Diving Talks 2022: A Review by Ellen Cuylaerts

Published 4 years agoon October 17, 2022

The second edition of ‘Diving Talks’ took place 7th – 9th of October on the beautiful peninsula Tröia, close to Lisbon. Speakers, exhibitors and attendees from around the world met at the Aqualuz Convention Centre for 2 days filled with interesting panels. The organization went for a wide diversity of topics. The concept of this dive conference is that during presentations everyone sits down, is present and can participate in the Q & A at the end.

The pace was easy going and after the pandemic I would call every event a celebration. In this case the celebrations started with the opening of an inaugural exhibition of underwater images at the Bibliotheca Municipal de Grandola. Contributing photographers were Nino Vasques Rodriguez, Brandi Mueller, curator Nuna Sa and myself, Ellen Cuylaerts.

The next day was an ‘industry only’ event, allowing the visiting participants to get familiar with the exhibition and brands supporting the industry in and outside of Portugal. At 6pm, the exhibitors and speakers were invited by the Grandola municipality for return bus trip to Grandola, a familiarization visit with the town, and the opening to the wider public of the underwater imagery exhibition. It felt like a schooltrip and spirits were high!

It is no suprise nor secret that Portugal has a huge potential for growth regarding its diving tourism. The Azores are probably best know for big animal encounters but also Madeira, where at the same time as ‘Diving Talks,’ the World Championship’s for underwater photography was happening. Madeira is a hidden gem: wonderful visibility, wrecks, big schools of fish… a wonderful island full of a diversity of colourful flowers. To me, Portugese people, at least those I’ve met my on past two visits, truly value life, family, the ocean and nature.

Arlindo Serrao, the heart and soul of ‘Diving Talks’ and the best walking and talking ambassador for the Portugese waters, organised the Saturday and Sunday programme of very interesting panel discussions (a total of 10) where participants could make their case in 20 minutes.

On Saturday evening the congress dinner took place. It was the perfect occasion to connect and unwind after spending already some days together and the storytelling continued, which was a great opportunity for memorable moments.

I can’t wait for the third edition of ‘Diving Talks’ next year and to experience this event again, probably combined with some excellent diving. Arlindo and Sara are the experts to arrange all that. To the whole team, congratulations!

For a full list of speakers and topics, head to www.divingtalks.com and also check out the Diving Talks YouTube channel here where you will shortly be able to watch all the presentations from the 2022 event for free.

Ellen Cuylaerts

As an underwater and wildlife photographer, Fellow of The Explorers Club and having a front seat in exploration being part of the Flag and Honours Committee, Ellen is also inducted in the Women Divers Hall of Fame. She travels the world and tries to make the most of every destination and the path that leads her there. Ellen acts as an ocean citizen and believes as divers we should all be ocean ambassadors and lead by example! Having lived in Grand Cayman for many years, she now lives in the UK.