Most divers I know would like to attend DEMA, but are unable because of the restrictions set in place by the DEMA BOD.
I have attended every day of this years event and would like to relate the DEMA experience for those who cannot attend.
First and foremost - hey it's a blast

Scuba stuff everywhere - and the mermaids in NetDocs little corner of the world aren't too bad either
New gear is on display! Where else in the scuba world can you see, compare, touch (and sometimes try out) just about every piece of scuba equipment from most every vendor around the world!!!!!!- Ahh if I could just win the lotto - I could own a little bit of everything
The reality is that it is a manufacturer trade show. All attendee's get a color coded badge that allows the manufacturer reps to quickly recognize store owners, authorized store buyers, store staff, and independent instructors and divemasters.
The manufacturer's try to protect their dealerships by not selling to anyone who isn't a dealer (which has always made me wonder how those low cost web stores continue to have all of this gear to sell on-line).
If you are a store owner, or store buyer you get the full and undivided attention of all manufacturers.
The rest of us do not get that preferential treatment. Some manufacturers are gracious enough to talk with the "other" dive industry professionals. Some manufacturers won't even acknowledge that you are standing in their booth. :shakehead
One must again recognize that the manufacturers want to sell to the dealers, so talking to instructors and dive masters just doesnt fit into their marketing scheme.
The live aboard and resort operators are eager to talk to anyone in attendence, and when you ask them, they will tell you they wish the diving public were allowed in. Especially when DEMA is in Florida! So stay tuned, someday everyone may get in!
To those manufacturers who do take the time to chat with instructors and dive masters - Thank You! Everything we know about your equipment may lead to a sale for your company - even though a lot of us do not try to sell equipment, the reality is that we do get asked a lot of questions about your gear.
I would love to say who the gracious vendors were, but since I didn't talk to every vendor I am afraid I would inadvertently leave someone out and that wouldn't be fair and that isnt the purpose of my post anyway
This morning we had around 70 high school students participate in a Scuba Experience. It's always great to see the smiling faces of those who take that first breath underwater!!!!
If you get the chance to attend, GO! It really is fun and exciting.
Hope to see everyone at NetDoc's Scubaboard party tomorrow night where ALL are allowed and ALL are treated the same
Cheers