series and a four-day virtual trade show and vendor networking event.

DEMA Show Online will feature live learning and on-demand programs as well as exhibitor-sponsored education opportunities. The DEMA Show Online education package provides attendees with a learning subscription offering multiple online moderated workshops, taught by business pros. These experts show you how to grow your business, obtain more customers and use the best of marketing. DEMA education team guests go live following each session to answer question about their topic or others in an “open-forum” style question and answer session. Education subscribers will also receive on-demand access to all the DEMA Show Online presentations through the remainder of 2020.

Join a community of professionals just like you! You don’t need to go it alone. Get support and connect with your peers via our professional community. Not only will you stay informed as news breaks, but you’ll gain access to a supportive group of professionals solving problems, just like you. Make valuable connections or ask questions you have. Peers and fellow members will help you tackle your challenges!

To register as an attendee, become a DEMA Show Online exhibitor or learn more, visit the official DEMA Show website. To have DEMA Show Online news delivered directly to your email, make sure you are subscribed to our emails! Exhibitors should also subscribe to the Show’s Exhibitor Companion. Attendees are encouraged to subscribe to DEMAIL for important Show information, announcements, and Industry news.

DEMA Opens Nominations for the 2020 Diving Community Champion Awards

 ** Deadline to submit a nomination is Monday, September 14, 2020 **

DEMA’s 2020 Diving Community Champions Awards will once again recognize the good works of DEMA-Member companies and showcase the recreational diving community to the general public.  All DEMA-Member companies are eligible to submit a nomination to recognize other DEMA Members, and honorees will be recognized during DEMA Show Online.

This year, 2020 has presented the industry and diving community with various health and social issues, and the 2020 Diving Community Champions Awards aims to recognize DEMA Member companies who have found unique ways to give back to their communities and society through recreational diving during these unprecedented times.

Nominations for the Diving Community Champion Awards are open now, until September 14, 2020.  Nominations can be submitted by any current DEMA Member company, and nominees must be current A-class DEMA Members.  For more information and to submit a nomination, click here.

DEMA Calls for Nominations for the 2020 Wave Makers Award

 **Finalists and 2020 Recipient to be Honored During DEMA Show Online**

DEMA will once again recognize new professionals in the diving industry who are employed by (or own) a DEMA-Member business with the 2020 Wave Makers Award! The Wave Makers Award was first introduced in 2017 and aims to recognize professionals who have been working in the industry for five years or less and have made a significant contribution to the industry during that time. The Wave Makers Award encourages the Industry to support a culture that fosters innovative thinking and encourages engagement with the association and industry by new professionals. Nominations for the 2020 Wave Makers Award will be accepted until Monday, September 14, 2020. All finalists will be recognized, and the final honoree announced during DEMA Show Online.

Wave Makers are employees or owners of DEMA-Member businesses who have been involved as a professional in the Diving Industry for 60 months or less and who should be recognized for their contributions to the industry, a dive business, and DEMA.  A complete overview of the criteria to qualify can be found here. Member professionals who have been active with DEMA by attending DEMA Show, serving on a committee or task force, or volunteering for the Go Dive Now Pool, or other activities related to DEMA, can qualify.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION in any of the following categories: Contribution to DEMA’s Mission, Providing Business or Community Service, or Contributing to Dive Industry Growth.

The Wave Makers selection process for 2020 will be as follows:

1. DEMA Members nominate a potential honoree, using the established criteria. 
2. The Awards Committee reviews these nominees, narrowing the field to the top candidates.
3. The top candidates are notified and asked to create a one-minute video about what they envision for the future of the association and/or the diving industry.
4. The videos are then shared on social media, and DEMA asks members to view them prior to DEMA Show and vote on DEMA.org for the Wave Makers winner for 2020.
5. Only DEMA Members can vote, as a log-in to the DEMA website and Member-only voting page will be required.
6. Each of the top candidates’ self-made videos will be played during DEMA Show Online 

Nominations are open now until September 14, 2020!  Finalists and the new professional chosen as the 2020 Wave Maker will be honored during DEMA Show Online.

