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trooVRS Launches as the First Editorial Platform Built for the Metaverse at Cannes Lions 2022

Troo Media

Troo Media, the creators of media platforms for the metaverse, today launched trooVRS, the first fully virtual and immersive editorial platform designed for the metaverse dedicated to reimagining men’s editorial, at Cannes Lions. Through immersive, VR-powered environments, trooVRS will deliver high quality editorial content and experiences in written, video, and audio-based formats that will empower male audiences across generations, race, nationalities, sexual orientation, and more with the tools and practical knowledge to positively impact their well-being. The trooVRS platform is built around the concept of “solutions journalism”, which is focused on curating content designed to provide practical knowledge and offer solutions, and elevate the quality of life of readers. On the platform, this content will target the interests and needs of men from all backgrounds by focusing on core subject matter like relationships, work, physical and mental health. The launch of trooVRS coincides with Men’s Health Month to reinforce the company’s commitment to serve as a constant voice of awareness for men’s health and encourage positive living choices. trooVRS will recruit writers and content creators from across the globe that represent a diverse set of ethnicities, nationalities, and perspectives in order to deliver a comprehensive experience for men of all backgrounds. This immersive editorial content is delivered through high-quality pixel streaming 3D “virtual worlds” which offer readers a safe space to discuss topics and build communities. The first virtual world, a remote, Scandinavian-inspired home built directly into a mountainside, is accessible today for brands and agencies to begin ideating customized experiences and activations on the platform. In addition to its core editorial offerings, trooVRS will also deliver curated NFT offerings across its environments with male audiences that support the editorial’s initiative of fostering self-care and community. trooVRS was conceptualized by Adrian Whant, a digital media and advertising veteran who has held leadership positions at companies like NBCUniversal, Univision, ABS-CBN, and digital startups, and Lisa Cavalli, the creator of influential digital Latina-focused publications HipLatina and BELatina. The two saw an opportunity to revitalize the stagnant men’s editorial space by capitalizing on the rapid expansion of metaverse-based solutions and the need for more modern and nuanced content that breaks down the dated stereotypes of masculinity. “While new media companies are emerging to connect with an increasingly diverse spectrum of audiences, we have seen very little in terms of platforms that reflect the modern values and ideals of men, which now cover a vast range of identities, interests and aspirations. The metaverse presents us with an opportunity to deliver content in a more immersive, intimate and effective environment, and its inherent decentralization will allow for the amplification of and participation from audiences that have been historically shut out in traditional media formats. With this in mind, we’re excited to introduce trooVRS as the new way for men to validate their own experiences and focus on self-improvement,” says Adrian Whant, Founder and CEO of Troo Media. The trooVRS platform also offers brands the opportunity to deliver highly curated and branded metaverse experiences to connect more deeply with male audiences. The virtual worlds are purpose-built with several environments where brands can hold activations such as presentations, tutorials and demos in relevant environments such as stages, kitchens, gyms, showrooms and more. They will also be able to offer exclusive real and virtual goods and services, including NFTs powered by blockchain technology. trooVRS is already in advanced discussions with leading brands to conceptualize initial activations on the platform. “It has been my long held belief, through direct experience, that culturally hyper-relevant content is the future of publishing success, for both media companies and brands. With trooVRS, our goal is to take the concept of solutions-driven journalism and disseminate it through new and exciting ways to create more enriching and fulfilling experiences and pave the way forward in the metaverse-driven era,” says Lisa Cavalli, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Troo Media. The virtual worlds on the trooVRS platform are designed by SPINE, an award-winning interactive media and 3D visualization studio. In collaboration with the trooVRS team, SPINE focused on constructing highly detailed, photo-realistic environments that set the platform apart from the standard gamified experiences with most current metaverse solutions. “I’m very excited to be working with Troo Media to bring their vision to life and to be building something that is both meaningful and forward-thinking. trooVRS is headed in the direction of where I see digital media evolving towards and I’m looking forward to pushing the platform to its highest potential,” says Kevin Smith, Founder and CEO of SPINE. trooVRS launches at Cannes with one virtual world already live and with an additional 5 nearing completion. The company is focused on building out its editorial roster, activating brands on the platform and continuing to build out the technology infrastructure. Troo Media will also be focused on building strategic partnerships in the coming months to bolster the growth and development of the platform. To learn more about trooVRS, please visit: https://troovrs.io/. About Troo Media Founded in 2022, TrooMedia is a purpose-built platform that serves as the foundation for trooVRS, an immersive media platform for users to engage with non-stereotypical men's lifestyle content across virtual editorial environments, shared experiences and worlds. TrooMedia was born out of the desire to create solution-driven storytelling that provides practical knowledge to readers, elevates the voices of global creators, and, most importantly, builds content that positively impacts people's lives. TrooMedia, with its partner SPINE 3D, builds virtual worlds in the metaverse designed to deliver cutting edge immersive and collaborative possibilities that deliver highly curated experiences between brands and consumers. The company is led by media, technology, and publishing leaders and is a proud minority, LGBTQ+, and women-owned digital media company. Contact Details North 6th Agency for Troo Media Kevin Pryor +1 212-334-9753 kpryor@n6a.com Company Website https://troovrs.io/

June 20, 2022 09:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Tips for the Perfect Summer Grilling with Lodge’s Sportsman’s Pro Cast Iron Gril

