DEMA- Understand the deficit of ETHICS of what we are dealing with

[Leadking]

Long ago, I advocated some changes tor DEMA. The first was to consider an every other year show. The cost to the industry to hold this show is tens of millions of dollars yearly and I thought the money could be best used elsewhere. The second was that the organization consistently demonstrated the inability to invest the show profits in a measurable and constructive way. I asked the BoD to consider running the show on a cost only basis so that we could dramatically lower the cost to exhibitors and attendees. I felt that we could be heroes if we did that!

It turns out the DEMA is just another bureaucracy that needs to generate income to feed itself without regard as to where the money comes from.

I don't think anyone within the organization is mean spirited, just not pragmatic enough to understand what needs to be done.

Just an add on note; The decision to raise admission to the show is short-sighted. As a trade organization, they should be removing barriers between buyer and seller, not build them higher.

 

[cerich]

It turns out the DEMA is just another bureaucracy that needs to generate income to feed itself without regard as to where the money comes from.

DEMA is a parasitic organization, when the parasite is engaged in a symbiotic relationship it is in our mutual self interest to feed and protect DEMA.A symbiotic relationship would be DEMA engaging in activity that promotes our industry and its endeavors are indeed an honest effort. However there is NO reason that we should tolerate a parasite who is entirely intent on sucking everything possible out of the host until such time as the host dies. In that circumstance a smart "host" does everything it can to kill the parasite. Right now instead of the survival of the industry, DEMA seems more concerned with it's own survival. That makes sense if you are DEMA, however if you belong to the class that is paying for their survival and there is no benefit it doesn't.

In private conversations with members of the BOD over the last year one theme that is always there is that DEMA doesn't have enough money anymore, they can't do their mandate with the funds they have. So if they can't do their job beyond hold a show to keep the lights on and the employees paid they are in fact FAILING at their mandate and they MUST be eliminated.

They have rejected the possibility that DEMA could be relevant and successful by reinventing itself into a ALL member and WHOLE industry controlled association open to fresh blood and ideas. Instead they cling to a outdated notion of power and control.

 

[mdb]

LeadKing: You tried and failed. Thank you for trying. The bureaucracy prevailed their vested interest is just to maintain their jobs

The DEMA SHOW is now just a travesty, some parties, the sad exhibit hall full of travel and trinkets, hats and pins and all that. Not a very good venue at all. A better bet would be the strong consumer shows.

 

[The Chairman]

Unlike my good friend Chris, I don't see DEMA as parasitic or evil. In fact, I don't think that their motivations are any different than mine or Chris'. I truly believe that they want what is best for our industry.

Unfortunately, I don't think that DEMA does what is best for our industry. So what? There's a disconnect between their desire and execution. After all is said and done, there's always more said than done. They are no different from most of the trade associations out there.

So what do we do? I for one see no reason to castigate DEMA's BOD. I consider most of them friends, and I've got far, far better things to do. Perhaps a trade association that has a more contemporary outlook will be born out of this. Good luck to them if it happens. I would off you the same support that I offered to DEMA. Until that happens, I'll try to keep being the leader on the internet for all things Scuba. After all, my success never came from DEMA and it never will.

 

[cerich]

Unlike my good friend Chris, I don't see DEMA as parasitic or evil. In fact, I don't think that their motivations are any different than mine or Chris'. I truly believe that they want what is best for our industry.

Unfortunately, I don't think that DEMA does what is best for our industry. So what? There's a disconnect between their desire and execution. After all is said and done, there's always more said than done. They are no different from most of the trade associations out there.

So what do we do? I for one see no reason to castigate DEMA's BOD. I consider most of them friends, and I've got far, far better things to do. Perhaps a trade association that has a more contemporary outlook will be born out of this. Good luck to them if it happens. I would off you the same support that I offered to DEMA. Until that happens, I'll try to keep being the leader on the internet for all things Scuba. After all, my success never came from DEMA and it never will.

hmmm...maybe I wasn't clear,I don't see parasitic as necessarily evil,or necessary good. They can be both or one or the other or somewhere in between. It depends on the intention of the parasite.

