Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Diving Show Mecca


Talk about an international enlightening and educating experience from all aspects; this was the DEMA Orlando Diving International Trade Show held in Orlando, Florida from November 2nd to 5th.  With being the first year of being located in the North Hall the space area was massive, but well planned out for the exhibitors and the attendees alike; no one was crushed and all had plenty of “elbow room” to look, try and search out new products and companies.  I have to admit I was overwhelmed with the magnitude of the show and the amount of exhibitors when I first entered the floor, but was quickly acclimated by the Convention Center and DEMA staff alike, as well as the hundreds of warm faces that we met over the course of the four day show.
We were fortunate enough to not only meet and talk with several hundred people and divers from literally all over the globe, but fortunate to have nice neighboring exhibitors next to us as well, and even more fortunate to meet up with an old acquaintance for 30 + years prior who now owns a dive shop and has booked a trip with us this Christmas.  Our booth (#1977) was warm and full of character (as far as a 10 x 10 space can be), and most everyone was happy to interact and participate in our “fishing for coins” aquarium in order to qualify for the five free 3 day, 2 night private liveaboard dive charters trips from Key West to the Marquesas Keys and the Dry Tortugas that were given away during the course of the show.  Everyone that participated was a good sport about interacting with us and to show our appreciation, all were given either a blue dive whistle or a “coozie” drink holder; whether or not you qualified for the drawings of the free trips.  The chocolate coins were a bit hit as well as the 100,000 dollar bars to give everyone that little afternoon zing of sugar energy as they stopped to learn more about us and what we do.  Our show special was unanimously a great hit with 20% off of all our dive trips if booked by the end of November.  Many of you took advantage of this great price break and booked your trips with us for the next couple of months and on into 2012 and through lobster season.  (Kudos to those of you that did….you’ll never see such pristine diving for the price, right here in your own backyard of the state of Florida and the United States).




Congratulations to our show winners, Gregg Johnson from Lancaster, TX, Bill Hardman from St. Petersburg, Florida, John Mikos from Burbank, IL, Tom Ronde from Englewood, Florida, and our final show winner, Justin Wade from Kissimmee, Florida. All and all the show was a huge success for all exhibitors and attendees alike.  Many friendships and business relationships were formed, and some even reunited.  It was a fabulous experience and one that I will most definitely repeat again next year in Las Vegas.  Until then, you can find us on the web at www.adventurewatersportcharters.com for your next diving adventure.  Stay on US ground and close to home for a fraction of the price diving the third largest coral reef system in the world and the only natural atoll in the western hemisphere, and see and experience the same pristine diving as in other  far away exotic places.

Adventure Watersport Charters
305-453-6070
www.adventurewatersportcharters.com