The country’s largest consumer scuba diving event, Scuba Show, takes place June 22-24 at the Long Beach Convention Center, located within a short walk to waterfront restaurants, entertainment, the Aquarium of the Pacific and in view of the famous Queen Mary. Now in its 31st year, the event brings together industry professionals, scuba enthusiasts and wanna-be divers for a weekend of “all things scuba.”
The Long Beach Convention Center will have over 76,000 square feet of exhibit space showcasing the latest in diving equipment and accessories, underwater photography and dive travel opportunities available locally and all over the world. Anyone with an interest in scuba diving or the oceans will find something to enjoy, including ocean-themed art, apparel and jewelry. Over 300 exhibitors will be on hand to meet divers and answer questions and offer advice.
Attendees are eligible to win dozens of door prizes, ranging from scuba equipment to exotic dive travel, and more. Over $40,000 in prizes will be awarded.
Dozens of seminars will be offered, including presentations on local diving sites, international dive travel, underwater photography, marine life, the history and science of scuba, dive medicine, skills, safety techniques and more.
The show encourages divers to bring their friends and relatives who wish to try scuba for the first time to experience an intro scuba lesson for free, in an indoor heated pool. All equipment and expert instruction will be included; participants age 10 and older simply need to bring a bathing suit.
Additional Scuba Show activities will include seafood cooking demonstrations, an interactive art exhibit and experience, photo booths, and a virtual-reality shark cage diving experience.
A special Saturday night party will take place at the nearby Aquarium of the Pacific. This year’s party has a Sea Hunt theme in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the classic television series starring Lloyd Bridges. Sea Hunt changed the way people saw the oceans, created generations of divers, and was instrumental in creating an industry. The California Scuba Service Award will be presented posthumously to Lloyd Bridges during the Saturday night party, and will be accepted by Lloyd’s daughter Lucinda Bridges and his co-star Zale Parry.
The party will be held inside the Aquarium of the Pacific (just a quick walk from the convention center) with full access to the exhibits, and admission is free with proof of show attendance. There will be fun, entertainment, a photo booth, food and a cash bar. Tens of thousands of dollars in exciting prizes are up for grabs in a raffle and silent auction. Proceeds from the evening will go to benefit No Kid Hungry, a foundation inspired and supported by Jeff Bridges.
What makes the show special is that diving is a shared passion.
Weekend at a Glance
Friday, June 22
Professional Workshops
(for diving industry members only)
8 am to 5 pm
Saturday, June 23
Exhibits – 10 am to 6 pm
Seminars and Workshops – 11 am to 6 pm
Try-Diving Scuba Pool – 11 am to 5 pm
Continuous Prize Drawings – 11 am to 5 pm
Saturday Night Party – 6:30 pm to 11 pm
Sunday, June 24
Exhibits – 10 am to 5 pm
Seminars – 11 am to 5 pm
Try-Diving Scuba Pool – 11 am to 4 pm
Continuous Prize Drawings – 11 am to 4 pm
Get the Scuba Show App
The official Scuba Show app puts the excitement of the show in your hands. Use it to organize your time and your visit in advance. In the app you’ll find a complete show lineup so you can schedule seminars and happenings that you don’t want to miss. Research and earmark exhibitors, get live updastes before and during the event, read about new products, network with fellow show attendees, and more. The 2018 Scuba Show app will be available for download beginning June 1.
Event Info
Additional info and advance price Scuba Show tickets are available for purchase by visiting ScubaShow.com.
