NEC gears up for DIVE 2011

Dive equipment manufacturers, travel operators and agency representatives are busy setting out their stalls at DIVE 2011 at the Birmingham NEC.

This year’s show comes to the Midlands in the midst of a deep recession, but nonetheless promises plenty to smile about. Visitors who’ve never even dived before can splash in to the Try Dive pool, located alongside the Technical Pool for those keen to try a CCR.

DIVE will have the usual complement of ‘celebrity’ professional speakers, keen to share their skills and experiences with us plebs. Paul Rose, Andrea Marshall and Monty Halls get top billing, with Jack Ingle on wrecks and Mark Powell on solo diving.

Pick of the presenters though has to be Mack S House, who’s flying in to chat about sub-aqua forensics and underwater panic. Crikey.

Although the age of the ultra-bargain seems to be in the past, visitors should still bring credit cards as there will be discounts on purchases at the show.

And all entrants will be entered into a prize draw for a diving holiday for two in the Philippines.

DIVE 2011 is this weekend (22-23 October,) at the NEC in Birmingham. Tickets for either day of the show can be purchased in advance from the website, or on the door for £10.50.