PADI and SSI Share the Stage for Peak Performance Business Solutions at DEMA 

Innovative business program open to all retail and resort operators.

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA – 18 September 2007 - The rules for growing your business have changed, as have the rules for growing the industry, which is why PADI Worldwide President and Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Drew Richardson, and Scuba Schools International Vice President and Executive Director of International Sales, Doug McNeese, are cohosting an unprecedented seminar that delivers real-world answers to today’s changing dive business environment. All dive center and resort operators are invited to attend Peak Performance Business Solutions hosted at The Rosen Centre hotel in Orlando, Florida, USA on 30 October 2007.

“At first it may seem odd for PADI to share the stage at a business development conference with one of its more visible competitors, but this conference is not about our differences, it’s about our shared challenges,” says Richardson. “When it comes to bigger threats facing the dive industry, i.e., competing recreations, economic hardships, environmental damages and government regulations, we need to set internal conflicts aside and join forces and resources to combat them.”“This is a great approach to focus on what’s truly important – the ongoing success of the diving industry.  As a Stakeholder, I feel privileged to co-host such an event that offers retailers and resorts a chance to find new opportunities and address threats in today’s ever changing business climate.  We congratulate and thank PADI for inviting SSI to co-host such an event.” – Doug McNeese

Brought to you by PADI, SSI and Sport Diver magazine, Peak Performance Business Solutions emphasizes reaching new markets while expanding current ones. This innovative program draws on winning business strategies from cutting edge industries that have successfully navigated changing consumer demands. Featured speakers include acclaimed trend analyst Magnus Lindkvist, CEO, Pattern Recognition, who will look at rising retail trends and how to apply them to your business; Andy Wirth, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Intrawest, who will talk about how to thrive and grow during market transitions and Rob Campbell, Publisher, TransWorld Business, who will talk about increasing efficiency with web-based business-to-business (B2B) transactions. Other keynote speakers include pro surf and Gen Y icons Alex Gray and Holly Beck, Kristin Valette, PADI Americas Director of Marketing and Communications, and David Freygang, Group Publisher, Bonnier Group.

“This isn’t a PADI branding seminar,” continues Richardson. “This is information all serious retail and resort operators should know about today’s transitioning market, delivered by high powered business professionals from similar industries such as surfing, skiing and snowboarding, that have successfully turned market transition into opportunity and growth.”McNeese adds, “Success in the retail world is not based on how many divers we train, but how many enjoy the total diving experience and in doing so will keep diving and rewarding the industry for the enrichment of their lives.”Open to dive center and resort members of all training agencies, Peak Performance Business Solutions is the must-attend seminar of the year. Space is limited, and this event will sell-out. To reserve your space or for more information, contact PADI Customer Service at 800 729 7234 (US and Canada) or +1 949 858 7234, ext. 2320 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .