Visit us at the 2025 DEMA Show in Orlando! Stop by booth 928 or the Deep Blue Seminar Room, W303C!
Tuesday, November 11th
9:00 AM | Coffee Power Hour – Deep Blue is helping you kickstart your day with free coffee before the show begins! | Hosted by DBA
Kickstart your day before the DEMA 2025 Show opens with Coffee Power Hour on Tuesday, November 11th, from 9 AM to 10 AM in the Deep Blue Seminar Room! Enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee, courtesy of Deep Blue, and fuel up before the excitement begins. Whether you stay and mingle with fellow early birds or grab a cup to go, it’s the perfect way to connect with like-minded attendees and add some energy to your morning. Why stand around waiting for the doors to open when you can sip, chat, and start your day on a high note?
10:00 AM | Roots to Reef – A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Tourism | Tiffany Geer, Aquanauts Grenada
Discover how sustainability moves beyond buzzwords to become meaningful action in Roots to Reef – A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Tourism. Led by Aquanauts Grenada, the 2025 overall winner of the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism Award for Caribbean Coral Reef Stewardship Best Practices, this seminar offers a practical, real-world case study of our commitment to ocean health and community engagement. We’ll share how our integrated approach connects land and sea conservation, supports local communities, and safeguards Grenada’s reefs for generations to come. Join us to explore the challenges, solutions, and best practices that demonstrate why sustainable tourism isn’t just a tagline—it’s a call to action.
11:00 AM | Explore Costa Rica’s Natural Wonders | Vanessa Willing, Bill Beard’s Costa Rica
Ready to take your dive vacations to the next level? Join us for an in-depth seminar designed specifically for travelers, dive shop leaders, and group organizers who want to explore the best of both worlds—world-class scuba diving and unforgettable land-based nature & adventures in Costa Rica. Hosted by Deep Blue Adventures, in collaboration with local experts from Bill Beard’s Costa Rica, this session goes beyond the basics. You’ll get a comprehensive look at: -Top dive sites along the Pacific Coast—what to expect, best times to go, and options for all skill levels -Adventure pairings—how to combine diving with hot springs, volcano tours, rainforest hikes, and more Whether you’re planning your first dive trip to Costa Rica or looking for new experiences to offer your clients, this seminar is your gateway to diving deeper—with experts who live and breathe Costa Rica.
12:00 PM | Building a Robust Travel Program for Your Dive Center | Cheryl Patterson, Deep Blue Adventures
Take your dive business to the next level by creating a travel program that drives customer loyalty, boosts revenue, and sets you apart from the competition. Building a Robust Travel Program for Your Dive Center is a practical seminar designed for dive shop owners, managers, and staff looking to expand their offerings and keep divers engaged year-round. We’ll walk through the essential steps to design, market, and manage successful group trips—from choosing the right destinations and partners to pricing strategies, client communication, and risk management. Learn how to deliver seamless, memorable travel experiences that build lasting relationships and keep your divers coming back for more. Whether you’re launching your first trip or looking to refine an existing program, this session provides the tools, insights, and best practices you need to make travel an integral, profitable part of your dive business.
1:00 PM | The “Make More Money” Marketing Map for Dive and Travel Centers | Cathryn Castle Garcia, Clear Story Coach
I was tempted to title this session, “A Caveman, a Neurosurgeon, and an AI Bot Walk Into a Bar,” but I’d be getting ahead of myself. Do you want to learn how to market your business so you can make more money? If your answer is YES, come join me and we’ll map out a simple marketing plan for your business using a mashup of storytelling, neuroscience, and new AI tech.
2:00 PM | Diving the Untamed Galapagos | Andrew Patterson, Deep Blue Adventures
Explore one of the world’s most extraordinary underwater frontiers in Diving the Untamed Galapagos. This seminar offers an insider’s look at what makes the Galapagos Islands a bucket-list destination for divers—from thrilling encounters with hammerhead sharks and giant mantas to the unique endemic marine life found nowhere else on Earth. We’ll cover practical travel tips, seasonal highlights, site profiles, and conservation considerations that every diver should know before exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site. Whether you’re a dive travel planner, shop owner, or an adventurous diver seeking your next unforgettable trip, this session will equip you with the knowledge to plan safe, sustainable, and awe-inspiring Galapagos dive adventures.
3:00 PM | Sardine Run & Safaris | Cheryl Patterson, Deep Blue Adventures
The Great, Great Migration is the ultimate expedition above and below, whether you are a nature lover or an adrenaline junkie! Immerse yourself in two of the greatest shows on earth and learn everything you need to bring one or both of these jaw-dropping experiences to your customers.
