DEMA Show Honored as One of the Top 250 U.S. Trade Shows of 2015

Trade Show News Network has released their "2015 TSNN Top 250 Trade Show" list and we are excited to share that DEMA Show was recognized as one of top 250 shows in the U.S. last year! With more than 625 exhibitors, DEMA Show 2015 spanned over 142,000 square feet! Learn more about this recognition and the "Top 250 US Trade Shows of 2015" list! 

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DEMA Opens Official Hotel Block for DEMA Show 2016 in Las Vegas, NV

**Block Offers Exclusive Savings and Benefits for DEMA Show 2016 Attendees and Exhibitors at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino **

DEMA Show 2016 will be here before you know it and online hotel reservations for DEMA Show 2016 are now open! To save the most on your DEMA Show 2016 experience, taking place November 16-19 in Las Vegas, NV, book your accommodations in the official DEMA Show block at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, featuring exclusive exhibitor and attendee rates and benefits. Reserve your rooms today before the DEMA Show block sells out!

Once again, DEMA Show will feature the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino as this year’s Host Hotel. The Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino is conveniently located adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center – home to DEMA Show 2016.  Those booking in DEMA’s block at the Westgate will have access to complimentary shuttle service to and from DEMA Show 2016.  Special discounted room rates are available to DEMA Show registrants that make reservations in the official DEMA Show block by Friday, October 7, 2016, so ACT NOW!  Room rates are as follows:

• $106 Premium (Standard Room) for the following nights:  November 8-24, 2016*
• $126 Signature (Upgraded Room) for the following nights:  November 8-24, 2016*

*Must be booked by October 7, 2016 in order to receive this exclusive DEMA Show rate.  Based upon availability. Rates are based on double occupancy - an additional charge of $35 per person will be added for any additional people. Tax rate is 12%. Tax rate is not included with room rate. Attendees can opt in to the hotel's resort fees at $22 + 12% per room per night. Includes: Local & Toll Free Calls / Access for two to the Fitness Facility / In-room Safe / In-room Internet for three devices.

Complimentary shuttle service will be provided to official room block guests between the Westgate Resort and Casino and the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center from Wednesday, November 16 through Saturday, November 19. Only DEMA block participants will be provided with the shuttle bus pass required to board the shuttle. Shuttle service is limited to two buses during peak hours and one bus during off peak hours.

A SPECIAL CAUTION ABOUT HOTEL PIRATES!  DEMA would like to caution attendees and exhibitors to be wary when booking accommodations through unauthorized third party vendors claiming to work with DEMA Show.  These unauthorized vendors are often room “pirates” and though they typically offer what appears to be a lower rate than the official block rate, room reservations may be offered at significantly lower quality and may not be available for the duration of your planned stay.  In addition, cancellation policies with these “pirates” are often harsh and unforgiving, resulting in loss of fees or other penalties. Booking within the official DEMA Hotel Block also allows DEMA to negotiate exclusive rates for DEMA Show attendees and exhibitors.  Help DEMA keep your hotel costs down for DEMA Show by booking within DEMA’s official hotel block.

Join the Industry's New Consumer Marketing Campaign, GoDiveNow!

A New Consumer Marketing Campaign is Taking Shape - Now is the Time to Collaborate with Us and the Industry to Help Grow Diving with GoDiveNow!

DEMA is focusing on industry growth by developing and executing a consumer marketing campaign that will drive participation in our sport. We aim to utilize the industry research that has been achieved to target the audiences that will be most likely to fully engage in diving. This is a collaborative effort amongst industry stakeholders and we need YOUR HELP in collecting media files (photo and video files) that can be used in this multi-faceted advertising and social media marketing campaign. To have your materials considered for the first round of creative please submit your files by March 21, 2016. Learn more and donate your media files today!

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DEMA Forum - Be Part of GoDiveNow!

GoDiveNow is DEMA's new consumer marketing campaign and we need your valuable input!  Join us on April 3rd at Beneath the Sea to learn more about this program that is being developed with the help of multiple training organizations, manufacturers and travel providers, and how we can work together to reach more new customers. Join DEMA Executive Director Tom Ingram and contribute your ideas!

