Thoughts on Our World Underwater

[Surface Interval]

Hey all!

I am trying to find some opinions from people on Our World Underwater near Chicago, but only one post that I've found even mentions it-but no one is saying that it was great or that it was horrible, only that they were there.

It claims to be "the largest show in the Midwest."

Is that true? Does it get "packed out?"

We have only visited a few shows, the Texas Dive Show --to visit 3 years and to exhibit 1 time so far, and last year we visited DEMA and will be exhibiting in Vegas this year.

I'm curious to hear from attenders AND exhibitors.

Don't hold back!
Thanks,
tina

 

[Wookie]

Tina, I consider it one of the big consumer shows, not for it's size, but for the quality of attendees. The Long Beach show and Beneath the Sea also fall in this category. SeaSpace in Houston was the other, and the best of the 4 in many ways, until it imploded amidst the carnage of the downfall of the scuba industry. I will only be showing at BTS and OWU this year, although I will be walking the floor at DEMA. You have to figure out who your target audience is. Are you marketing to divers or dive shops. Maybe it's both, as you hope divers will ask their shops to order your products. My target audience used to be dive shops, but lately, it's been far more oriented towards divers.

 

[Surface Interval]

We would like both. Right now we are wanting to have as many people see us as possible. I am also feeling that the East side of the country has more going on than the West side (other than DEMA), but maybe that is just me?

 

[Wookie]

I would not count out California divers. They travel.

 

[mblazer]

I can only speak for myself and a couple of friends, as consumers. Last year was the first time I went to the Rosemont show. It was packed with people and exhibitors, and we had a blast. The great thing was that I was able to get a lot of first hand info on dive sites around the world (of course, each one is the "best"). Also, I got to see and compare a lot of different products that my LDS may not carry (although they are the best stocked one I've seen). I ended up buying, or deciding to buy, two different items based on what I saw at the show. I don't think you can go wrong by being there.

 

[Surface Interval]

Blazer, How would you compare it to other shows you have been to?

 

[CheddarChick]

5 years running...It is a great break in the dead of winter...

 

[Surface Interval]

Wanted to thank each of your for your input and let you know we have decided to brave the cold (and snow??) and exhibit at OWU this coming year.

Hope to meet each of you in person (Frank, we already recognize you on sight!) at the show!

Happy diving

 

[John_B]

I would not count out California divers. They travel.

So do Midwesterners.

Quarry diving will do that to you.