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50th Anniversary Party • Ambassadors • Share Your Memories • Mosaic • Timeline
Celebrating 50 Years of DEMA Show
Join us in celebrating five decades of innovation, connection, and growth within the global diving community. As we mark this milestone, we’re highlighting the people, moments, and memories that have shaped DEMA Show—and those leading us into the future.
Explore the timeline, share your memories, discover the evolving 50th Anniversary Mosaic, and meet the ambassadors helping bring this milestone year to life.
DEMA Show 50th Anniversary Party
Join us at Mardi Gras World on Thursday, November 5, from 6:00–9:00 PM for a celebration honoring the people, businesses, and relationships that have shaped DEMA Show over the past five decades while giving attendees another opportunity to connect beyond the exhibit hall.
Explore the iconic Float Den with self-guided tours, enjoy photo opportunities and themed backdrops, then head into the River City Ballroom for an evening of appetizers, beer, wine, music, networking, and special presentations celebrating DEMA Show's 50th anniversary.
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Who Can Attend
The party is open to all DEMA Show registrants, exhibitors, and media. Attendees must be 21 and older.
Each attendee may purchase up to two tickets to accommodate a guest or spouse who may wish to attend.
Tickets
Advance tickets are $10 when purchased during registration, onsite at DEMA Show Registration or DEMA Central (Booth #100) through 6:00 PM on Wednesday, November 4th.
Beginning on Thursday, November 5th tickets will be $20 when purchased at DEMA Show Registration, DEMA Central (Booth #100) or at the door at the Mardi Gras World venue.
Upon guest's arrival at the party every ticket presented at the door will be automatically entered into the evening's prize raffles. Ticket holders must be present to win.
Shuttle Service
The party is just steps away from the show floor across the street from the Hall J exit at the back of the convention center. Shuttle bus service will also be provided from the designated shuttle bus pick up area.
Complimentary shuttle service will be available from 5:45 PM to 9:00 PM for all party guests between the convention center, Mardi Gras World and The New Orleans Marriot (the host hotel ONLY).
We hope you’ll join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration, connection, and fun as we mark 50 years of DEMA Show!
Meet the DEMA Show 50th Anniversary Ambassadors
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Hall of Fame Ambassador: Neal Watson
Neal Watson, renowned throughout the diving industry as the “Dive God,” is a pioneering diver, entrepreneur, and industry leader will join us as the 2026 DEMA Show Hall of Fame Ambassador.
A dedicated advocate for the dive industry, Neal has served on the DEMA Board of Directors and as President of the Bahamas Diving Association, while also supporting numerous organizations and initiatives that promote diving worldwide.
Neal’s underwater accomplishments are legendary, including multiple Guinness World Records for both deep and distance diving—feats that captured global attention and helped inspire generations of divers. His work has also extended into film and television, where he has appeared as both a diver and stunt professional, and he has been widely featured in major media outlets for his record-setting achievements and pioneering contributions to shark diving.
Through decades of leadership, innovation, and outreach—including producing the groundbreaking Ocean Fest consumer dive show—Neal has made a lasting impact on the global diving community. His passion for exploration, education, and sharing the wonders of the underwater world continues to embody the spirit of adventure and progress celebrated at DEMA Show’s 50th anniversary.
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Hype Ambassador: Rocio Bunker
Rocio Bunker, an instructor, trainer, and examiner with extensive knowledge of the diving industry, is returning for her second year as the 2026 DEMA Show Hype Ambassador.
With roots in La Paz, Mexico, and now based in San Diego, Rocio brings global experience and unmatched energy to the DEMA community.
Having trained divers at every level around the world, Rocio is passionate about using scuba as a gateway to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards. Through her work, she builds confidence, develops essential skills, and opens pathways into careers in ocean conservation.
Whether she’s teaching, diving, creating ocean-inspired murals, or sharing stories with her growing audience (@rocios_salty_log), Rocio’s mission is clear: connect people to the ocean—and empower them to protect it.
At DEMA Show 2026, Rocio will bring her signature enthusiasm to the show floor—capturing candid moments, spotlighting attendees and exhibitors, and leading interactive competitions with exciting giveaways.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action—say hello when you see Rocio onsite and join the conversation using #DEMAShow.
Share Your DEMA Show Memories
As we celebrate 50 years of DEMA Show, we're inviting attendees, exhibitors, and industry supporters to share their favorite memories, milestones, photos, and stories from throughout the years. Whether your first DEMA Show was one year ago or several decades ago, we'd love to hear about the people, business connections, innovations, experiences, and moments that have made DEMA Show meaningful to you.
Selected stories and photos may be featured on the DEMA Show website, in anniversary promotions, and within the 50th Anniversary Digital Mosaic.
Explore 50 Years of Memories from Our Community
How Many Years Have You Exhibited/Attended:
50 years, beginning with the very first DEMA Show in Miami at the Twin Towers Hotel on the Miami River overlooking Biscayne Bay.
What is Your Favorite DEMA Show Memory:
My favorite shows were when DEMA was called Diving Equipment Manufacturing Association, and it was held in January on Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. All of the manufacturing companies exhibited. My fondest memories were all the parties and hospitality rooms hosted by several scuba diving magazines and certifying agencies but most of all I remember the large attendance with the aisles really crowded. The down side was that we most always missed the NFL playoff games.
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How Many Years Have You Exhibitied/Attended?
Personally, 14 years due to age restrictions but our family company has been exhibiting longer :)
What is Your Favorite DEMA Show Memory?
There's no way I could choose just one favorite DEMA Show memory because every year brings something special. But if I had to pick a defining moment, it would be the first year our company decided to host our own seminar room. I was proud to watch my mother's years of hard work culminate in something she had envisioned for so long. Seeing our team come together to bring that vision to life was incredibly rewarding, and it laid the foundation for what has now become the Deep Blue Seminar Room - a place dedicated to learning, professional growth, and meaningful relationships.
Each year, I get to witness the incredible dedication my mother pours into her company and see that passion come full circle. She can sell travel from anywhere in the world, but DEMA Show isn't just about business for her. It's about people.
Watching longtime clients, partners, and friends return year after year, seeing the genuine excitement on her face as she reconnects with them over a conversation or a drink, and witnessing the relationships she's spent decades building are what make every Show so memorable.
Those moments remind me that our industry isn't just built on diving. It's built on the people who make it such an incredible community.
*More memories coming soon. Share yours at the link here.
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