Do you know a DEMA Member business using the power of recreational diving to make a real difference in their community?

Each year, DEMA honors Diving Community Champions—dive businesses that go above and beyond their day-to-day operations to positively impact lives, protect the environment, and strengthen their local communities.

Some examples include:

• Organizing beach clean-ups
• Using diving to teach history or underwater archaeology
• Promoting healthy lifestyles through aquatic education
• Protecting marine life or habitats
• Supporting veterans and individuals overcoming trauma
• Building inclusive communities through diving programs
• Organizing impactful local fundraisers
• And many, many more!

If this sounds like a dive business you know, nominate them for the 2026 Diving Community Champions Award!

🗓 Deadline to submit: July 22, 2026

🏆 Honorees will be recognized during the Annual Membership Meeting on November 4 at DEMA Show 2026 in New Orleans, LA.

Click through to get complete details, check out past recipients, and submit a nomination today!

SUBMIT AN APPLICATION

Nominate a Rockstar Employee for the 2026 Wave Makers Award

DEMA is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Wave Makers Award. These annual awards recognize new professionals in the diving industry who are rising to the top and making a difference in our industry. 

🗓 Deadline to submit: August 3, 2026

🏆 Honorees will be recognized during the Annual Membership Meeting on November 4 at DEMA Show 2026 in New Orleans, LA.

Learn more, check out our past recipients, and submit a nomination!

SUBMIT AN APPLICATION

🗓 Deadline to submit: August 3, 2026

🏆 Honorees will be recognized during the Annual Membership Meeting on November 4 at DEMA Show 2026 in New Orleans, LA.

Learn more, check out our past recipients, and submit a nomination!

SUBMIT AN APPLICATION

Each year, DEMA honors Diving Community Champions—dive businesses that go above and beyond their day-to-day operations to positively impact lives, protect the environment, and strengthen their local communities.

Some examples include:

• Organizing beach clean-ups
• Using diving to teach history or underwater archaeology
• Promoting healthy lifestyles through aquatic education
• Protecting marine life or habitats
• Supporting veterans and individuals overcoming trauma
• Building inclusive communities through diving programs
• Organizing impactful local fundraisers
• And many, many more!

If this sounds like a dive business you know, nominate them for the 2026 Diving Community Champions Award!

🗓 Deadline to submit: July 22, 2026

🏆 Honorees will be recognized during the Annual Membership Meeting on November 4 at DEMA Show 2026 in New Orleans, LA.

Click through to get complete details, check out past recipients, and submit a nomination today!

SUBMIT AN APPLICATION

On behalf of DEMA, its Board of Directors, staff, and members, I would like to recognize and commend the extraordinary divers, rescue professionals, and support teams involved in the recent cave rescue effort in Laos.

Operations of this nature demand exceptional skill, training, preparation, teamwork, and courage. The successful outcome reflects not only the determination of those involved but also the importance of training, preparedness, and collaboration in achieving positive results.

We extend our appreciation to everyone who contributed to this remarkable rescue and recognize the efforts of the individuals who worked tirelessly to bring it to a successful conclusion. Dan Orr Chair, DEMA Board of Directors

On behalf of DEMA, its Board of Directors, staff, and members, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the rescue and recovery teams, local responders, and organizations involved in the response and recovery efforts related to the recent Maldives diving tragedy, including the dedicated professionals at DAN Europe.

The diving industry deeply values the professionalism, courage, and compassion demonstrated by those who step forward in difficult and dangerous circumstances to assist fellow divers and support affected families during times of tragedy.

As additional information surrounding this incident continues to emerge, we encourage the diving community to avoid speculation and allow the appropriate authorities and investigators to complete their work based on verified information.

Incidents such as this serve as an important reminder of our industry’s ongoing commitment to training, preparedness, professionalism, and diving safety at every level.

Our thoughts remain with all those impacted by this tragedy.

Dan Orr
Chair, DEMA Board of Directors

Serving on the Board provides an opportunity to help shape the future of the diving industry, contribute strategic guidance to the association, and represent the interests of DEMA Members worldwide.

Those interested should complete the application by close of business on Friday, June 26, 2026, in order to be considered by the nominations committee for the 2027-2029 Board of Directors election slate.

