In addition to 17 celebrity speakers and experts covering topics in adventure travel, scuba, dive medicine, ocean conservation, freediving, fishing, underwater photography and videography, there will be hands-on workshops in marine art printmaking, video editing, yoga and lionfish preparation.

Kicking off the event is The Blue Wild show host and producer, Sheri Daye, who said: “I’m thrilled to be celebrating our tenth anniversary this year. We strive to offer an exciting atmosphere where like-minded ocean lovers and watersport enthusiasts of all ages can meet up and socialize,” she said. “I’ve crafted the expo be both educational and entertaining where attendees can learn about latest techniques and products, shop for great deals, listen to the best speakers and network with one another.”

Speakers include filmmaker Frazier Nivens who won the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences Emmy award for excellence in programming for his work, "Sharks, Killers of the Caribbean,” and founded Ocean Imaging Videography Productions; Italian freediving champ, yoga instructor and author Federico Mana; US Navy diver, research and instructor Robert Croft, the first person to freedive beyond 200 feet; US Coast Guard pilots and rescue swimmers; US Freediving national record holder, instructor and safety advocate Ted Harty; University of South Florida resident physician, safety advocate and inventor Dr William Pearce; underwater photographer, researcher and TV personality Chris Gillette; marine biologist Shana Phelan who works in sea turtle research; and adventurer Manny Puig who educates and entertains visitors with tales of his interaction and dives with sharks and alligators.

Two contributors from X-Ray Mag will also be presenters at the show. Underwater photographer Jennifer Idol is the author of An American Immersion, a new book that describes her journey as the first woman to dive all 50 states, highlighting the plight and conservation of local waters. She will speak about local diving treasures throughout the United States. Florida transplant, artist and printmaker Patricia Knight will give a demonstration and talk about ocean art and conservation. After discovering printmaking in graduate school, she began using her photographs from her diving as a basis for her prints. As an art teacher, she encourages appreciation and conservation of the local environment and sea life.

About the expo

The Blue Wild expo began as a small charity event and has evolved over the past ten years into an annual two-day show hosting 160 exhibitors, covering 65,000 sq ft and anticipating 5,000 attendees. There will be several returning exhibitors, including Aqua Lung, Mares, Cressi, SEAC, PADI, Pelagic, Bass Pro, YETI, Florida Freedivers, Island Water Sports, Nautical Ventures; as well as several new exhibitors, including NAUI, Coco View Resort and Reef Photo & Video. There will also be state-of-the-art water toys, kayaks and Contender Boats on display. Ocean art fans will enjoy one of the most impressive collections of local and world-renowned artists including Carey Chen, Don Ray, Randall Scott, Jason Mathias, and many more.

Known for its fun vibe and high-energy crowds, the Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo draws a diverse crowd, including visitors, experts and exhibitors from all over the world who come to Fort Lauderdale for its central location, year-round tropical weather and warm waters. Tickets are $20 at the door and include a free goodie bag (while supplies last) as well as free entry to the Saturday night After-Party in nearby Fort Lauderdale Beach Courtyard Marriott. For more information, visit TheBlueWild.com or check out a video from last year: https://youtu.be/I-a2kXyejIQ. ■