November 3–6, 2026 | DEMA Show
The DEMA Show floor is where the dive industry comes together – but some of the most valuable conversations happen beyond the exhibits.
Join Deep Blue Adventures throughout DEMA 2026 for an exciting lineup of educational seminars, destination presentations, networking opportunities, and industry-focused discussions designed to inspire divers, dive professionals, travel advisors, dive shop owners, group leaders, and adventure travelers.
This year’s program brings together industry experts, destination specialists, conservation leaders, photographers, and dive professionals to share practical knowledge, fresh ideas, and inspiration for the future of diving and dive travel.
Whether you’re looking for your next bucket-list destination, new ways to grow your dive business, ideas for reaching new customers, or simply a little inspiration, we’ve got something for you.
All Seminars Are Open To DEMA Attendees – Free of Charge!
Tuesday, November 3
☕ Coffee Power Hour
9:00–10:00 AM
Hosted By Deep Blue Adventures
Kickstart your DEMA morning with a cup of coffee on us! Join Deep Blue Adventures for Coffee Power Hour before the show floor opens. Grab a freshly brewed cup, mingle with fellow early birds, and start your DEMA day with great conversations and new connections.
Whether you stay and chat or grab a cup to go, it’s the perfect way to fuel up before the excitement begins.
From Wrecks To Whales: Discover The Depths Of Portugal
10:00–10:50 AM
Presented By Arlindo Serrao, Founder & General Manager, Portugal Dive
Discover the best-kept secrets of European diving in this inspiring presentation from Deep Blue Adventures and our local partner, Portugal Dive.
Costa Rica: World-Class Scuba Diving & Unforgettable Land-Based Adventures
11:00–11:50 AM
Presented By Vanessa Willing, Bill Beard’s Costa Rica
Ready to take your dive vacations to the next level? Explore the best of both worlds – world-class scuba diving and unforgettable land-based adventures in Costa Rica.
Discover top dive sites along the Pacific Coast, the best times to visit, options for different experience levels, and exciting ways to combine diving with hot springs, volcano tours, rainforest hikes, and more.
Whether you’re planning your own adventure or looking for new experiences to offer your clients, this seminar is your gateway to diving deeper into Costa Rica.
Build A Robust Travel Program
12:00–12:50 PM
Presented By 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.
Designed for dive shop owners, managers, and staff, this practical session explores how to build, market, and manage successful group trips – from choosing destinations and travel partners to pricing, client communication, and risk management.
Whether you’re launching your first trip or refining an established program, you’ll leave with practical tools and strategies for making travel an integral and profitable part of your dive business.
Enjoy The Philippines With Atlantis Resorts & Liveaboards
1:00–1:50 PM
Presented By Marty Snyderman, Atlantis Philippines
Join Atlantis Photography Ambassador Marty Snyderman for an exciting look at diving in the Philippines and the incredible experiences awaiting guests at Atlantis Resorts in Dumaguete and Puerto Galera.
Explore astonishing marine biodiversity, from classic muck diving environments to spectacular walls filled with colorful fish, turtles, sharks, and more.
Plus, attendees will have a chance to win a FREE TRIP!
Barbados: So Much To Discover
2:00–2:50 PM
Presented By Barbados Blue & Barbados Tourism Board
Discover the many sides of Barbados – from turquoise Caribbean waters and world-class scuba diving to vibrant culture and unforgettable adventures.
Explore coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, fascinating shipwrecks, caves, botanical gardens, coastal landscapes, and the island’s incredible wildlife.
Whether you’re planning your next vacation or simply dreaming of a tropical escape, discover why Barbados has so much more to offer.
Community-Based Restoration Through Ecotourism
3:00–3:50 PM
Presented By Krista Shoe, Founder, Mother Of Corals
Discover how ecotourism can directly support conservation and community development in Bocas del Toro, Panama.
Through immersive educational experiences, snorkeling and diving tours, and citizen science programs, tourism revenue supports coral nurseries, reef restoration, environmental education, and workforce development.
Learn how group dive travel can help locally led conservation organizations restore degraded reefs while creating economic opportunities, strengthening environmental stewardship, and building community resilience.
CYA! Travel Selling Basics To Help Protect Your Business
4:00–4:50 PM
Presented By Cheryl Patterson, Deep Blue Adventures
Protect the business you’ve worked so hard to build.