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/238pxthgyoc Calling all grill masters! Summer is here and as the weather heats up and days get longer, many of us are heading outside, uncovering the grill, and starting to prep for our next backyard grill-out. Few things say summertime like a grilling party, but before we send out the invites, there are a couple things aspiring grill masters should be doing to set themselves up for success. One tip? Making sure your grill is up to the task. Lodge’s Sportsman’s Pro Cast Iron Grill is a rugged, hibachi-style grill that can take your cooking to the next level, whether grilling in the backyard, on the road, or at a tailgate party. From smoking your favorite meat to charring up seasonal veggies on the grill, the Sportsman’s Pro Grill can be used to create a variety of flavors with a pre-seasoned grate for an easy-release finish that improves with use. For more than 125 years,Lodge has manufactured heirloom-quality cast iron cookware at its foundries in South Pittsburg, TN. Whether grilling up vegetables or making juicy smash burgers, Lodge’s long-lasting products are an indispensable part of daily life. Key Features & Benefits of the Lodge’s Sportsman’s Pro Cast Iron Grill · Easy Assembly & Clean-Up: The Sportsman’s Pro has a removable grill grate that makes adding coals quick and easy. It’s inclusive of a slide-out ash drawer that allows you to easily control heat and airflow and remove ashes after cooking, cutting down on clean-up time. · Durability: There are few things in life that compare to cooking over an open fire or grilling that perfect sear. Lodge's Sportsman Pro Grill is made with expert quality and superior strength that lasts season over season, allowing you to create flavorful and memorable moments for years to come · Versatility: From smoking your favorite meat to charring up seasonal veggies on the grill, the Sportsman’s Pro Grill can be used to create a variety of flavors with a pre-seasoned grate for an easy-release finish that improves with use. · Seamless Maneuvering: Equipped with a set of steel Hook & Carry Handles, maneuvering the Sportsman Pro Cast Iron Grill remains secure and safe. · Expert Craftsmanship: All Lodge cast iron products have been proudly made in South Pittsburg, Tennessee since 1896, giving you 125 years of cast iron expertise at your fingertips. For more information, visit LODGECASTIRON.COM Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 17, 2022 04:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Summer Dating Tips from an Expert

YourUpdateTV

According to a recent survey conducted by Bumble, more than one-third of respondents in the U.S. say they are more open to exploring a relationship with someone who lives in another city. Recently, Sex & Relationships Expert at Bumble, Shan Boodram, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss her top tips for finding a date this summer and advice on optimizing your dating profile. A video accompanying this announcement is available here: https://youtu.be/T7jBcsH4Mbs Travel is expected to be at an all-time high with vacations and weddings in full swing, which means the perfect opportunity for a summer romance in a new city or country. Dating apps like Bumble, the women-first dating and social networking app, can help you find new people you may be interested in – or at the very least, help you meet some new friends. “We’re excited to see all of the connections that will be made this summer, both abroad and at home, especially as we’re seeing a natural progression and eagerness for folks to meet in person again,” said Shan Boodram, Bumble’s Sex and Relationships Expert. “Though dating while traveling can just be a fun summer fling, we also found in a recent survey that more than one-third of respondents in the U.S. say they are more open to exploring a relationship with someone who lives in another city, so we encourage you to get out there, no matter where you may be!” Here are tips on dating while traveling, just in time for a summer of fun – and maybe even love. Plan ahead and save time: If you want to make the most out of your dating experience, lean into dating app features that may help you get a sneak preview of who you can connect with - before your trip. For example, Bumble offers a Travel Mode, which allows you to change your location to a new city so you can look for local connections before your arrival. Be open-minded: Just like you might be more open to trying a new food or activity when on vacation, apply that same attitude to meeting new people while abroad. If you meet someone who isn’t necessarily your type, don’t immediately dismiss them. Try to have an exploratory mindset and be willing to meet someone different. Update your bio: Every time you travel to a new city or country, updating your dating app bio can be a helpful way to attract the people and experiences you’re seeking. This can include the languages you speak, how long you’ll be in town, and even asking a question about the best local spot in the city. Ending on a question or an itinerary point on your travel list makes for easy conversation starters. Remember that you can change your radius to see people who are between 1-50 miles from you, too! Hop on a video call before meeting: Many online dating platforms provide secure and safe ways for people to connect. In turn, singles everywhere are getting creative, figuring out how to learn more about each other before meeting. On Bumble, you can make voice and video calls directly in the app, so you can speak to your date without sharing any personal information, like a phone number or email address. This can also help check if your new match is someone you want to spend time with on your vacation. Schedule a date as soon as possible: The time it takes to slowly build a connection is a luxury you don’t always have when traveling. Once you connect with someone you’re interested in and feel comfortable and confident with meeting them in person, don’t be shy about suggesting the first date or respectfully following up on a conversation. Also, don't be afraid to invite this person into your existing plans! People love to delight in their own city and you'd also be surprised at how many people haven't been tourists in their own town. Take charge when choosing the location: Being in charge of choosing your date location is a simple but effective way to feel safe when dating abroad. Ensure that your first date spot is somewhere in an open and public space, and suggest a daytime date for a first meeting, or if you're traveling with friends, invite them to join the group and bring friends too! Before going out and meeting someone new, let a trusted contact know where you're going, such as your rental home host, the hotel concierge, or a friend, and set time to text or check in with them every so often. If you’re on the date and feel like it’s not for you, pre-plan a natural exit strategy for yourself because if you feel uneasy at any point, it’s important that you trust your gut and put yourself first. Always feel like you can enlist the help of a bartender or server if needed and ensure that you’re familiar with local emergency contact numbers, too. For more data-driven tips, expert advice, and resources to help guide your dating journey this summer, visit bumble.com/the-buzz. The app is free and available worldwide within the App Store and Google Play. About Shan Boodram, Bumble's Sex & Relationships Expert: Shan Boodram is a certified sex educator and intimacy expert. Boodram is host of the top podcast, "Lovers and Friends," the best-selling author of “The Game of Desire,” resident expert on Netflix's “Too Hot to Handle,” and currently stars in Peacock’s new show “Ex-Rated with Andy Cohen". She is an ambassador for AIDS Healthcare Foundation and WomensHealth.gov, and a member of the American Sexual Health Association. About Bumble: Bumble, the women-first dating and social networking app, was founded by CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd in 2014. Bumble connects people across dating (Bumble Date), friendship (Bumble BFF) and professional networking (Bumble Bizz). No matter the type of relationship, women make the first move on Bumble. Bumble is built on the importance of equitable relationships and how crucial they are to a healthy, happy life. They've built their platform around kindness, respect, and equality – and their community plays an important part in that. Bumble holds its users accountable for their actions and has zero tolerance for hate, aggression, or bullying. Bumble is free and available worldwide in the App Store and Google Play. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 17, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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No. 1? What Is Making This Grocery Delivery App A Preferred Choice In Southeast Asia?

