MOODY GARDENS ANNOUNCES SECOND ANNUAL DIVE EXPO: AN EVENT FOR DIVERS, OCEAN LOVERS, AND CONSERVATIONISTS

GALVESTON, Texas (February 1, 2024) – A unique and informative conservation event emerges in its second year at Dive into the Gulf: An Exposition from February 23-25, 2024. The event is tailored for ocean enthusiasts, divers, and conservationists who study, work, or enjoy the ocean. The Expo will take place at the stunning Moody Gardens, located in Galveston, Texas. The goal of the expositions is to encourage people to Dive Into all the Gulf of Mexico has to offer through educational talks, hands-on experiences, interactions with local vendors in the scuba industry, displays of ocean art and so much more.

The Expo will feature a range of distinguished speakers, underwater archaeologists, partners from the National Marine Sanctuaries programs, and more. Attendees will have access to dive equipment, and vendors, as well as the opportunity to try SCUBA diving. Behind the Scenes tours of the Aquarium Pyramid will also be available for hotel guests. The event will include a special Currents in the Gulf dinner with Lionfish as the main course, highlighting a crucial educational and conservation message. The Expo will also offer raffles and prizes to benefit various conservation efforts as well as a virtual silent auction.

"The exposition will center around groundbreaking conservation research and compelling dive-related subjects pertinent to the Gulf of Mexico," remarked Jake Emmert, who serves as the Chair of the Sanctuary Advisory and Counsel for the Flower Gardens Banks Marine Sanctuary and holds the role of Moody Gardens Dive Safety Officer. "This year, in particular, we have an extraordinary narrative to convey regarding pioneering research endeavors and the establishment of collaborative partnerships. We are eagerly looking forward to sharing this with a community that genuinely values our mission."

The Expo is dedicated to conserving and restoring the planet's aquatic and terrestrial environments in an accountable way. This event encourages guests to be a part of this positive impact and will serve as a fundraiser for the Moody Gardens Conservation Fund. The fund provides critical support for field conservation, species preservation, and habitat restoration. It’s first year, the exposition successfully garnered more than $5,000 for the fund. This year, organizers hope to increase the contribution and awareness for this important cause.

Guests can stay at the Moody Gardens Hotel to enjoy all the experiences the Expo has to offer. Special hotel packages are available for the weekend event. For more information on Dive into the Gulf: An Exposition, please visit moodygardens.org/dive-expo or call 409-744-4673.

Moody Gardens® is a public, non-profit, educational destination utilizing nature in the advancement of rehabilitation, conservation, recreation, and research.

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