DEMA Announces Virtual Event: DEMA Show Online

 

As previously announced, DEMA Show 2020 will not take place this November in New Orleans due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the industry will not be able to convene for a face-to-face DEMA Show, DEMA is pleased to announce details for an exciting new virtual event that will provide the industry with the opportunity to connect, learn, and grow: DEMA Show Online. DEMA Show Online will feature both an on-going virtual education series and a four-day virtual trade show and vendor networking event.

Kicking off on September 15, 2020 and continuing into November, DEMA Show Online’s education series will offer new online education opportunities weekly to registrants. Included will be countless options for on-demand sessions, LIVE education, “office hours” with speakers, DEMA-sponsored sessions, Exhibitor-sponsored sessions, and more.

From November 17-20, 2020, DEMA Show Online will host a four-day virtual trade show and vendor networking event. This four-day virtual event will feature an opening keynote speaker, opportunities to network with exhibitors, DEMA-sponsored education sessions, exhibitor-sponsored education sessions, access to the New Product Showcase, the 2020 DEMA Member Meeting & Update, 2020 Diving Community Champion Presentation, Wave Maker Award Presentation, and much more.

A complete schedule and registration options will be posted shortly. Make sure you are subscribed to DEMA’s weekly DEMAIL, so you don’t miss the announcement! 

Order Custom Branded Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Your Business

Whether you want to provide your employees with protective gear or be able to offer/sell custom branded PPE to your customers, DEMA has partnered with Jack Nadel International to provide you with many PPE products at great prices. Click here to browse the list of products, many with custom branding available! Help keep your employees, customers, and workplace safe as we navigate the impact of COVID-19 together.

COVID-19 Resources & Support Available to the Entire Industry

The COVID-19 pandemic has created countless challenges for our industry and businesses. In an effort to provide support and work together to navigate these challenges, DEMA has compiled a collection of resources available to the entire industry. Among these resources, you will find: COVID-19 Updates The Retail Reopening Guide Series Online Business Seminars and Webinars HR, Business, and Marketing Resources Free Shareable Images to Use During COVID-19 Member-to-Member Ideas During Tough Times Home Schooling Resources And much more! Access these resources today.

Important Announcement Regarding DEMA Show 2020

The DEMA Board of Directors has determined that, for the safety and financial well-being of DEMA attendees and exhibitors, DEMA Show 2020 will not take place this November in New Orleans. Importantly, DEMA Show 2021 will take place in person as scheduled from Tuesday, November 16 to Friday, November 19, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada, with additional measures taken to ensure the health and safety of all. Future in-person DEMA Shows will take place as listed here.

While the industry will not be able to convene for a face-to-face DEMA Show this November, DEMA will connect with the diving community to engage in a unique and creative way beginning in September 2020. DEMA will announce details in the coming weeks, and we look forward to providing a great community learning and engagement opportunity for all diving professionals using tools that are well suited for the current business environment.

DEMA Show 2020 Exhibitors who have made payments toward their exhibit space have options with regard to this change, including obtaining discounted exhibit space and additional seniority space selection points for DEMA Show 2021 in Las Vegas. Click here for more details. Please note: These offers are for Exhibitors who have already made deposits towards their DEMA Show 2020 booth (i.e., does not apply to contracted/zero-paid exhibitors).

We look forward to connecting in new and valuable ways throughout 2020 and beyond! In the meantime, subscribe to DEMA’s email lists to stay updated on the ways DEMA can work for you during these challenging times. Above all, be safe, stay healthy, and let’s get back to business!

Retail Reopening Guide Series Available from DEMA

As the U.S. federal government, states and local governments consider a post-COVID-19 economy, retailers are seeking ways to protect customers and employees, while safely reopening their businesses. DEMA's new Retailer Reopening Series includes guidance broken down into three phases: 

1.  Reopening Phase I: Considerations for E-commerce, Contactless Curbside Pickup & At-home Delivery and other topics common to all phases of reopening
    
2. Reopening Phase II: Re-opening with Social Distancing and Reduced Occupancy 
3. Reopening: Phase III: The New Normal - Establish Protection, then Lift Restrictions

Phase I and Phase II are now available for download. Click here to access the guides today! 

Update on DEMA Show, the DEMA Association, and COVID-19

DEMA Show 2020 is currently scheduled for November 4-7, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. As the world’s only trade-exclusive diving, travel and watersports event, DEMA is continuing to plan for a face-to-face event while exploring all the options technology has to offer.

