Join us for DEMA Show 2026 from November 3-6 in New Orleans, LA, showcasing the latest in diving equipment and marketing.
Dates
3–6 Nov 2026
City / country
New Orleans, USA
Venue
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Are you the organiser of this event?
Companies exhibiting at Diving Equipment & Marketing Association - DEMA include 10 Bar Underwater Housings, 500 PSI, Inc., A Plus Marine Supply Inc., About Australia and ADEX USA.
Event overview
The DEMA Show 2026 will take place from November 3 to 6 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.
This event is organized by the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association and NTP Events, focusing on the diving, travel, and action water sports industry. Attendees can expect a dynamic educational program and numerous networking opportunities.
TL;DR
Visitors will gain access to the latest products and services in the diving industry, attend educational sessions, and network with peers and industry leaders. Edition Dates: DEMA Show 2026 runs November 3-6, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Venue: The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center hosts the diving industry's flagship North American trade show. Buyer Access: Education programming plus B2B networking connects dive retailers, resorts, training agencies and equipment brands.
Exhibitors can showcase their products to a targeted audience, gain visibility in the diving community, and connect with potential buyers. Organisers: Produced by the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) together with NTP Events. Buyer Access: Education programming plus B2B networking connects dive retailers, resorts, training agencies and equipment brands. The DEMA Show is crucial for professionals in the diving industry, providing a platform for networking,.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
New Orleans, USA
Attend
What's on
Alberto Bonassi
CEO & FOUNDER @ BONASSI USA INC.
Kelly Brock
US Recreational Sales Manager @ Whites Drywear
Aviad Cahana
CEO @ Avelo Labs
Thomas Anderson
Media Producer @ Backscatter Underwater Video and Photo
Aron Arngrimsson
Managing Director @ Dirty Dozen Expeditions Inc.
Mike Bartick
Photo pro/pro staff @ Kraken Sports
Steph Bechard
Brand Strategist @ Educational Speaker
Roni Ben-Aharon
Sales and Marketing @ Atlantis Dive Resorts and Liveaboards Philippines
Georganne Bender
Principal @ KIZER & BENDER Speaking
Serafino Bohrer-Padavos
Director @ Divers Atlas
How the last edition performed
Current edition
2026
Visitors
7,000
Exhibitors
450
Impact
The DEMA Show 2026 will take place from November 3 to 6 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. This event is organized by the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association and NTP Events, focusing on the diving, travel, and action water sports industry. Attendees can expect a dynamic educational program and numerous networking opportunities. The DEMA Show is crucial for professionals in the diving industry, providing a platform.
Audience quality
Visitors typically include Dive shop owners and managers, Recreational divers, Industry professionals and educators, Travel agents specializing in dive travel. Event dates: November 3-6, 2026. Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA. Organized by DEMA and NTP Events. Focus on diving, travel, and action water sports. Diving Equipment & Marketing Association - DEMA attracts an audience aligned with the organiser's published visitor positioning.
Exhibitor outcomes
Exhibitors can showcase their products to a targeted audience, gain visibility in the diving community, and connect with potential buyers. The DEMA Show is crucial for professionals in the diving industry, providing a platform for networking, education, and showcasing the latest innovations. It helps to foster community and collaboration among diving professionals. Exhibitor categories include Diving equipment manufacturers, Travel companies specializing in dive trips, Educational institutions offering diving.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
DEMA Show is the dive industry's principal US trade gathering: a trade-only marketplace where equipment manufacturers, training agencies, dive-travel operators and resorts meet the retailers and instructors who sell to consumers worldwide. For exporters and travel businesses, it is the most efficient single point in the year to reach North American dive distribution and to benchmark against European and Asian peers such as boot Düsseldorf and the EUDI Show.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Dive travel and expedition demand
Technical and rebreather adoption
Underwater imaging and content creation
Sustainability and reef conservation
Entry-level pipeline and retention
DEMA Show closes the US diving trade year in November; its closest peers cluster in January–June across Europe and Asia, so a company running a full trade calendar uses DEMA to finish US buying and then rolls into Q1 European and Q2 Asian shows.
January
boot Düsseldorf — the largest global dive and water-sports trade fair; sets European buying for the year.
February–March
EUDI Show (Bologna) plus US regional consumer-facing shows such as Beneath the Sea.
May–June
Scuba Show (Long Beach) and Asian DRT SHOW legs peak ahead of the northern-hemisphere dive season.
November
DEMA Show (New Orleans in 2026) — the US trade anchor and the last major buying point of the year.