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DEMA’s Board of Directors Assembles for Quarterly Meeting

DEMA’s Board of Directors Assembles for Quarterly Meeting; Elects Officers, Establishes Committees & Develops Plans for 2016

On February 11th & 12th, the DEMA Board of Directors gathered for the first 2016 Quarterly Board Meeting to move the association forward on matters impacting the Industry.  Discussion included a revised DEMA public policy process, consumer research initiatives, the GoDiveNow consumer marketing campaign, 2016 budget review and Committee planning. Following approval of the consent agenda, key topics and actions for the coming year were discussed and the following actions were taken:

Industry-Wide, Collaborative Consumer Marketing and Social Media CampaignThe Board reviewed progress on DEMA’s industry-wide “Go Dive Now” consumer marketing campaign and discussed the next steps needed to push the campaign forward. A key element to the campaign’s success will be the need to collaborate with the Industry so that appropriate elements of the campaign can be used by DEMA Members to reach more non-divers.  This “multiplying effect” of the marketing message from all industry stakeholders is the best way to utilize the industry’s limited financial resources in an effort to help improve business for all. The Consumer Marketing Committee recommended, and the Board reaffirmed that Pay Per Click Advertising, along with a social media marketing strategy, using both paid and organic content will be the focus of this campaign. Further development to prepare the industry for launch will take place in the coming months.

Public Policy ProcessThe Legislative Committee provided a recommendation to the Board regarding the need to be more proactive on relevant legislative and regulatory matters, and DEMA staff proposed utilizing a web-based legislative service to help keep the Committee and the Industry informed in a timely manner of upcoming matters pertinent to the recreational diving industry. The Board discussed the importance of this legislative monitoring and voted to implement use of the service for 2016.

Consumer Research Initiatives

The Board discussed reaching outside of the industry and current divers in 2016 and focusing on surveying non-divers; special consideration was given to those who participate in the Pool Tour. An emphasis was placed on surveying current watersport enthusiasts to determine how to convert them to divers. The Research Committee will continue to develop and implement survey and research plans in 2016.

Retailer Resources

The Board reviewed the results from DEMA’s Retailer Advertising Survey which will be distributed to the industry in the coming weeks. More than 400 retailers replied to the survey with more than 270 from the US alone, providing a statistically significant sample from which to develop additional recommendations and programs.

Board Self-Evaluation and Governance

The Board reviewed summary results from 2015 Board Self-Evaluations including highlights and constructive feedback. Members of the Board agreed that continuing to collaborate with Industry stakeholders to discuss the Association, its programs, marketing efforts, research, DEMA Show and more will be crucial to help the Industry and the Association succeed.  The self-evaluations allowed Board members to discuss their own opportunities for change, both in their Board governance activities and toward improving the Association.

One of the more critical evaluation issues discussed by the Board was the structure of the Association.  Throughout 2015, the DEMA Board reviewed recommendations made by an independent consultant and comments made by DEMA members regarding DEMA’s structure. Such recommendations included officer succession planning and elections, voting structure and the recommended concept of hand-selecting DEMA Board candidates. As part of these discussions, a motion to maintain the current election process and voting structure for Directors was made and seconded. After much deliberation regarding the need for DEMA to focus on Industry growth, the polarizing nature of the issue, and the realization that the results of past elections would be unchanged under the consultant’s recommended structure and process, the Board voted to approve the motion maintaining the current Association structure.

  

DEMA Show Recommendations

The Board discussed ways to encourage and acknowledge Industry participation and recognizing rising new/young professionals in affiliation with DEMA Show and the DEMA Awards Party.

As DEMA Show 2016 will be the 40th Annual Show, the Board discussed ways to acknowledge and thank long-time Show participants this upcoming November in Las Vegas.

An important outcome of the meeting was the election of Board Officers and the formation of Board committees as follows:

  

DEMA’s 2016 Board of Director Officers include:

• Tim Webb, President
• Dan Orr, Senior Vice President
• William Cline, Vice President
• Tom Leaird, Treasurer & Secretary

DEMA’s Advisory Committees were suggested by DEMA Staff and for 2016 are established as follows:

• DEMA Show Committee
• Finance Committee
• Nominations Committee
• Consumer Marketing Committee
• Research Committee
• Retailer Resource Committee
• Membership Committee
• Travel Credential Committee
• New Professional Award Task Force
• Industry Growth Evaluation Committee

Many Board Members volunteer to work in various Committees based upon their areas of expertise and interests. Committees are established as year-long tactical entities, and the goals of Committees include developing new ideas, improving current programs and benefits, clarifying or resolving pending issues, and soliciting feedback from Industry stakeholders.  Task Forces operate on a shorter time horizon, typically working on a single issue.  Within their areas of focus, ideas and suggestions from a Task Force or Committees are well-researched, developed, and when ready for further action, proposed to the entire Board for input, further development, and implementation.Additional Committee information is available online.