Society Pass Incorporated

Society Pass (NASDAQ: SOPA) E-commerce, made possible by the internet, is still booming. Businesses like Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), eBay Inc. (NASDAQ: EBAY), and Shopify Inc. (NYSE: SHOP) are soaring, with more people ordering products online than buying them in stores. While most businesses nose-dived during the COVID-19 pandemic, movement restrictions induced by the pandemic fueled online retail sales. Online sales grew from 16% to 19% in 2020, with Southeast Asian countries significantly contributing to the growth, according to numbers in a United Nations Conference on Trade and Development report. Southeast Asia, which includes countries like Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia, is home to more than 681 million people — 47% of whom prefer online shopping, with about 144 million people regularly purchasing online. E-Grocery Boom Consumers can shop online from anywhere and choose from a wide array of products such as groceries to be delivered directly to them. Online grocery, or e-grocery, shopping has also been gaining momentum for some time. The e-grocery market is quickly expanding throughout the world, with players like Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE: UBER), Instacart, Amazon Fresh and Fresh Direct serving customers in North America and Europe. Southeast Asia is also seeing significant growth in the e-grocery market. A breakdown of the market by IGD Asia indicated: Asia, the largest regional grocery market in the world, is expected to grow by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% between 2018 and 2023. The grocery market will be worth $4.2 trillion by 2023, up from $3.1 trillion in 2018. Its share of global grocery spending will be 37% in 2023, adding around $1.1 trillion to the worldwide grocery market. China, India and Indonesia will be the biggest contributors to the region’s top-line growth, accounting for 74% of new sales added by 2023. A Convenient Grocery Delivery App? That level of growth could be a boon for a company like Pushkart.ph, an online grocery service started in 2017 that delivers fresh goods to consumers who use its feature-packed app. Pushkart’s platform was developed by a group of young Filipino millennials whose goal was to ensure fast, convenient and safe grocery delivery to customers’ doors. From Day One, Pushkart.ph — available on the web, Google Play Store and the Apple Store — said that in addition to serving consumers, it wants to be the platform of choice for retailers and help them sell their products quickly without learning the technicalities of running a digital platform or managing a logistics fleet. From a single flagship fulfillment center at Fisher Supermarket, which has been operating since 2017, the platform is now supported by three additional hubs: Market! Market!, Ayala Malls Feliz, and AllDay Supermarket — Global South. What Makes Pushkart.ph Say It’s Confident It Stands Out From The Rest? Consumers — The company wants to bring value to consumers by allowing them to shop for their basic needs anytime from anywhere they want while sparing them from heavy city traffic or the hassle of carrying heavy bags of groceries. Companies — The company wants to make it easy for corporate clients to purchase every office pantry supply they need from a single source and with the convenience of having flexible payment schemes. Merchants — The company plans to empower retailers to reach the online market by giving them the means to easily transform their shops to include digital sales. Society — The company wants to bring more jobs through online commerce. Pushkart.ph is a division of the Society Pass Inc. ( NASDAQ: SOPA ), a Southeast Asian acquisitions-focused e-commerce holding company. Currently operating six subsidiaries, SoPa plans to expand to more than 10 more subsidiaries in eight verticals — loyalty, merchant software, lifestyle, food and beverage delivery, travel, digital advertising and telecoms — by the end of 2022. Since its inception in 2018, SoPa has amassed over 1.6 million registered consumers and over 5,500 registered merchants and brands on its platform. Apart from Pushkart.ph, SoPa provides merchants with #HOTTAB Biz, lifestyle e-commerce through Leflair.com and Handycart.vn, a leading online restaurant delivery service based in Hanoi, Vietnam. In addition, SoPa operates Gorilla Networks, a Singapore-based, blockchain/web3-enabled mobile virtual network operator. About Society Pass (NASDAQ: SOPA ) As a loyalty and data marketing ecosystem, Society Pass operates multiple e-commerce platforms across its key markets in SEA. Its business model focuses on analysing user data through the expected launch of its Society Pass loyalty platform and circulation of its universal loyalty points, which seamlessly connects consumers and merchants across multiple product and service categories to foster organic loyalty. Since its inception, SoPa has amassed over 1.6 million registered consumers and over 5,500 registered merchants/brands on its platform. It has invested 2+ years building proprietary IT architecture with cutting edge components to effectively scale and support its consumers, merchants, and acquisitions.Society Pass provides merchants with #HOTTAB Biz and #HOTTAB POS – a specialized POS technology solution, a comprehensive system for payment, loyal customer management, user profile analytics, and convenient financial support packages for small and medium-sized enterprises.In addition, SoPa operates Leflair.com, Vietnam’s leading lifestyle e-commerce platform, Pushkart.ph, a popular grocery delivery company in Philippines, and Handycart.vn, a leading online restaurant delivery service based in Hanoi, Vietnam. For more information, please check out: http://thesocietypass.com/. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga.com Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website https://thesocietypass.com

