News Hub | News Direct

Entertainment

Animation Dance E-Sports Entertainment/Celebrity Film Music Radio Restaurants Sports Television Theater Video Virtual Reality
Article thumbnail News Release

Companies spending £674m a month to welcome staff back but workers are wary

Huma

Getting businesses back up and running is critical to the UK economic recovery, however, there is a significant disconnect between employers and employees on how this is working out. UK digital health and therapeutics company Huma (formerly known as Medopad) asked 5,000 UK workers and 2,000 UK employers about their views[1] on returning to work. Employers viewpoint Businesses are planning to return to work. Almost half (45%) of workplaces will be ready to accommodate staff back in the office before the end of August. However, a fifth (19%) will only be ready in the first half of 2021. Of the business that are already up and running, almost two-fifths (38%) of their employees are going to a physical workplace, with the majority working at least 4 days from there. Employers reported spending £674m every month to ensure a safe workplace for their employees (£58.55 on average per employee per month). They have rushed to put in place various plans and procedures to ensure a safe workplace, ranking new hygiene protocols, socially distant layouts and staggered work shifts among their top changes. Worryingly, only one in five businesses feel suitably informed on the exact policies / procedures they need to have in place to ensure a safe working environment for their employees. Most employers believe that it is the responsibility of employees to self-report health concerns citing resource constraints. However, the overwhelming majority (70%) are willing to pay for COVID-19 tests should an employee request one. Importantly, employers fear the biggest disruption to restarting their business operations will be the willingness of more staff to return to the workplace owing to safety concerns. Workers viewpoint Over half of workers (54%) are reluctant to return to work fearing they will unknowingly contract COVID-19 and mistakenly pass it to friends and family at home. Bosses have offered a host of incentives to encourage employees back to work. The top ranked bung made has been extra holidays, free lunches at work and paying for commuting costs. Of the employees who have returned to work, over half (57%) are not confident with the measures in place to ensure their safety and well being. The same applies to people who have not returned to work yet. This is possibly why almost a third (29%) felt their health and safety would be compromised in the workplace. Employees ranked interactions with commuters (29%), co-workers (24%) and being in meetings (23%) as the top risk factors to catching COVID-19. The workplace ranked as lowest risk (8%). Missing links The research identified two insights, if acted on quickly could enable businesses to get up and running faster and accelerate the economic recovery. Firstly, addressing the ‘people interaction’ concern of workers. Both employees and bosses are willing to track their health for COVID-19 symptoms providing them with a peace of mind over their well-being. Overwhelmingly, two-thirds (67%) of employees would be willing to do a daily symptom check-in with their employers and the majority (71%) would be comfortable with employers tracking their symptoms. Moreover, nine in ten businesses (88%) are comfortable with monitoring and tracking their employees' symptoms to ensure a safe workplace environment for everyone. However, they don’t have the means to do it themselves and will encourage employees to self-report on symptoms. Secondly, employers are not talking to their staff. Only a quarter (24%) of employees felt fully informed about the new safety protocols and procedures at their workplace. Similarly, only a quarter (24%) of businesses prioritised communicating these changes to their employees. Dan Vahdat, founder and CEO of Huma, commented : “There seems to be a breakdown of communication between employers and employees and this is leading to some unrest and possibly delaying the economic recovery. Trust building is now more critical than ever. “Meanwhile, bosses are spending millions and feel they are doing a lot to ensure their workplace is a safe environment for staff but they are more concerned about people interaction than the actual workplace. The common ground on monitoring and tracking the health and well being of people in the workplace seems to be the solution. Employees are comfortable with this and employers are up for it but lack of resources means they are relying on workers to self-report on symptoms.” “We are driving the adoption of digital remote monitoring solutions to help users be better informed and engaged in their health concerns. In the workplace, Huma Health Shield is a revolutionary app that gives employees greater knowledge and control over their health at work . The solution encourages employees to confidentially track vital signs, and their exposure risk, so they can better manage their health. This hasn’t started with COVID-19 and won’t end once a vaccine is found, I believe the work being done now will set in motion behaviours that will transform how people manage their health and wellbeing.” Huma’s digital solution incorporates wearable devices and other sensors to provide doctors with a stream of data on patients’ health. The data enables healthcare teams to monitor patients’ evolving symptoms, to advise on what care is required and to alert them to when a visit from a clinician or a hospital admission is needed. Ends Notes the editor [1] Research findings based on a survey of 5,000 UK employees and 2,000 UK companies in July/August 2020 by LMRMC (Market Research Society approved partner and ESOMAR corporate member). About Huma Huma partners with scientists, technologists and healthcare professionals to understand, treat and ultimately prevent ill health. Giving knowledge and power to those with medical conditions, while saving clinicians time, energy and valuable resources. Because, by collectively benefiting from the data we individually generate, we can all live our longest, fullest lives. www.huma.com Contact Details Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 bilal.mahmood@huma.com Company Website https://huma.com