SUBMIT AN APPLICATION

• 2025 Q1 Financial Update
• DEMA Show Sales Report
• DEMA Membership Update
• Board Meeting Minutes, February 2026
• Board Meeting Minutes, April 2026
• Retail Engagement Committee Minutes, May 2026
• Florida Dive in Day Report

The Board will dedicate meeting time to discuss a range of Association-related topics, including the 2025 financial review, DEMA’s federal lobbying activities, the updated 2026 budget, progress on DEMA Show’s 50th Anniversary celebration, the 2027-2029 Board Election, and strategic planning for 2027 and beyond. The Zoom meeting will conclude with new business and any consent agenda items that require further discussion.

More information on DEMA’s Board of Directors and Bylaws is available on the DEMA website. Complete minutes from past Board of Directors Meetings are available to current DEMA Members from the Member Dashboard of www.dema.org.

DEMA has negotiated special rates for attendees joining us in New Orleans this November, offering savings and ensuring a comfortable stay near the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Reserve your rooms today to lock in exclusive rates and before the DEMA Show block sells out!

LEARN MORE & BOOK NOW

Join thousands of industry professionals from around the world who will gather at this annual event to discover new products, get the latest technical training, collaborate with industry professionals, and build new partnerships.

Act quickly to ensure you take advantage of some huge opportunities to save on your DEMA Show registration!

• First-Time Non-Member Attendees SAVE $40 when you sign up for the Full Education Package or Exhibits-Only Package
• SAVE UP TO $145 when you register as a DEMA Member through October 13, 2026

Plus, choose from three unique registration packages designed to meet your specific needs.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER NOW

The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Julie Anne Fabsik-Swarts, MS, CFRE, CAP, CEAP, as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 4, 2026.

Fabsik-Swarts succeeds Tom Ingram, who retired at the end of 2025 after more than two decades of leadership and service to the diving industry.

“After a thorough and thoughtful search process, the Board is confident that Julie is the right leader to guide DEMA forward,” said Dan Orr, Chair of the DEMA Board of Directors. “With a strong track record of leadership and a clear vision for the future, she brings valuable perspective and experience that will help strengthen and grow the association and the industry it serves.”

The appointment follows a comprehensive national search led by a Board-appointed Search Committee. Fabsik-Swarts was selected for her leadership experience, strategic mindset, and ability to drive growth and innovation within Member-driven organizations.

Fabsik-Swarts brings more than 35 years of executive leadership experience across multiple national and international associations. Most recently, she has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Employee Assistance Professionals Association International, where she led global operations spanning 40 countries. During her tenure, she transformed a prolonged period of conference losses into consistent six-figure profitability, significantly increased attendance and revenue, and grew membership by 400% through strategic outreach and program development. 

Her background includes extensive experience in conference and expo production, exhibitor and sponsor relations, membership development, marketing, advocacy, and financial management. She has successfully led strategic planning initiatives, strengthened governance practices, expanded international programs, and built high-performing teams across multiple organizations. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the U.S. Center for SafeSport and is a national-level women’s gymnastics judge officiating for USA Gymnastics and the NCAA.

In addition to her executive leadership experience, Fabsik-Swarts brings a personal connection to the diving community as a NAUI Master Diver with more than 28 years of recreational diving experience and over 1,000 dives.

“I’m honored to join DEMA and to have the opportunity to serve an industry with such a strong sense of community and purpose,” said Fabsik-Swarts. “I look forward to working closely with the Board, staff, and Members to build on the organization’s strong foundation and to explore new opportunities that support business growth and long-term success across the industry.”

As DEMA looks ahead, key priorities will include supporting dive businesses through data-driven programs, marketing resources, and advocacy; strengthening Member engagement and industry collaboration; continuing to evolve DEMA Show as a central hub for connection, product discovery, and business growth; and identifying new opportunities to expand the industry and attract new participants.

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Brown will be remembered for his passion for adventure, dedication to the diving community, and the lasting impact he made on dive travel and tourism. DEMA extends its sincere condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues at Aggressor Adventures.

Additional information is available here.

Data from the newly released MPI data covers quarter 4 (Q4) of 2025 and compares it to Q3 2025 and Q4 2024. The data is available in two different reports, Category and Equipment Type, both of which are available in the DEMA Store.

