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SmartCone and CITM build Smart City IoT Data Repository to support start ups and SMEs

SmartCone Technologies, Inc.

SmartCone Technologies, Canada’s leader in IoT (Internet of Things) solutions is proud to announce its technology partnership with the Centre for Integrated Transportation and Mobility (CITM). SmartCone is working to build a database Architecture and Platform that will capture data from all Smart Mobility Networks, both 4G & 5G elements, Intelligent IoT Nodes, C-V2X device, IoT devices and other sensors installed on the Smart Mobility Networks. Currently, there are two Smart Mobility Network sites in operation within the City of Hamilton, a public testbed located on the Mountain in the City of Hamilton, referred to as the “ Urban Test Environment ” and a private testbed within McMaster Innovation Park, referred to as the “ Office Park Test Environment ”. CITM’s Smart Mobility R&D Network (SMN) and Smart City IoT Data Repository were built to support start-ups and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) business clients with product development, R&D, and testing of smart mobility and transportation solutions. As one of three CITM technology partners, SmartCone’s hardware and software became an integral part of the SMN in 2020 and is also a key component of the data repository, available in November 2021. Clients can utilize these technological resources for free, gaining access to a complex test environment that includes both 4G/5G wireless connectivity, cloud storage, IoT/Compute at the Edge capability, and a V2X platform. CITM’s ultimate goal was to design and deliver a test environment providing clients with access to real-time and cumulative data to support the development and commercialization of new technologies. As part of the multi-test environment that also includes Nokia and iSmartWays technology, Smartcone sensors provide business clients with IoT sensor data from real-world urban intersections and roadways, and delivers true compute-at-the-edge capabilities. Richard Dunda, Director, CITM noted, “As one of three technology providers of our new multi-site test environment, Smartcone not only enables the infrastructure required to provide innovators with access to real-time data from the network and cumulative data from the repository, but also the ability to run applications in a cloud based environment, facilitating both remote and on-site, live roadside testing. We are thrilled to be working alongside Smartcone, an Ontario based company, to provide technical resources that further promote innovation in the autonomous transportation sector.” Jason Lee, CEO and Founder of SmartCone Technologies “SmartCone sees CITM as a strategic partner in the development of our technology ecosystem. They are strategically located in an area that provides mobility opportunities that cover the full span of transportation from roads, shipping ports and airports. This gives SmartCone an opportunity to really shine. Their vision, knowledge and experience in helping shape platform companies is also a valuable asset as SmartCone continues to break ground in new markets. On November 16, 2021, CITM and technology partners SmartCone, Nokia and iSmartWays, will hold an informative session to learn about Ontario’s first live, multi-site, 5G R&D test network that is available to help design, validate, and advance smart transportation and mobility products and technologies. Find out more and register for the event here. About CITM About the Centre for Integrated Transportation and Mobility The Centre for Integrated Transportation and Mobility (CITM) is an integral part of Innovation Factory and supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and scale ups developing multi-modal and integrated smart mobility technology solutions. CITM provides business and technical advisory services, online training and learning opportunities via Academy@CITM, and access to a live multi-site test environment and data repository. www.citm.ca About SmartCone SmartCone Technologies Inc. (SCTI) is a unique data sensory company that commercializes new Internet-of-Things (IoT) technologies powering a wide array of sensors, edge computing, sensor fusion and artificial intelligence (AI). TheSmartCone™ solutions have been used most recently in “ Return to Work ” solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as securing dangerous work sites, controlling bicycle lane traffic, managing vehicle fleets, smart warehouses, crowd control, and more. Visit us at www.thesmartcone.com Contact Details For more information, please contact Tenille Houston +1 343-804-0727 tenille@thesmartcone.com

November 15, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Customer Experience and Customer Engagement Market to Surpass $100 Billion in Annual Worldwide Revenue by 2026, According to Dash Research

