Every year dive professionals from all over the world converge at the annual Dive Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) show, held on alternate years, in Orlando, Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada. The breadth and diversity of the show would take hours to report, so I’ll focus in on one thing “speaking manatee”.

Manatee Glass Charm Worn by Carol to Get The Conversation Started

My first point of contact was someone I met through social media. Facebook has the potential to link like-minds that may not normally ever meet, through the communication channel of cyberspace. Bernie Campoli is a historical diver and is part of the group of sea heroes I dreamed of meeting, years ago. Come to find out Bernie also helped with research projects on the Florida manatee in the 1980s. This is Bernie’s photograph on this classic manatee poster:

Classic Manatee Poster with Photo by Bernie Campoli

Somehow Bernie was taught by his daughter to use Facebook and found my manatee photography. We connected and I told him I’d love to have him join me to observe manatees. While a trip to the springs hasn’t happened yet — largely due to our warm fall temperatures getting manatee season started a bit late this year — it was thrilling for me to meet up with Bernie at DEMA! He treated me to a night at the Women Divers Hall of Fame event and as you can see Bernie was not wanting for company:

Bernie Campoli Flanked by Sisters Geri and Viki Ann Murphy

Historical diving aside, this post is about speaking manatee. You never know who you will see at DEMA and turning around one afternoon I was ecstatic to see Dr. Silvia Earl! She mentioned my manatee necklace and we were able to speak a little manatee while directing her to the DAN (Divers Alert Network) booth.

Sylvia Earl and Carol Grant at DEMA 2013

Many dive publications were also well represented at DEMA and I have already been very successful getting the buzz out about my new Oceangrant.com website, with so many stunning and varied captures of manatee life.

Screen Shot of New Oceangrant.com Website

Then there were the dinners and parties… I made sure to speak manatee along with many fine dive professionals who speak blue whale, humpback whale, cryptic muck critters, dive models, black and white silversides and even fascinating little bennies!

Allison Vitsky, Anna DeLoach, and Carol Grant: Speaking Blue Whale (Allison) Manatees (Carol) and those charismatic little bennies (Anna)

DEMA Orlando 2013 WetPixel/DivePhotoGuide party — Underwater Camera Gals: Ellen Cuylaerts, Kerri Bingham, Allison Vitsky, Carol Grant

Now comes the real work, along with manatee season beginning to get underway, the demand is certainly there for high-quality photos and accurately documented stories of the Florida manatee. I’m busy and happy!

Best, Carol Grant