June 17, 2022 08:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

2022 GUIDE TO SUMMERTIME FUN

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/eB9T1JYMnNI The hot and long days of summer are upon us and families from coast to coast are eager for some fun in the sun. In fact, more Americans plan to travel this year, with 73% of consumers expected to take an average of two trips. Hitting the road remains popular, while confidence in flying has increased from last year. According to recent stats, 79% of people plan to drive to at least one vacation destination, while air travel accounts for 45%—increasing by 5% compared to 2021. However, staycations remain popular due to record-high gas prices, escalating airfares and the war in Ukraine. It’s been found that 25% of Americans will travel shorter distances and 23% plan on less expensive activities. Whether traveling near or far, spending time with family and friends ranks high on the list of anticipated summer activities, including beaches, ball games and barbeques. Grilling season has always been a favorite with many backyard chefs expected to cook up and serve 50 billion hamburgers and 20 billion hotdogs this year. Wellness is also a high-priority, with many Americans engaging in healthful summertime habits, like running, biking, and including supplements into their diets. Braun-Silva has some unique ways to enjoy the summer while building special memories with friends and family. TRAVEL SMART: Summer travel is here and it is going to be a busy season. New Amex Trendex data found that more than half of respondents agree they plan to travel more this summer than in previous years. Braun-Silva’s first tip is to travel smart, saying, “Most of us are looking for added flexibility and confidence when booking a trip. Whether visiting white sandy beaches along crystal blue waters or hiking a national park, there are services available to help make traveling easy and convenient." One way to travel smart is through American Express' Trip Cancel Guard, a new benefit for American Express U.S. Card Members that truly allows travelers to cancel flights for any reason. The smart travel tips don't stop there - from building a dream itinerary to finding the best offers on flights and hotels, consider booking your travel with American Express to up the ante. American Express Travel is a one-stop-shop for planning a vacation thanks to their world-class customer service, 24/7 access to expert travel consultants, exclusive programs and benefits, and more. For those who want an elevated travel experience without breaking the bank, Braun-Silva says U.S. Platinum Card Members can get access to the International Airline Program through Amex Travel which gives travelers savings on international flights for First, Business and Premium Economy seats across more than 20 world class airlines. For more information, visit AmexTravel.com to book. Terms apply. Direct link: AmexTravel.com Social media handles: @AmericanExpress Hashtags: #AmexTravel PRIORITIZE WELLNESS: Overall wellness is a high-priority for many of us. Braun-Silva points out that there are many ways we can engage in healthful summertime habits. “This time of year is perfect for walking, hiking, running, and biking. To support these outdoor activities, it’s helpful to include supplements into our diets,” says Braun-Silva, “As we age our bodies produce less collagen, which helps with healthy joints and skin elasticity. I’ve been adding collagen into my daily routine for years.” MD Logic Health’s Marine Collagen with COFACTORS is made from the highest quality wild-caught non-GMO white fish, which promotes lean muscle mass, strong bones, hair, skin, and nails, supports gut health, and promotes new Collagen production. Braun-Silva adds, “It easily dissolves and has no fishy taste or smell so you can add it to fun summertime drinks, like smoothies, and your meals, to boost your protein intake, at any time without the unnecessary calories.” MD Logic Health, Marine Collagen has a special blend of cofactors including Vitamins A, C, Zinc, and Copper, and also includes Biotin, so that your health can radiate from the inside out. For a limited time, use code COLLAGEN for 15% off. For more information, go https://www.mdlogichealth.com/products/marine-collagen. Direct link: https://www.mdlogichealth.com/products/marine-collagen Social media handles: @mdlogichealth Hashtags: #mdlogichealth #supplementinglife KEEP IT COOL: As the temperatures heat up, Braun-Silva says look out for ways to make summer a bit cooler, adding, “This is one of my favorite tips and it’s really a no brainer—ice cream!” According to a new national poll, 34% of respondents say eating ice cream in summer makes them feel like a kid again. The lifestyles expert says, “One of my favorite summer desserts is a delicious ice cream cake—perfect for pool parties, backyard BBQs, Father’s Day, or any fun summer gathering. Everyone loves them.” There are several cakes to choose from, like Carvel Sheet Cake and Lil Love Strawberry Crunchie Cake to OREO. Braun-Silva recommends picking one or two up at your local grocery store by looking in the bakery freezer case or by going to ILoveIceCreamCakes.com for a store locator. For more information, visit ILoveIceCreamCakes.com for a store locator. Direct link: ILoveIceCreamCakes.com Social media handles: @ILoveIceCreamCakes Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 16, 2022 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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SensorView Participating in International Microwave Symposium

