Who's going to DEMA 2015 in Orlando? Why are you going? What do you want to see?

[drrich2]

If you are a LDS or other vendor, and your customer base gets hooked into Scuba Board, a few things will happen:

1.) The general tone of many is quite critical of mainstream modern OW instruction. So if your shop classes aren't, oh, say, top 30%+ in evident quality, when your students report their experiences with you, things could turn ugly.

2.) Scuba Board posters will quickly point out 'cheap but reputable' online vendors who will beat many LDS's prices, & likely point customers toward gear choices the LDS does not sell (e.g.: BP/W, the new SeaBear H3 computer, etc...).

3.) The LDS will not have as dominant a leadership role in shaping the views of the customer base.

4.) Scuba Board will introduce customers to people & businesses in distant places, connecting them to the competition for the dive trip market.

Many have cause to feel threatened, even if they do 'get you.'

Richard.

 

[lowviz]

1.) The general tone of many is quite critical of mainstream modern OW instruction. So if your shop classes aren't, oh, say, top 30%+ in evident quality, when your students report their experiences with you, things could turn ugly.

Not much LDS bashing is going on. Newbies are usually too full of wide-eyed wonder for that. It is how the LDS progresses with their training that really counts.

2.) Scuba Board posters will quickly point out 'cheap but reputable' online vendors who will beat many LDS's prices, & likely point customers toward gear choices the LDS does not sell (e.g.: BP/W, the new SeaBear H3 computer, etc...).

Yes, and (some of) the LDS's know this. It forces them to look for another "hook" to retain customers. With mine, it is service and honest "looking out for me". Teaching me how to service my own regs and they just snagged a steel 50 for me to pair with my Freedom Plate.

3.) The LDS will not have as dominant a leadership role in shaping the views of the customer base.

As in telling me what to do? No, more like a discussion where we both learn stuff. There is a bit of enlightenment at play with mine.

4.) Scuba Board will introduce customers to people & businesses in distant places, connecting them to the competition for the dive trip market.

My LDS fronts a very active dive club, most really want to dive with their own peeps. Very social thing to travel with your own and still make new friends at the destination.

Many have cause to feel threatened, even if they do 'get you.'

Yep, and those are the ones we really don't need. Never forget that you are the one with the purse/wallet that makes the entire industry move. The lack of respect of this fundamental point (from certain manufacturers) boggles my mind. No, we are no longer the whipping boys and girls. I won't take it.

 

[The Chairman]

That is somewhat true, DrRich. However, you forgot some things.

• Their customers are probably going to find SB anyway. The more specific the Google, the more likely we are at the top. The larger the purchase, the more likely they will Google it.
• Customers posting positive experiences are far better than those posting negative ones. Tilt Google in your favor by having your good customers post here.
• Every post on SB that references your LDS (especially if it has your website in it) is like a huge shot in the SEO arm. Indirect? Sure, but having a positive review on a third party site like SB is far more effective and pervasive than one on your own site.
• SBers love SB friendly LDS's.

I could go on and on, but the biggest reason LDS's don't do more on SB is simple fear and ignorance. Fortunately, I'm your Huckleberry in that regard. I'll gladly assist any shop in developing a sane approach to Social Media. PM or Email me and I'll share how you can use your time on any forum to leverage Google to your advantage.

But hey, let's get back to talking about who's going to DEMA and why or why not. I'll try not to hijack my own thread again!

 

[mdb]

That is somewhat true, DrRich. However, you forgot some things.

• Fortunately, I'm your Huckleberry in that regard. I'll gladly assist any shop in developing a sane approach to Social Media. PM or Email me and I'll share how you can use your time on any forum to leverage Google to your advantage.

But hey, let's get back to talking about who's going to DEMA and why or why not. I'll try not to hijack my own thread again!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8OWNspU_yE

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I was starting to make an effort to attend the Orlando show since Vegas is not my kind of atmosphere. Though I could probably make a killing as a designated driver there.

I really would like to go this year but other events this season have used up vacation time from my other job and just seeing the difference between 2011 and 2013 make me less inclined to attend.

I do have to laugh at the justify your attendance page. Really? Convince your supervisor? All the business contacts you will bring back (like those that want a 25K opening order)? They didn't even make an effort to gear it towards the dive industry.

My only reason left for wanting to go is the people I only get to see there. Hang out with them, talk to them, and get completely away from thoughts of my day job. Due to the one local show I have attended every year for the last ten likely changing to something different, I am going to change some things up. Last year I went to BTS and had a great time. Picked up a number of new customers, had the chance to attend a presentation, and help out some friends so they could get out of their booth for a while. The only downside was I didn't drive myself. The gang I went with was great and we had fun, but I don't like being on someone else's schedule. I'll gladly split a room this next one but I am taking my own car in order to perhaps spend a day in NYC. Only been there for layovers and I want to go to Leisure Pro and Adorama. Maybe even visit ground zero. Nothing in Orlando interests me other than the show.

One other note is DEMA promoting their hotel "deals". My hind end. You can get just slightly farther for half the price or less.

 

[The Chairman]

Many, many thanks to MDB for the wonderful phone call and all the inside info. Michael is one of the true insiders who really knows the industry. Respected by most and totally dialed into the industry even though he's officially retired.

 

[57Writer]

I'm coming to accompany and support my wife, who has professional commitments at DEMA. And to give NetDoc a big 'ol bear hug.

 

[The Chairman]

And to give NetDoc a big 'ol bear hug.

Dude, I've got a GoPro and dare you to do some exhibitor interviews with me. Let's have some fun on the floor!

 

[diversteve]

The Keynote at DEMA re-affirms my opinion , click here

Is Chuck even a diver?

 

[Akimbo]

Dude, I've got a GoPro and dare you to do some exhibitor interviews with me. Let's have some fun on the floor!

Perhaps you should consider a post asking members what questions they like you to ask and what they would like to see? It could deteriorate into a very entertaining thread.