BTS - Beneath the Sea 2024 - Saturday (March 23rd) Breakfast Meetup

[-JD-]

For those who have been to BTS before, how would you rate the trade show swag or purchase opportunities? Are there typically really good deals for retail buys?

Not that I am shopping for anything particular, but it may influence whether I travel by motorcycle or car.

The only "big" stuff that I remember was dive luggage (Osprey IIRC).

Bring a backpack for Piranha stuff and swag.

 

[tridacna]

Last year was my only time... I'd say no, nothing for sale you couldn't fit on your bike. I think there was only a couple general retailers, but I only walked out with a drysuit hanger. I heard that you might get deals if you hit booths at the right time--like right before packing up, but that was not my experience. Swag was also minimal... just brochures and maybe a few stickers.

Not to show my age... but if anyone else has been debating getting quality prescription lenses installed in their masks (readers for me), Prescription Dive Masks has a booth and I confirmed with Linda that they'll be able to do all the measurements and take your mask back to San Diego with them for installation. Just make sure you bring your script and mask. It'll save you shipping one way at least.

I’ll back you up on this one. I’ve known Linda for years. Used her dozens of times. Totally reliable.

The best booth for swag is Piranha. They have all the bits and bobs you can think of. I bring a backpack specifically for them.

I’m game for any time for a meal. I’m a 30 minute drive from the venue.

 

[BoundForElsewhere]

Breakfast around 9 is best for me. I would like to catch one of the 10:30 seminars.

If anyone is looking for me I'll be the tall white guy at the Piranha booth hoarding everything. Has anyone else seen those cool little switchblade line cutters Randy has now? so cute... so illegal.

 

[-JD-]

Since we have some 10:30 seminar folks - @mje113 & @rmssetc could you make 9am work?

I guess 9:30 with a 45 minute runtime could work, but tighter.

 

[mje113]

Since we have some 10:30 seminar folks - @mje113 & @rmssetc could you make 9am work?

I guess 9:30 with a 45 minute runtime could work, but tighter.

Hey I'd love to, but I have to drop the kids off, then 1.5 hour drive so I'd say don't count on me. I don't want you all to have to plan around my schedule. I should be there most of the day so I'm sure there'll be a chance to meet up at some point.

 

[-JD-]

If anyone is looking for me I'll be the tall white guy at the Piranha booth hoarding everything. Has anyone else seen those cool little switchblade line cutters Randy has now? so cute... so illegal.

View attachment 831824View attachment 831825

I somehow missed this post. How NYC!!

 

[mje113]

I’ll back you up on this one. I’ve known Linda for years. Used her dozens of times. Totally reliable.

I don't know Linda, outside of calling her multiple times to try to figure out how to measure my pupils. Once I saw they were exhibiting, I called again and she talked my ear off about all the shows she's going to see in NYC that weekend! Can't wait to meet her in person.

 

[BoundForElsewhere]

I feel stupid asking this but have we reached a consensus?

 

[tridacna]

Sorry about the tardiness. I’m in Florida right now. I’ll respond tonight.

 

[-JD-]

I feel stupid asking this but have we reached a consensus?

Yes .... well I have. There is a strong correlation between cats and SB members in the category of hearding. [Runs off waiving hands blabbering ....]


@mje113 doesn't have a solid ETA
@rmssetc expected a 10am ish ETA
@tridacna was fully flexible ... but the lastest update has me questioning.
@BoundForElsewhere was looking good for breakfast ... but maybe must be at 9:30?????
@-JD- breakfast starting anytime up to 10:30 or lunch/"lupper" after 1:45ish (preference - I'll make anytime work)