SensorView

SensorView, a provider of creative and competitive solutions for the next generation of 5G, announced its participation at the 2022 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium (IME) in Denver, Colorado June 21-23, 2022. At the event, SensorView will be showcasing its cutting-edge 5G solutions as it continues its entry into the United States marketplace. Founded in South Korea, SensorView, a top 5g company, is increasing its presence in the United States’ commercial, defense, and aerospace markets. SensorView’s portfolio of products includes cables, connectors, antennas, and testing devices. Among the products SensorView will display at IME includes its advanced in-building transparent 5G antenna. “We are excited to participate in IME this year. Industry leaders are always impressed when they experience our transparent antenna. With its transparency, low latency and high gain, our product is revolutionizing antenna design,” said Sabahattin (Sebi) Karakus, SensorView’s North American Sales Director. “Our transparent antennas can be integrated into any signage, such as exit or restroom signs, and uses almost 60% less non-recyclable material than traditional antennas.” SensorView’s strong management team, patented technology, and vertically integrated operations create competitively priced products that are lower weight with greater flexibility, low latency, low loss, and feature superior EMI shielding. Jaeseon Kim, Global Sales Director at SensorView, added, “At SensorView, we design products with thoughtful integration into a client’s systems. Our high quality and advanced technology allow us to support key industry leaders and partners like Samsung and Qualcomm.” SensorView’s strong management team, patented technology, and vertically integrated operations create competitively priced products that are lower weight, with greater flexibility, low latency, low loss, and EMI shielding. Gary Sumihiro, founder of Sumihiro Investments and its affiliate MPG Ventures and the Honorable Betsy Markey, advises SensorView on its US strategies. ### About SensorView SensorView Korea was established in 2015 and operates in the verticals of cables, antennas, connectors, testing devices, and materials, all critical components in the 5g commercial, defense, and aerospace industries. In 2019, the Korean Ministry recognized SensorView as one of the country’s most innovative 5G companies. SensorView US launched in 2020 to focus on the North American markets. Please visit http://www.sensor-view.com/. For more information or to schedule an interview with a SensorView spokesperson, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or media@sensor-view.com Contact Details SensorView Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 media@sensor-view.com