August 26, 2020 03:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail Digital Asset Direct

Game-Changing Artificial Intelligence Solution by PhotoShelter to Revolutionize Social Media Workflow

PhotoShelter

Contact Details John Seibels +1 212-206-0808 jseibels@photoshelter.com Company Website https://www.photoshelter.com/

August 20, 2020 08:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

HearMeCheer Lands New Agreement with Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls to Provide Live Fan Crowd Noise in Upcoming Broadcasts

HearMeCheer

HearMeCheer , the innovative and timely audio broadcast app that collects live fan noise and streams it into live sports television broadcasts, today announced a new agreement with the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer to provide live crowd noise for upcoming Red Bulls matches. As the New York Red Bulls (RBNY) return to action, the club will utilize the HearMeCheer app to live stream actual fan noise, sounds, and reactions during their upcoming home games. “Supporters are at the center of our matchday experience at Red Bull Arena,” said Christina Giunta-Quarino, the Red Bulls Senior Director of Field Marketing and Community Relations. “As we continue to prioritize health and safety, HearMeCheer gives Red Bulls fans an opportunity to add their voice to the matchday atmosphere at Red Bull Arena, supporting our team and making their voices heard from home.” Used to great acclaim and success this summer on recent live ESPN broadcasts of Top Rank Boxing , HearMeCheer has also been successfully implemented in recent live sports telecasts in Taiwan, Japan, and the U.S, including the first live testing of HearMeCheer earlier this year with the Chinese Professional Baseball League in Taiwan. As live pro sports return to American television this month, COVID-19 social distancing guidelines preclude fans actually being in the stands in most states. HearMeCheer’s patented technology allows fans watching the games at home to cheer into the microphones in their smartphones, tablets and computers and be heard live inside stadiums, arenas, ballparks as well as on radio and television. Elias Andersen, the 20-year-old founder and Chief Executive Officer of Toronto-based ChampTrax , developed HearMeCheer in March and April in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic and its far-reaching impact on the sports world. “We are thrilled that the Red Bulls are putting HearMeCheer into the homes of their fans, and using it for their game broadcasts this summer,” Andersen said. “We’ve been building our company to provide real-time sports analytics over the past two years, but the COVID-19 pandemic and overall sports shutdown gave us an opportunity to reinvent our business and create the HearMeCheer app. We found a market where fans have been underserved for a long time, and that’s watching from home.” HearMeCheer takes audio from fans watching at home and aggregates the sounds into one audio stream, which is provided to broadcasters and to feeds in ballparks, stadiums, and arenas. The sound from fans is converted into crowd noise using low-latency algorithms. Andersen and his growing company believe HearMeCheer is a software platform that can increase fan engagement, with options on the platform for live trivia games and predictive exercises where fans can be asked what will happen next. With a Facebook sign-in, fans can listen and watch with a group of friends in other homes. Previously an Electrical Engineering major at the University of Toronto, Andersen decided to leave college this past January to devote his attention to ChampTrax full-time. While pitching Major League Baseball teams the young company’s sports analytics platform at spring training sites in Arizona this past March, the pivot to develop HearMeCheer happened while Andersen was on an airplane returning to Toronto as the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the sports world. About the New York Red Bulls: The New York Red Bulls are one of 26 teams in Major League Soccer (MLS). RBNY, one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, have competed in the league since its founding in 1996. The Red Bulls play home matches at Red Bull Arena (RBA) in Harrison, New Jersey. The three-time MLS Supporters' Shield Winners are owned by the Austrian beverage company Red Bull for which the team is named. The New York Red Bulls offer one of the nation's premier youth soccer development programs, from local soccer partnerships across New York and New Jersey to Regional Development Schools and the Red Bulls Academy teams. Additional information is available at http://www.NewYorkRedBulls.com . About HearMeCheer: HearMeCheer is an innovative fan engagement platform developed by the team at ChampTrax. The Toronto-based company has created an app that allows sports fans at home to actively engage with their favorite teams playing in ballparks, arenas, and stadiums around the world. HearMeCheer collects live fan noise, cheers, sounds and reactions into a live audio stream that is used by sports teams, leagues, and broadcasters in live game coverage. Additional information is available at http://www.HearMeCheer.com . Contact Details Jim DeLorenzo, Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations +1 215-266-5943 jim@jhdenterprises.com Company Website http://www.jhdenterprises.com

