The boot 2024 is history - and a magnificent one at that! For nine demanding days, we moved into our small coral reef in Hall 11 and, as always, waited to see what would unfold. And you did not disappoint us! Numerous highly interested visitors wandered past our temporary living room, and most of them showed a keen interest in our mission: Meer Schutz durch Wissen, Sea Protection With Science. We engaged in excellent discussions and noted down several schools, day-care centres, and diving clubs in our books, which we will be meeting in the coming months. And yes, we also received some wonderful donations, particularly through the fantastic poster campaign by Ralf Kiefner. He therefore receives our second vote of thanks - the first goes to the ElasmOcean team. Operating completely voluntarily, without remuneration, but dedicating annual leave and physical effort. You are the best!
Particularly inconspicuous once again was the company Ackermann from Leverkusen, although absolutely no one could have overlooked their contribution: our exhibition stand builder, who once again provided us with the stand completely free of charge and always reacted quickly and highly professionally to spontaneous change requests.
In the pictures are further supporters and friends who visited us and are the best motivation one could humanly wish for:
Anke and Marko of 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 freediver. Fred: freediver who knows the Azores and sharks like no other. Lukas: marine biologist and freediver. Christine: award-winning turtle rescuer with heart and soul; Michel and his light-hearted "Imbärium"; Ralf: also always active for science; Martin, who intends to row across the Atlantic for science; Angela: tirelessly active for dolphins; Claudia and Hendrik: "The Jetlagged", our camera crew in Vigo and all over the world; Kai and Melanie: voice and film for shark conservation; Nils, indefatigable on a European mission for the ECI "StopFinningEU". 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 many "nameless" individuals that remain deeply anchored in our memory. The
boot is a melting pot, in the truest sense of the word. It unites, is creative, and opens up perspectives. In individual appointments, group discussions, presentations, and panel debates.
The final thanks go to the team of Petros Michelidakis: to Messe Düsseldorf as the organiser of boot, and the many assistants and staff members who make this exhibition possible for you and 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!