June 16, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

BUCK Announces Successful Merge With VTProDesign

BUCK

BUCK (" BUCK " or the " Company "), a global creative company that brings brands, stories, and experiences to life through art, design, and technology, today announced it will be joining forces with VTProDesign (“ VTProDesign ”), the LA-based interactive design studio. The move is the first-of-its-kind network expansion for BUCK and an organic next step for both companies as they continue to create innovative experiences for their clients including Meta, Nike, Microsoft, Google, Airbnb, and Netflix, to name a few. While both companies stand to benefit from integration at the operational level, the driving force for the merger is attracting, retaining, and growing world-class talent. As the creative services industry continues to evolve, BUCK and VTProDesign are staking their success on how they work—not just what they create —putting sustainable creative culture and a commitment to craft front and center. Jeff Ellermeyer, Co-Founder and CEO of BUCK stated, “Our goal is really quite simple: to deliver incredible work by incredible people while fostering a strong culture. BUCK and VTProDesign is a partnership of exactly that. BUCK’s superpowers intersect design and technology, while VTProDesign has advanced their storytelling to experiences that blur the line between digital and physical. The partnership allows us to expand and grow with a network of like-minded talent and entrepreneurs across diverse offerings, regions and clients. We couldn’t think of a better group of masterminds than VTProDesign to join the BUCK family.” With digital revenue growth in the advertising industry 28%, the demand for immersive experiential marketing is also on the rise. 81% of both B2B and B2C marketers are currently planning in-person events, with or without a virtual component. BUCK’s merger with VTProDesign will boost the company’s talent pool in this crucial area, folding in expertise in physical experiences, interactive technologies, and bespoke tools to solve never-before-seen problems. “VTProDesign has always been about growth and advancements in innovation, reflecting our values and evolution as creators. BUCK is a natural fit for us, as we continue to grow our footprint, partnering with best-in-class creatives that are committed to craft, culture and people. The merge will ultimately result in tremendous growth for VTProDesign, unparalleled opportunity for our employees, and a really impressive mix of creatives all at one table. It’s a 5+5=11 situation, and we can’t wait to see what kind of groundbreaking work we come up with together,” said Vartan Tchekmedyian, CEO of VTProDesign. VTProDesign is no stranger to creating full 360 experiences regardless of medium, connecting people to brands, products and innovation through crafted experiences, using technology as a tool. The group names Netflix, Google, Ray-Ban, and Heineken as part of their client roster. Highlights of The Merge The network expansion is accretive to BUCK and VTProDesign, establishing a unique creative talent pool and positioning them for scaled business growth. BUCK Brand Leadership: The BUCK team has the track record and abilities to quickly amass a significant presence in the design, tech, and digital creative markets, along with the necessary expertise to integrate and incorporate new creatives across a diverse group of verticals and platforms. VTProDesign Brand Leadership: BUCK will be positioned with a best-in-class creative team, along with a management team composed of highly successful and experienced professionals across design, creative technology, and integrated production across four offices in Los Angeles, New York, Sydney, and Amsterdam. Focused Creative Market: BUCK believes it to be best suited for a network expansion as an influential and established creative company with eight straight years of high double-digit revenue growth. For 2022, BUCK will be managing in excess of 600 headcount globally with physical presences in LA, NY, Sydney, and Amsterdam. The 2022 forecast equates to 100% growth in trailing three years—all while managing the pandemic period. Merging in VTProDesign equates to an additional 50% of the 2021 hired headcount servicing a diversified client offering. VTProDesign, also a high growth company, is forecasted to add an additional 20% EBITDA to BUCK’s financials and double-digit revenue growth. BUCK entered an exclusive letter of intent with VTProDesign, officially closing on June 6th,, 2022 pursuant to which the two have merged. VTProDesign will retain its identity, and Vartan Tchekmedyian and Michael Fullman will both retain their positions at VTProDesign. Management Team Jeff Ellermeyer, Founder, and CEO of BUCK Jeff Ellermeyer has worked for nearly three decades at the intersection of technology and design, culminating in his current role as Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BUCK. In 1996, Jeff founded Fullerene, a pioneering creative services company that worked with early web and music clients. In the early 2000s, when Jeff discovered motion design, he recognized it as the future of experience. He founded BUCK in 2003 on this belief and folded in Ryan Honey and Orion Tait as partners. Drawing on his education in Computer Science and Film, Jeff’s enthusiasm for innovation and culture-shifting creativity has guided him throughout his time at BUCK. His passion is to foster a scalable, sustainable creative culture that attracts, retains, and grows the world’s best talent. Ryan Honey, Founder, Co-Chief Creative Officer of BUCK With over two decades of experience building and leading teams through ground-breaking design and content production, Ryan Honey is Co-Founder and Co-Chief Creative Officer of BUCK. Starting in 1999 at the dawn of the broadband content revolution, Ryan served as Creative Director for Heavy.com, where he and his teams pushed the boundaries of what was possible within the browser. His experience in live-action and animation combined with his background in design led him to build an early motion graphics division heavily focused on commercial production and network packaging. In 2003, Ryan left Heavy and moved to Los Angeles, where he subsequently co-founded BUCK alongside Jeff Ellermeyer and Orion Tait. Since then Ryan has led numerous projects with world-famous clients such as Google, Apple, Meta, Coca-Cola, Nike, McDonald’s, Toyota, and Honda, earning numerous awards, including an Emmy, multiple gold Cannes Lions, Clios, and over 150 additional awards from the most prestigious industry competitions in the world. Today, he continues to innovate, developing new capabilities at BUCK while fostering global growth. Wade Milne, Chief Financial Officer of BUCK Wade Milne brings over 20 years of finance and global capital market experience to his role as the Chief Financial Officer for BUCK. Graduating with a degree in accounting, Wade began his career in small business tax advising before working across multiple creative service brands, including the APAC region at parent holding company, IPG, where he successfully earned his CPA. After moving his base to the US market, Wade spent 5 years reshaping R/GA’s finance department on behalf of new leadership, partnering with the industry's best in retooling offerings and opening new locations. Following this, Wade spent time with Private Equity, strengthening his capital market muscle whilst strategically managing business operations for marketing and sales to global capital markets, before finding his long-term home at BUCK. Since joining BUCK in early 2020, Wade has successfully built its finance, FP&A, accounting function, has overseen its first external audit, led the debt raise, and has become a critical factor to BUCK’s M&A division and strategy. Vartan Tchekmedyian CEO of VTProDesign Vartan Tchekmedyian has been VTProDesign’s Chief Executive Officer since its inception, leading a team of artists, designers, and producers by providing high-level business strategy across all projects that run through the interactive L.A. design studio. Following his graduation from USC in 2010 - where he offered turnkey event production for both campus and corporate events - he founded VTProDesign as a team of one, with a simple goal of engaging with audiences through innovative mediums. Over the course of several years, Vartan successfully grew a small team focused on conceptualizing digital campaigns, expanding to the creation of full 360 experiences. Regardless of medium, Vartan’s vision is to connect people to brands, products and innovation through crafted experiences, using technology as a tool. Since then, the group has worked with household names such as Netflix, Google, Ray-Ban, and Heineken, building an honorable client roster. Michael Fullman, Chief Creative Officer of VTProDesign Michael is Chief Creative Officer at VTProDesign. He’s been progressing VT’s vision for 10 years, overseeing and pushing its creative growth and developing the organization to be a leader in interactive innovation. Michael graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a BA degree in theater and started working in music touring design shortly after. After joining VTPro, Michael dove into a combination of different projects, ranging from touring design for some wild acts to experiential designs for brands like Google. Michael has a deep understanding of design and production and has collaborated with countless brands and artists to bring their most complicated and technologically challenging ideas to life. About BUCK With offices in New York, Los Angeles, Sydney, and Amsterdam, BUCK is a global creative company pushing boundaries of art, design, technology, and digital experiences. Founded in 2004, the company has built a reputation for outstanding craftsmanship and innovation by finding creative opportunities in every challenge. BUCK has successfully created one-of-a-kind experiences for top clients across the cultural and technology spheres, including Meta, Nike, Google, Twitter, Airbnb, and Netflix, to name a few. Recognized as an industry leader within design and technology, BUCK’s awards include an Emmy, multiple gold Cannes Lions, Clios, pencils, cubes, and over 150 additional accolades from the most prestigious competitions in the world. Instagram: @buck_design Twitter: @buck_tv Vimeo: http://www.vimeo.com/buck About VTProDesign Building unique worlds to help brands connect audiences to radical experiences, VTProDesign is here to evoke emotion and create interactive journeys others are simply too scared to take on. The immersive design company leads with an innovative yet authentic foot forward, curating a team of trailblazers that push the boundaries on how an audience connects with an experience. Taking the immersive storytelling industry by storm, VTProDesign successfully merges art, design, and interactive visual & audio installations into one powerhouse, creating one-of-a-kind experiences. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vtprodesign/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vtprodesign References: AdAge: Agency Report 2022 Revenue Growth, 2022 Agency EA: The 2022 State of Experiential Research Study Findings, 2022 For investor inquiries, please contact: Wade Milne, Chief Financial Officer, wade@buck.co Contact Details Jive PR + Digital Jalila Singerff +1 613-614-6777 jalila@jiveprdigital.com Company Website https://buck.co/