August 18, 2020 01:40 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

NutriBullet® Makes Juicing Easier with Launch of NutriBullet Juicer Pro™

Default company name

Capital Brands Distribution, the leading innovator of the NutriBullet ® and Magic Bullet ® nutrient extractor franchises, unveiled its newest innovation in user-friendly nutrition today: the NutriBullet Juicer Pro™. The juicer is the newest addition to NutriBullet's extensive ecosystem of products focused on integrating better nutrition into everyday life and the company’s first introduction into the juicing category. With a sleek, feature-rich, premium build, the NutriBullet Juicer Pro™ contains a powerful 1000-Watt motor, multispeed control panel with low, high, and turbo speeds, and a LED light ring. Additionally, this premium model includes a dual size pusher that allows you to choose between a three-inch chute for whole fruits, or a narrow chute for smaller produce such as celery, berries, or leafy greens. The cleaning process is also much easier with the Juicer Pro as its components are dishwasher-safe, including its extra-large two-liter pulp container with integrated juice bowl. Accompanying the Juicer Pro are premium juice-storage solutions, including a two-ounce and four-ounce freezer trays and two glass to-go bottles. Precision speeds yield maximum juice in minimal time for NutriBullet Juicer Pro™ users. Its thoughtful design aims to make juicing simple enough for everyday use, and everyday nutrition. The no drip spout cover allows users to avoid leftover drips and drops on counter tops after removing the juice pitcher from under the spout. The NutriBullet Juicer Pro™ includes a recipe guide focused on lower calorie, immune-boosting, skin-healthy, and kid-friendly juice options. The guide also features sustainability-minded recipes using the leftover pulp to create delicious, healthy treats! “We designed the NutriBullet Juicer Pro™ with the philosophy that living a healthy lifestyle should be simple, easy, and accessible for anyone at any time,” said Rich Krause, CEO of Capital Brands Distribution. “Juicing is an important part of people’s routines and our new NutriBullet Juicer Pro™ was innovatively designed to allow for an improved juicing experience for everyone – for people just discovering the benefits of juicing to those who have already integrated juicing into their lifestyles.” Priced at $149.99*, the NutriBullet Juicer Pro™ will be available online at NutriBullet.com starting August 17 and will roll out to Amazon and select retailers nationwide in late August. For consumers new to juicing, the entry-level NutriBullet Juicer™ is also available and starts at $99.99*. For more information, or to order the NutriBullet Juicer™ and NutriBullet Juicer Pro™, visit www.nutribullet.com . *Prices may vary by retailer. About Capital Brands Distribution, LLC. We believe that good nutrition has the power to transform lives and that we all deserve the best nutrition. Since 2003, Capital Brands Distribution, LLC., has been on a mission to inspire and enable transformational nutrition for people all around the world. We do this by designing and delivering an ecosystem of products that strive to integrate better nutrition into everyday life. We are most known for being the leading innovators of the NutriBullet® and Magic Bullet® nutrient extractor franchises with over 60 million happy customers worldwide. Available at major North American retailers, including Macy's, Bed Bath & Beyond, Wal-Mart, Costco, Canadian Tire, Target and Kohl's, and sold in numerous countries including Australia, New Zealand, Western/Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Our goal is to make nutrition simple, easy, and impactful. Contact Details Manuel Cedeno +1 212-561-6459 Manuel.Cedeno@finnpartners.com Company Website https://www.nutribullet.com/

