Is the DEMA Show Nov 8-11, in Orlando FL.,a good place to see all the equipment and obtain good information before I make a purchase or should I stick with LDS?
DEMA Trade Show
- Thread starter ccso434
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The DEMA show is for Dive Professionals only. You have to have instructional status or be affiliated with a business to attend.
To have a buyer's or retailer's badge you must have presented proof that you buy and sell quantities of equipment in a retail environment. To be able to meet with vendors, place orders, and obtain catalogs and price lists you must have this status. This is a great time for managers to meet with their reps and lay out plans for the coming year. There are always specials in equipment, materials, and travel that save the retailer money.
The instructor's badge allows one to view all the latest equipment and attend various updates and classes that expand your instructional knowledge. Usually the vendor reps are hesitant to talk to instructors and will not give them price lists.
The show is not intended to be open to the general public. Those retailers that buy badges for their customers are doing everyone a disservice.
There are other shows throughout the country and throughout the year that are intended for general public attendance and are much better for the purpose that you describe.
To have a buyer's or retailer's badge you must have presented proof that you buy and sell quantities of equipment in a retail environment. To be able to meet with vendors, place orders, and obtain catalogs and price lists you must have this status. This is a great time for managers to meet with their reps and lay out plans for the coming year. There are always specials in equipment, materials, and travel that save the retailer money.
The instructor's badge allows one to view all the latest equipment and attend various updates and classes that expand your instructional knowledge. Usually the vendor reps are hesitant to talk to instructors and will not give them price lists.
The show is not intended to be open to the general public. Those retailers that buy badges for their customers are doing everyone a disservice.
There are other shows throughout the country and throughout the year that are intended for general public attendance and are much better for the purpose that you describe.
OP
Thanks. That was the answer I did not want to hear, but had to ask the question anyway. I had hoped to go and looked around, being only 2 hours away.Tom Smedley:
Tom Smedley:
You DO NOT have to be an instructor to attend, any divemaster or assistant instructor can go (regardless of he/she being affiliated with a dive shop).
dl348 -- Your point is well taken, but the "flavor" is still the same. DEMA is for diving "professionals" (shop owners/employees, instructors/dive masters/etc, retailers, industry, certifying agencies and so forth). It is not designed as a show for the general public. There are lots of shows oriented to the public, however.
ccso434, there is a show in Ft. Lauderdale every spring (the name escapses me right now) and last December was the Florida Dive Show in West Palm. Both would be great to attend!
ccso434, there is a show in Ft. Lauderdale every spring (the name escapses me right now) and last December was the Florida Dive Show in West Palm. Both would be great to attend!
An instructor can walk up to the counter and buy a ticket. An assistant instructor or divemaster must have their retail business buy it for them. Again, an instructor card only allows one to view the exhibits and to attend the seminars. You must have a seller or buyer badge to get any joy from the exhibitors. It helps when you wear Khaki slacks and a golf shirt too vice blue jeans with holes and a tee shirt.
dl348:
Tom Smedley:
This statement is NOT TRUE. I spoke to Kay Morell at DEMA today and she verified that a DM or AI may purchase their tickets themselves, regardless of being affiliated with a retail business or not. Her phone number is 703-683-8500 ext. 633 if you feel the need to verify this.
Also, DEMA's website's is consistent with what Kay said to me earlier today.
Scared Silly
Contributor
I have been to Dema as an independent DM. Just signup on line then present your C-Card when you pick up your badge. All quite simple.
Also I have found that most manufacturers will talk to you no matter your status. That said they do have appointments and are there to work with dealers so you may not get alot of time but I have yet to be ignored. The folks at DUI were great as were serveral others. I tried on the new suits and asked lots of questions. Of course I already owned a DUI suit so that have helped.
Also some but not many manufacturers have key pricing for working independent instructors and DM so if you are interested in a product ask about this. There are typically some hoops to this like working through a local shop.
For the general public there are many scuba shows through out the US. And this is a great way to learn about gear and meet the manufactures.
Also I have found that most manufacturers will talk to you no matter your status. That said they do have appointments and are there to work with dealers so you may not get alot of time but I have yet to be ignored. The folks at DUI were great as were serveral others. I tried on the new suits and asked lots of questions. Of course I already owned a DUI suit so that have helped.
Also some but not many manufacturers have key pricing for working independent instructors and DM so if you are interested in a product ask about this. There are typically some hoops to this like working through a local shop.
For the general public there are many scuba shows through out the US. And this is a great way to learn about gear and meet the manufactures.
You've proven your poiint well. And all I ever wanted to do was buy a melon.
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