This essential session for retail dive centers covers the fundamentals of selling travel while minimizing your exposure to chargebacks and other potential issues. We’ll discuss terms and conditions, payments, travel insurance requirements, and other important considerations every dive business should understand when selling travel.
From Shoot To Screen: Live Underwater Portrait Post-Production Demo
5:00–5:50 PM
Presented By Justin Lutskey & Abbey Blake, Submerge Underwater
Ever wonder what happens after the shutter clicks on an underwater portrait shoot?
Go behind the scenes with filmmaker, PADI dive instructor, and post-production veteran Justin Lutskey as he takes you through a complete underwater portrait edit – from raw file to finished image – in real time.
Forget fish photos and coral reefs. This session focuses on cinematic skin tones, dramatic lighting, and editorial-quality retouching.
Whether you’re an underwater photographer or simply curious about what separates a stunning portrait from a snapshot, this hands-on demonstration pulls back the curtain on the craft behind the image.
Wednesday, November 4
Dive Industry Young Professionals: Introductory Meeting
10:00–10:50 AM
Presented By Alexandra Patterson, DIYP & Deep Blue Adventures
Calling all young professionals in the scuba industry!
Join us for the second annual industry meeting of Dive Industry Young Professionals (DIYP). We’ll share updates, discuss upcoming networking events and opportunities, and build connections among young professionals from every corner of the dive industry.
Whether you’re new to the industry or already established in your career, this relaxed and welcoming meeting is a great opportunity to meet like-minded peers and help shape the future of our industry.
RSVP is not required, but we’d love to know you’re coming! Email alex@deepblueadventures.com with questions or to let us know you’ll be there.
The Art & Logistics Of Open Water Portraiture
11:00–11:50 AM
Presented By Justin Lutskey & Abbey Blake, Submerge Underwater
What does it take to create a high-end underwater portrait shoot in the middle of the ocean?
Justin and Abbey of Submerge Underwater take you behind the scenes of their worldwide adventure photography business – from planning and location scouting to directing subjects underwater and capturing images that stop people in their tracks.
Part visual showcase and part behind-the-scenes story, this session is for photographers, divers, adventure travelers, and anyone who’s ever looked at an underwater portrait and thought, I want to do that.
Adaptive Diving Made Accessible: Simple Steps For Growing Inclusive Dive Programs
12:00–12:50 PM
Presented By Tinamarie Hernandez, Executive Director, Diveheart
Adaptive diving doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or intimidating.
This session breaks down common misconceptions and provides dive centers, instructors, charter operators, and industry professionals with practical steps for welcoming divers with disabilities.
Discover how small changes can create life-changing experiences, expand your customer base, strengthen community connections, and open new opportunities for growth – while making diving accessible to more people than ever before.
Creating Lifelong Travel Customers Through Transformative Reef Experiences
1:00–1:50 PM
Presented By Dr. Alex Brylske, Ocean Education International
How do you turn casual tourists into lifelong travel customers and ocean stewards?
Explore the Reef Smart Guide’s new Ocean Explorer Program, designed to help divers build a deeper, more personal connection with the reef.
Learn how interpretive education can transform routine dives into meaningful learning experiences through a three-module framework that professionals can integrate directly into existing operations.
Discover how fostering a true “sense of place” can inspire conservation, increase guest loyalty, differentiate your business, and redefine the modern dive professional as an ocean educator.
Dive The Beautiful Solomon Islands With Emperor
2:00–2:50 PM
Presented By Alan Steenstrup, Emperor Group
The Solomon Islands is a world-class diving destination known for crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and incredible World War II history.
Explore colorful underwater ecosystems, historic shipwrecks and aircraft, warm tropical waters, excellent visibility, and uncrowded dive sites.
Learn more about this remarkable destination and the experiences available aboard the Emperor Bilikiki Liveaboard and through the Emperor Honiara Dive Center.
Madagascar: The Ultimate Frontier For Dive & Adventure Travel
3:00–3:50 PM
Presented By Cheryl Patterson, Deep Blue Adventures
Step off the beaten path and discover Madagascar – an untamed paradise where biodiversity, culture, and raw natural beauty come together.
Dive untouched reefs filled with endemic marine life, explore channels frequented by migrating whales, and discover remote sites few divers have experienced.
Beyond the water, experience Madagascar’s dramatic landscapes, iconic wildlife, incredible lemurs and baobabs, and opportunities for meaningful cultural immersion.