August 18, 2020 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Daniel Gaston Promoted to Vice President at Cloud Conventions/Convey Services

Convey Services

Convey Services, parent company of Cloud Conventions a full featured virtual event technology solution today announced the promotion of Daniel Gaston to Vice President of Business Development. Gaston is chartered with developing and expanding the marketplace for virtual events, creating both a direct and channel focus to offer capabilities to event managers, associations, nonprofits, tradeshow operators and channel resellers. “Danny joined Convey five years ago and has been pivotal in growing the marketplace for Convey’s channel program for master agencies and suppliers, as well as for InterAct LifeLine’s addiction and recovery platform,” said Carolyn Bradfield founder of Convey. “Now that Convey has expanded its Cloud Conventions technology to address the explosive need for virtual conferences, tradeshows and events, Danny will drive the effort to grow revenue and expand the customer base for fully managed or self-managed virtual and hybrid events.” Prior to COVID, the marketplace for live expositions globally exceeded 33,000 with $50 billion in revenue annually. Although thousands of live events cancelled in 2020 and should begin to return in 2021, the demand for a virtual solution will continue to strengthen as event operators offer virtual-only or hybrid event options. Cloud Conventions automates every aspect of delivering a virtual event from attendee onboarding to exhibit booths, creating a content-rich environment with enhanced views of marketing materials, educational classes and product resources. The platform analyzes every attendee interaction and delivers detailed reports to the event host and their exhibitors. “Danny brings a unique skill set in being able to strategically understand how to address an emerging market, combined with the tactics needed to generate an appropriate sales process,” added Bradfield. “He has been integral in every aspect of our development of Cloud Conventions from product design, to creating processes for managing an event, to offering strategic support to clients that are creating their first virtual experience. He has identified market segments with the greatest need and a process to address them effectively.” Gaston graduated from Kennesaw State University summa cum laude with a degree in Applied Science, Industrial and Organizational Psychology. About Cloud Conventions Cloud Conventions is a Virtual Trade Show and Conference Platform from Convey Services that brings new capabilities to a marketplace looking for solutions to replace the thousands of live trade shows, annual conferences and association meetings cancelled in the wake of COVID-19. Originally launched as ConveyLive, Cloud Conventions automates exhibitors and virtual booths, attendee registration, speaker sessions and reminders, invitations and email communication, while at the same time producing detailed analytics on attendee, session and exhibitor activity. Trade Associations and event managers can explore all of the Cloud Conventions solutions by visiting https://cloudconventions.com or contacting info@cloudconventions.com or call 888-975-1382. Cloud Conventions™, Conduct™, One-Touch Email Share™, Hub & Spoke™, 360° Virtual Exhibit Hall & Lobby Experience™ and ListLock™ are trademarks of Convey Services LLC Contact Details Bruce Ahern +1 770-580-0810 bahern@conveyservices.com Company Website https://cloudconventions.com

August 13, 2020 04:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Liberties Journal Foundation Debuts to Advance Independent Thinking at the Intersection of Culture and Politics

