Calling all Dive Industry Educators!

DEMA Show 2026 is seeking experienced professionals to share practical, actionable strategies that help dive retailers build stronger, more profitable businesses.

If you have proven insights, real-world case studies, or step-by-step solutions that retailers can immediately implement, we encourage you to submit a proposal and help shape the future of the dive industry.

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Call for Papers

General Information

About DEMA

The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) is the trade association for the international scuba diving industry. With more than 1,400 member businesses, DEMA’s mission is to bring businesses together to grow the diving industry worldwide. Speakers who integrate DEMA initiatives, research insights, or marketing programs may be given preferred consideration. For additional information about DEMA, visit www.dema.org.

About DEMA Show

DEMA Show is the largest in-person, trade-only event for companies doing business in the scuba diving, ocean water sports, and adventure/dive travel industries. The Show provides opportunities to do business, connect with peers, explore products, and learn practical strategies you can use right away. Proceeds from DEMA Show fund research, legislative advocacy, disaster assistance, marketing initiatives, and other industry support programs.

Education Session Details

Typical Attendance: 50–100 participants

Audience: Dive industry retailers, retail store staff, instructors, dive operators, and support personnel

Content Requirements: Sessions must be educational (not promotional) and include clear, actionable implementation steps

Takeaway: Attendees should leave with specific, practical actions they can immediately apply to their business

Education Schedule

Tuesday, November 3 - Friday, November 6

  • 11:00-11:45 AM
  • 12:00-12:45 PM
  • 3:00-3:45 PM
  • 4:00 - 4:45 PM (Not offered Friday, November 6)

Two (2) sessions run concurrently during the following days and times. 

*Final dates and times are subject to change. 

Submission Details & Deadline

To be considered, all proposals must be received no later than April 14, 2026, and must be submitted via the online speaker application. 

Speakers will be contacted no later than May 29, 2026.

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DEMA Show 2026 Professional Development Program

Submission Requirements

  • Session description (maximum 100 words).
  • One-page structured presentation outline (bullet format).
  • Three measurable learning outcomes (bullet format) beginning with an action verb (e.g., implement, analyze, etc.) that clearly answer: What will attendees be able to do after this session?
  • Description of how the session will be interactive and engage attendees.
  • Two professional references who have hired you to speak.
  • A video link to a prior speaking engagement is strongly preferred and will strengthen your submission.

Speaker Requirements

  • Must use DEMA Show’s online speaker application process to be considered.
  • Speakers are encouraged to submit multiple proposals. Individual sessions are not repeated.
  • Selected speakers may receive a stipend.
  • Incidental expenses will not be reimbursed.
  • Submission confirms agreement with DEMA Show Presenter Policies.

Suggested Topic Areas for Education Sessions

DEMA Show education sessions are designed to help dive retailers and operators run stronger, more profitable businesses. Speakers are encouraged to propose practical, actionable sessions aligned with the themes below. Proposals outside these areas will be considered if clearly relevant to dive retail success.

  • Improve in-store sales conversations
  • Turn students into long-term customers
  • Move inventory without heavy discounting
  • Handle objections confidently
  • Increase average ticket size
  • Strengthen staff sales skills

Advanced or real-world case study approaches are encouraged.

  • Inventory planning and purchasing
  • Open-to-buy and forecasting
  • Merchandising and retail floor layout
  • Staffing and team management
  • Managing expenses during slower seasons
  • Working with local regulations

Practical tools and implementation steps are highly valued.

  • Attracting younger divers
  • Building community relationships
  • Social media that drives store traffic
  • Search engine and digital marketing basics
  • Using AI or analytics in a way that small stores can apply
  • Increasing foot traffic and repeat business

Sessions should go beyond theory and show what works in real dive stores.

  • Business succession or selling a dive center
  • Case studies from successful dive retailers
  • Innovative approaches to customer engagement
  • Environmental or industry success stories
  • Advanced analytics for growth-minded operator

Inspirational or big-picture sessions will be considered, but they must clearly connect to real-world business impact.

DEMA will consider accepting proposals for special sessions. 


 

Submit Application by April 14, 2026

Please complete the online speaker application by April 14, 2026.

Only speakers utilizing the online speaker application will be given consideration.

Submit Application (opens in a new tab)

Questions?

Gretchen Wendorf
Director, Operations & Conferences
NTP Events
gwendorf@ntpevents.com
+1 703-647-2626 (phone)

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