DEMA Launches Disaster Assistance Initiative to Support Diving Businesses Hit by Hurricane Melissa

The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) has activated its Disaster Assistance Program in response to Hurricane Melissa, offering relief funds to exhibitors and buyers in the diving industry impacted by the storm.

The program, which has been used in past hurricane emergencies, aims to help DEMA-member companies in affected areas continue engaging with the DEMA Show despite disruptions caused by the disaster. Eligible participants include exhibitors whose businesses are located in designated regions hit by Melissa, and “buyer” members registered to attend DEMA Show who use the official hotel block.

Assistance comes in two main forms:

• Exhibitor Assistance — Funds based on exhibit space size to help affected companies attend or exhibit at DEMA Show.
• Buyer Assistance — Reimbursement for one night’s stay in the DEMA-block hotel for registered buyers from impacted areas.

DEMA’s Executive leadership emphasized that the Disaster Assistance Program is designed to sustain industry participation even in the face of natural disasters. As in past activations, funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to eligibility requirements.*

Affected diving businesses are encouraged to reach out to DEMA for details on how to apply and confirm if their location falls within the eligible disaster-area designation.