In turning up in such numbers they confounded fears that, in the current economic climate, divers might just be curling up at home for winter with a DVD-player and their memories.
In fact more than a few exhibitors reported record-breaking sales, and the atmosphere in the hall was exceptionally upbeat as divers busied themselves updating their kit, booking their next dive trips and sizing up future training courses.
The presentation rooms were busy too. With visitors keen to hear how Monty's latest TV series was made, what's next on the agenda for Paul Rose, and how underwater CSI expert Mack S House goes about his grisly work, it was often standing-room only.
Wreck-diving with Jack Ingle, Lembeh marine-life with John Boyle, and an update on Andrea Marshall's giant manta research programme all drew large and enthusiastic audiences.
All the UK's main diver training agencies were at the Show, including PADI with its campervan and top diving centres in the PADI Village ("We had a very positive show!" said PADI) and BSAC with Branch Pods showcasing local dive clubs and a new student area. The SAA and SSI also had strong presences.
Neil Baker from Ripley in Derbyshire won the Show Grand Draw prize and a fabulous £8000 trip to the Philippines, courtesy of Worldwide Dive & Sail and the Philippines Tourist Board. He was already home when he heard the news, and drove straight back to make sure it wasn't a wind-up!
Here's what some visitors thought of DIVE 2011:
"A great show! Emperor Divers had a fantastic show offer, but diving in Cambodia - who'd have thought? Great service from O'Three drysuits - my wife just had to have one. I always come back from the show wanting to dive the world, so just tell me I won the Philippines competition!" Dennis
"Meeting Andrea Marshall was the purpose of the trip and the highlight, but all the rest was also perfect. Thanks!" Dirck
"Great to see some good stalls, especially British Forces Foundation and Deptherapy, along with Paul Rose, Monty Halls, Mack S House and Richard Peirce." Mark
"Despite a downturn in the UK economy, I thought it was a good show. My 10-year-old nephew enjoyed his first try-dive and can't wait to get wet again. I spent a lot of money and gathered a wealth of info." Robert
"Paul Rose talking on Britain's Secret Seas - very good indeed." Richard
"Nauticam and Cameras Underwater both brought spare parts I needed to the show so that I could collect them. Great customer service - thanks. I liked the improved PhotoZone. Great to talk to staff from resorts I'm thinking of visiting, particularly in the Asia area. Considering we're in the middle of a recession, I thought it was a good show." Spike
"I spent a fortune! But well worth it, great show." Stephen
And exhibitor Nick Caldwell of Westfield Sub Aqua & Marine Insurance summed it up: "The hall was full of people and we were all kept very busy for the whole two days. A really, really busy and packed show... it was a nice breath of fresh air to us all!"
Next date in the diving exhibition calendar is the London International Dive Show (LIDS 2012), taking place at ExCeL on 31 March/1 April.
Visit www.diveshows.co.uk for up-to-date show information.
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