PRESS RELEASES

DIVE 2008

1 & 2 NOVEMBER, NEC, BIRMINGHAM

It’s almost time to don your wetsuit, mask and snorkel and make your way to this year’s biggest diving extravaganza - Dive 2008 - at the NEC in Birmingham.  The exhibition is taking place on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 November and will be full of companies offering the latest diving kit, holidays, training courses, diving leisurewear plus much more.

You don’t have to bring your own kit to take a dip in the show’s diving pools, however.  Everything you’ll need to either try diving for the first time or to test the latest kit for extreme diving will be provided absolutely free of charge. 

If diving in the UK is your bag, then there’s a special area called the British Isles Experience that’s definitely worth a visit.  But, if you’re looking for a holiday in a warmer climate there’s holiday companies representing just about every diving hotspot around world on show.

After a busy few hours in the exhibition hall, you can then put your feet up and listen to some of the sport’s biggest names in the free presentation theatres.  TV presenter Monty Halls, freediver Sara Campbell and wreck diver Mark Ellyatt are just a few of the speakers at this year’s show.

For more information about Dive 2008, a full programme of features and presentations, or to book advance tickets to the show visit www.diveshows.co.uk or call 020 8977 9878.  Tickets cost £7.50 if booked in advance or £10.50 on the door.  Children under 14 go free.

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NEW RED SEA ZONE FOR DIVE 2008

A brand new area promoting dive centres in the Egyptian Red Sea will be making its debut at this year’s Dive Show at the NEC in Birmingham on 1 and 2 November.

The Red Sea Zone is the brainchild of the Chamber of Diving and Watersports (CDWS), a dedicated body under the umbrella of the Egyptian Tourist Federation committed to all diving and watersport activities which take place throughout Egypt.  Part of the Chamber’s remit is to promote diving and watersport activities in Egypt’s coastal waters through a mix of advertising, promotional activities and live events.  Dive 2008 has been selected for the official launch of the initiative and will see ten of the Red Sea’s leading dive centres exhibiting within the new Red Sea Zone.  These include HEPCA, Camel Dive Club, Orca Dive Clubs, Nesima Resort and Sharks Bay, Sinai Divers, Red Sea Explorers, Barakuda Diving, Royal Evolution, Aquarius and Coraya Divers.

Commenting on the new initiative, Hesham Gabr of CDWS said:  “This is the first time that an initiative such as this has been undertaken by the Egyptian Tourist Board and we are delighted that so many Red Sea dive operators will be participating. 

“We chose Dive 2008 to be our first official showing as it is widely recognised as the UK’s biggest and most important diving event.  It attracts more divers than any other exhibition and we are confident that the new Red Sea Zone will be one of the show’s highlights in 2008.”

In another first for Dive 2008, the British Isles Experience area, which was so well received at this year’s LIDS, will be repeated at the show, and sponsored by Suunto.  The area will be a celebration of UK diving and will house dive charter companies and dive centres, together with training and conservation organisations.  It will have its own distinctive look, will be highly visible from afar and will also feature a British themed refreshment area.

Over 250 companies have already booked stands at Dive 2008, and the line-up of speakers for the free presentation theatres is looking like a who’s who of the diving elite.  If you haven’t already booked your company’s stand contact Richard Thompson on +44 (0)208 943 4288/email richard@divermag.co.uk or visit www.diveshows.co.uk for more information.

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Press contact:  Liz Scriven, LSPR Ltd, tel: 020 8397 2124  mob: 07730 930555  email: liz.scriven@lizscrivenpr.co.uk. 

Images and logo available for download at: www.diveshows.co.uk/events/dive2008/media/index.shtml