In its 23 year history, the SCUBA Show has never seen as much exhibit space and attendance then at the 2010 show held May 15-16 at the Long Beach Convention Center. Over the course of the weekend, a record 11,216 attendees enjoyed the largest consumer dive expo in America. 324 exhibit spaces filled the convention center, the most ever.
Perhaps the most significant observation by the exhibitors and show attendees as well as the show management was the energy level in the exhibit hall. “Underwater enthusiasts were very enthusiastic about their past-time,” stated show producer Dale Sheckler. “Dive trips were being booked with good deals and equipment orders being placed.”
One of the more popular areas of the show was world famous marine artist Wyland, especially when he painted with children on Sunday afternoon. Wyland was also the recipient of this year’s California Scuba Service Award presented to recognize those who have made long-term positive contributions to the scuba community in California. With the success of SCUBA Shows in the past, exhibitors have come to learn that this is an excellent venue to bring to market revolutionary dive gear and the 2010 show was no exception. The amount new dive gear brought to consumers at this year’s show was unprecedented, much to the delight of attendees. “A great benefit of the SCUBA Show is divers get to touch, feel and try on the latest in gear. And often get some great deals in the process,” stated SCUBA Show executive director Kim Sheckler.
Dive travel representatives from around the world were also represented. Show attendees lined up sometimes three deep at travel exhibit spaces to learn about the most exciting exotic dive destinations. Many were offering show specials and attendees jumped at the chance.
Filling out the exciting weekend were over three-dozen seminars, $38,000 in door prizes and a continuous underwater film festival. “The show was a huge success all the way around. We are look forward to, and already planning for, the 2011 show,” stated producer Dale Sheckler. SCUBA Show 2011 will take place June 4-5 at the Long Beach Convention Center. For information, visit www.scubashow.com or call 310-792-2333.
