DEMA Show Launches 50th Anniversary Hub for 2026 Celebration

The organisers of DEMA Show have launched a new 50th Anniversary Hub, inviting dive professionals from around the world to help celebrate five decades of the industry’s largest trade-only event.

The online hub serves as the focal point for DEMA Show’s anniversary celebrations, encouraging exhibitors, retailers, instructors, manufacturers, travel providers and long-time attendees to submit photographs, memories and milestone moments that have helped shape the event since its inaugural show in 1977. The initiative is designed to showcase the people, businesses and relationships that have contributed to the growth of the global diving industry over the past 50 years. 

DEMA Show 2026 will take place from 3-6 November at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, where the industry will gather for what organisers describe as a landmark edition of the annual event. 

Celebrating the industry’s history

Rather than focusing solely on the event itself, the Anniversary Hub aims to highlight the collective history of the diving community.

Participants are invited to share stories of career milestones, product launches, business partnerships, memorable meetings and friendships that began on the DEMA Show floor. Submitted stories may be featured throughout the anniversary campaign, with contributors and exhibiting companies recognised as part of the celebration. 

More than an anniversary

The Anniversary Hub forms part of a wider programme of activities planned for DEMA Show 2026.

Additional anniversary initiatives already announced include:

• A 50th Anniversary Celebration at Mardi Gras World.
• A community storytelling campaign.
• The return of the popular DEMA Show Treasure Hunt.
• New instructor-focused education with affordable Friday-only access.
• Early registration sweepstakes featuring New Orleans experiences.
• Special anniversary ambassadors representing both the industry’s heritage and its future. 

Looking ahead

Since its first event nearly five decades ago, DEMA Show has evolved into the world’s largest trade-only exhibition dedicated to scuba diving, underwater recreation and dive travel.

Today the show attracts more than 500 exhibitors, around 7,000 industry professionals and representatives from over 60 countries, providing a platform for new product launches, training, education, networking and business development. DEMA Show was also recognised as one of the Trade Show Executive Fastest 50 trade shows following significant post-pandemic growth. 

By placing the spotlight on the people and businesses that have shaped the industry, organisers hope the Anniversary Hub will not only celebrate the past but also inspire the next generation of dive professionals.

Professionals wishing to participate can submit their memories, photographs and milestones through the official DEMA Show 50th Anniversary Hub ahead of this November’s event in New Orleans.