DEMA’s MPI is unique in that it captures aggregate trend data for New Orders and for Inventory in stock on a quarterly basis.  Participating manufacturers report to an independent third-party administrator (TPA) to ensure their data remains confidential and secure. Reporting consists of companies comparing their data points in the current reporting period to those in the previous quarter, as well as to the same quarter during the previous year. 

• New Orders: Reflects the levels of new orders received from customers.
• Inventories: Reflects the changes in inventory levels in stock at the time of the report.

Data is aggregated for all participating companies by the TPA and made available for review. No individual company data is reported. The reported data combines domestic (US) with international information.
For both New Orders and Inventory, the trend data in the available MPI report is read as a percentage from 0 to 100:

• An MPI reading equaling 50 percent indicates no change.
• An MPI reading of less than 50 percent indicates a contraction.
• An MPI greater than 50 percent indicates an expansion of new orders or inventories, as compared with the previous quarter or previous year.

The further from 50 percent (in either direction) the greater the level of change (trend) has occurred during the reporting period.

Aggregated data is available on both Equipment Type and Category. The Category definitions can be found within the report and include Soft Goods, Exposure Protection, Hard Goods and Accessories and Bags.  Each Category is further defined within the reports as Equipment Types, and include regulators, BCs, fins, masks, snorkels, wetsuits, drysuits, and more.

Reporting companies receive the aggregated data from the TPA that includes all the detailed Equipment Types in the Categories in which they report. These companies also earn seniority space selection points connected to DEMA Show, enabling them to select exhibit space at the Show before other, non-participating companies.  All DEMA Member Manufacturers selling equipment included in the study are eligible to participate.

DEMA Members can download the broad Category reports at no cost, and non-members can pay a non-member rate for this data.  DEMA Members also have access to more detailed Equipment Type data at member rates, while others can purchase this data at non-member rates. Both the Category and Equipment Type are available in the DEMA Store.

DEMA is excited to again make valid manufacturing data available for the Industry! For more information, see the MPI reports for Q4 2025.

Interested in participating? Apply to be part of the MPI here.

The Board meeting will begin by voting to approve the “consent agenda,” a Robert’s Rules of Order device used to obtain “general consent” intended to expedite approval of routine items. The Board is provided all reports and other documents pertinent to the consent agenda in advance of the Board meeting. This allows Board Members to study the documents in detail prior to the meeting so that the Board can spend its limited meeting time discussing forward-thinking items, policy, and strategic issues that demand its attention.

For February’s meeting, consent agenda items include:

• November 2025 Board Meeting Minutes
• December 2025 Board Meeting Minutes
• Membership Update
• DEMA Show 2025 Sales Report
• DEMA Show 2026 Sales Report
• 2026 Committee Objectives
• 2025 YE Financial Update and Manufacturers Fund Recap 

After consent agenda items are discussed and voted on, the Board will review Anti-Trust Guidelines led by Amanda Washton, DEMA General Counsel, receive updates on the DEMA President & CEO search process, and discuss 2025 Board self-evaluations.

Legislative and advocacy efforts remain a key focus, with the Board receiving an update on the DIVE BOAT Act and related public policy initiatives impacting the dive industry.

The Board will also discuss Association governance and strategic priorities, including nominations committee information, DEMA Board priorities and programs for 2026, review of the proposed 2026 budget, and DEMA officer appointments and committee recommendations.

The video conference will conclude with the Board covering any new business or other agenda items that may require further discussion, and confirmation of 2026 Board meeting dates.

More information on DEMA’s Board of Directors and Bylaws is available on the DEMA website. Complete minutes from past Board of Directors Meetings are available to current DEMA Members from the Member Dashboard of www.dema.org.

As a 2026 DEMA Show Exhibitor, by February 9, 2026, please:

1. Ensure your DEMA Membership is current for 2026 and that you have renewed at the appropriate Membership level for your exhibit space.
2. Remit your 20% liability deposit payment for exhibit space.

If Membership dues and the deposit payment are not received by close of business on February 9, 2026, then the exhibit space rate will increase in accordance with the second bullet point of Section A (to $23.95/sq ft, due no later than close of business September 21, 2026) and on the timeline set forth in Section 5. Please review your contract and invoice for complete details.

