People say to open DEMA up to consumers. Sorry, don't think that is the answer, just another dive show then! I think that the better idea is to do away with DEMA Show and money will be better spent.
Here are four reasons why.
First, this would be a win, win for everyone. We have current dive shows around the US, let's really utilize them. All the vendors are already there. Here is how, set up Wednesday, use Thursday and Friday like a DEMA show (open to professionals, meet with dealers and potential new dealers). The show would then open up Friday 5-9pm and Sat/Sun 9-5pm. They have tried this locally at Beneath the Sea for the past 2 years. Key word is "tried"! It wasn't heavily promoted this way and of all my Vendors, only got a call from one or two of my vendors trying to set up an appointment to meet with me (like DEMA).
Secondly, this will thin out a lot of the smaller companies offering gear (knock off companies) that only do DEMA. We have plenty of choices for Regs, BC's, Wetsuits, etc. that it only waters down the industry even more. People say there were not a lot of vendors, well how many more of the same regulators do you need to see in a different color with a different logo? As far as gear goes, I feel we have already peaked. You can't really change a regulator, BC, snorkel, etc too much more. Our only innovations/advancements are really coming from cameras, brighter computers, rebreathers, lights. So yes, we are having less vendors because the knock off companies are around for a only a couple of years, then go bye, bye.
Thirdly, timing of the show. Manufactures show products that are not shipping until next year (March, April, May, June etc..). Piggy backing with the other shows only makes that time seem less and looks better to consumer because they have less time to wait if they want to get products. This is all riding on manufacturers hitting their date! Unfortunately, this doesn't happen a lot. Now of course DEMA is used by the manufacturers to pre-book orders, but that is a thing of the past and not many shops do these days.
Fourth and last reason. I get calls from all of my reps to meet with me right (about a month) before DEMA. If I meet then, why do I need to go? Manufacturers/Reps are hurting themselves.
Two more quick things:
Yes, we need to get younger people involved! Teenagers, people in 20's & 30's. A lot of what we see is 40's and older.
Here's one, Where is the National Campaign? I've said for years, to DEMA, vendors etc., we need a national campaign. If there can be one for MILK, why can't we have one for SCUBA DIVING? They tried a "Be a Diver" campaign which amounted to nothing! IMO, it was because it was a big amount for dealers to Become a member, then you had to Buy the TV commercial. If other Dive Shops didn't join in buying the commercial, then it was even more money. Where is the help, just seamed like someone other than the Dive Shop was making the money, so why be a member for this campaign?
Here are four reasons why.
First, this would be a win, win for everyone. We have current dive shows around the US, let's really utilize them. All the vendors are already there. Here is how, set up Wednesday, use Thursday and Friday like a DEMA show (open to professionals, meet with dealers and potential new dealers). The show would then open up Friday 5-9pm and Sat/Sun 9-5pm. They have tried this locally at Beneath the Sea for the past 2 years. Key word is "tried"! It wasn't heavily promoted this way and of all my Vendors, only got a call from one or two of my vendors trying to set up an appointment to meet with me (like DEMA).
Secondly, this will thin out a lot of the smaller companies offering gear (knock off companies) that only do DEMA. We have plenty of choices for Regs, BC's, Wetsuits, etc. that it only waters down the industry even more. People say there were not a lot of vendors, well how many more of the same regulators do you need to see in a different color with a different logo? As far as gear goes, I feel we have already peaked. You can't really change a regulator, BC, snorkel, etc too much more. Our only innovations/advancements are really coming from cameras, brighter computers, rebreathers, lights. So yes, we are having less vendors because the knock off companies are around for a only a couple of years, then go bye, bye.
Thirdly, timing of the show. Manufactures show products that are not shipping until next year (March, April, May, June etc..). Piggy backing with the other shows only makes that time seem less and looks better to consumer because they have less time to wait if they want to get products. This is all riding on manufacturers hitting their date! Unfortunately, this doesn't happen a lot. Now of course DEMA is used by the manufacturers to pre-book orders, but that is a thing of the past and not many shops do these days.
Fourth and last reason. I get calls from all of my reps to meet with me right (about a month) before DEMA. If I meet then, why do I need to go? Manufacturers/Reps are hurting themselves.
Two more quick things:
Yes, we need to get younger people involved! Teenagers, people in 20's & 30's. A lot of what we see is 40's and older.
Here's one, Where is the National Campaign? I've said for years, to DEMA, vendors etc., we need a national campaign. If there can be one for MILK, why can't we have one for SCUBA DIVING? They tried a "Be a Diver" campaign which amounted to nothing! IMO, it was because it was a big amount for dealers to Become a member, then you had to Buy the TV commercial. If other Dive Shops didn't join in buying the commercial, then it was even more money. Where is the help, just seamed like someone other than the Dive Shop was making the money, so why be a member for this campaign?
