DIVE EXPO JOINS BOAT SHOW 2017

For the very first time this year, the Australia International Dive Expo (AIDE) will take place at the International Convention Centre Sydney as part of the Sydney International Boat Show, the largest recreational boating event in the Southern Hemisphere.

According to the organisers of the Boat Show, the demand for a high quality and reputable dive expo has been growing for years with their records showing that more than 15% of visitors to the Boat Show have an expressed interest in underwater activities including diving and snorkelling.
As such, this partnership presents a value added bonus to both suppliers and visitors over the five-day event, where they will enjoy exploring new opportunities, gather new information, useful contacts, skills and even travel inspiration.
AIDE Director Ness Puvanes says the partnership exploits the natural synergy between the two shows, delivering to visitors a highly engaging event that covers everything in and on the water.
“This platform we have created is effective and convenient, from which we believe both the exhibitors and visitors will benefit,” she says. “Not only will this be the best place for business networking and skills development, but also for education and inspiration.”
AIDE has no doubt become an important and valuable platform for the Australian public to learn more about the diving world. The aim is to reach existing divers and people with a keen interest in the sport to provide them with access to the latest information and developments on all things related to underwater.
Highlights at AIDE2017 include dive try-outs at the on-site pool, a free full day photography course for university students and free dive gear maintenance workshops. Visitors will also meet a host of dive tour operators, chat with tourism representatives from some of the world’s most spectacular dive destinations and check out the latest underwater technology including the world’s smallest dive scooter, dive computers and technically advanced gadgets and gismos.
Photography fans will also have the chance to meet a number of professional underwater photographers, cinematographers and filmmakers who will be sharing their experiences as well as useful tips and tricks of their craft. Over the few days, visitors will also hear from marine conservationists who will be sharing the latest practices in marine conservation, how the disabled can swap their wheelchair for the water and the latest on the comeback in spearfishing.
A series of entertainment, live presentations and prize giveaways will no doubt help visitors immerse themselves in the diving world over at the show. There will even be a kids’ corner for families with young children; and world-renowned painter of blue, Pascal Lecocq, will also be sharing some of his work and conducting demonstrations.
Finally, 25 prize giveaways worth just over $20,000 including five dive holiday experience vouchers and dive equipment and gadgets will be given away over the five-day event.
With more than 60,000 visitors expected at this year’s Show, visitors are encouraged to register their interest and purchase tickets online to avoid queues.
The Australia International Dive Expo will be running from 3 – 7 August 2017 as part of the Sydney International Boat Show. Opening times will be 10am to 8pm in the halls, with the adjoining marina display closing daily at 7pm.
For further information about AIDE including the list of exhibitors, presentations, activities and workshops, go to www.australiadiveexpo.com.  To find out more about the boat show, visit www.sydneyboatshow.com.au.