If you haven't done so already, please join/renew your DEMA Membership and remit your payment by the February 9th deadline.

If you need assistance joining/renewing your DEMA Membership, please contact Alicia Stone, DEMA Membership Manager, at (858) 616-6408 or alicia@dema.org.

If you need assistance with your Exhibitor Login, please contact Deneen Pratt with DEMA Show Event Services at (703) 706-8248 or dpratt@ntpevents.com.

A1-Manufacturing

• Patrick Danko, Garmin*
• Mike Hollis, Pro Asia

A2-Diver Certification and Training Agencies

• Jeff Mondle, PADI Americas
• JoAnn (Haack) Perry, Divers Alert Network*

A3-Dive Publishing, Media, Consulting and Non-Retail Service Providers

• Jeff Cinciripino, Scuba Educational Alliance of Connecticut*
• Dan Orr, Dan Orr Consulting

A4-Retailers

• Patrick Hammer, Dive Right In Scuba, Inc.*
• Richard Thomas, International Scuba

A5-Travel & Resorts

• Jason Belport, Clearly Cayman Dive Resorts*
• Shana Phelan, Pura Vida Diver

*Elected in 2026

In accordance with the DEMA Bylaws, Directors serve three-year terms. Additional information on DEMA's Board of Directors and Bylaws is available on DEMA.org. The election was conducted by the CPA firm Gray, Proctor & McMannis, based in Newport Beach, CA. All A-category DEMA Members who had joined or renewed their DEMA Membership for 2026 by January 12, 2026, were eligible to vote in this election. The final vote count is available to DEMA Members who are logged in to the Members-Only Dashboard on DEMA.org.

Congratulations to all of DEMA's Directors! In the coming weeks, the Board will meet to conduct officer elections, form committees, and select individuals to chair them. Contact us at toll free (800) 862-DIVE (3483), (858) 616-6408, or info@dema.org if you have any questions or are interested in serving on one of the DEMA Board committees. Additional Committee information can be found online here. Thank you for your continued support!

Each year, DEMA sponsors “Dive in Day” at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida, giving DEMA Members the opportunity to visit our state’s Capitol, showcase their diving-related products and services, and promote issues relating to the scuba diving industry. We are excited to announce that this year’s Dive in Day at the Capitol will take place on February 19, 2026.  

Dive in Day provides a platform to engage Florida’s 160 legislators, the Governor and their staff members, and hundreds of visitors to the Capitol. DEMA has reserved the courtyard and first floor of the Capitol building to give DEMA Members and Florida-based diving businesses an opportunity to showcase Florida’s recreational diving operators. It’s an opportunity to showcase the significance of scuba diving to Florida’s economy, tourism, and marine ecosystems, while advocating for policies that support and sustain our industry.

Opportunities to Participate

Table-top Display at the Capitol Rotunda

We encourage members to set up interactive displays that showcase their dive shops, marine life education, or scuba diving experiences. If you are interested in exhibiting, we suggest you bring simple table-top displays, brochures, videos, product information, handouts, or other engaging materials to spark interest and conversation with lawmakers and the public.

Exhibiting companies should plan to set up starting at 4:00 PM on February 18th so that your exhibit will be up and running on the morning of February 19th.* Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and are large enough to accommodate an 8ft table. For DEMA members, this is a free opportunity to reach divers, legislators, and visitors to the Capitol! If you are not a DEMA Member, check with us on how to participate in this great opportunity!

Weather permitting, exhibit space is also available outside the Capitol building on a first-come, first-served basis and will accommodate a larger display. Contact Melanie Leyva for more information: mleyva@lawfla.com or (850) 201-5224.

Participation in Dive In Day also delivers tangible Member value. DEMA Members who set up a table-top display during the event earn:

• Five (5) DEMA Rewards Points
• For DEMA Show 2026, participating DEMA Members receive a choice of:

1. For Exhibiting Companies: Two (2) seniority space selection points for use in the 2026 DEMA Show space selection. These may be used for 2027 Space Selection. (Points do not carry over).
2. For Retailers and Others: One free registration for DEMA Show 2026 (seminar package) per company. 