4:00 PM | Discover Curaçao – The Hidden Gem of the Caribbean – Dive Curacao | Bryan Horne, Dive Curacao
Join Dive Curacao at DEMA 2025 for “Discover Curaçao: The Hidden Gem of the Caribbean.” Learn why Curaçao is renowned as one of the best overall dive vacation destinations. Uncover its stunning underwater landscapes, vibrant marine life, and unique cultural experiences. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore exclusive travel packages and expert insights. Dive into adventure with us – mark your calendar and be inspired to plan your next unforgettable dive trip to Curaçao!
5:00 PM | Cuba: Gardens of the Queens | Avalon Outdoors
Come discover one of the most fully intact and thriving reef systems in the Caribbean! With daily non-stop flights into Cuba – traveling to this beautiful island frozen in time has never been easier. Join Kelly Brock, US Dive Sales Manager to answer all the questions about travel logistics, boat amenities, what to expect in addition to just the diving, and more! Don’t miss experiencing the results of 30 years of conservation. Our all-inclusive liveaboard trips run Saturday through Saturday and depart out of Jucaro Port (south central side of the island). Guests are included in participatory environmental projects throughout their week that integrate perfectly into the diving schedule, supporting long term sustainable conservation initiatives. All guests are granted a certificate of participation and completion of this humanitarian and environmental project along with a full itinerary of activities that qualify them for legal travel under the current US and Cuban regulations. The Gardens of the Queen is such a unique marine protected area and it’s absolutely perfect for ALL level of diver and non-diver. In addition to diving we have lots of other eco-adventures, like snorkeling, and paddling boarding through the mangroves and sea grass flats along with Crocodile encounters, beach visits with the Jutias, and bird watching.
Wednesday, November 12th
10:00 AM | Dive Industry Young Professionals – Introductory Meeting | Alexandra Patterson, DIYP & DBA
Calling all young professionals in the scuba industry! Join us for the very first meeting of DIYP, where we’ll introduce the club, share plans for future networking events and opportunities, and build lasting connections. This relaxed, welcoming environment is the perfect place to meet like-minded peers from all corners of the dive industry—no matter your role. If you’re part of the dive world, we’d love for you to join us! RSVP is not necessary but we’d love to get a rough estimate in preparation – please email alex@deepblueadventures.com to let us know you’re coming or with questions!
11:00 AM | Indonesia’s Best Diving Across the Archipelago – Subculture Travel | Hergen Spalink, Subculture Travel
Join Nauticam Ambassador Hergen Spalink for a trip across the Indonesian Archipelago through photos and videos collected over his 15 years of diving and living throughout the country. Obtain a deeper insight of the various iconic areas and the lesser known regions through his beautiful imagery and first-hand experience.
12:00 PM | CYA! Travel selling basics to help protect your business. | Cheryl Patterson, Deep Blue Adventures
Protect the business you’ve built! Vital information for retail dive centers regarding T&C’s, payments, requirements regarding travel insurance and more to minimizing your exposure against chargebacks and worse when it comes to the business of selling travel.
1:00 PM | Selling Travel Through Education: A New Model for the 21st Century | Dr. Alex Brylske, Ocean Educational International
Anyone paying attention knows that the dive travel market is changing, and today’s customers want more than just boat rides and reef dives. This session explores how Gen Z and Millennial values are transforming the industry, and how dive educators can adapt training to meet these expectations. Drawing on concepts from Dr. Brylske’s popular “Eco Pro” column in Scuba Diving Industry Magazine and supported by new market data, this seminar provides practical strategies for turning dive education into a more engaging—and more profitable—way to promote travel. Presented by Dr. Alex Brylske
2:00 PM | Statia – The Caribbean’s Best Kept Secret (Win a free trip!) | Marieke van de Wetering, Scubaqua Dive Center
If you’ve never heard about this small, undiscovered island in the Caribbean, it’s only because it’s a well-kept secret. St. Eustatius (Statia in local slang), was once the busiest port of the Caribbean in the eighteenth century, and is now a sleepy island where time has stood still. The reefs surrounding St. Eustatius are flourishing in a protected marine park. Under water, you will experience what much of the Caribbean must have looked like many years ago. Add some historical dive sites and more recent sunken wrecks to the mix and you’ve got yourself a divers paradise! During this presentation you’ll discover why Statia is one of the best places for scuba diving and why you should visit. Did we mention that we will be raffling off a free trip to one lucky seminar attendee, courtesy of Scubaqua? CHANCE FOR A FREE TRIP FOR THOSE IN ATTENDANCE!
