Dema show???

[The Chairman]

Frustration levels within the industry are at an all time high. DEMA has abdicated its role as the marketing leader and innovator in our industry, leaving us with a lot of confused and p-offed peeps like Chris. I think its time for us to tell them that the emporer has no clothes.



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[Rec2Tek]

Pete,
Did you ask for the booth in the corner or did you get stuck there?

 

[The Chairman]

We got to choose our spot last year (in line with everyone else). Can/will they move us out of spite? Let's hope not.

This thread has taught me two things about DEMA.

1. They don't like criticism.
2. They simply don't like to change.

There are a number of inferences that you could make as well, but they are dwarfed by these two underlying issues. Until DEMA (or someone else) becomes responsive to the needs of the Dive Industry, then we will languish without a clear marketing leader. That's OK as long as we plan accordingly. Too many businesses thought they could rely on them for innovation and to guide them through this no-conomy. That has proved to not be true!

 

[BiancaC]

Hey Doc,
how do you break the news to somebody who is deaf?
We've been to Dema ever since (with and without booth), but don't renew our membership anymore. It is very unfortunate that our industry lost this platform.
Go, visit one of the surfer shows and wonder why?
Training Agencies and Insurance companies do evrything in their powers to take any fun out of our beloved sport and hobby.
We will be there again this year, to meet the old friends and make a couple of new ones!
Semper Fi

 

[Rec2Tek]

Is DEMA giving booth space away to get Scubapro to attend?

 

[MANTA III]

From doing quite a few trade shows over the years, ususally, the "actual booth space cost" is minor, compared to flights, hotels, meals, dreyage, entertaining and other expenses. They like so many others may just be trying to connect with the retailer again! Why the negative?

 

[mike_s]

so I get a email today.... apparently DEMA SHOW has added me as a friend in Facebook.


I'm like w.t.f. ?

I'm not a member of DEMA. So they are just randomly adding people to their list that might have scuba diving in their profile huh? jeez....

These guys won't come on Scubaboard, but they want to spam my Facebook account. Go figure.


PADI Sport Diver did the same thing recently also.

 

[mdb]

I'm not a member of DEMA. So they are just randomly adding people to their list that might have scuba diving in their profile huh? jeez....

These guys won't come on Scubaboard, but they want to spam my Facebook account. Go figure.


PADI Sport Diver did the same thing recently also.

Desperation

 

[The Chairman]

Desperation

Mike, you might be right, but I think it's more due to confusion compounded by their phobia of the internet.

It was pointed out to me recently in an e-mail that peeps on the DEMA board fear ScubaBoard since they simply have no way to control the situation. Think about it... when you go to their website, they control what you get to see. The same goes for twitter and facebook. They can censor what is said on their page and eliminate the appearance of anyone not agreeing with them. Businesses have always been acutely aware of this and they go to great pains to spin the media whenever possible.

Welcome to Web 2.0. Drama is the key word here. The more drama you provide, the more you will get noticed. In an absence of drama, drama is created. Trying to control the drama is like trying to control the wind. The more you try to force the wind to go one way, the more it buffets you and slings you around like a leaf. Control on the internet is illusory. You only gain control by realizing that you really have none. Rather than buck the wind head on, do what the wind surfers do and try a different tack. Sure, it takes a bit of nerve to let go, but the ride is WAY worth it. Feeling frustrated by the whole experience? Then seek help from the very best wind surfers. They'll show you just how to approach those windbags, er posters and really show peeps what you are made out of.

There are some very specific things ANYONE can do to appear to be Web 2.0 savvy. I'll be glad to share them with whoever wants to know.

 

[widget]

I was just looking through the "Clines diving industry survey results" and there still appears to be fairly strong support for the show, especially among the travel related business and secondly the retailers.
I think the travel business result is expected, Dema is probably good for them, but I have to wonder if Dema is still relevant to the equipment industry anymore.

From my point of view its not, so I was quite surprised at the retailer support.

I dont know if its okay to paste the survey here or if anyone is interested?.