ehoffman81
Registered
Not necessarily. As you said, we're 10 months out. Had their been no controversy about it, I'm sure I would have heard about it at some point before April 2013 either through Scubaradio or some other chatter on the airwaves. I don't know if DEMA would do a beter job or not at running a show than another organization. All I have heard from my friends that have attended the DEMA trade shows is that there are a large number of vendors there (although it sounds like in the recent few years, a little less due to the economy) showcasing and selling their latest and greatest products and that attendees span from across the country and even the globe (Yes, I understand that those who work in the industry will make an effort to attend a trade show). Therefore, if the same number of brands that attend the trade show attended a consumer show, here in FL (probably the most popular state for diving), I would definitely attend and I'm certain many others would too.
Clearly I'm aware that there are plenty of folks here in the dive industry that have their issues with DEMA, whatever they may be. With that said, if there is one thing positive that can come out of this whole thread, I would encourage as many manufacturers and dive operators (especially FL operators) to attend the Blue Wild show in February 2013. Myself and fellow divers that I have spoken to would like the opportunity to see as many products from as many different brands as possible. Clearly, many manufacturers flock to the DEMA trade show and the wholesale channel is not the issue. (At least it doesn't appear that way to me) The issue that myself and other divers have is that all to often, is there is a lousy channel from retailer to consumer. Many high dollar purchase (BC's, regs, tec gear, etc.) are often shots in the dark for folks, this is especially true for newer divers getting their first set of gear that aren't familar with all the brands. Items aren't in stock and/or we are shown and sold on a very small selection of items. Ultimately, I don't really care who puts on the show, I would just like to see a show in this diving hotbed of Florida (sorry I'm not going to Chicago in Feb) for consumers that has the same level of participation from the manufacturers, dive operators, etc. that attend the DEMA trade show each year.
Clearly I'm aware that there are plenty of folks here in the dive industry that have their issues with DEMA, whatever they may be. With that said, if there is one thing positive that can come out of this whole thread, I would encourage as many manufacturers and dive operators (especially FL operators) to attend the Blue Wild show in February 2013. Myself and fellow divers that I have spoken to would like the opportunity to see as many products from as many different brands as possible. Clearly, many manufacturers flock to the DEMA trade show and the wholesale channel is not the issue. (At least it doesn't appear that way to me) The issue that myself and other divers have is that all to often, is there is a lousy channel from retailer to consumer. Many high dollar purchase (BC's, regs, tec gear, etc.) are often shots in the dark for folks, this is especially true for newer divers getting their first set of gear that aren't familar with all the brands. Items aren't in stock and/or we are shown and sold on a very small selection of items. Ultimately, I don't really care who puts on the show, I would just like to see a show in this diving hotbed of Florida (sorry I'm not going to Chicago in Feb) for consumers that has the same level of participation from the manufacturers, dive operators, etc. that attend the DEMA trade show each year.