Liberties Journal

To advance independent thinking and propel new ideas, well-known figures from the worlds of arts, business, government, higher education and philanthropy today announced the formation of the Liberties Journal Foundation. Based in Washington, D.C., the Foundation is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization that seeks to inform today’s cultural and political leaders, deepen the understanding of citizens, and inspire the next generation to participate in the democratic process and public service. The Foundation’s first initiative is a new quarterly journal, Liberties - A Journal of Culture and Politics, slated for October 2020 debut. Founding members of the Foundation include the well-known Washington attorney, philanthropist, and former diplomat, Alfred H. Moses; chairman and CEO of cross-border trade company Quberu, Peter Bass; and, respected arts, education, and business leader, Bill Reichblum. Each issue of Liberties, the Foundation’s decidedly analog quarterly publication, will feature a combination of essays from prominent writers and introduce new talent. Contributors already signed include leading voices from this country and abroad in the worlds of culture, business, entertainment, government, politics, and technology. Each edition of Liberties will also publish new poetry from both highly awarded and up-and-coming poets. A book for the coat pocket, Liberties’ diverse voices celebrate one commonality: freedom of inquiry and thought. Liberties’ editorial team reflects the mission of the Journal pairing acclaimed literary critic Leon Wieseltier as editor with Celeste Marcus, a new talent, as managing editor. Bill Reichblum is the publisher. The book will be available as a soft-cover edition, by subscription or single copy, in bookstores and online. “The Foundation exists to meet the thirst in our country for ideas and serious thinking at a time when the daily news dominates the media and overwhelms our lives,” says Moses. “The Foundation will provide an outlet for world-renowned writers on culture and politics to reach a readership that is looking for stimulation and inspiration at a time when our lives are increasingly assailed by ephemeral trivia.” “We believe there is a genuine need to take time to listen, to actively absorb in-depth thinking of both those with accomplished experience and the inventive new generation at the beginning of their careers,” says Reichblum. “Their creativity, insights, and perceptions can individually and collectively inspire culture and impact politics.” Founded in 2020 and based in Washington, D.C., Liberties Journal Foundation is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization devoted to educating the general public about the history, current trends, and possibilities of culture and politics. Through the publication of its quarterly, in-print only journal, and its supporting initiatives, the Foundation seeks to inform today’s cultural and political leaders, deepen the understanding of citizens, and inspire the next generation to participate in the democratic process and public service. For more information or to inquire about subscriptions or orders, visit libertiesjournal.com. Contact Details Jeanne Meyer +1 917-816-5773 jeanne@Kitehillpr.com Company Website https://libertiesjournal.com

August 12, 2020 03:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Houck’s Grille Uses Video Webinar Technology to Enhance Restaurant Events

Convey Services

Houck’s Grille launched a unique new service to include distant friends and relatives in local parties and celebrations in its event facilities, when they can’t be there in person by adding Zoom Video Conferencing and streaming services to the event package. The new capability allows people from anywhere in the world to join in as guests when a physical celebration, corporate meeting or other sponsored event is taking place at Houck’s. While guests are socializing, having their lunch or dinner gathering or enjoying the presentation or music in the restaurant, friends can join online and see and talk directly with the hosts or attendees. "Prior to COVID-19, Houck’s hosted dozens of events in an average month, including rehearsal dinners, birthdays, bridal showers, anniversaries and corporate meetings,” said Molly Breiding, Event Manager at Houck’s Grille. “Just like other restaurants and event facilities when COVID hit, those gatherings disappeared. With our new Zoom Video Conferencing capability, events can resume and guests who are unable to travel or uncomfortable with large groups, can now talk to guests and not miss a moment of the celebration.” Each Houck’s Zoom event includes a dedicated “Zoom Jockey” to manage the technology, direct the video, help online viewers participate, as well as include restaurant attendees in the event. Houck’s is connected with video, microphones and an 8-foot projection screen to maximize the experience for its in-person and remote guests. Virtual local guests can even receive meals and drinks from Houck’s using Curbside Pickup, UberEats or DoorDash. “In-person events are beginning to return, as people are now booking their fall and holiday parties and celebrations,” added Breiding. “But there is going to be a segment of our community that will still feel uncomfortable in group settings despite the efforts Houck’s engages in to reduce the risk. The addition of video streaming allows people to join in, even if it is from the comfort of their home.” About Houck’s Grille Houck’s Grille is an American fare family restaurant located in the heart of Roswell, Georgia, an Atlanta suburb, off Highway 92 at Crabapple Road. Founded by legendary local restauranteur, Bill Houck, Houck’s Grille first opened at this location in 2015. Known for a diverse menu ranging from exceptional burgers, unique and tasty salads, steaks and fish, people claim their fried shrimp is the best you can find this side of the Gulf Coast. With a chef-driven kitchen, Houck's Grille is committed to excellent food and drinks, LIVE music Friday & Saturday nights featuring classic local artists, and a large event facility for hosting parties, bridal events, rehearsal dinners and sports banquets. For more information visit https://www.houcksgrille.com . 10930 Crabapple Road, Roswell Georgia 30075 • 770-993-8000. Open Tuesday-Thursday 4:00pm - 9:00pm, Friday-Saturday 11:00am - 10:00pm, Sunday 11:00am - 9:00pm. Closed Monday Contact Details Bruce Ahern +1 770-580-0810 bruce@bruceahern.com Company Website https://www.houcksgrille.com

