Under the theme “Forged by The Ocean – Two Decades of Passion, Purpose and Protection”, MIDE 2026 celebrates a remarkable journey of growth, resilience, and transformation in advancing the diving industry while championing ocean conservation, sustainable marine practices, and greater public awareness of the underwater world.
The expo will be officiated by YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia on 5 June 2026 at 3.00pm at Hall 2/3, MITEC KL.
“This year, we have felt the special spirit, the magic and, at the same time, the business engine of boot. In Düsseldorf, the latest trends come to life. This makes boot the international innovation forum and barometer for the entire water sports industry. I look forward to every single conversation with you, our exhibitors, and to working together to make January in Düsseldorf the center of the global maritime market once again,” explains boot Director Petros Michelidakis.
Portugal’s first festival devoted entirely to underwater cinema drew global submissions, filmmakers and ocean storytellers to Lisbon for its inaugural edition in February 2026.
The first Lisbon Underwater Film Festival (LUFF) has made a notable debut, positioning itself as a new gathering point for underwater filmmakers, explorers and ocean advocates. Held from 13–15 February 2026 at Lisbon’s historic Cinema São Jorge, the festival presented a diverse programme of films celebrating the ocean through storytelling, science and visual art.
Organisers say the event aims to bridge the worlds of filmmaking, marine science and conservation while bringing underwater cinema to a wider public audience.
In conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE) in 2026, the acclaimed Lens Beyond Ocean (LBO) Underwater Photo & Video Competition returns for its 15th edition.
The expo in Germany’s industrial heartland, held in the middle of winter, has become an unparalleled powerhouse of a dive show that serves both the public and the dive community as a central networking event of growing importance.
This was my 20th or so Boot Show. I never quite loved it, but I was always irresistibly drawn to it. This cognitive dissonance was beginning to grow into an itch for me to explain, not least to myself, and finally, the penny dropped. What I find is that the show is clinically effective. It is a top-trimmed apparatus. Every detail is taken care of, and the organisation runs a very tight ship. It is a showcase of German effectiveness, a well-oiled, finely tuned machine.
There was a great atmosphere in the 16 exhibition halls on the first weekend of Boot 2026. With its mix of high-calibre trade fair and hands-on experiences, Boot captures the spirit of the times and inspires people to take up water sports. Over 50,000 interested visitors came to Düsseldorf on the first two days.
This indicates that the number of visitors is comparable to that of previous events.
Since its inception, the Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE) has attracted over 300,000 visitors globally, establishing itself as the nation’s foremost platform for diving, underwater tourism and marine conservation.
Returning for its 2026 edition from 5-7 June at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur, MIDE aims to deliver its most ambitious and dynamic showcase yet—bringing together dive professionals, ocean advocates, newcomers and world-leading brands in a single, vibrant venue.
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.
Recently, some of our clients have informed us that they have been told Beneath the Sea will not be hosting an exposition this year. Should you get such a phone call, or hear such a rumor, that Beneath the Sea will not be in place for its 47th season, it’s only our competition taking pot-shots at us.
For the past 46 years, Beneath the Sea has provided the local dive community with the best in diving education, the latest equipment, and intimate travel information from dive resorts around the world.
boot Düsseldorf and the German Ocean Foundation have been promoting the protection of our oceans with the ‘ocean tribute’ Award since 2017. The award honors people, projects and initiatives that protect the oceans, lakes and rivers with creative ideas and great commitment. The award has now established itself as one of the most important international honors in marine conservation.
The registration period for the 2026 ‘ocean tribute’ ends on 30 September, and anyone whose projects contribute to marine conservation is invited to apply for this prestigious award.