Ocean Fest 2007 Exhibitor Testimonials

“I definitely observed an increase in traffic flow thru the show over last year. The attendees were seriously shopping for scuba travel opportunities. Beyond the show, it was exceptional because the producers really put the show on for the benefit of the industry. Pre show marketing ideas were brainstormed by Neal Watson and shared with the exhibitors. This enhanced our visibility at the show, thus enhancing our bottom line! Every year, it gets better and better! We’ll be back!”

Beth Oliveira
Blackbeard’s and Aqua Cat Cruises

“I just wanted to thank you for another great Ocean Fest show. St. Croix Ultimate Bluewater Adventures started exhibiting at this show back in the Lauderdale by the Sea days and we did it pretty much because it was just a fun show. Now that you’ve made the move to the beach it’s not only still a fun show but it’s also become quite productive for us. I’ve found the traffic through the show has increased every year and was phenomenal this year. I printed up what I thought would be plenty of “Show Special” flyers for Ocean Fest and for the next show, and almost ran out! I easily gave out twice the number of flyers (and rum of course) than I had expected. I’ve already made my space reservations for next year”

Ed Buckley, Owner
St. Croix Ultimate Bluewater Adventures

“I just thought I’d drop you a line about this year’s Ocean Fest. As you know I’ve been to all of your shows except the first one in Lauderdale by the Sea. I have had good response from all of them, but I must say this last one was by far the best for me. We actually took bookings at the show. Normally people come by to chat then go home and discuss it with whomever, then decide to book or not. This time they booked on the spot. A welcome item. The number of people that came through the show was amazing. We were almost out of all of our info by Saturday evening. I’ll have to increase the amount I bring next year. I also like the changes you made: the seminars on location; the relocation of the stage; and certainly the inclusion of the kids performing on stage.

All in all, a job well done and you can expect me back next year for sure”

Bill Tewes Owner/operator
Dive St. Vincent

“This was our fourth year in the Ocean Fest show and it’s only gotten better each year. I’m glad we decided on a double booth for this year’s show! Two booths allowed us to spread out and not crowd the aisle. We had a productive weekend! Thanks again for all of your work putting this together. We will definitely be involved next year.”

Bill Cole
Marine & Dive Store at Bahia Mar

“I loved Ocean Fest; it is one show that really hits my market, families interested in diving and travel. I support Ocean Fest every year; it hosts many great seminars and brings in a lot of attendees that are looking for family dive and snorkel adventure. I get at least 4 or 5 bookings from the show, plus plenty of interest for future business. I feel Neal really gives people a great event. My own kids loved the scuba pool and I had two families sign up for a kids Sea Camp after trying scuba in the pool. Ocean Fest is a big family event and that is what will grow our industry.”

Margo Peyton, President
Kids Sea Camp

“For this consumer show to be successful for our business, we had to have a mission and a means for sharing our mission to potential customers. Ocean Fest provided those means by delivering prospective customers in an atmosphere ideal to our sport. Combining that with a focused marketing plan, we were able to generate immediate and long-term business from both new and old customers. Ocean Fest was very successful for all our operations; charter, retail and training”

Tec Clark COO,
Pro Dive International

“I wanted to take a chance to thank you for the fine event you put on at Ocean Fest. I had wanted to do this show since you started and now I can say we would love the opportunity to do it again. The setting, the organization, the people, the clientele involved all made for an excellent and, we believe, a profitable weekend. All the best and good luck in the future. We will be back!”

Mike Wendling, Resort Manager
Infinity Bay Spa & Beach Resort

“I just had the best dive show experience I’ve ever had at Ocean Fest 2007. After this particular show all I can tell you is I wouldn’t miss one unless I was dead. Hey, we’re on the beach, people are there! Lot’s of people. They are out and about! It’s springtime! They’re there for the fun, the weather, the great food, the great entertainment.

The venue attracts existing divers, but more importantly to exhibitors, the not-yet diving crowd. Big Wave Dave is always there with his Scuba Tour pool to let people experience scuba. Greg with Scuba Radio is always there as well broadcasting via Sirius Satellite Radio. The best businesses in the industry exhibiting. Live music, fun. The show is exactly as advertised: take your business to the beach, to the people and enjoy yourself while you network. And the management group is one of the greatest bunch of people to work with, never any surprises, I just love it all. Special thanks to Beth Watson-Jones, a lot of hustle in that gal. And Neal, well, you’re the man.”

Doug Counts
Scuba News Magazine