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

The DEMA Board will meet again in May in San Diego, CA.    

Public Policy Alert - Proposed Ban on Spearfishing in Southeast Florida

PRIORITY: TIME CRITICAL

Your comments on a Proposed Ban on Spearfishing in Southeast Florida While Using Scuba are URGENTLY NEEDED.

DEMA requests all members of the Florida diving community submit written comments to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection BEFORE FEBRUARY 16, 2016 on a proposed ban on spear fishing while using scuba in the SE Florida counties of Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Martin.

DEMA is concerned that this ban is being proposed WITHOUT scientific data that indicate such a ban is warranted.  Further, DEMA is concerned that these proposed restrictions are aimed solely at DIVING, and EXCLUDE RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL FISHING, both of which have a much greater impact on fish populations than spearfishing while on scuba.

DEMA FAVORS CONSERVATION REGULATIONS WHICH IMPACT ALL SECTORS

WHEN SCIENCE INDICATES SUCH REGULATIONS ARE WARRANTED.

It is important to note that DEMA supports conservation of fish species when scientific research indicates the need to do so.  However, we also believe that when science calls for such harvest restrictions, ALL means of harvest should be subject to those restrictions, including recreational fishing and commercial fishing.  This proposed ban is focused SOLELY on spear fishing while using scuba, and excludes any mention of limitations on hook-and-line recreational fishing or commercial fishing.

THE FOLLOWING ARE DEMA’S CONCERNS WITH THESE RECOMMENDED MANAGEMENT ACTIONS:

1.      THIS ACTION IS BEING PROPOSED WITHOUT SCIENTIFIC DATA TO SUPPORT SUCH A BAN.  Although theRecommended Management Action  (RMA) cites many publications to support its proposal for banning spearfishing on scuba, the RMA also acknowledges that there are “Information Gaps.”  Specifically the RMA states that, “The relative number of fish taken by spear versus angling is unknown, as is the total magnitude of fish taken by spear.  It is a cryptic fishery.”

2.      ANY BAN ON SPEAR FISHING MUST ALSO INCLUDE SIMILAR RESTRICTIONS ON COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL FISHING.  Florida already has many fishing regulations in place which regulate seasonality as well as size and quantity limits, which appropriately impact all forms of fishing; commercial fishing, recreational fishing AND spearfishing.  Absent ANY DATA that specifically points to spearfishing as having a greater impact on supposedly “highly targeted species,” DEMA contends that these current limits and laws are adequate to prevent any “targeting of commercially valuable and ecologically important ‘trophy’ fish.”  Further, if additional regulations are needed for spearfishing on scuba, surely these same restrictions are warranted for ALL forms of extraction, including commercial fishing and hook-and-line recreational fishing.

FOR THE REASONS STATED, DEMA OPPOSES THIS PROPOSED BAN.  Should such a ban be enacted, there is significant risk that similar bans could be proposed in other Florida counties.  It is therefore important for ALL Florida dive businesses to participate in this comment period.

Our Florida Reefs will hold a series of community meetings around South Florida between now and February 17 to discuss this and other proposed regulations.  DEMA urges members of the diving community to attend these meetings and voice your opposition to this proposed ban, which unfairly singles out the diving community.  Two meetings will be held on each of the scheduled days, the first from noon to 2 p.m. and the second from 6 to 8 p.m. Meetings are being held in Broward, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Delray, and Fort Lauderdale. 

DEMA STRONGLY URGES ALL FLORIDA DIVERS AND ALL FLORIDA DIVE PROFESSIONALS TO SUBMIT THEIR WRITTEN COMMENTS ON THIS PROPOSED BAN HERE. Written comments will carry more weight than comments made during the scheduled meetings. 

Your written comments should include:

·        Your business location.

·        The amount of revenue generated by this activity and the losses if this ban is put into place.

