MIDE 2017 will be held from 12 to 14 May at the PWTC Kuala Lumpur. Earlier than usual, it is scheduled for July, which was brought forward to facilitate the fasting month and the Hari Raya celebration.

The good news is that MIDE 2017 has also been moved from Hall 3 to Hall 1 at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) to a bigger hall space of 8,000 square meters, covering a total gross area of 12,000 square meters of exhibition and retail space.

MIDE 2017 Review

The largest dive expo in Malaysia also features more than 2,000 exhibitors, including 200 participating companies from local and abroad. MIDE 2017 is geared to welcoming business entrepreneurs, tourism boards, dive agencies, brand manufacturers, and distributors to utilise the platform created and designed to meet the lucrative business needs of every organisation.

MIDE 2017: A Deep ‘Dive’ into the Pros and Cons

Like any significant event, MIDE 2017 had its share of triumphs and challenges. Let’s break down the good and the not-so-good of this year’s dive expo.

The Upside: A Boon for Consumers and Big Retailers

One of MIDE’s biggest wins is undoubtedly the increased awareness it brings to scuba diving. For beginners and seasoned divers alike, it’s a fantastic opportunity to explore the latest gear, services, and dive destinations worldwide.

Being Realistic: MIDE has become the place to snag incredible deals on dive equipment, courses, and travel packages. This is fantastic for consumers, who often hold off on purchases throughout the year, knowing they’ll find unbeatable prices at the expo. As a diver myself, I’ve definitely taken advantage of these MIDE-exclusive discounts over the years.

Retailers, particularly the larger ones, also benefit significantly. Suppliers and distributors capitalize on the massive turnout by offering special discounts and clearance deals. “Only at MIDE Prices” is a common phrase, and you’ll often find last season’s items or overstocked gear at ridiculously low prices. For example, Hypergear’s 30% discount on dry bags was a huge draw, with their 20-litre backpack going for RM 220, a substantial saving from the usual RM 320.

The Downside: Challenges for Smaller Retailers

However, the expo’s success isn’t without its drawbacks. Smaller retailers have expressed frustration over the increasing dominance of larger companies. The “MIDE effect” leads to a concentrated sales period, impacting their year-round revenue. They feel the cake is much smaller than it used to be.

The Numbers Speak for Themselves

Despite these challenges, MIDE’s overall success is undeniable. 2015, the expo generated RM 8 million in sales, jumping to RM 10 million in 2016. Organizers projected RM 10-12 million for 2017, demonstrating the expo’s continued growth and significant contribution to the dive tourism sector. They rightly point out that MIDE delivers substantial revenue growth for participating companies and fuels healthy economic growth in the industry.

Me, diving at Mantanani Island, Sabah.

Raja Ampat has been the flavour over the last few years and is one of the most expensive dive locations in the region. Still, during MIDE 2015, a few dive operators from Raja Ampat were seen at the dive expo; the one I talked to was a Raja Ampat Budget Dive Operator offering basic homestay on land and boat dives.

Speaking further with the operator, they already knew that there are, in fact, many new divers in Malaysia who are seeking budget destinations, but not your usual places and more exotic ones, like Raja Ampat.

For diving in Malaysia in 2017, Miri in Sarawak is one of the growing destinations to explore due to the many beautiful reefs that some even say are comparable to Sabah. Only one or two dive operators there frequent the many beautiful Miri dive sites, which are around an hour from the mainland.

The venue for the Malaysia Dive conference will be held within the main venue hall to give visitors easy access to the seminar room.

ADCON 2017 will also focus on gaining more insight into the technical aspects of diving, servicing and maintaining dive equipment and camera housing, hands-on demonstrations of the latest products, demonstrating and teaching Photoshop techniques, exploring nitrox certification courses, and more.

Me, diving at the Red Sea in Jordan.

Diving Tourism and Social Media Branding Awareness

Unfortunately, there is no speaker to promote digital dive tourism and social media and diving, as this has been the current trend in society over the years. Digital and Social Media for diving is one of the best platforms to help businesses, dive resorts, and operators brand themselves online.

I have spoken to many local universities and events on social media and tourism; even as a diver who has been to several places worldwide, I have promoted this hobby over the years using Malaysia, Asia and my multiple social media channels.

It would be an honour to be invited to speak at a diving forum or seminar one day, but in the meantime, you can follow Malaysia Asia on Instagram for my updates.

• MIDE 2017
• Date: 12-14 May 2017
• Time: 10.00 AM to 9.00 PM
• Venue: Hall 1, PWTC, Kuala Lumpur
• Website: www.mide.com.my