News

We love a good DEMA Show, but we must confess that we love it even more when its held in The Big Easy! After all, the only thing better than catching up with friends and colleagues in the dive industry is catching up with friends and colleagues in the dive industry over beignets, crawfish and/or jambalaya!

But this year’s event in New Orleans—November 3rd–6th—is no ordinary affair. The show will be celebrating half a century of bringing together professionals in the dive industry, and organizers have several things planned that make this year’s show particularly special. Chief among these is the DEMA Show 50th Anniversary Party, which takes place at Mardi Gras World in the evening of the show’s third day. Guests will get to check out the huge warehouse where carnival parade floats are created for Mardi Gras before heading to the River City Ballroom for bites and drinks, presentations and prize giveaways.

Speaking of giveaways, there are a couple of other opportunities to bag a sweet prize during this year’s DEMA Show. First, if you register by September 15th, you’ll be eligible to win fun “New Orleans experiences” like a river cruise, a French Quarter ghost tour, a city tour, and a cocktail tour. Second, the DEMA Show Floor Treasure Hunt invites attendees to work their way around the hall, connect with exhibitors, collect stickers along the way, and then be in the running to win—the top prize being a dive vacation for two!

Of course, we’ll have to forego the chance of winning that trip, since (if last year is anything to go by) we’ll be far too busy reporting on all the hot new underwater photo and video gear hitting the market! If you can’t make it to New Orleans, don’t worry—DPG has it covered. And if you are attending, make sure to swing by the DPG booth (#1854) for a chat!

Check out the press release below for all the details.
 

PRESS RELEASE

DEMA Show® Introduces New Experiences, Special Events, and Programs as it Celebrates 50 Years

San Diego, CA (July 15, 2026) – As DEMA Show® celebrates its 50th Anniversary, attendees can look forward to more than a milestone celebration. From a special anniversary celebration at Mardi Gras World to a community storytelling campaign and new opportunities for instructors, this year's Show offers fresh ways to engage, learn, network, and celebrate.

“For 50 years, DEMA Show has brought the diving industry together to build relationships, discover new opportunities, and grow businesses," said Nicole Russell, Vice President & COO. "As we celebrate this milestone, we're introducing new experiences that honor our history while creating even more opportunities for attendees and exhibitors to connect, learn, and celebrate together."

DEMA Show 50th Anniversary Celebration
Thursday, November 5 | 6:00–9:00 PM
Mardi Gras World | Walking distance from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

The centerpiece of the anniversary celebration will be the DEMA Show 50th Anniversary Party, taking place Thursday, November 5, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Mardi Gras World, just a short walk from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Guests will explore the iconic Float Den through self-guided tours and photo opportunities with themed backdrops before gathering in the River City Ballroom for appetizers, beer, wine, music, networking, prize giveaways, and special presentations celebrating 50 years of DEMA Show.

Learn more: www.demashow.com/50th-anniversary
 

Share Your DEMA Show Story

A special initiative for DEMA Show's 50th Anniversary, the campaign invites attendees, exhibitors, and industry professionals to submit memories, milestones, and photos from past DEMA Shows. Stories are featured on the DEMA Show website, highlighting each contributor's company and booth number (when applicable), encouraging attendees to reconnect with the people behind those memories on the Show floor.

Learn more or submit a memory: www.demashow.com/50th-anniversary

New Instructor-Focused Education

Recognizing that many instructors are unable to attend the full week, DEMA Show 2026 introduces a new, affordable way for dive professionals to experience the Show. Qualified instructors can purchase a Friday-Only Pass for $35 (DEMA Member rate through September 15), providing access to instructor-focused education along with admission to the DEMA Show exhibit hall.

Learn more at www.demashow.com/instructor-sessions
 

DEMA Show 2026 Early-Bird Registration Sweepstakes

DEMA Show is giving early planners something extra to look forward to with the DEMA Show 2026 Early-Bird Registration Sweepstakes, offering attendees the chance to win curated New Orleans experiences courtesy of DEMA Show 2026 and Visit New Orleans when they register by September 15th. Prizes include a New Orleans river cruise, a French Quarter ghost tour, a city tour, a cocktail tour, and two $50 Uber gift cards.

Learn more: www.demashow.com/registration-sweepstakes

Meet the DEMA Show 50th Anniversary Ambassadors

Neal Watson, pioneering diver, entrepreneur, and industry leader, will serve as the 2026 DEMA Show Hall of Fame Ambassador. Watson has served on the DEMA Board of Directors and as President of the Bahamas Diving Association and holds multiple Guinness World Records for deep and distance diving. Watson was inducted into the DEMA Hall of Fame in 2005, joining a roster of honorees dating back to 1989 that includes Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Dr. Sylvia Earle.

Rocio Bunker, a dive instructor, trainer, and examiner based in San Diego, returns for her second year as DEMA Show Hype Ambassador. Throughout DEMA Show 2026, Bunker will bring her enthusiasm to the Show floor, spotlighting attendees and exhibitors, and leading interactive competitions and giveaways.

The Treasure Hunt Returns

Returning for 2026, the DEMA Show Treasure Hunt is back by popular demand as one of the Show’s most popular attendee engagement opportunities, encouraging participants to explore the exhibit hall while interacting with participating exhibitors. This year's grand prize includes a seven-night dive vacation for two at Blackbird Resort in Turneffe Atoll, Belize, adding even more excitement to one of the Show's signature experiences.

Learn more: www.demashow.com/show-floor-features/dema-show-treasure-hunt
 

Celebrating the Past While Building the Future

For 50 years, DEMA Show has brought together dive retailers, manufacturers, training organizations, travel providers, and industry professionals from around the world to conduct business, discover new products, build relationships, and advance the diving industry.

The 2026 anniversary celebration builds on that legacy with new experiences designed to strengthen connections, celebrate the industry's history, and inspire the next generation of diving professionals.

DEMA Show 2026 will be held November 3–6, 2026, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.

For registration, event details, and anniversary activities, visit www.DEMAShow.com.

About DEMA Show

DEMA Show® is the world’s largest dive industry trade show, produced by the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA). Held annually, the Show brings together thousands of dive industry professionals, retailers, manufacturers, and media from around the globe. In 2026, DEMA Show celebrates its 50th anniversary at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, November 3–6. DEMA Show was named to the Trade Show Executive Fastest 50 — Class of 2025 — one of the 50 fastest-growing trade shows in the United States, ranked by total attendance growth.

About DEMA

DEMA (Diving Equipment & Marketing Association) is the international non-profit trade association whose mission is to bring businesses together to grow the diving industry worldwide. Headquartered in San Diego, California, DEMA has more than 1,400 member businesses worldwide. DEMA Show® is owned and produced by DEMA and managed by NTP Events. For more information, visit www.dema.org.