·        Emphasis about the lack of data to support such a highly focused ban on this activity.

·        Concerns about singling out spear fishing on scuba without consideration for similar limitations being placed on commercial and recreational fishing.

Finally, OFR is also proposing many other actions that will impact the diving business in Florida.  With theseadditional proposals already under consideration, please be prepared to comment on them in writing and during face-to-face meetings.  For example, a proposal is being made to change the limits on the number of lobster taken during Florida lobster mini-season.  In this instance, be prepared to provide comments on the number of divers coming to your business to participate in this activity.

DEMA Board of Directors to Determine the Association’s Goals for 2016

** DEMA Board of Directors to Meet on February 11th and 12th in San Diego, CA**

DEMA’s Board of Directors will meet on February 11th and 12th to strategize the Association’s tasks and goals over the upcoming year that will help grow the Industry and provide added value for DEMA Members. Topics for discussion will include DEMA public policy procedures, consumer research initiatives, the consumerGoDiveNow campaign, 2016 budget review and Committee planning.

Day one of the Board meeting will begin with the election of Board Officers from among the current Board Members. With officers in place for the year, the Board will approve reports from past and completed activities as part of the “consent agenda.”  For February, the consent agenda will include:

• November 2015 Board Meeting Minutes
• Committee-Approved DEMA Show Exhibit Space Policies
• Post DEMA Show 2015 Summary
• 2015 Year-End Membership Update
• 2015 Year-End Financial Summary and Manufacturer’s Fund Report
• Investment and Operational Reserve Report

Following approval of the consent agenda, the Board will review proposed tasks and goals for 2016 including:GoDiveNow, DEMA’s new consumer marketing campaign; consumer research initiatives for 2016; a data collection and recognition program for U.S. retailers; proposed public policy procedures; goals for DEMA Show 2016; and more. Once all other agenda items from day one are addressed, the Board is scheduled to review the 2016 budget.

Day two of the Board of Directors Meeting will commence with the discussion of Committees for 2016. These Committees will begin to outline their objectives and goals for the year. Each Board Member can volunteer to work in various Committees based upon their areas of expertise and interests. Committees are tactical and the goals of Committees include creating new ideas, improving current programs and benefits, clarifying or resolving pending issues, and soliciting feedback from Industry stakeholders.  Within their areas of focus, Committees’ ideas and suggestions are well-researched, strategically-developed, and when ready for further action, proposed to the entire Board for input, further development, and implementation. Additional Committee information is available online.

After final discussion and approval of the budget and programs, the Board of Directors will address any new business and conclude the afternoon of Friday, February 12th. 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. Future 2016 meeting dates will be confirmed during February’s meeting.

DEMA Requests Nominees for 2016 Reaching Out Awards

**Deadline to Submit Nomination Form is 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, June 1, 2016**

DEMA is requesting nominations for the prestigious Reaching Out Award. Industry professionals are asked to consider nominating colleagues who have made the most positive contributions to the growth and sustainability of the Diving Industry, going beyond the norm of their day-to-day jobs and reaching out to make a difference for all. Nomination alone for this internationally recognized award is an achievement to be celebrated, and recipients are the true luminaries of the Industry. Acknowledging your colleague’s phenomenal influence on our Industry is a crucial part of carrying their legacy into the future in order to help our Industry grow and thrive.

Since 1989 the Reaching Out Award has been presented to individuals who have advanced the Industry in unique ways, often developing products, programs, services and events that changed diving for the better. Areas of contribution have included equipment design, exploration, photography, publishing, retailing, science, training, travel and water safety. For details about nomination requirements and selection criteria, review the 2016 Reaching Out Award Nomination Form.  All nominees must have been active in the Diving Industry for a minimum of 10 years and made a significant contribution to the sport of scuba diving.

Selected recipients are inducted into the Industry’s Hall of Fame as the leaders and heroes of our sport; the people who have helped make diving what it is today.  DEMA continues to honor recipients each year during the annualDEMA Show, including acknowledgment in the onsite Hall of Fame booth and during the Industry’s premiere networking event, the DEMA Awards Party. Event details for the DEMA Awards Party will be released in the coming months.

Get started on your nominations now!  If you have any questions about submitting a Reaching Out Award nomination contact Joyce Washington at (858) 616-6408 x101 or jwashington@dema.org.