Our annual Symposium is a daylong gathering of Dive Program Administrators, held just before the DEMA (Dive Equipment & Marketing Association) trade show. The event provides ADPA members with the opportunity to share methods and techniques for running effective and safe dive programs, exchange ideas with peers, and stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in the field.
Attendees can network with dive professionals from zoos, aquariums, and related institutions, learn about developments and best practices across these organizations, and attend presentations from their peers. Corporate Partners will also showcase their latest products and demonstrate how they support effective dive programs at these institutions.
Benefits of Attending
- Professional Networking: Connect with fellow dive program administrators from national and international organizations and institutions.
- Corporate Partner Engagement: Participate in face-to-face meetings and product demonstrations with ADPA Corporate Partners.
- Peer-Led Presentations: Gain insights on dive safety, field research, training techniques, program management, and innovative institutional projects.
The Symposium is open to all active Association members and invited guests. A networking event directly follows in the evening, providing additional opportunities to connect with industry peers and put names to faces from the ADPA Listserv.
Support for First-Time Attendees
- New to the Symposium or attending without institutional support? Consider applying for the Brett Dodson ADPA DSO Scholarship to help cover expenses.
- All presentations from the Symposium are documented and available for review on the ADPA Member Site in the document repository, allowing members to revisit ideas and insights after the event.
Typical Schedule
- Saturday: Board of Directors Meeting
- Sunday: Professional Development and Training Day
- Monday: Annual Symposium (Pre-registration and fee required; must be a current, paid active member to attend)
- Tuesday – Friday: DEMA Trade Show, with possible ADPA events
For questions about attendance, registration, or how to make participation possible, please contact president@adpa.org.