We are aware that the current situation with COVID-19 creates some unknowns regarding DEMA Show for our exhibitors, attendees, and the Industry at large. We share your concerns about the financial recovery of dive retail, dive travel, dive training and manufacturing, as well as concerns for the health and safety of all divers and dive professionals. News reports from Louisiana that the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center continues to be utilized as a medical monitoring station for patients recovering from COVID-19 and that the governor of Louisiana has extended stay-at-home orders for the state, complicate the possibilities of staging a face-to-face event in November. 

DEMA is monitoring the situation in New Orleans and will continue to provide updates on DEMA Show and other opportunities for members of the Industry to stay engaged with each other. The DEMA Board of Directors has extended exhibitor payment deadlines for DEMA Show – the next has been extended to June 15, 2020. Exhibitors can utilize this additional time to carefully assess their marketing needs and how the professional outreach possible through DEMA Show can assist as dive and travel markets re-open.

The DEMA Association is also providing other services to the Industry; the DEMA Retailer Resource Committee is currently reviewing proposals for DEMA-sponsored professional development programs, and the Public Policy and Retailer Resource Committees are helping shape local and state government policy in the U.S. to keep diving businesses open through the crisis. The Association continues to create and share engaging marketing materials and other resources for DEMA Member retailers to use as they reach out to potential and returning divers on social media. DEMA also continues to provide guidance to Industry members on applying for available government financial assistance.

All of us at DEMA are committed to providing the safest and most productive professional experiences for the Industry. We all look forward to the next stages of healthy recovery and to getting back to the activity and business we all love.

Five Resources to Protect Your Dive Business in the Face of COVID-19

With the uncertainty surrounding the spread of COVID-19 and the latest information that the effects of this National Emergency could continue into the summer, it is critical for dive retailers and all small dive businesses to stay in front of their customers and to utilize all the resources available to them. 

DEMA suggests several resources from the federal government and from DEMA for Members to consider during this crisis.

STAY HEALTHY AND SAFEMost important is the need for all to remain safe and follow the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). These guidelines can be found on DEMA’s COVID-19 update page.

SBA DISASTER LOANS
The President has ordered that low-interest loans be made available to small businesses effective immediately from the Small Business Administration (SBA) in states affected by COVID-19. Congress has increased funding levels for these SBA Disaster Loans to $50 billion.

As of this writing, dive businesses in these states are eligible for these SBA Disaster Loans – businesses in the remaining states will be eligible when the Governor requests access to the SBA Disaster Loan funds. If your state has not yet requested access, you can send an email to the Governor requesting access by clicking here and asking the Governor to immediately request access to SBA Disaster Loans. An example email will populate the page for you, or you can include your own email verbiage.

Where SBA disaster loans are available, apply by calling the SBA at 1-800-659-2955, or start the application process here. To find and access to your local SBA resources, click here. Don’t wait – these resources are finite and may take time to process.

POOLS, EQUIPMENT AND TEACHING FACILITIES
The federal government is recommending that people gather in groups of fewer than 10. If you are running classes, keep your classes small and utilize online instructional resources when available. You can also host online events for your customers to let them know more about diving, about upcoming sales, and more.

If possible, consider teaching CPR/first aid to keep customers coming back to your store. Classes can be kept small, and your training organization’s proper cleaning guidelines can help protect you and your customers.

When possible, consider local diving – this is healthy exercise, and it means being out in the fresh air while using proper social distancing and following appropriate safety guidelines. Keep your customers active using local underwater treasure or Easter egg hunts, dives from local charters, and other ideas that allow divers to participate until they can travel more extensively. 

Keep your dive equipment clean. Divers Alert Network has issued guidelines for sanitizing dive equipment, which can be found here.

With schools closing, pool facilities for teaching scuba may become scarce. Some stores with pools are willing to share. You can find contact information for other nearby retail dive stores at GoDiveNow.com. Now is a good time for all of us to work together.

MARKETING
It is critical to continue being visible and relevant to your customers and communicate about your operation, talk about diving, and keep customers and local divers engaged. Time after time, those businesses that continue promoting their operations and services come out better and faster following a crisis when they have continued marketing. 

