DEMA Introduces 2026-2028 Board of Directors

The results of DEMA's 2026-2028 Board of Directors Election are in! Members of DEMA's 2026-2028 Board of Directors include the following individuals:

A1-Manufacturing

• Patrick Danko, Garmin*
• Mike Hollis, Pro Asia

A2-Diver Certification and Training Agencies

• Jeff Mondle, PADI Americas
• JoAnn (Haack) Perry, Divers Alert Network*

A3-Dive Publishing, Media, Consulting and Non-Retail Service Providers

• Jeff Cinciripino, Scuba Educational Alliance of Connecticut*
• Dan Orr, Dan Orr Consulting

A4-Retailers

• Patrick Hammer, Dive Right In Scuba, Inc.*
• Richard Thomas, International Scuba

A5-Travel & Resorts

• Jason Belport, Clearly Cayman Dive Resorts*
• Shana Phelan, Pura Vida Diver

*Elected in 2026

In accordance with the DEMA Bylaws, Directors serve three-year terms. Additional information on DEMA's Board of Directors and Bylaws is available on DEMA.org. The election was conducted by the CPA firm Gray, Proctor & McMannis, based in Newport Beach, CA. All A-category DEMA Members who had joined or renewed their DEMA Membership for 2026 by January 12, 2026, were eligible to vote in this election. The final vote count is available to DEMA Members who are logged in to the Members-Only Dashboard on DEMA.org.

Congratulations to all of DEMA's Directors! In the coming weeks, the Board will meet to conduct officer elections, form committees, and select individuals to chair them. Contact us at toll free (800) 862-DIVE (3483), (858) 616-6408, or info@dema.org if you have any questions or are interested in serving on one of the DEMA Board committees. Additional Committee information can be found online here. Thank you for your continued support!

Don’t Lose Your Early-Bird DEMA Member Rate for DEMA Show 2026

DEMA has extended the deadline to receive the DEMA Show 2026 early-bird exhibit space rate to February 9, 2026. Please remit your 20% exhibit space payment AND your DEMA membership dues payment by this day in order to retain the special $22.95/sq ft early-bird rate.

 

As a 2026 DEMA Show Exhibitor, by February 9, 2026, please:

 

1. Ensure your DEMA Membership is current for 2026 and that you have renewed at the appropriate Membership level for your exhibit space.
2. Remit your 20% liability deposit payment for exhibit space.

 

If Membership dues and the deposit payment are not received by close of business on February 9, 2026, then the exhibit space rate will increase in accordance with the second bullet point of Section A (to $23.95/sq ft, due no later than close of business September 21, 2026) and on the timeline set forth in Section 5. Please review your contract and invoice for complete details.

 

If you haven't done so already, please join/renew your DEMA Membership and remit your payment by the February 9th deadline.

 

If you need assistance joining/renewing your DEMA Membership, please contact Alicia Stone, DEMA Membership Manager, at (858) 616-6408 or alicia@dema.org.

 

If you need assistance with your Exhibitor Login, please contact Deneen Pratt with DEMA Show Event Services at (703) 706-8248 or dpratt@ntpevents.com.

Florida Dive in Day 2026 to Highlight Important Industry Issues

 

Each year, DEMA sponsors “Dive in Day” at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida, giving DEMA Members the opportunity to visit our state’s Capitol, showcase their diving-related products and services, and promote issues relating to the scuba diving industry. We are excited to announce that this year’s Dive in Day at the Capitol will take place on February 19, 2026.  

Dive in Day provides a platform to engage Florida’s 160 legislators, the Governor and their staff members, and hundreds of visitors to the Capitol. DEMA has reserved the courtyard and first floor of the Capitol building to give DEMA Members and Florida-based diving businesses an opportunity to showcase Florida’s recreational diving operators. It’s an opportunity to showcase the significance of scuba diving to Florida’s economy, tourism, and marine ecosystems, while advocating for policies that support and sustain our industry.