June 16, 2022 09:08 AM Eastern Daylight Time

My Code Releases New Studies that Examine Digital Consumption Habits of Multicultural and LGBTQ+ Audiences

My Code

My Code, the largest multicultural digital media platform in the United States that enables brands, agencies, publishers and storytellers to decode and connect with multifaceted and diverse audiences, today released two annual studies, the Multicultural Consumer Fact Pack and the LGBTQ+ Consumer Fact Pack. These Fact Packs offer insight into the nuances, attitudes, and digital consumption habits of Hispanic, Black, AAPI and LGBTQ+ consumers. The Fact Packs are valuable new resources for companies that are seeking information on diverse consumer engagement including data on fast-growing channels like video, podcasting and social media. The release of these reports supports My Code’s mission to reshape the future of media so that everyone is authentically and accurately represented, especially as multicultural and LGBTQ+ consumers grow in population and influence. The Fact Packs were produced by My Code’s Intelligence Center, the company’s proprietary platform dedicated to providing a pulse on the ever-changing sentiments, opinions and habits of multicultural American consumers. “Accurately depicting and engaging with diverse audiences in advertising and marketing all starts with understanding the nuances and details about what makes each group unique,” says Jennifer White, COO at My Code. “These new Fact Packs better position My Code as the go-to expert for helping brands make data-backed decisions on how to authentically connect with multicultural and LGBTQ+ audiences and establish lasting relationships.” “We pride ourselves with the fact that My Code’s employee base is 85% multicultural and we work alongside minority-owned and led publishers, creators and producers,” said Ginny Yang, VP of Marketing at My Code. “This gives us a greater purpose to ensure that multicultural audiences are authentically represented and allows us to more clearly relay what diverse audiences want to see in marketing efforts.” Topline insights from the Multicultural Consumer Fact Pack include: Internet usage plays a significantly more prominent role in multicultural consumers’ lives compared to non-multicultural adults. Compared to 67% of non-multicultural U.S. adults, 75% of multicultural U.S. adults use the internet while away from home. 71% of multicultural U.S. adults consume videos one or more times per day vs. 57% of non-multicultural U.S. adults. 70% of multicultural U.S. adults play video games on a monthly basis vs. 66% of non-multicultural U.S. adults, and 50% consider themselves “gamers” compared to 43% of non-multicultural U.S. adults. Brands must have a playbook in place before connecting with consumers on social media, as social platforms are susceptible to online racial hate and misinformation. 79% of multicultural U.S. adults use social media one or more times per day vs. 75% of non-multicultural adults. 78% of multicultural U.S. adults feel online racial hate is a serious problem and 44% feel platforms’ enforcement of community guidelines is inadequate; 63% of non-multicultural U.S. adults feel online racial hate is a serious problem and 52% feel platforms’ inadequately enforce community guidelines. The Multicultural Consumer Fact Pack includes a creative impact test, which found that multicultural consumer growth requires understanding and incorporating multicultural nuances early in campaign planning processes. The most significant findings from the Multicultural Creative Impact Test include: Multicultural U.S. adults are 3.8 times more likely to say the “mainstream” creatives need more diversity. Culturally relevant creatives are 25%-62% more compelling to multicultural audiences. Topline insights from the LGBTQ+ Consumer Fact Pack include: Marketers should connect with openly LGBTQ+ consumers online as the internet plays a prominent role in their lives. 75% of openly LGBTQ+ adults use the internet while away from home vs 68% among total U.S. adults. 69% of openly LGBTQ+ adults consume videos one or more times per day vs. 59% among total U.S. adults. 75% of openly LGBTQ+ adults play video games monthly and 51% consider themselves “gamers” vs. 67% and 42%, respectively, among total U.S. adults. Social media posts and comments pose risks to community building and engagement among openly LGBTQ+ consumers. 82% of openly LGBQ+ adults use social media one or more times per day vs. 76% among total U.S. adults. 79% of openly LGBTQ+ adults feel online racial hate is a serious problem, the third-largest cohort of consumers that feel this way, the largest two cohorts being Black adults and multicultural women, respectively. 70% of the total U.S. adult population feel that online racial hate is a serious problem. The LGBTQ+ Consumer Fact Pack also includes a creative impact test which explores the potential impact cultural creative elements play in LGBTQ+ consumer behavior. The most significant findings from the LGBTQ+ Creative Impact Test include: Openly LGBTQ+ adults are 2.7 times more likely than overall U.S. adults to say they want to identify with the people in “mainstream” creatives more. Openly LGBTQ+ adults are 2.0 times more likely to say the “mainstream” creatives need more diversity. To download the Multicultural Consumer Fact Pack, please visit this link: https://mycodemedia.docsend.com/view/2acep9n9ena2pdx7 To download the LGBTQ+ Consumer Fact Pack, please visit this link: https://mycodemedia.docsend.com/view/3n2bdaa9rbskhumb About My Code My Code is a digital media company that enables brands, agencies, publishers, and storytellers to decode and connect with multifaceted and diverse audiences. My Code was formed following the expansion of H Code, a 2x Inc. 5000-ranked company founded in 2015, into additional demographics beyond Hispanic consumers. With a diverse team of marketers, sellers, researchers, and storytellers specializing in an ever-growing selection of Cultural and Affinity Codes, My Code helps companies of all sizes reach millions of Hispanic, Black, and AAPI consumers with unmatched authenticity. My Code combines proprietary insights from its Intelligence Center, first-party targetable datasets, and custom creative to deliver unparalleled multimedia content that effectively reaches diverse audiences across the digital landscape. Having evolved from its Hispanic-centric origins, My Code is now a robust, minority-dominant organization dedicated to the economic empowerment of the diverse communities and audiences it represents. Its purpose-driven media marketplace allows advertisers to easily invest in minority-owned and led publishers, creators, and producers. Today, My Code’s employee base is 85% multicultural, 70% Hispanic/Latinx, and 50% female across its offices in the U.S. and Latin America. Contact Details North 6th Agency for My Code +1 203-518-2348 mycode@n6a.com Company Website https://mycodemedia.com/