DEMA Member businesses can keep their continuous marketing efforts up and keep their cost down by utilizing the FREE professionally designed marketing materials from the Go Dive Now Member Toolkit.

USE INEXPENSIVE, TARGETED SOCIAL MEDIA ADS FOR OUTREACH
DEMA Member Retail Stores can stay in front of potential customers by receiving a FREE chart of local zip codes which contain the greatest number of target households with the highest per capita income who are good candidates for interest in learning or continuing to dive. These zip codes are ideal for targeting on social media, using Go Dive Now materials, free to DEMA Members.

DEMA will continue to provide access to guidance as more resources become available. If you have questions, please contact us at info@dema.org.

DEMA, DEMA Show and the Coronavirus

DEMA and DEMA Show are continuing to monitor the issues being created by the presence of the Coronavirus and taking steps to minimize any impact on DEMA Show and on services provided by the DEMA organization.

Importantly, DEMA anticipates hosting DEMA Show in New Orleans, in November 2020, as scheduled.  As of this date, the US Travel Association advises that “travel within the U.S. can and should continue as normal.”

We recognize that the Coronavirus outbreak, along with misinformation and the surrounding media coverage are creating issues for all stakeholders in the recreational diving industry. DEMA is closely monitoring the ongoing developments with this issue and is committed to taking the appropriate precautions to provide a safe and healthy environment for DEMA Show exhibitors and attendees.  DEMA is also following the latest recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as direction from U.S. government and local officials.  In addition, DEMA is working with the City of New Orleans on health and safety measures.

DEMA has also taken the following steps to help

• Created a web page for all industry members which contains pertinent articles on travel, equipment usage and cleaning, and health guidelines from the WHO and CDC, as well as links to outbreak monitoring services. The page can be found here: https://www.dema.org/page/CoronavirusUpdates.
  
• Extended payment milestones for DEMA Show Exhibitors to assist as businesses get through the immediate concerns.
  
• Working with association and convention industries as well as with show-related vendors to bring the latest information and event protocols to DEMA Members, DEMA Show Exhibitors and DEMA Show Attendees.

DEMA belongs to a coalition of recreation businesses all facing the same issues and much of the same regulatory environment. Working with this coalition provides access to additional ideas and data to help us all with this worldwide concern.

DEMA Show is on track for staging in New Orleans, November 4-7, 2020.  The health and safety planning for DEMA Show is a top priority for us. If you have any concerns or questions, please reach out to us at info@dema.org.

Coronavirus: Stay Informed with Daily Updates & Resources

DEMA is working with the association and convention communities to help bring you the best information available regarding travel to consumer dive and adventure shows, as well as other travel opportunities. We are relying on and linking advice from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) so that you can most easily locate the latest updates. Whether you are planning to travel to dive, take customers on local diving excursions, or visiting a diving or travel show, DEMA is recommending that members of the industry follow these WHO and CDC Guidelines.

LEARN MORE

Nominate a Deserving Industry Professional for the 2020 DEMA Reaching Out Award

DEMA is now requesting nominations for the prestigious Reaching Out Award! Since 1989, the Reaching Out Award has been presented to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the sport of diving by "reaching out" in some special way to improve the sport for everyone.  The deadline for online submissions is 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, April 13, 2020.

LEARN MORE & SUBMIT A NOMINATION

Coronavirus: Stay Informed with Daily Updates & Resources

DEMA, its members, and the diving industry, like the general public, are concerned about the impact of the Coronavirus on our families, loved ones, and our businesses. While there are still many unknowns, DEMA is committed to sharing resources on this issue with the diving community using a variety of channels.  DEMA is working with the association and convention communities to help bring you the best information available regarding travel to consumer dive and adventure shows, as well as other travel opportunities. We are relying on and linking advice from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) so that you can most easily locate the latest updates. Whether you are planning to travel to dive, take customers on local diving excursions, or visiting a diving or travel show, DEMA is recommending that members of the industry follow these WHO and CDC Guidelines. We hope that this information can help DEMA members plan for contingencies as the situation evolves. You and your team can access these resources on the DEMA website by clicking here. We are all hopeful that the medical community will soon find a means to end this epidemic and limit the immediate effects of the outbreak.

ACCESS CURRENT RESOURCES & INFORMATION