This seminar will cover practical travel logistics, seasonal highlights, dive sites, and conservation considerations for travel advisors, dive shop owners, group leaders, and adventurous divers ready to explore the next great frontier.
Indonesia: Passport To Paradise
4:00–4:50 PM
Presented By Murex Resorts
Experience Indonesia’s incredible diversity of diving with a true passport to paradise.
Explore the dramatic walls of Bunaken Marine Park, the kaleidoscopic reefs of Bangka Island, and the world-renowned muck diving of the Lembeh Strait.
Discover the distinct experiences offered by Murex Manado, Murex Bangka, and Lembeh Resort – from tropical gardens and beachfront relaxation to remote island escapes, exceptional coral reefs, exotic marine life, and luxurious accommodations.
Statia: The Caribbean’s Best Kept Secret
5:00–5:50 PM
Presented By Scubaqua
If you’ve never heard of St. Eustatius – also known as Statia – it’s probably because this small Caribbean island has remained one of the region’s best-kept secrets.
Once one of the Caribbean’s busiest ports, Statia is now a peaceful island where time seems to stand still. Beneath the surface, a protected marine park shelters thriving reefs that offer a glimpse of what much of the Caribbean once looked like.
Discover historic dive sites, shipwrecks, abundant marine life, and what makes Statia such a special destination for divers.
Plus, one lucky seminar attendee will have a chance to WIN A FREE TRIP courtesy of Scubaqua!
Thursday, November 5
Dive Center Connect Networking: Beyond The Dive Shop
10:00–10:50 AM
Hosted By Deep Blue Adventures with Locally Owned Dive Centers across the US!
How can dive centers grow beyond traditional retail and training?
Join us for an interactive roundtable focused on innovative ways to attract new customers, develop future divers, and create sustainable revenue streams.
We’ll explore youth camps, adaptive opportunities, community partnerships, creative programming, and other ideas that can help dive centers thrive in today’s changing marketplace.
Bring your ideas, questions, and experiences – this is a conversation, not a lecture!
Keep The Conversation Going: Post-Networking Flex Time
11:00–11:50 AM
Hosted By Deep Blue Adventures
Not ready for the conversation to end?
This dedicated flex space gives Dive Center Connect attendees an opportunity to continue networking, connect in smaller groups, unwind after the main event, or stop by on your way to the show floor to see who’s still connecting.
Need a workspace to prepare for the day ahead? We’ve got you covered there, too.
Mermaiding As A Revenue Stream: How Dive Shops Can Profit From The Mermaid Economy
11:00–11:50 AM
Presented By Abbey Blake, Submerge Underwater
Mermaiding has evolved into a legitimate and growing business opportunity – and dive centers can be part of it.
Professional mermaid and underwater performer Abbey Blake breaks down how dive shops can tap into this unique market through mermaid certification programs, private events, underwater photography experiences, group travel, and more.
Learn practical strategies for attracting a younger, social-media-savvy audience that’s eager to get in the water – and discover how mermaiding can help create new revenue while developing the next generation of divers.
From Dive Center To Adventure Center: Expand Your Market & Grow Your Business
12:00–12:50 PM
Presented By Cheryl Patterson, Deep Blue Adventures
The dive industry is changing – and divers’ expectations are changing with it.
While growing our industry is a long-term effort, dive businesses can take meaningful steps today to adapt to what today’s customers are looking for.
Discover how diversifying your offerings can create new revenue streams, expand your customer base, and ultimately grow your dive sales.
Whether you’re considering small changes or dreaming about building an entire adventure business, this session explores the why and how behind taking your dive center to the next level.
Guardians Of The Caribbean Sea: Restoring Reefs & Protecting Marine Life
1:00–1:50 PM
Presented By Eco Dive Grenada & Eco Blue Barbados
Explore innovative conservation programs and opportunities in Grenada and Barbados.
Through striking imagery and real-world examples from local coral nurseries, discover how scientists, volunteers, and community partners are restoring reef ecosystems, supporting marine biodiversity, and strengthening the resilience of Caribbean coastal habitats.
Learn about Barbados’ efforts to expand Marine Protected Areas, as well as Grenada’s work with juvenile green sea turtles, coral restoration, coral spawning monitoring, larval settlement research, and community-led underwater cleanups.
Discover how these destinations are creating meaningful opportunities for research, education, and environmental stewardship while protecting the natural resources that make the Caribbean so extraordinary.