*Please be sure to let us know as soon as possible if you want to set up on the 18th by contacting Melanie Leyva: mleyva@lawfla.com or (850) 201-5224.

Donate Bag Stuffer Items

If you cannot attend in person, you can still support Dive in Day by contributing items for our DEMA Bags. Giveaway items, merchandise, and informational materials are distributed to attendees and lawmakers to amplify awareness of the diving industry and DEMA’s legislative messaging.

Lobby with Us

For those interested in bringing attention to issues critical to the Industry in Florida, on request, DEMA will arrange a time for you to meet with your state Senator or Representative or their staff members and provide you with information that will help you discuss these important topics. You can take advantage of this opportunity and participate with DEMA’s Public Policy efforts in Florida by calling Melanie Leyva at (850) 201-5224 or by email at mleyva@lawfla.com.

Meeting YOUR Representative or Senator can focus attention on a variety of issues that affect the scuba diving industry, such as ecotourism, the future of the goliath grouper, spiny lobster, lionfish environmental issues, and others. DEMA will also distribute relevant information to legislators (and Capitol visitors), which includes the size of the diving industry in Florida and its importance in jobs, tourism, and the economy, with a focus on the economic benefit of Florida dive businesses and the protection of sharks and their vital role in the marine ecosystem.

To RSVP or for more information about Dive in Day at the Capitol, please contact Melanie Leyva at mleyva@lawfla.com or call (850) 201-5224. Whether you plan to exhibit, donate, or join us in lobbying efforts, your participation is invaluable. We look forward to seeing you at Dive in Day!

The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) today shared an update on its executive leadership transition. While the search for the Association’s next President & CEO continues, the DEMA Board of Directors is pleased to appoint Nicole Russell, CEM, as Interim CEO & President, effective immediately.

The Board remains committed to a thorough and thoughtful selection process for DEMA’s next President & CEO, as originally announced in October 2025. The appointed Search Committee is reviewing and meeting with qualified candidates and the Board expects to identify an outstanding leader who will guide DEMA into its next chapter.

In the meantime, Nicole Russell, most recently serving as Vice President, Operations, will lead the Association’s daily operations and strategic initiatives as Interim President & CEO. Russell brings deep institutional knowledge, proven leadership, and strong operational expertise to this role, ensuring continuity and stability across DEMA’s member services and industry support programs.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are confident in Nicole’s ability to lead the organization during this transitional period,” said Dan Orr, Board Chair of DEMA. “Her deep understanding of our mission, coupled with her commitment to the diving industry and our members, makes her exceptionally well-suited to lead the Association while the search for our next President & CEO continues.”

Russell added, “I am honored to serve as Interim CEO & President during this important time for DEMA. Our focus remains on delivering value to members, supporting our industry partners, and ensuring a smooth leadership transition.”

The Board will continue its executive search process and plans to share further updates with the industry as they become available.

The event marked a major milestone for the global dive, travel, and water sports industry, delivering the strongest participation seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic and signaling renewed momentum across all sectors of the market.

Thousands of qualified industry professionals from more than 90 countries gathered in Orlando, representing retailers, instructors, training agencies, manufacturers, travel operators, and destinations worldwide. Attendance, exhibitor participation, and international representation all showed significant increases compared to the past several years, underscoring the industry’s continued recovery and long-term growth.

“DEMA Show 2025 represented a turning point for our industry,” said Tom Ingram, President & CEO of DEMA. “For the first time since the pandemic, we saw participation levels that truly reflected the strength, resilience, and optimism of the global dive community. The energy on the Show floor was unmistakable.”

A Return to Scale and Global Engagement

DEMA Show 2025 welcomed 500+ exhibiting companies, filling the exhibit hall with new products, services, destinations, and innovations spanning every segment of the industry. Many exhibitors reported stronger booth traffic, higher-quality buyer interactions, and increased international engagement compared to recent post-pandemic events.

Year-Over-Year Growth Signals Industry Momentum

DEMA Show 2025 demonstrated clear year-over-year growth across the event. Overall verified onsite participation increased by approximately 20% compared to 2024, with verified attendee registration up more than 29% and exhibiting company participation rising over 6%. 

