The boot 2024 exhibition has concluded - a magnificent event! For nine demanding days, we moved into our small coral reef in Hall 11 and, as always, waited to see what would transpire. And you did not disappoint us! Numerous highly interested visitors wandered past our temporary living room, and the majority expressed interest in our message: Marine Conservation Through Knowledge, Sea Protection With Science. We engaged in excellent discussions and noted down several schools, nurseries, and diving clubs in our contact register to meet in the coming months. Furthermore, we also received several generous donations, primarily through the great poster campaign by Ralf Kiefner. He therefore receives our second expression of gratitude - the first goes to the ElasmOcean team. Working entirely on a voluntary basis, without remuneration, but dedicating annual leave and physical effort. You are the best!
Particularly unobtrusive, as always, was the company Ackermann from Leverkusen, even though absolutely no one could overlook their contribution: our exhibition stand builder, who once again provided the stand completely free of charge and always reacted quickly and with high professionalism to spontaneous requests for modifications.
Shown in the pictures are further supporters and friends who visited us and are the best motivation one could humanly wish for:
Anke and Marko from and with their Meertierchen; Christian from K.R.A.K.E.; Hannes, always "Im Einsatz für…!"; Christian from "Helden der Meere"; "Vossi" and "Lenni": marine biologist and gifted cameraman and free diver; Fred: free diver, who knows the Azores and sharks like no other; Lukas: marine biologist and free diver; Christine: award-winning sea turtle conservationist with heart and soul; Michel and his cheerful "Imbärium"; Ralf: also always active in the service of science; Martin, who intends to row across the Atlantic for scientific research; Angela: constantly active on behalf of dolphins; Claudia and Hendrik: "The Jetlagged", our camera team in Vigo and across the globe; Kai and Melanie: voice and film for shark conservation; Nils, tirelessly on a European mission for the ECI "StopFinningEU". We extend our thanks to all these wonderful people, as well as to Christin and Tina for their fantastic financial support!
What else? Many, many people and moments. Encounters with numerous "nameless" individuals that remain deeply anchored in our memory. The
boot exhibition is a melting pot, in the truest sense of the word. It unites, fosters creativity, and provides perspectives - in individual appointments, group discussions, lectures, and panel debates.
The final thanks go to the team of Petros Michelidakis: to Messe Düsseldorf as the organiser of boot, and the many helpers and staff members who made this fair possible for you and for us.
After boot is before boot. We are already looking forward immensely to 2025 - to our small coral reef and to further encounters and joy!
