As do most things these days -
My first year (5 years ago) as a new diver the show was a different world for me. Just started diving - and I was soaking up everythuing. I strolled wide-eyed down the aisles and remember coming home with a huge bag of brochures and stickers. I parked free at the Hilton had a nice brunch and walked over to the show.
At that first show I tried on a Dry Suit (Who's wear one of these things...? Lemmie understand - this thing costs 10 times more than my wetsuit and is supposed to keep me warmer...? Sure, tell me another good one...) saw the newest $79.95 Oceanmaster snorkle (so wider IS better, cool...) oogled the newest titanium pig sticker (stays sharper linger, $150...cool, I'm in) saw the protos for some stupid fin with a tear in the middle (use less air, reduce cramps...you're killing me...) someone was hawking red masks that let you see better colors at shallow depths (Uh, OK) and that housing for my camera costs 4 times as much as my camera (are you mental...who'd buy that?)
In my mind, I remember there being better discounts, more coupons, lots more dive-related stuff (wearables, stickers, shirts, books, travel, etc.) and even more manufacturers.
Fast forward five years - I have my gear set, I have all the dive related hoopla I can stomach, I don't book travel at trade shows any longer, I went to see people in the industry I actually have come to know and parking is $8.00.
Maybe I've changed....