Education, Innovation, and Connection

A robust education program delivered sessions on business growth, marketing strategy, workforce development, consumer trends, sustainability, and operational best practices, equipping attendees with practical tools they could apply immediately.

The New Product Showcase, interactive Show floor experiences, and networking opportunities created an environment that sparked collaboration, encouraged discovery, and supported meaningful business conversations.

“DEMA Show continues to be the place where our industry reconnects, recalibrates, and advances together,” Ingram said. “This year’s Show reflected not only recovery, but a renewed sense of momentum and direction.”

Looking Ahead

As the industry builds on the success of DEMA Show 2025, DEMA remains committed to supporting member businesses year-round through advocacy, education, research, and connection.

Additional post-Show highlights and event photography are available at www.demashow.com. Be sure to mark your calendar for DEMA Show 2026, taking place November 3-6, 2026, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA.

Mercier was the founder of the long-running and internationally influential underwater imaging festival originally based in Antibes — an event that for decades served as a beacon for underwater photographers, filmmakers, divers, marine scientists, and ocean-lovers worldwide.

His vision, energy, and kindness touched countless lives from divers and photographers to scientists, students, and ocean-enthusiasts around the globe. He was highly respected throughout the industry and will be greatly missed.

Additional information is available here.

Campoli was renowned as a pioneering underwater photographer and lifelong contributor to the recreational, commercial, and military diving world.

Bernie’s lifelong passion, dedication, and exceptional artistry made a lasting impact on the global diving community. He was highly respected throughout the industry and will be greatly missed.

Additional information is available here.

The Diving Equipment and Marketing Association is pleased to announce that Ben Collins is the 2025 recipient of DEMA’s Wave Makers Award. The announcement was made at the DEMA Member Update and Annual Meeting on November 12, 2025.

The Wave Makers Award was first introduced in 2017 and aims to recognize professionals who have been working in the industry for five years or less and have made a significant contribution to the industry during that time. The Wave Makers Award encourages the Industry to support a culture that fosters innovative thinking and encourages engagement with the association and industry by new professionals.

The finalists for the 2025 Wave Makers Award included:

• Ben Collins, Garmin
• Viviana Marcy, International Training, Inc
• Suzanne Tucci, Jr Scientists in the Sea

2025 DEMA Members selected Ben Collins as the 2025 Award recipient by viewing and voting for the finalist of their choice, based on the biographies and short videos that the finalists submitted.

Ben Collins has rapidly emerged as an innovator whose work is reshaping the future of dive technology. As Senior Product Manager for Garmin’s dive category, he has led the development of safety-driven, performance-enhancing tools that blend intuitive design with deep personal diving experience. In under five years, Ben has guided strategy for breakthrough technologies—from diver-to-diver messaging and enhanced surface visibility tools to integrated satellite emergency communication and eco-forward product design using recycled ocean-bound plastics. His leadership has advanced apnea training, improved coordination underwater, and expanded accessibility for both new and experienced divers.

Beyond his contributions at Garmin, Ben brings more than 25 years of scuba experience and a world-class athletic background, shaped by his career as a professional triathlete and long-time member of Team USA. His roles as a Paralympic guide and cycling pilot reflect the same precision, resilience, and user-focused mindset that define his approach to product innovation. Ben’s work consistently elevates divers as explorers and stewards, reinforcing a vision of safer, smarter, and more inclusive diving for all.

DEMA congratulates Ben Collins for his hard work and passionate service to our Industry and looks forward to seeing the contributions he will continue to make throughout his career.

• 2025 Platinum Winner: Rainbow Reef Dive Center
• 2025 Gold Winner: Maputo Dive Center
• 2025 Silver Winner: California Scuba Center

Watch their awards videos to learn more about these businesses giving back to their communities and our industry.

WATCH RECIPIENT VIDEOS

• Patrick Danko, Garmin
• Richard Vaughn, Shearwater
  
  

A2 DIVER CERTIFICATION AND TRAINING AGENCIES 

• Sabatino Bianco, RAID USA
  
• Jim Gunderson, Scuba Educators International
• JoAnn (Haack) Perry, Divers Alert Network

A3 DIVE PUBLISHING, MEDIA, CONSULTING, AND NON-RETAIL SERVICE PROVIDERS 

• Jeffrey Bozanic, Next Generation Services
  
• Jeff Cinciripino, Scuba Educational Alliance of Connecticut
  
• Peter Symes, AquaScope Media
  

A4 RETAILERS

• Patrick Hammer, Dive Right In Scuba, Inc.
  