3:00 PM | Madagascar: The Ultimate Frontier for Dive and Adventure Travel | Cheryl Patterson, Deep Blue Adventures
Step off the beaten path and discover Madagascar—an untamed paradise that promises unforgettable experiences both above and below the surface. Madagascar: The Ultimate Frontier for Dive and Adventure Travel will introduce you to this extraordinary destination where biodiversity, culture, and raw natural beauty converge. Dive untouched reefs teeming with endemic marine life, explore channels frequented by migrating whales, and experience remote sites that few divers have seen. Beyond diving, learn about the island’s dramatic landscapes, iconic wildlife like lemurs and baobabs, and opportunities for cultural immersion that make Madagascar a bucket-list adventure for travelers seeking something truly unique. This seminar will offer practical insights on travel logistics, seasonal highlights, dive site overviews, and conservation considerations to help you confidently plan and sell Madagascar as the next great frontier in dive and adventure travel. Ideal for travel advisors, dive shop owners, group leaders, and adventurous divers ready to expand their horizons.
4:00 PM | The best of 333 islands – Fiji’s top dive experiences | Waidroka Bay Resort, Volivoli Beach Resort, and Paradise Taveuni Resort
The Fijian islands offer a diverse array of experiences above and below the water. With so many options it can be overwhelming! We share with you some of our absolute favorite regions in the soft coral capital of the world. Learn more to help you decide between areas ranging from stunning macro to a variety of sharks, whales, and everything in between. Or maybe you don’t have to choose …
5:00 PM | Sustainability with Reef World | JJ Harvey, Reef World & Green Fins
Thursday, November 13th
8:30 AM | NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY – Dive Center Connect: Sharing Success, Inspiring Growth | Hosted by Deep Blue Adventures
Join us for our exciting second annual collaborative networking event designed exclusively for dive centers looking to learn, grow, and thrive together. Dive Center Connect brings together professionals from across the country for an open exchange of ideas, challenges, and proven strategies that are driving real success in today’s dive industry. This unique gathering will kick off with short spotlight talks from several of our valued partners, each sharing insights into what’s worked for them—whether it’s boosting travel sales, improving student retention, expanding their retail footprint, or creating stronger community engagement. Following these talks, you’ll have the opportunity to join focused breakout sessions led by the speakers, where you can dive deeper into the topics that matter most to your business. Whether you’re a new operator or a seasoned dive center owner, this event offers a rare chance to connect with like-minded peers, get inspired by practical ideas, and walk away with tools you can use right away. Let’s build the future of dive retail—together.
10:00 AM | Keep the Conversation Going – Post-Networking Event Flex Time | Deep Blue Adventures
This time is reserved as a flex space for our networking event attendees—feel free to continue conversations, connect in smaller groups, unwind after the main event, stop in on your way to the show to see if there’s anyone still networking, or use it as a workspace to prepare for the exciting day ahead of you!
11:00 AM | Selling Travel Through Education: A New Model for the 21st Century | Dr. Alex Brylske, Ocean Educational International
Anyone paying attention knows that the dive travel market is changing, and today’s customers want more than just boat rides and reef dives. This session explores how Gen Z and Millennial values are transforming the industry, and how dive educators can adapt training to meet these expectations. Drawing on concepts from Dr. Brylske’s popular “Eco Pro” column in Scuba Diving Industry Magazine and supported by new market data, this seminar provides practical strategies for turning dive education into a more engaging—and more profitable—way to promote travel.
12:00 PM | From Dive Center to Adventure Center – Expand your market and rocket your business to the next level. | Cheryl Patterson, Deep Blue Adventures
The dive community is shrinking. While there is much effort and discussion on reviving our industry (and we are very much dedicated to doing that) speaking candidly, regrowing our industry is not an overnight fix. What both new and experienced divers are seeking has changed dramatically over the past two decades. Keeping up with the latest trends and demands is essential to the success and growth of your enterprise. Diversifying what your business offers not only provides an immediate new revenue stream and expands your client base, but it can grow your dive sales too. Whether its small changes or you are ready to build your empire, explore the why and how to take your business to the next level.
1:00 PM | Solomon Islands: Diving into Untouched South Pacific Splendor | Emperor Divers
Journey to one of the last frontiers of truly unspoiled diving in Solomon Islands: Diving into Untouched South Pacific Splendor. This seminar reveals why the Solomons remain one of the world’s best-kept secrets for divers seeking pristine reefs, dramatic walls, WWII wrecks, and vibrant marine biodiversity—all with a fraction of the crowds found elsewhere. We’ll cover the highlights of diving in the Solomons, from coral-laden seamounts to ghostly wrecks and manta cleaning stations. Learn about cultural encounters in traditional villages, lush jungle landscapes, and the essential logistics for planning and selling this remote South Pacific adventure. This session will equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to unlock an authentic, breathtaking destination where adventure and cultural heritage meet beneath the surface.
