On November 23-24, 2024, Gdynia once again became the global hub for technical and recreational diving, hosting the 11th edition of the Baltictech conference. The event, held in the modern spaces of the Main Library of the Naval Academy of Lech Kaczyński, attracted nearly 1,000 participants from over 20 countries. Attendees included representatives from the UK, Sweden, Germany, the USA, Turkey, Belgium, Italy, and New Zealand. The conference served as a platform for knowledge and experience sharing, as well as an opportunity for diving enthusiasts to establish international connections.
Rich Program and Distinguished Speakers
The Baltic Sea wrecks and diving medicine were key themes of this year’s 11th edition of Baltictech. Notably, Zdzisław Sićko’s lecture, "Senior Diver", addressing health issues related to aging divers, garnered significant interest. The lecture hall was packed, and the speaker’s excellent interaction with the audience made the presentation memorable for all attendees.
Highlights also included presentations by Simon Mitchell or Professor Jacek Kot about diving medicine. Both talks stood out for their depth and practical approach, earning high praise from participants.
Another fascinating highlight was Emma Ahlen’s presentation, which took the audience on an extraordinary journey through the picturesque wrecks of Sweden, revealing the secrets of Scandinavian depths. Meanwhile, Alex Dawson’s remarkable underwater photography demonstrated how wrecks can be beautifully showcased even to non-divers.
A standout attraction was the Baltictech Team’s presentation about the famous wreck containing champagne, where they shared insights from underwater expeditions and new discoveries.
A Showcase of Innovations in the Exhibition Area
A significant part of the conference was the exhibition area, spanning two floors and featuring 39 exhibitors. Over two days, participants explored the latest in diving equipment. Among the highlights were new product launches, including Garmin Polska's Descent X50i dive computer with a 3-inch touchscreen and Santi Diving’s modern Edge dry suit and new BZ420X undersuit, which attracted considerable interest. Kwark also unveiled its heated undergarment.
Military units’ booths were a unique attraction, offering participants a rare chance to test equipment used by armed forces, such as specialized underwater robots. The impressive displays also included underwater scooters, advanced flashlights, and state-of-the-art closed-circuit diving equipment.
Networking and Social Attractions
An evening integration party held at the Naval Academy provided an excellent opportunity for participants to exchange experiences, forge new connections, and enjoy themselves together. The convenient location allowed attendees more time for interaction and camaraderie.
The closing summary and awards ceremony delivered plenty of emotions and laughter, particularly when Leigh Bishop humorously struggled to pronounce Polish names—a challenge that greatly entertained the audience. Congratulations to the winners! Sponsors provided top-tier prizes, including the SUEX XJ Goldfinder scooter, Halcyon Symbios System, K01 hoods, vouchers from Deepspot, the BZ420 thermal undergarment from Santi, and the Airon dry suit from Avatar.
An International Event
Baltictech 2024 reaffirmed its status as one of Europe’s premier diving conferences, attracting participants from 21 countries. A crucial role was played by 62 volunteers, who ensured smooth logistics and translations, creating a comfortable experience for all attendees.
See You at the Next Edition!
Baltictech 2024 was not only a place for gaining knowledge but also a platform for building relationships and nurturing passion. The next edition is just two years away—mark your calendars, as this event leaves a lasting impression!
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Podsumowanie konferencji Baltictech 2024
