Focussed on the excitement and adventure inherent in every aspect of diving, the fifth OZTeK Dive Exhibition and Conference, (held in Sydney, Australia, over the weekend of the 17th – 18th March 2007) has now firmly established its worth as a diving event of international significance.

From its official opening through to the post-show Gala Awards Dinner, the two-day event buzzed with a passion and enthusiasm that has seldom been seen at recent diving events.

Based around the core component of a conference, OZTeK’07 featured thirty-two speakers presenting forty-six diving related topics. Ranging from wreck and cave explorations, underwater photography and film-making, equipment technologies and configurations, oxygen handling, decompression theory and modelling, and Closed Circuit rebreather workshops through to diving physiology and risk management procedures, the programme featured something of interest to everyone who dives.

Reading like the “Who’s Who” of modern diving exploration, and with many presenters considered to be leading world authorities in their respective fields of diving expertise, the speakers included: Samir Alhafith (Aus); Leigh Bishop (UK); John Chatterton (USA); Kevin Deacon (Aus); Kevin Denlay (Aus); Richard Evans (Aus); Dr Andrew Fock (Aus); Dr Mike Gadd (Singapore); Lloyd Godson (Aus); Lamar Hires (USA); Paul Hosie (Aus); Simon Liddiard (Indonesia); John Lippmann (Aus); Richard Lundgren (Sweden); Pete Mesley (NZ); Dr Simon Mitchell (NZ); Richard Nicholls (Aus); Paul Nielsen (Hong Kong); Martin Parker (UK); Geoff Paynter (Aus); Paul Raymaekers (Belgium); Kim Smith (Canada); Tim Smith (Aus); Carl Spencer (UK); Dr Mark Spencer (Aus); Rick Stanton (UK); Alan Studley (Canada); Steve Trewavas (Aus); Neil Vincent (Aus), and Tania Yarra (Aus), supported by M.C.s Peter Fields and Christopher Deanes.

With, at any one time, three - and in several instances four - presentations running simultaneously, sessions were streamed to allow attendees with specific diving interests to concentrate on those speakers and topics of particular appeal.

Of equal attraction was the exhibition itself. Catering to divers at every level of experience and interest, OZTeK’07 featured a full-scale international exhibition showcasing the very latest in equipment technology and accessories; underwater photographic equipment; training, safety and marine conservation organisations, dive associations, and exotic dive travel destinations.

A clearly targeted event aimed at people who are passionate about diving, OZTeK’s knowledge-based format and busy schedule of speaker presentations ensured an interested audience that, while small when compared with many other broad-based dive Shows, comprised an affluent and influential sector of the total dive market.

A visionary concept that - while still retaining a strong emphasis on emerging diving technologies and techniques - has broadened its appeal to give equal emphasis to the adventure and excitement inherent in all aspects of diving, the OZTeK event has grown in international stature to become one of the premiere – and best regarded - diving events of its type held anywhere in the world.

The ‘Ultimate Underwater Adventure’, one that’s received high praise from visitors, exhibitors and speakers alike, dates for the next OZTeK Diving Technologies Conference and Exhibition are expected to be announced soon.

Please monitor the website at: www.diveoztek.com.au for further details, or contact the Convenors at: admin@diveoztek.com.au

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