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. Additional details about our on-site 50th anniversary celebration will be announced soon.
Meet the DEMA Show 50th Anniversary Ambassadors
Hall of Fame Ambassador: Neal Watson

Neal Watson is a renowned diving pioneer, entrepreneur, and industry leader whose career spans commercial diving, treasure salvaging, hospitality, aviation, and Caribbean-based ventures.
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.
Hype Ambassador: Rocio Bunker

We’re excited to welcome back Rocio Bunker, Instructor Trainer and Examiner, 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.