August 12, 2020 02:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail Digital Asset Direct

Friends of Team Faruk Get Unique Gender Reveal

Team Faruk

Contact Details Heather Taylor +1 510-367-6553 heather@teamfaruk.com Company Website https://www.teamfaruk.com/

August 12, 2020 09:52 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

Cloud Conventions Prepares for Hybrid Tradeshows & Events to Flourish in 2021

Convey Services

Cloud Conventions , a full featured virtual tradeshow, conference and event technology solution is now offering hybrid event capability to blend an enhanced virtual and digital experience with live events as they begin to return in 2021. Hybrid events expand the audience at tradeshows and conferences, extend the time attendees can engage with exhibitors and sponsors and provide a storehouse for content, session recordings and education on-demand. Cloud Conventions is upgrading its technology to offer integration with services like Experient and Cvent that manage both live and virtual attendee registration. “Prior to COVID, the global marketplace for live expositions exceeded 33,000 events, producing $50 billion in revenue,” said Carolyn Bradfield founder of Convey . “The pandemic forced the cancellation of tens of thousands of events in 2020, but as they return in 2021, the strategy to connect attendees to exhibitors, training and content will evolve with the addition of a virtual component. It will increase the options for audiences to participate and engage and support attendees who either don’t want to travel or are concerned about risk.” Cloud Conventions automates every aspect of delivering a virtual tradeshow, conference or event from attendee onboarding to virtual exhibit booths. It creates a content-rich environment with enhanced views of marketing materials, educational classes, and product literature that live events can’t deliver. The platform analyzes all attendee interactions and presents them in detailed reports for the event host and exhibitors. Cloud Conventions supports any brand of conferencing solution, including Zoom Video Webinar, PGi GlobalMeet, GoToWebinar, Vonage Meetings or Microsoft Teams to execute keynotes or educational sessions. “The marketplace for live events will never be the same after COVID-19, but we think it’s going to evolve, grow and become more versatile,” added Bradfield. “Conferences and tradeshows are vital to the worldwide economy because they connect suppliers to buyers that keep their shelves, warehouses and online stores stocked with the latest merchandise. They offer professionals a forum for education, licensing renewal and connections. Hybrid events ensure that those activities will continue uninterrupted no matter what 2021 holds.” Hybrid events offer a coordinated way for attendees to register for both a live or virtual environment, as well as for exhibitors to have a physical and a virtual booth, and for content and education to be consumed in person or on-demand. Cloud Conventions is a virtual event SaaS platform from Convey Services . For ideas on how the industry is using Cloud Conventions to make their virtual events informative and engaging, visit the Online Resource Center at www.CloudConventions.com . About Cloud Conventions Cloud Conventions is a Virtual Trade Show and Conference Platform from Convey Services that brings new capabilities to a marketplace looking for solutions to replace the thousands of live trade shows, annual conferences and association meetings cancelled in the wake of COVID-19. Originally launched as ConveyLive, Cloud Conventions automates exhibitors and virtual booths, attendee registration, speaker sessions and reminders, invitations and email communication, while at the same time producing detailed analytics on attendee, session and exhibitor activity. Trade Associations and event managers can explore all of the Cloud Conventions solutions by visiting https://cloudconventions.com or contacting info@cloudconventions.com or call 888-975-1382. Cloud Conventions™, Conduct™, One-Touch Email Share™, Hub & Spoke™, 360° Virtual Exhibit Hall & Lobby Experience™ and ListLock™ are trademarks of Convey Services LLC Contact Details Bruce Ahern +1 770-580-0810 bahern@conveyservices.com Company Website https://cloudconventions.com

August 12, 2020 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
1 ... 232233234235236 ... 241