As day four came to an end and exhibitors started tearing down their booths just a little early, it was apparent that for most this years DEMA show was a success but by no means stunning. After the 2004 show in Houston, lots was riding on Vegas and it did perform most of the big names were there, the crowd was a decent size but the DEMA of a decade ago is clearly not back, at least not yet. After speaking with countless exhibitor reps and attendees, most businesses were able to accomplish what they wanted which is to keep business running and that the main goal of the show. However, there did seem to be something missing the innovations, the industry buzz and the atmosphere were just not where people wanted them to be. Many great products are on their way out and for the most part the show did succeed in really growing back up, certainly it was a step in a better direction.
On day 3 we covered most of the manufacturer announcements and updates but just in case you missed it, heres a list of some of the new and upcoming products showcased at this years show.
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=114778
Surprisingly the travel side of the industry seemed on par with last years presence. While many people have voiced opinions about DEMA turning into a travel show, that was not as evident this time around, most likely because of the return of a few big manufacturers. Still travel was well represented with isle after isle devoted to locations around the world. Despite the critique of travel at DEMA, it is evident that in shops and in the industry as a whole travel is what is driving business forward after all, who doesnt want to dive and dive in a tropical paradise?
If youre looking to travel be sure to check back to the DEMA forum for specials direct from the show.
For ScubaBoard DEMA was a success on many levels it amazes me to see how many people know our name and know our site. Shop owners, instructors, magazine reps, even manufactures are all represented on ScubaBoard either as active members or lurkers and hearing from hundreds and hundreds of them was fantastic. DEMA was also immensely helpful in allowing ScubaBoard to further brand our name to the industry; I expect this will mean more divers and more experienced members for the community.
Finally this years DEMA had a few exciting events and guest appearances. Throughout most of the show, John Chatterton and Richie Kohler from the History Channels hit show Deep Sea Detectives were present to speak about the Ships2Reefs project and for meet & greet events while they have certainly obtained some level of celebrity status, both were extremely accessible to show attendees and we hear nothing but good things about their involvement in the show and Johns role in Ships2Reefs.
Renowned underwater Wyland was also present with a large collection of his artwork on display including a new piece which he worked on while at the show. Wyland was interviewed by ScubaRadio regarding his involvement in The Academy of Underwater Arts & Sciences where he presented an award. You can also find a short interview with Wyland conducted by DeeperBlue.net at the DEMA show.
This year also featured an underwater press conference with 14 individuals from the dive media including NetDoc from ScubaBoard, staff from DeeperBlue.net, an employee of CNN and a writer from Sport Diver all interviewing DEMAs president. Ocean Technology Systems provided their Aga Mask & Buddy Phone system to facilitate the dialog and ScubaDiving Magazines Scuba Tour provided the gear. The entire event was held at the Rivera hotels pool after being moved around the city several times. As you can imagine the entire event was a major undertaking but it would appear that diving can happen in Las Vegas after all!
Despite the apparent short comings DEMA was a busy, busy, busy event this year. Next years show takes place in Orlando and hopefully it will build off of what we had here but that remains to be seen. Check back for more photos, articles and industry news as we catch up from the last few days!
On day 3 we covered most of the manufacturer announcements and updates but just in case you missed it, heres a list of some of the new and upcoming products showcased at this years show.
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=114778
Surprisingly the travel side of the industry seemed on par with last years presence. While many people have voiced opinions about DEMA turning into a travel show, that was not as evident this time around, most likely because of the return of a few big manufacturers. Still travel was well represented with isle after isle devoted to locations around the world. Despite the critique of travel at DEMA, it is evident that in shops and in the industry as a whole travel is what is driving business forward after all, who doesnt want to dive and dive in a tropical paradise?
If youre looking to travel be sure to check back to the DEMA forum for specials direct from the show.
For ScubaBoard DEMA was a success on many levels it amazes me to see how many people know our name and know our site. Shop owners, instructors, magazine reps, even manufactures are all represented on ScubaBoard either as active members or lurkers and hearing from hundreds and hundreds of them was fantastic. DEMA was also immensely helpful in allowing ScubaBoard to further brand our name to the industry; I expect this will mean more divers and more experienced members for the community.
Finally this years DEMA had a few exciting events and guest appearances. Throughout most of the show, John Chatterton and Richie Kohler from the History Channels hit show Deep Sea Detectives were present to speak about the Ships2Reefs project and for meet & greet events while they have certainly obtained some level of celebrity status, both were extremely accessible to show attendees and we hear nothing but good things about their involvement in the show and Johns role in Ships2Reefs.
Renowned underwater Wyland was also present with a large collection of his artwork on display including a new piece which he worked on while at the show. Wyland was interviewed by ScubaRadio regarding his involvement in The Academy of Underwater Arts & Sciences where he presented an award. You can also find a short interview with Wyland conducted by DeeperBlue.net at the DEMA show.
This year also featured an underwater press conference with 14 individuals from the dive media including NetDoc from ScubaBoard, staff from DeeperBlue.net, an employee of CNN and a writer from Sport Diver all interviewing DEMAs president. Ocean Technology Systems provided their Aga Mask & Buddy Phone system to facilitate the dialog and ScubaDiving Magazines Scuba Tour provided the gear. The entire event was held at the Rivera hotels pool after being moved around the city several times. As you can imagine the entire event was a major undertaking but it would appear that diving can happen in Las Vegas after all!
Despite the apparent short comings DEMA was a busy, busy, busy event this year. Next years show takes place in Orlando and hopefully it will build off of what we had here but that remains to be seen. Check back for more photos, articles and industry news as we catch up from the last few days!