Fall 2006So the summer is almost over and fall is coming, yet there are some really cool things happening before the year is out. The DEMA (Diving Equipment Marketing Association) trade show is November 8-11 this year in Orlando Florida. We also have our 3 rd annual Roatan trip (spaces still available) Oct 27-Nov 5th, and our 4th annual prize give away/customer appreciation day on December 2nd, same day as the Sidney Sail Past. The DEMA show is amazing. Every body who’s anybody in the diving world is there to see or be seen. So who the heck is that you ask?? This years exhibitors list includes over 5000 equipment manufactures, charters and resorts, distributors, inventors, training agencies, instructors & divemasters, dive shop owners and basically anyone connected with the industry. There are even a few countries that have their own booths. It’s the best place to learn about what’s new, take classes and seminars for equipment service, get ideas, and catch up with old friends/businessmen. Brian Tait and I spent over 20 hours in the classroom at the show last year getting up to date. There were some really cool new products released at the show last year too. The new Zeagle Rezort regulator and Rapid Dive boat system, Pinnacle Evolution II front entry dry suit, Oceanic’s dry valve first stage, and the Poseidon Threedee mask. This year we’re eagerly anticipating some cool new stuff from Whites. I can’t tell you what it is yet but I can tell you that I will be testing it for them before it goes to the show. Think ground breaking, industry leading, suit though. We’re also looking forward to seeing Oceanic/Pelagic’s heads up display mask / computer. And I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t mention the after show festivities are pretty darn good too (last years Henderson party was awesome). This year Bruce Geary and I are going to the show to upgrade our product knowledge and take some seminars. I must confess I’m not as excited about Orlando because I once lived just a few hours Southeast of there... I mean, don’t get me wrong, Florida is nice but it ain’t Vegas baby. Last years Roatan trip was a huge success, (Feb 26 - Mar 5) I had 6 people join me in dive paradise on the world’s second largest barrier reef and the dives were unforgettable as usual. We are running two trips this year with another one coming up on Oct 27-Nov 5. We’ll be staying with my friends at the new Sueno Del Mar Hotel / dive shop right on the water in beautiful West End Roatan. We already have bookings so the date is a “go“ but there is room for 3 or 4 more friends to join us. Call the store or e-mail me for a free info package. Cost is less this year too! Only $2295.95 because of our growing dollar. Our fourth annual anniversary day sale, prize give away, and party will be held on the same day it always is: on the first Saturday in December (Dec 2nd). This day is my favorite event of the year, it’s a blast. Over the last 3 years my suppliers have helped me give away some pretty cool stuff: drysuits, regulators, dive computers etc. This day is designed to give something back to the people that have supported me throughout the year and helped make us Sidney’s dive shop. It is also a social day, a chance to meet people and hang out with friends, eat some of my mothers legendary shortbread. Look for the advertisement and your prize ticket in the Peninsula News Review sometime in November. We’ll see you there… “Breathe Continuously “ Dan Sidney Dive n Surf |