Creating A New Standard For Sustainable Dive Tourism
2:00–2:50 PM
Presented By Dr. Alex Brylske, Ocean Education International
Join Dr. Alex Brylske for a look at a groundbreaking approach to sustainable dive tourism.
Sponsored by the Florida Keys Tourism Development Council, this initiative moves beyond generic training to offer a scalable “train-the-trainer” framework incorporating Ocean Education International’s ECO PRO curriculum and comprehensive operational assessments.
Learn how tourism departments and operator associations can transform environmental stewardship into a powerful destination-branding tool – one that attracts sustainability-minded travelers while creating measurable competitive advantages.
Discover how destinations can safeguard marine resources while building a more professional, profitable, and planet-positive future for dive tourism.
From Wrecks To Whales: Discover The Depths Of Portugal
3:00–3:50 PM
Presented By Arlindo Serrao, Founder & General Manager, Portugal Dive
Discover the best-kept secrets of European diving in this inspiring presentation from Deep Blue Adventures and our local partner, Portugal Dive.
Tobago Beyond
4:00–4:50 PM
Presented By Kari Brown, Deep Blue Adventures & Perl Henry, Tobago Tourism Agency
Perched at the base of the Caribbean archipelago, Tobago is an untouched, unspoiled dream for divers and adventure travelers.
Explore intimate reef systems rich with marine biodiversity, crystal-clear waters, schooling fish, moray eels, lobsters, seahorses, barracuda, tarpon, turtles, nurse sharks, and rays.
Then venture beyond the water to discover Tobago’s lush natural beauty, stunning waterfalls, scenic trails, and breathtaking vistas.
Friday, November 6
The AI + AI = “Make More Money” Marketing Formula For Dive & Travel Centers
10:00–10:50 AM
Presented By Cathryn Castle Garcia, ClearStoryCoach.com
Interested in simple ways to market your business and make more money?
Join Cathryn Castle Garcia for a fresh look at how AI + Authenticity + Integrity can help dive and travel businesses increase sales and cultivate repeat customers.
Discover practical ways to incorporate today’s AI technology into your marketing while keeping the authentic human connection that makes customers want to come back.
Diving The Untamed Galapagos
11:00–11:50 AM
Presented By Andrew Patterson, Deep Blue Adventures
Explore one of the world’s most extraordinary underwater frontiers.
From thrilling encounters with hammerhead sharks and giant manta rays to unique endemic marine life found nowhere else on Earth, the Galapagos is a bucket-list destination for divers.
Discover seasonal highlights, dive site profiles, practical travel tips, and conservation considerations to help you plan a safe, sustainable, and unforgettable Galapagos adventure.
Whether you’re a dive travel planner, shop owner, group leader, or adventurous diver, this session will give you the knowledge you need to explore the Galapagos with confidence.
Cuba: Gardens Of The Queen
12:00–12:50 PM
Presented By Kelly Brock, Avalon
Discover one of the Caribbean’s most intact and thriving reef systems – Gardens of the Queen.
Learn about the logistics of traveling to this remarkable destination, what to expect aboard the liveaboard, and what makes this protected marine environment so extraordinary.
With more than 30 years of conservation efforts, Gardens of the Queen offers incredible diving alongside opportunities to participate in environmental projects supporting long-term conservation.
Beyond diving, discover snorkeling, paddleboarding through mangroves and seagrass flats, crocodile encounters, beach visits, bird watching, and more.
Mozambique
1:00–1:50 PM
Presented By Cheryl Patterson, Deep Blue Adventures
Are you seeking the extraordinary?
Where else can you encounter nudibranchs, shrimp, porcelain crabs, eels, schools of game fish, manta rays, sharks, and whale sharks—all in a single dive?
From walls teeming with macro life to ocean safaris in search of Africa’s underwater Big Five, Mozambique delivers an unforgettable dive adventure.
Join Deep Blue Adventures for a firsthand look at this incredible destination and learn how to navigate the different regions and experiences Mozambique has to offer.
More Than A Seminar
At Deep Blue Adventures, we believe the future of the dive industry depends on education, connection, innovation, and a willingness to keep exploring.
That’s why we’re proud to support educational programming at DEMA that goes beyond selling trips. From growing successful dive businesses and reaching new customers to protecting our oceans and discovering incredible destinations, these seminars are designed to give the dive community ideas and tools they can take home and put into action.
Come learn. Come connect. Come get inspired.
We’ll see you at DEMA 2026!
