The REEF team is preparing to attend the annual DEMA (Dive Equipment and Marketing Association) Show in New Orleans, LA on November 14-17, 2023. DEMA Show is the largest trade-only event in the world for businesses and organizations involved in scuba diving, ocean water sports and adventure/dive travel industries. Each year, the show attracts hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of dive and travel industry professionals worldwide. We're excited to have an opportunity to spread awareness of our marine conservation and education programs, network with our partners, and make new connections. If you are attending DEMA Show, be sure to stop by REEF's booth, #3340, to say hello and check out the latest news about REEF programs and events.
REEF is proud to play an active role in engaging divers in ocean conservation. As part of the educational sessions open to all DEMA attendees, REEF has planned a panel discussion called "Blue CitSci: Leveraging Citizen Science for Customer Engagement (And to Help Protect the Ocean!)" The session will highlight citizen science programs for divers and snorkelers, and will discuss how dive professionals can leverage these programs to engage their customers. The session will include a panel of dive industry professionals who have successfully incorporated citizen science programs for divers and snorkelers into their organizations or businesses. The panel will feature REEF members and partners including Alice Ribbens of Scuba Center, Carmen Toanchina of Scuba St. Lucia, Mike Goldberg of Key Dives, and Dora Sandoval of Mexico Liveaboards. REEF Co-Executive Director Christy Semmens will also moderate and serve on the panel. The REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project will be highlighted as a case study, and all attendees will receive REEF fish ID training materials and resources. The session will be held on Thursday, November 16 from 8:30-9:45am, and all DEMA Show attendees are invited.