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The entrance to the convention. Photo: Barb Roy -

This year’s event had over 260 participating businesses representing major equipment brands, travel destinations, non-profit groups, and many local dive industry organizations. Members of the Dive Industry Association of British Columbia were down from British Columbia, Canada offering information on various BC dive destinations.

Andy Lamb, book author and co-owner of Cedar Beach B&B commented, “The Dive Expo is our best opportunity to connect and re-connect with motivated Pacific Northwest divers. We had a great time and sign up to have a booth in 2011.”

Washington Scuba Alliance was also successful with their booth and sample buoy display used in their Permanent Mooring Buoy Program. “Well, this weekend was a good one for WSA,” announced Jim Trask, Vice President of WSA. “I have a few more people interested in buoys and I networked with lots of folks.”

“Each year the show grows stronger,” adds Ron Akeson, President of WSA and owner of Adventures Down Under in Bellingham. “I have had a booth on the exhibit floor every year for my business and to promote my technical diving courses and I am impressed with the growth. Good job Rick!”

When not taking in the exhibit floor or trying out new gear and scuba in the on-site pool, participants could attend a wide selection of seminars offered by industry professionals or sign up for full and half-day workshops. Cathy Church (a photographer since 1967) offered a hands-on, step-by-step workshop on underwater digital photography and was also part of the Saturday evening film festival.

Nancy McGee, who travels the world making documentary films, emceed the Saturday night Film Festival which was sponsored by the Malaysia Department of Tourism and held at Hotel Murano. Guest presenters included Jack and Sue Drafahl, Cathy Church, Kenn Fiegelman, Stuart Westmorland, Ernie Brooks and yours truly! Yes, I introduced Under an Emerald Sea, a ten-minute video of still photography and music depicting the stunning beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Also seen at the Film Festival were the winners of this year’s Photo and Video Competition with Bob Bailey taking Best of Show for photography and Guy Sparkman winning 1st place for his video “Langley Tire Reef”. To wrap up the evening with a bit of rock and roll the band Blue Ringer entertained all.

Dave Morey and Brandon Richardson won the treasure chest during Sunday’s Treasure Hunt at Owens Beach. The chest was quickly scooped up within minutes after the contest began! Marked golf balls were also gathered by divers and brought over to the Expo, which were later drawn for big prizes. All together, prizes totaled over $125,000!

Thanks to over 120 volunteers and the NWDN staff, all of the show sponsors, the event went off smoothly with high expectations for next years show – April 8-10, 2011. www.diveandtravelexpo.com

Enjoying Tacoma:
I just wanted to add that this year my husband and I had the opportunity to stay at the Courtyard Marriott, directly across from the convention center and enjoyed the service, our room, the view and our breakfast very much. www.marriott.com, 1-253-591-9100
We also enjoyed delicious Italian cuisine and wine at the Adriatic Grill on South Steele Street in Tacoma. www.adriaticgrill.com, 1-253-475-6000