Over a nine day period, 298 exhibitors jammed hall number three of Messe Düsseldorf, tempting consumers with a wide range of products and services from dive resorts and liveaboards and tourism offices to all the latest dive and underwater photo gear.

A photo exhibition of superlative images was also on display featuring some of Europe's finest underwater photographers. Visiting for the first time from Canada along with X-Ray editor Peter Symes, BOOT proved to be a different yet highly enjoyable experience.

Having attended the DEMA show in the US for the last seven years, I was introduced to many new diving destinations, especially in Europe and the Mediterranean. The show's social aspect was especially fun, with social events held nightly after show hours in the exhibitor hall.