Peer events and typical timing compiled from the events' own public websites; reconfirm dates and venues before booking travel.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International
Gateway airport for New Orleans.
to venue
by car
Gateway airport for New Orleans.
to venue
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 130–200 / night
Usually 10–20 min walk or a short rideshare to the venue; rates rise sharply during convention weeks.
sourceUSD 190–280 / night
Best balance of walkability and price for exhibitors who need to be on the floor early.
sourceUSD 280–450 / night
Full-service properties used by larger exhibitor delegations; many are connected or within a 5–10 min walk of the halls.
sourceGet around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi
Published downtown flat rate; journey is roughly 14–16 mi and takes 20–30 min off-peak, longer in afternoon traffic.
rideshare
Pickup at the MSY rideshare area; often the quickest option for late arrivals.
airport_shuttle
Shared-ride service dropping at Convention Center-area hotels; book return leg in advance during show week.
public_transit
Cheapest option but slower and with limited luggage space; useful for day trips once in the city.
streetcar
Convenient for moving between downtown hotels, the French Quarter and the venue along the riverfront.
walking
Many Convention Center Blvd and Warehouse District hotels are a 5–15 min walk; note the venue itself spans well over a mile, so allow time between halls.
taxi
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries may travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa, using an approved ESTA.
Official visa pageWeather
November in New Orleans is mild and comparatively dry: typical highs of 68–74°F (20–23°C) and lows of 50–57°F (10–14°C), with around 4 in (100 mm) of rain spread over roughly 7–8 days. Humidity eases from summer levels but brief heavy showers and the tail end of hurricane season (ending 30 November) are still possible, so pack a light rain layer.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Tipping is expected in the US: 15–20% in restaurants and bars, USD 1–3 per bag for hotel bell staff, and USD 2–5 per night for housekeeping. Taxi and rideshare drivers are typically tipped 10–20%.
Dress and climate
Business casual is standard at DEMA Show — polo/button-down with smart trousers or jeans is common on the dive-trade floor. November days can be warm and humid, so layers and comfortable shoes matter for a venue that spans over a mile of halls.
Trade-show etiquette
DEMA Show is trade-only: carry business credentials for badge verification. Appointments are usually booked by email in advance, first names are used quickly in conversation, and follow-ups are expected within a few days of the show.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: MSY
Book flights to MSY when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue; compare BTR only if fares are materially lower.
Business travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries can enter the United States for business stays of up to 90 days with an approved ESTA rather than a visa. Other nationalities need a B-1 temporary business visitor visa, which covers attending business conventions and conferences. Apply well before your November 2026 travel dates.
Estimated cost: Not yet confirmed
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
US CBP guidance lists attending a business convention or conference among allowable activities. Check your Visa Waiver Program eligibility and ESTA approval, or apply for a B-1 visa, before booking travel to New Orleans.
OfficialFind a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: MSY to Ernest N. Morial Convention Center: taxi or ride-hail ~25–35 min; airport shuttle and shared rides available.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Ernest N. Morial Convention Center: CBD / French Quarter edge, 0.8–1.5 mi from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center: Hampton Inn New Orleans Downtown / French Quarter Area (226 Carondelet St), Holiday Inn Express New Orleans Downtown (334 O'Keefe Ave), La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham New Orleans Downtown (301 Camp St); Warehouse District / Convention Center Blvd, walkable to the venue: Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans Convention Center (1201 Convention Center Blvd), Cour
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in New Orleans; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Streetcar and bus routes serve Convention Center Blvd; many attendees walk from Warehouse District hotels.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: Average highs 68–74°F (20–23°C); average lows 50–57°F (10–14°C) in New Orleans in November 2026
Seasonality: November is one of the drier months in New Orleans (about 4 in / 100 mm across roughly 7–8 rain days), with lower humidity than summer. The Atlantic hurricane season ends 30 November, so late-season storm tracking is still prudent before travel.
Packing: November in New Orleans is mild and comparatively dry: typical highs of 68–74°F (20–23°C) and lows of 50–57°F (10–14°C), with around 4 in (100 mm) of rain spread over roughly 7–8 days. Humidity eases from summer levels but brief heavy showers and the tail end of hurricane season (ending 30 November)
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Wednesday 4 November 2026 — Day 2 of 4
DEMA Show runs four days (3–6 November 2026) and the middle day typically carries the densest combination of full exhibitor presence, education programming and booked buyer meetings — day 1 is consumed by registration and orientation, while the final day thins out as exhibitors begin teardown.
Check passport validity and confirm US entry requirements for your nationality (ESTA or B-1 business visitor visa) — Visa Waiver Program travellers need an approved ESTA; other nationalities need a B-1 visa for conventions and trade shows. See travel.state.gov.
Book flights to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) — MSY is the primary gateway for the November 3-6, 2026 show dates; compare fares early and allow time for connections.
Reserve a hotel in New Orleans for nights around the show — Choose downtown or convention-centre-area properties to keep the daily trip to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center short.
