First time attendee here. Thought it was cool although a bit upset that folks started packing up at 3:30 PM on Sunday. I didn't arrive until around 1 PM on Sunday mainly because I didn't expect to spend more than 2 hour at the show. Boy, was I wrong! 3 hours passed and we'd only made it down 2 isles. Definitely, big enough in my opinion. However, my biggest complaint was that you couldn't buy stuff... stuff that matters. WHY!?!?!
What a huge opportunity for manufacturers to showcase gear and sell large quantities while passing on savings on to loyal and/or new customers. If this causes a riff between LDS's and the manufacturers, then the LDS's should be able to offer the same discounts while profiting with similar margins.
They could have also benefited by having more training offered at discounted rates especially Discover Scuba classes. Seem to be the travel booths were the only ones to have it right with offering discounts albeit, small discounts. The only way I'm going anywhere else is if someone at one of these shows convinces me that their operation/hotel/resort/dives are better and more of a bang for your buck. Aside from offering discounted packages, they didn't seem interested with selling me what they had to offer.
The photo exhibit was great.
Sure wish the manufacturers that I purchase from cared enough to show up. Perhaps I'll have to reconsider future purchases and give my business to companies that think my undivided attention at a show like this is worthy of setting up a booth and showing me what's new and why they're better. Same goes for my LDS who also was not present. Hummm, perhaps there's a correlation here? Without pointing fingers, I sure ya'll know who I'm talking about. And what about demo'ing gear? Another great opportunity missed to allow certified divers to try out gear in a pool. I knew there was no chance of getting wet at this thing but it would have made a huge difference if I knew I could have tried out new gear. BTW, that pool they had set up was a joke. They should consider hosting it someplace with an expansive pool that would allow for classes and to demo products. On that note I think it'd be better downtown somewhere. Somewhere that you had a choice to pay $8 to park or find something cheaper. And that's all I'll say about that.
Anyway, I'll look forward to going in the future but I'm not sure why. I guess you have just gotta love diving to go without knowing why which I'm sure isn't the kind of show the organizers want. I would think for everyone's concern and the health and wealth of the sport the main draw would be for newbies considering diving. They are the ones that are more likely to make a significantly financial impact to the industry with purchase of training, equipment and trips.
My .02.
