What struck me the most about DEMA was not at all about DEMA. At the same time, there was a national finals go-kart competition. They took up a 6 acre parking lot across the street from the convention center as well as a 3 acre parking lot at the North Hall. The participants were in 3 age groups: 5-8, 9-12, 13-17, and an adult class. I stopped and talked to a couple of go-kart moms at Starbucks. They had the whole family there. The kids were in thousand dollar nomex racing suits, and the carts start at $10k for a competition grade cart. the week for the whole family (this was a school week, right?) cost another $$5k, and there were kids, young folks, young families, and smiling happy people with tans and wind-blown faces. Why? Because go-kart racing is a family inclusive event. Now, these folks weren't spending any less than a family dive vacation for 4 by the time you add up the significant equipment costs and travel (sound familiar?) and they couldn't understand why the diving convention attendees (we all wear our badges from the hotel to the convention center and back) were all pale, old, and had white beards and heavy bellies. I actually answered a question about the fact that we all seemed to be "well experienced".
The only way I could answer is that we aren't very inclusive of our young folks and families. SMH