I DON'T believe they want what is best for the "industry", they want what is best for them and their constituents. Because of the voting structure of DEMA their constituents are in fact of matter only the very biggest companies in the industry that feel the need to pay the largest amount of dues for as many "shells" as possible. That means a vested interest in the status quo, in this time, this economy that very status quo is more dangerous to the industry than a pissed off great white inside your cage with you.

 

[The Chairman]

A parasite is not the same as a symbiont. The former provides no benefit to it's host and is never welcome. The latter is mutually beneficial with it's host and is always welcome.

Common parasites include ticks, mosquitoes and fleas.

Common symbionts include, clown fish, cleaner shrimp and honey bees.

All organisms will fight for survival. Why should DEMA be any different?

 

[cerich]

A symbiont is not the same as a parasite. The former provides no benefit to it's host and is never welcome. The latter is mutually beneficial with it's host and is always welcome.

Common parasites include ticks, mosquitoes and fleas.

Common symbionts include, clown fish, cleaner shrimp and honey bees.

All organisms will fight for survival. Why should DEMA be any different?

OK..well we could argue the actual scientific definition but we (you and I) are not scientists... I think my point was understood and Thal can come along and correct us both on the science.

As to your question...of course it will fight to survive, they are, however why let it?

 

[Leadking]

LeadKing: You tried and failed. Thank you for trying. The bureaucracy prevailed their vested interest is just to maintain their jobs

The DEMA SHOW is now just a travesty, some parties, the sad exhibit hall full of travel and trinkets, hats and pins and all that. Not a very good venue at all. A better bet would be the strong consumer shows.

That being said, please help support our local show www.UMSATshow.org.

 

[mdb]

Lee, pls drop a PM and we will see what we can do to help the USMAT show.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I have been promoting and pushing for more manufacturer attendance at regional and even local shows. I am for the third year in a row going to be at Scubafest in Columbus,Ohio in mid March. I'm presenting and due to some decisions by SEI, in the best financial interests of the organization, getting my own booth. UDM Aquatic Services is 147 miles from the venue, My attendance there last year got me 6 students I otherwise would not have met. The show is for, about, and put on by DIVERS! There are some resorts and ops represented but for the most part it is local shops, authors, a few manufacturers ( WE NEED MORE THERE!!!) and lots of divers. It is not thousands of dollars for booth space. In fact for a small booth just a couple hundred. And nearly every attendee is a diver or wants to be one.

I hope to have my book ready by then. I would be willing to talk with some of the smaller manufacturers who would like a presence there in my space. I have volunteers to man the booth while I am doing my presentations. The thing is I am not a shop but an independent instructor who focuses on training and ADVISING my students and others on equipment. I don't want to carry an inventory unless it is on commission basis. I;d rather sell via my website and the small online magazine I'm now writing for whose base readers are in Europe and Russia. Need a dealer in my area that you'd be willing to drop ship for on internet orders I receive? Or send to me to reship? I am thinking about one line now that an offer has been made to me for. Thinking hard. Maybe that would be way for you to get in the Columbus show. Send me a couple representative items and help out with a few bucks for the booth or my dinner and I'll setup, display, sell, and promote the product. Smaller mfg's need to get creative and if you are not in an area, us independent instructors may help you make an inroad. Just my musings.

Believe me I know you can't be personally at every show. But when an opportunity like this comes how much of a risk really is it to take advantage of me and my hospitality? Don't have to send your entire line or 10 of each. A couple items, catalogs, and some order forms. Right now I will have my own personal gear there to display just for effect. My regs, BPW, Drysuit etc. Could be yours on display.

Sorry, But this is an example of how some of you guys could cut costs, get exposure, and prove to the "big boys" that there are other ways to get your message out and not spend what they have to.