Dive Shows Besides LIDS

[EllieCee]

I was hoping to make it to LIDS for my first time this year, but the inconsiderate beggars have made it on the same week that I am in Egypt.. Typical huh?

I notice there is another show, later in the year at the Birmingham NEC, so my question is, is that show like LIDS but just at a different location? Also I was wondering if there are any others during the year, and is the dive kit generally discounted at these shows?

Thanks, Ellie

[sira]

Very much the same, but Brum is the bigger show, and can have better deals at Brum as its at the end of the year.

[Steppenwolf]

I went to both LIDS and the NEC Birmingham show in 2007. I agree that there were better deals at the NEC, but there was not much in it. I prefer LIDS because the stalls are so much better organised. The numbering system was nightmare at the NEC last year.

[purple vonny]

There aren't that many "bargains" at the dive show. And when you work out the cost of travelling/parking/food/drinks....... it's cheaper to buy at your local dive shop or on line. But the talks are good and you can try things on and chat to people. More of a social event really!

Tip if you are skint... take a packed lunch!

[Steppenwolf]

purple vonny Wrote:But the talks are good and you can try things on and chat to people. More of a social event really!

Agreed. It is nice to run into strangers whom you know are Dive Crazy like you and share experiences.

[coldhands]

If your nerves can stand it, wait until the stalls are thinking of packing up and try haggling a price for something you want. Many of them would rather sell it than pack it up although you run the risk of them selling out first, of course.
I also went to both shows last year and have got them mixed up in my memory so there can't be that much difference between the two. Or I'm going senile...