by Gene Muchanski, Executive Director
Dive Industry Association, Inc.

The Dive Industry Association is conducting a Feasibility Study to determine if the diving community in the State of Florida would support an annual 3 or 4 day Diving & Watersports Conference to include a 1-Day Conference, 1-Day Trade Only Day, and a 2-day Consumer Dive Show.  The weekend event would include Conferences, Workshops, Seminars, Film Festival, Photo & Video Competition, an Exhibit Hall for the general public, an Awards Banquet, and an Industry Party.

A number of companies from the diving industry have already expressed an interest in sponsoring and participating in the annual state wide event.  Two non-profit organizations have agreed to produce the show for the benefit of the Florida Diving Community.  The purpose of the Florida Diving & Watersports Conference is roughly to; 1) Celebrate the Florida Diving Community. 2) Showcase Our Recreation. 3) Recharge Our Professional & Recreational Batteries. and 4) Grow Our Recreation in Florida and Beyond.

A  survey to gauge support for the conference is being sent to individuals in the major stakeholder groups across the state.  The conference is intending to be all inclusive, non-political and not favoring any one sector of the recreation.  Leaders from the Manufacturing, Retailing, Training and Travel Industries are being asked for their opinions as are those from the Dive Operators, Dive Clubs, Media and the Manufacturing and Training Rep Groups.

Individuals interested in volunteering to help get the conference off the ground should contact Gene Muchanski at gene@diveindustry.net