Complete online attendee registration for DEMA Show 2026 — Register through the official event site at demashow.com so your badge is ready for pickup.
Download the show floor plan and session programme — Map the diving equipment, dive travel and action water sports zones against your buying priorities.
Request B2B meetings with exhibitors, dive travel operators and training agencies — Pre-book meetings before the hall opens; prime exhibitor slots fill quickly during show days.
Shortlist education sessions, seminars and demonstrations you plan to attend — Build a personal session timetable and leave gaps for walking the hall.
Plan airport-to-hotel and hotel-to-venue transport — Confirm taxi, rideshare or shuttle options for the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and note daily travel times.
Prepare your packing list for the show — Business casual attire and comfortable walking shoes suit long days across a large convention centre floor.
Print or save meeting documents, order confirmations and badge QR codes — Keep digital and paper copies in case of poor connectivity on the show floor.
Confirm travel insurance and set up payment and transit apps — Check that your policy covers business travel to the United States for the show dates.
Arrive in New Orleans, collect your badge at the venue and review the Day 1 schedule — Collect your attendee badge before the first session to avoid morning queues at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Badge pickup and registration, then orient on the exhibit-floor map and DEMA Show app; collect the show directory and seminar timetable.
Registration concourse, Ernest N. Morial Convention CenterFirst exhibit-hall pass: dive equipment, travel/tourism and new-product zones; note booth numbers for call-backs.
Exhibit halls, Ernest N. Morial Convention CenterEducation and industry sessions (DEMA Academy-style seminars, dive-travel and imaging programming) and the keynote/member updates.
Meeting rooms, Ernest N. Morial Convention CenterPre-booked buyer meetings and technical product demos, followed by evening networking in the Warehouse District near the venue.
Exhibit halls and Convention Center Blvd / Warehouse District venuesFrench Quarter and the Mississippi riverfront
Garden District and Magazine Street
Exhibit-hall networking and meeting zones
On-Show-Floor
The Rusty Nail
Bar / Informal Industry Hangout
Convention Center Blvd hotel bars (Hilton New Orleans Riverside / Marriott Warehouse Arts District)
Hotel Lobby Bar
Budget
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
hotel
visitor · Budget
USD 130–200 / per_night
hotel
visitor · Mid-range
USD 190–280 / per_night
hotel
visitor · Premium
USD 280–450 / per_night
visa_fee
visitor · ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)
USD 21–40 / per_application
visa_fee
visitor · B-1 business visitor visa
USD 185 / per_application
ground_transport
visitor · Taxi (MSY to downtown/Convention Center)
USD 36 / per_trip
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| hotel | visitor | Budget | USD 130–200 / per_night | estimate | |
| hotel | visitor | Mid-range | USD 190–280 / per_night | estimate | |
| hotel | visitor | Premium | USD 280–450 / per_night | estimate | |
| visa_fee | visitor | ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) | USD 21–40 / per_application | estimate | |
| visa_fee | visitor | B-1 business visitor visa | USD 185 / per_application | official | |
| ground_transport | visitor | Taxi (MSY to downtown/Convention Center) | USD 36 / per_trip | official |
Decision
Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You need to compare suppliers, certification agencies or dive-travel inventory and can travel for 2–3 days in early November 2026.
Best for
Dive retailers, dive-shop buyers, instructors, travel operators and imaging professionals scanning new gear, certification partners and dive-travel programmes without committing floor space.
Min. budget
$780.00
Timeline
6–10 weeks ahead (registration, MSY flights, Convention Center-area hotel, ESTA/B-1 where applicable)
Risks
Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.
Convention Center-area hotels sell out quickly around major New Orleans conventions; book early.
Registration category (DEMA member vs non-member) and any seminar/training fees are set by DEMA — confirm before budgeting.
exhibit
You have a dealer, resort or training network to meet face to face and can commit stand budget plus staff for the full 4-day run.
Best for
Equipment brands, dive-travel operators, training agencies and underwater imaging companies selling into US and international dive retail and resort channels.
Min. budget
$3,600.00
Timeline
4–6 months (space contract, stand build, freight/drayage, staff travel, product prep)
Risks
Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.
Stand construction, freight, drayage and union labour in New Orleans add materially on top of raw space cost.
Confirm booth/stand pricing, hall allocation and any exhibitor insurance requirement directly with DEMA before committing.
skip
You have no supplier or channel decisions this cycle — follow DEMA's post-show press and next-year dates instead.
Best for
Recreational divers with no commercial objective, and US dive businesses with no sourcing, certification or distribution decision in the next 12 months.
Min. budget
Not yet confirmed
Timeline
n/a
Risks
No major risks listed.
Book with
Recommended providers
Trust footer
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References
3
Publishers
0
Date checked
DEMA
NTP Events
DEMA Show
New Orleans travel reference
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
