DEMA- Understand the deficit of ETHICS of what we are dealing with

[flots am]

Here's an easy fix: Stop paying DEMA dues and they'll go away (or at least you won't have to deal with them anymore).

 

[Thalassamania]

I didn't pay, and you know what, dem pesky buggers, dere still thar!

 

[HowardE]

Why exclude the public? There are two reasons, they get in the way and they find out things, like prices, that they are not supposed to know.

I think its more that they get in the way. Its not just about the prices. Many people understand the wholesale to retail markup system, even though everyone thinks they shouldn't pay retail; because everyone is "somebody" and deserves a hook-up. But why should wholesalers who DON'T sell to the public, have to deal with people trying to buy ones and twos, when they want to sell hundreds or thousands? This is why exhibitors - exhibit at a show. Not to mention the opportunity for distributors and manufacturers who create products FOR "wholesalers" (often referred to as OEM's) who merely stamp their name on a product, and sell it to the public, either directly or indirectly - they are offered a chance to show off their latest and greatest to true professional buyers.

But those days are over, it is easy to calculate about what every item cost the shop, that part of the basic rules of retail. DEMA (and the other trade shows) came into existence as a way to help minimize the inventory that a retailer had to carry whilst providing the manufacturer with some concept of how many of each widget to order in or actually make. With the onset of Just In Time Inventory concepts and the dramatic decrease in the economy of scale ... the utility of such trade shows has disappeared and more and more, every year, all that's left is the same old street, er ... floor walkers moving about the hall stroking each other.

Are those days over? Trade shows still thrive. Buyers still buy. There are trade shows and there are consumer shows. Trade shows are for people "in the trade" - consumer shows are for consumers who maybe wish to "cash and carry" some items from the show, and walk out happy with a shiny new thingy. Scuba is no different that other businesses, except for the main point that Wookie makes. SCUBA is laced with hobbyists who don't know jack about business, and want to own a dive shop because they love diving. (no offense to anyone who fits that model).

DEMA is also a business. Like other trade organizations that offer trade shows... they operate for profit. Period. Everyone should get over it, and enjoy the show for what it is.

 

[cerich]

DEMA is also a business. Like other trade organizations that offer trade shows... they operate for profit. Period. Everyone should get over it, and enjoy the show for what it is.

NO, that is completely wrong. DEMA is a 501 (c) non profit. They operate the show with the intention of raising funds but DEMA is a non profit.

 

[Leadking]

I did a full explantanation of why there was no genereal admission for the public.

Please review this thread http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/shows-events/277942-dema-show-38.html#post5045562

 

[flots am]

I didn't pay, and you know what, dem pesky buggers, dere still thar!

I find the whole thing pretty funny. DEMA doesn't (can't) "represent" anybody who isn't a member. Instead of grumbling on SCUBABoard, dissatisfied members can simply become "former members."

You just need more followers, and DEMA will become nothing but a memory.

flots.

 

[HowardE]

NO, that is completely wrong. DEMA is a 501 (c) non profit. They operate the show with the intention of raising funds but DEMA is a non profit.

Even non profit orgs make money. I mean come on.

 

[cerich]

Even non profit orgs make money. I mean come on.

DEMA's "business" is clearly set out as "To promote sustainable growth in safe recreational diving and snorkeling while protecting the underwater environment.", it is legally set up and mandated to do so in a non profit manner.

That they run a trade show is a means they use to raise funds to meet their mandate...in fact the primary one. In the past that was good enough, now it isn't.

 

[Leadking]

This may help you understand DEMA. It is their last year available 990
http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2008/953/105/2008-953105902-0587b6d7-9O.pdf

It show that DEMA's revenues in 2007/2008 were less than expenses by about a half million dollars.

 

[theduckguru]

BULL SHIITE! DEMA is doing everything it can to disenfranchise small manufacturers and kill local diving. THeir focus is on resorts, travel, and for the time being anyway cheap quick certs. Hopefully the new BOD member representing agencies will be able to affect some change there. Why is the be a diver campaign not promoting anything but tropical places that newbs who do not buy gear like drysuits, tanks, bcs, regs, etc. Why are they not showing quarries and coldwater diving that really supports the very people they "claim" to represent- the equipment manufacturers? Why are no DEM shows held in the NE or NW? Vegas for chrissakes? There is some great diving off NY/NJ. NC/SC. Seattle. Even LA. I'm sure they could find a place where the unions would not screw the exhibitors for an outlet or a table but they won't. DEMA needs to change it's name to DTA- Dive Travel Association. That is who they are really supporting now.

Are you honestly suggesting DEMA drop a marketing theme of beautiful warm sand beaches with palm trees, umbrella drinks, bath temperature clear water and colorful fish/reefs and use gravel quarries, willows, cloudy cold water, bass/sunken car and Pepsi as a better way of promoting scuba?