Opportunities to Participate

1. Table-top Display at the Capitol Rotunda: We encourage members to set up interactive displays that showcase their dive shops, marine life education, or scuba diving experiences. If you are interested in exhibiting, we suggest you bring simple table-top displays, brochures, videos, product information, handouts, or other engaging materials to spark interest and conversation with lawmakers and the public.
   
   Exhibiting companies should plan to set up starting at 4:00 PM on February 18th so that your exhibit will be up and running on the morning of February 19th.* Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and are large enough to accommodate an 8ft table. For DEMA members, this is a free opportunity to reach divers, legislators, and visitors to the Capitol! If you are not a DEMA Member, check with us on how to participate in this great opportunity!
   
   Weather permitting, exhibit space is also available outside the Capitol building on a first-come, first-served basis and will accommodate a larger display. Contact Melanie Leyva for more information: mleyva@lawfla.com or (850) 201-5224.
   
   *Please be sure to let us know as soon as possible if you want to set up on the 18th by contacting Melanie Leyva: mleyva@lawfla.com or (850) 201-5224.
   
   
2. Donate Bag Stuffer Items: If you cannot attend in person, you can still support Dive in Day by contributing items for our DEMA Bags. Giveaway items, merchandise, and informational materials are distributed to attendees and lawmakers to amplify awareness of the diving industry and DEMA’s legislative messaging.
   
   
3. Lobby with Us: For those interested in bringing attention to issues critical to the Industry in Florida, on request, DEMA will arrange a time for you to meet with your state Senator or Representative or their staff members and provide you with information that will help you discuss these important topics. You can take advantage of this opportunity and participate with DEMA’s Public Policy efforts in Florida by calling Melanie Leyva at (850) 201-5224 or by email at mleyva@lawfla.com.
   
   Meeting YOUR Representative or Senator can focus attention on a variety of issues that affect the scuba diving industry, such as ecotourism, the future of the goliath grouper, spiny lobster, lionfish environmental issues, and others. DEMA will also distribute relevant information to legislators (and Capitol visitors), which includes the size of the diving industry in Florida and its importance in jobs, tourism, and the economy, with a focus on the economic benefit of Florida dive businesses and the protection of sharks and their vital role in the marine ecosystem.

To RSVP or for more information about Dive in Day at the Capitol, please contact Melanie Leyva at mleyva@lawfla.com or call (850) 201-5224. Whether you plan to exhibit, donate, or join us in lobbying efforts, your participation is invaluable. We look forward to seeing you at Dive in Day!

DEMA Announces Interim CEO & President as Executive Search Continues

 **Nicole Russell Appointed to Lead Association During Ongoing CEO Search**

The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) today shared an update on its executive leadership transition. While the search for the Association’s next President & CEO continues, the DEMA Board of Directors is pleased to appoint Nicole Russell, CEM, as Interim CEO & President, effective immediately.

The Board remains committed to a thorough and thoughtful selection process for DEMA’s next President & CEO, as originally announced in October 2025. The appointed Search Committee is reviewing and meeting with qualified candidates and the Board expects to identify an outstanding leader who will guide DEMA into its next chapter.

In the meantime, Nicole Russell, most recently serving as Vice President, Operations, will lead the Association’s daily operations and strategic initiatives as Interim President & CEO. Russell brings deep institutional knowledge, proven leadership, and strong operational expertise to this role, ensuring continuity and stability across DEMA’s member services and industry support programs.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are confident in Nicole’s ability to lead the organization during this transitional period,” said Dan Orr, Board Chair of DEMA. “Her deep understanding of our mission, coupled with her commitment to the diving industry and our members, makes her exceptionally well-suited to lead the Association while the search for our next President & CEO continues.”

Russell added, “I am honored to serve as Interim CEO & President during this important time for DEMA. Our focus remains on delivering value to members, supporting our industry partners, and ensuring a smooth leadership transition.”

The Board will continue its executive search process and plans to share further updates with the industry as they become available.