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Entrance to Long Beach Scuba Show. Photo by Matthew Meier -

The event featured over 250 exhibitors representing dive gear manufacturers, dive retailers, travel agents, travel destinations, non-profit groups and several local dive industry organizations. Consumers were able to see, touch and in many cases directly purchase the latest scuba diving gear and underwater photo and video equipment.

During the show guests were treated to a continuous film festival in the exhibit hall and were eligible for upwards of $20,000 in door prizes raffled off over the two-day event.

When not walking the exhibit floor, visitors were able to attend a wide variety of entertaining and educational seminars. There were over twenty guest speakers, including such industry icons as Stan Waterman, Marty Snyderman, Jack and Sue Drafahl, Dale Sheckler, Dan Orr, Karl Huggins and Steven Barsky.

The artist Wyland was a special guest at the event and along with a large exhibit of his work, he provided several live painting sessions for the public. He created a large mural of an underwater scene on Sunday afternoon with the help of numerous local children.

Dr. Bill Bushing was honored on Saturday night with the California Scuba Service Award, which recognizes long-term positive contributions to the California sport diving community. Dr. Bill has been the resident marine biologist on Catalina Island since 1969. The presentation took place during a benefit party for the California Ships to Reefs organization, onboard the Truth Aquatics boats.

Next years Scuba Show is May 5-6, 2012.

http://www.scubashow.com/index.html