After taking part in all five editions, since the inaugural event in 2021 at the resort Troia, about an hour south of Lisbon, I have had a front-row view of the journey and evolution the conference has undergone. The core principles and format remain the same, emphasising talks and meaningful socialising with both presenters and fellow attendees during the conference days. The pleasant pace and atmosphere, as well as the top-notch catering, remain the same. It is mainly the locations that have changed, along with some elements of the overall format, but all appear to have been necessary adaptations, streamlining, or simply new and better ideas. 

Various locations 

To recap, the first two events were held in Troia, in a hotel complex in a resort area about an hour south of Lisbon. It was nice, but it came with some challenges, such as complicating logistics for getting people there and back. The hotel was also nice, but it was always on the cusp of closing down for the season when the Diving Talks events were held, so it was largely empty. But the surrounding area and wilderness were also quite nice, and I enjoyed taking some walks there. 

In the third year, it moved to central Lisbon, where it was held at the Museu de Marinha (the naval museum) among its exhibits, which was an interesting touch and provided a unique but fitting historic ambience. It was not, however, “altogether” (in a quite literal sense), as the talks, dinners and accommodations were in different locations. 

This changed in 2024, when the conference was moved to the Cordoaria Nacional, with “cordoaria” meaning “ropewalk”—a place where ropes are made, or a rope factory. Ropewalks worked by using a long, linear space to twist fibres into strong rope. Thus, the buildings were very elongated (as can be seen in some images), and were once essential parts of naval shipyards and berths in the Age of Sail.

Originally a naval rope factory, founded in 1771, it is now a national monument and a significant example of 18th-century industrial architecture. Currently, it is used as an exhibition centre for temporary exhibitions and events such as Diving Talks. This year, all of the Diving Talks components were held in the long ropewalk, including the photo exhibition and dinners. It had indeed all come together in one place. 

Format and schedule

As to the format and schedule of the event, there is not much more to elaborate upon, as it has been explained in depth in my previous reports. It follows the now-familiar, well-functioning format: a sequence of three presenters, followed by Q&A sessions and discussion panels, interspersed with generous breaks where talks and networking take place. It makes for a very pleasant and not rushed flow that does not exhaust one prematurely. As in previous years, the snacks and other fodder are top-notch and second to none among all the events I have attended. The Portuguese know a thing or two about culinary treatises.

Presenters

The list of presenters comprised the usual prominent names from the global dive community: an eclectic blend of scientists, explorers, researchers, armed services, leading technical divers, educators, image-makers, environmentalists, entrepreneurs and trailblazers. There were too many to mention, but I will make a noteworthy exception. As a representative of the young and upcoming generation, and hope for the future, Kayla Krack, daughter of Kirk Krack, who was also one the event speakers, gave a captivating presentation on how it has been to grow up the child of two big names in diving—the other being her mother, Mandy Rae Cruickshank, who is a world champion freediver and record-holder—and working on the movie Avatar: The Way of Water. That was very refreshing.

Lisbon and post-event tour

It is not just the conference that is pleasant. Lisbon is a vibrant, classic and interesting city, too, and it is right outside. True to form, both diving and tours were offered prior to and after the conference, so one should not be in too much of a rush to leave. This year, I joined a little post-conference, three-day tour in the good company of several of the other presenters—yes, I somehow ended up being one myself. 

On the first day, we went on a long but pleasant city walk, accompanied by a competent guide. On the second day, we went to see Óbidos, the charming old village north of Lisbon. We were meant to go diving off the Berlengas archipelago that day, but it was blown out. That is life, but we had a pleasant day nonetheless. 

The third day was spent in the area around Sintra, which is known for its stunning natural beauty and forested terrain, as well as a collection of historic palaces and castles that have earned the area a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Sintra’s landmarks include the medieval Castle of the Moors, the Pena National Palace, built in the Romantic style, and the Portuguese Renaissance Sintra National Palace. All of these added outings may not have all that much to do with diving, but so what? There are other joys and interesting topics in life besides diving, and Portugal has a lot of both.