• Brooke Speedy, Leaird’s Underwater Service
  

A5 TRAVEL & RESORTS 

• Jason Belport, Clearly Cayman Dive Resorts

Log in to learn more about the candidates and to cast your vote once NOW!

DEMA announced today that the DEMA Executive Committee has approved the expansion of the 2025 DEMA Disaster Assistance Program to include DEMA-Member Show Exhibitors and Buyers located in the Philippines who have been impacted by Typhoon Tino.

DEMA’s Disaster Assistance Program was previously activated on October 29 to include those who were affected by Hurricane Melissa.

This additional expansion will account for exhibitors and buyers located in the Philippines as a result of Typhoon Tino. DEMA-Member companies who were negatively impacted by this storm and who planned to exhibit at DEMA Show 2025 are eligible to apply for the funds to help them exhibit. Buyers who planned to attend DEMA Show can also apply for funds to assist in staying onsite at DEMA Show.

"DEMA’s Disaster Assistance Program funds are available to DEMA Member Exhibitors at DEMA Show 2025 who are located in declared disaster areas following Hurricane Melissa and Typhoon Tino, to aid them in getting to and exhibiting at DEMA Show 2025,” said Tom Ingram, President and CEO of DEMA.  “One registered ‘Buyer’ from each DEMA-Member operation located in these designated disaster areas and staying in the DEMA hotel block is also eligible for funds to assist in attending DEMA Show so they can buy the products and services they need to keep their businesses in operation.”

DEMA has earmarked disaster assistance funds specifically for affected DEMA-Member exhibitors and registered buyers located in the designated disaster areas impacted by Hurricane Melissa and Typhoon Tino, including:

• Bahamas
• Dominican Republic
• Haiti
• Jamaica
• Philippines
• Turks and Caicos

EXHIBITOR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

DEMA’s Disaster Assistance Program funds are available to DEMA-Member Exhibitors who were fully paid for their contracted exhibit space by 5:00 PM Pacific time, September 22, 2025, and physically located within the aforementioned designated disaster areas impacted by Hurricane Melissa and Typhoon Tino. Qualifying exhibitors are eligible to receive disaster assistance funds based on their exhibit space size. For-profit exhibitors are eligible for $400 US per contracted 10x10 exhibit space and non-profit exhibitors paying the DEMA-Member non-profit rate are eligible for $100 per 10x10 space.

Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis up to the maximum available from the DEMA disaster assistance fund.

All interested parties must apply for the assistance funds on site at DEMA Show in Orlando, FL by visiting DEMA Central (Booth #421) prior to the close of the Show at 5:00 pm on Friday, November 14, 2025.

BUYER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

One registered “Buyer” from each DEMA-Member organization located in the impacted area is eligible for assistance when they are staying in the official DEMA Show hotel block (Rosen Centre or Days Inn). Eligible Buyers can be reimbursed at the base rate for one night’s stay in the hotel. The individual must be registered as a “Buyer” (as defined by DEMA) for DEMA Show 2025 and be booked in the DEMA hotel block prior to midnight Pacific Time on November 13, 2025. DEMA will reimburse the Buyer for the DEMA hotel block base price of one hotel night stay (single occupancy), regardless of the actual rate paid.
Buyers applying for assistance must provide a copy of the receipt for the DEMA Block hotel stay to the DEMA Office by 5:00 PM Pacific time on December 4, 2025.

All funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis up to the maximum of the allotted DEMA disaster assistance fund. Exhibitors are not eligible for hotel reimbursement assistance under this program but can receive Exhibitor Assistance as described above.

For more complete details and disbursement information and to obtain an assistance request form, visit DEMA Central in Booth (Booth #421) at DEMA Show 2025 in Orlando, FL. 

DEMA’s Disaster Assistance Program was first created in 2004 and has been used when DEMA-Member companies are impacted by natural disasters, which may interfere with their ability to promote their businesses, products, services, and destinations at DEMA Show.