June 16, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Velocity Global Adds Prominent HR Thought Leader and DEI Changemaker Nzinga Shaw as Global Advisor

Velocity Global

Velocity Global, the leading provider of international talent solutions, is proud to add Nzinga “Zing” Shaw as a global advisor. Shaw joins Velocity Global to help pave the way for a more culturally diverse and equitable future of work for talent across 185 countries. “I’m excited to work with Velocity Global and share my experiential knowledge with its vast network and clientele,” said Shaw. “I know how vital it is for organizations to empower their employees and build a strong and rewarding corporate culture by committing to diversity and putting people first.” “As a company whose employees and clients span the globe, it's important that our partnerships represent who we are and what we believe in. Velocity Global holds diversity, equity, and inclusion as top priorities and we’re honored to work with Zing as her expertise will elevate our own initiatives and provide our leaders with invaluable guidance,” said Sarah Fern, chief people officer at Velocity Global. Shaw is an award-winning DEI changemaker who has led impactful growth as the first-ever chief diversity officer for the NBA, working with the Atlanta Hawks. She has led the global DEI functions for major brands such as Starbucks and Edelman and has held additional HR roles with the NFL and YES Network. Zing is currently president of the global DEI & ESG practice for ZRG Partners, a specialized talent advisory and executive search firm where she leads impactful DEI program implementation. Shaw has been a trusted advisor on a number of corporate and nonprofit boards, where her expertise on HR and other matters is highly sought after. She currently serves on the committee for the Velocity Global Impact Award, an honor that celebrates LPGA and LET players who have helped grow the sport of golf and inspired the next generation of athletes to positively impact the world. The Velocity Global Impact Award Committee comprises women of diverse backgrounds, all of whom are dedicated to advancing opportunities for women both professionally and athletically. About Velocity Global Velocity Global accelerates the future of work for anyone, anywhere, anyhow. Its Global Work Platform™ simplifies the employer and talent experience through its proprietary cloud-based talent management technology, backed by personalized expertise and unmatched global scale. With talent solutions in more than 185 countries and all 50 United States, the platform combines global Employer of Record and Contractor Management to onboard, manage, and pay talent worldwide. Thousands of brands rely on Velocity Global to build global teams without the cost or complexity of setting up foreign legal entities or state registrations. Velocity Global was named a “Leader” in Global Employer of Record services by prominent analyst firm NelsonHall. Founded in 2014, the company has hundreds of employees across six continents. For more information, visit velocityglobal.com. Contact Details Velocity Global Janessa Rivera +1 720-650-4348 news@velocityglobal.com Company Website https://velocityglobal.com/

June 16, 2022 07:00 AM Mountain Daylight Time

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