MIDE at 20: The World's Largest Dive Show?

Returning to the Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE) after an absence of several years was something of a revelation. X-Ray Magazine has proudly supported the show as a media partner since its inaugural edition in 2006, but having local representatives in Southeast Asia meant I had not attended personally for quite some time. That made this year's 20th anniversary edition all the more eye-opening.

MIDE was well visited
Dive Industry News and Matters
MIDE - Malaysia Int. Dive Expo


According to independently audited figures submitted to the Malaysian government, no fewer than 19,887 visitors attended MIDE 2026. The exhibition featured 355 booths, completely sold out the main exhibition hall at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur and, by every measure, was a resounding success.

Those numbers alone are impressive.

Press Release
Received from: Tania Vellen I Messe Düsseldorf

“Ocean Tribute” Award of Boot Düsseldorf 2027 – Call for Entries Now Open

One Ocean Planet Foundation received the 2026 “ocean tribute” Award
Boot Düsseldorf

The call for entries of boot Düsseldorf’s “ocean tribute” Award is now open once again to all international research projects, innovative concepts and start-ups. The prestigious marine conservation prize has been awarded since 2018 by the trade fair organizers and the German Ocean Foundation, and has mobilized a large community of supporters in recent years. Previous winners include a wide variety of international projects from many parts of the world, all contributing to marine conservation through very different methods.

Press Release
Received from: Hamidah (Ms) | MIDE Secretariat

MIDE 2026 Connects Global Diving, Tourism and Marine Industries for Its Biggest 20th Anniversary Edition in Malaysia

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.

Press Release
Received from: Messe Düsseldorf

Cast off for boot Düsseldorf 2027

Boot Düsseldorf

“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.

Lisbon Launches International Underwater Film Festival

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.

around 1,200 people attended the screenings and associated events over the three-day festival.
Dive Industry News and Matters
Lisbon Underwater Film Festival

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.

Boot Show Is a Blast

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.

At Boot 2026, a rain of confetti drizzled down over the award recipients and jury members at the Dive Award gala.
Dive Industry News and Matters

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. 

Press Release
Received from: Tania Vellen, Senior Manager Press & PR | boot Düsseldorf

Boot 2026: Great Atmosphere on the First Weekend of the Trade Fair

Boot Show
Boot Düsseldorf

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.

Malaysia International Dive Expo Celebrates Its 20-Year Anniversary in June 2026

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. 

Presentors and officials on the main stage of the Malaysia International Dive Expo 2025 at MITEC in Kuala Lupur
Dive Industry News and Matters

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.

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