2:00 PM | Enjoy The Philippines with Atlantis Resorts and Liveaboards (Win a free trip!) – Marty Snyderman | Marty Snyderman, Atlantis Philippines Dive Resorts & Liveaboard
Allow Atlantis Photography Ambassador Marty Snyderman to show you what diving is like from the Azores and at the Atlantis resorts in Dumaguete and Puerto Galera where we want you to come as our guest and leave as our friend. Gain insights into the astonishing diversity of marine creatures seen while exploring ecosystems that range from classic muck dive settings to stunning walls where excellent visibility, spectacular seascapes, colorful fishes, turtles, and more are the norm. CHANCE FOR A FREE TRIP FOR THOSE IN ATTENDANCE! Presented by Marty Snyderman
3:00 PM | Baia – Diving a Roman City: Exploring Italy’s Underwater Pompeii | Cheryl Patterson, Deep Blue Adventures
Uncover history beneath the waves in Baia – Diving a Roman City. This seminar invites you to explore the remarkable submerged ruins of Baia, Italy—a once-luxurious Roman resort now lying beneath the Bay of Naples. Often called the “Underwater Pompeii,” Baia offers divers the unique chance to glide over mosaics, marble statues, and ancient villas frozen in time. We’ll guide you through the history and archaeology of this fascinating site, the logistics of diving in a protected marine archaeological park, and the best practices for planning trips that combine cultural tourism with world-class diving. Learn how to offer clients an unforgettable journey where history, art, and adventure meet below the surface. Perfect for travel planners, dive professionals, and history-loving divers eager to expand their offerings with a truly one-of-a-kind destination.
4:00 PM | Tobago Beyond | Kari Brown, Deep Blue Adventures & Perl Henry, Tobago Tourism Agency
Perched perfectly at the base of the Caribbean archipelago is an untouched, unspoiled, undiscovered divers dream. Tobago. The island’s intimate reef systems are rich in marine biodiversity, clear pristine waters and its range of diving sites are natural treasures. Under the surface, divers can expect to find closely-huddled schooling fish, moray eels, lobsters and sea horses, as well as headline attractions such as barracudas, tarpons, turtles, nurse sharks and rays. Beyond the shore, awaken your wild side as you venture off the beaten path to explore Tobago’s lush, natural beauty. Its stunning waterfalls, scenic trails, and breath-taking vistas are why Tobago is truly Beyond Ordinary.
Friday, November 14th
10:00 AM | Show and Sell: How to Use Video to Increase Sales | Cathryn Castle Garcia, Clear Story Coach
We’re not in the entertainment business, so let’s make sure your video posts do more than make people smile. This session will have you creating video content that converts viewers into clients. We’ll cover video targets, topics, transcripts and tech you’ll need to create money-making marketing videos.
11:00 AM | Mozambique | Cheryl Patterson, Deep Blue Adventures
Are you seeking the extraordinary? Where else can you get nudis, shrimp and porcelain crabs to eels, schools of game fish, manta, shark, and whale shark underwater all on a single 30-minute dive. From walls teeming with macro life to ocean safaris swimming with Africa’s underwater Big Five, Mozambique has it all! Our first-hand experience helps you navigate the various areas in this thrilling destination that is a diver’s dream, yet still holds more to be explored.
12:00 PM | Maximum Maldives – Exploring 26 atolls of Magnificence | Cheryl Patterson, Deep Blue Adventures
Mating Manta aggregations, whale sharks going bump in the night, and swimming through a plethora of fish as graceful sharks of various species go gliding by. Maldives offers some of the most incredible diving in the world. With almost 1200 islands, there is something for all levels of divers. With multiple itineraries to choose from between across 26 atolls, this is a destination that can be repeated with a different but equally amazing experience every time. Discover what is so special about this highly demanded destination and navigate through the huge variety of options with us to identify the best for you and your clients.
1:00 PM | The Answer: How to Answer the ONE Question That Gets Customers to Buy | Cathryn Castle Garcia, Clear Story Coach
It’s a scientific fact that every buying decision we humans make hinges on the answer to this ONE question, “How will your business – your product or service – make my life better?” You’ve got about 30 seconds to provide the answer your customer wants to hear, or they’re out the door. Or on to the next website. In this session, we’ll outline how to position your business as the solution to their problem.