Dash Network

Customer experience (CX) and customer engagement (CE) initiatives continue to be a major priority for organizations around the world, especially in light of the significant changes and disruptions to customer relationships that emerged as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a new report from Dash Research, this level of focus is leading to brisk growth in the market for CX/CE technology platforms. “While CX improvements are largely driven by organizational change management, software is increasingly being used to support these initiatives by managing and making available the plethora of customer data that is captured and aggregated from a variety of sources,” says principal analyst Keith Kirkpatrick. He adds that some of the key drivers of market growth include pandemic-related shutdowns and reopening, increased focus on omnichannel customer interaction capabilities, the rise of customer centricity, and the elimination of functional silos within organizations. Dash Research forecasts that global CX/CE revenue will increase from $63.6 billion in 2021 to $100.3 billion by 2026. The market size experienced a 13.5% decline between 2019 and 2020 due to economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but spending has recovered in 2021 and is projected to reach 2019 levels again by the end of 2022. The market intelligence firm forecasts that the top 5 industries in terms of CX/CE spending between 2021 and 2026 will be as follows: Telecommunications Healthcare Financial Services & Insurance Retail Government/Public Sector Dash Research’s report, “CX Market Forecasts”, includes a detailed market sizing and forecast model that focuses on the business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) software and services opportunity related to CX and CE. The forecast is split into a variety of segments, based on the world region in which the solution is used, the offering itself, functional area, and industry. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the market drivers and barriers, and insights into four industries that are driving the market spending are discussed in the report, along with recommendations for both end users and vendors. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the firm’s website. Dash Research, the market intelligence arm of Dash Network, provides in-depth research and insights on the worldwide CX market including a comprehensive assessment of technology solutions, business issues, market drivers, and end-user dynamics across industry sectors. Dash Research’s global market coverage combines qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to provide a complete view of emerging business opportunities surrounding contact center technologies, customer data & analytics, customer data platforms, customer insights & feedback, customer relationship management, personalization & optimization, and employee experience. For more information, visit www.dashresearch.com or call +1.720.603.1700. Contact Details Clint Wheelock +1 720-603-1700 press@dashnetwork.com Company Website http://www.dashnetwork.com

November 15, 2021 05:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

Holiday Gifts That Won’t Break the Bank

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/84NvZOIljwI Almost a quarter of Americans worry holiday shopping will leave them in debt, but that’s not stopping consumers from spending at a fast and furious pace. Beauty and Lifestyle Expert, Alle Fister, has compiled a holiday shopping guide filled with a few gift ideas that won’t break the bank and one way to pay for it all before ringing in the New Year. SHOP & PAY OFF DEBT EARLY: Early shopping is a big trend this year with the added challenge of inventory concerns. Fister says consumers are combating the issue by being smart and savvy with their online or in-store shopping behaviors. She points to a new survey from Afterpay, the leading ‘buy now, pay later’ platform, that finds one-in-three people are setting a strict budget and plan to wrap up shopping before Thanksgiving. The lifestyle expert urges consumers to be wise and stay out of debt. She says one way to manage holiday finances is by paying off purchases early. Afterpay has declared November 19th ‘Done Day’—the official day to wrap up holiday shopping in order to complete buy now, pay later installments before 2022. Fister recommends turning to Afterpay, which partners with thousands of brands to offer interest-free installment payments, because it allows shoppers the ability to buy gifts and pay over time, without the worry of revolving debt posed by credit. She touts that, “Shopping early has never been easier.” Consumers can expect deals to be announced weekly throughout the season to help them shop early. For more information, go to the Afterpay app or Afterpay.com www.Afterpay.com Facebook: @afterpayusa Instagram: @afterpayusa Twitter: @ afterpayusa FAMILY-SIZED GIFTING: Fister’s holiday gifting guide also includes presents the entire family can enjoy together. She admits, “As a mom, I love bringing everyone together for those warm and cozy moments. One gift idea that instantly comes to my mind is Koolaburra by UGG slippers. The brand’s approachable price points make for a perfect gift the whole family, or financially focused fashionista, can appreciate.” According to the beauty and lifestyle expert, these slippers are made of high-quality materials that don’t sacrifice on style, quality, or comfort. She adds, “Personally, I’m in love with the Riley Shimmer Kid’s Slipper. Keeping those little feet warm this season never looked better.” She even thinks they’re perfect for the men in your life, “The Tipton Emboss Men’s Slipper is perfect for the guys, whether they’re making breakfast or settling in for a quiet night.” As for Fister, “I can’t get enough of the Batya and Lezly Perf Women’s Slippers. They’re so stylish and comfy! And you know, I am a Southern CA based gal—and I just really connect with Koolaburra by UGG as UGG’s little sister brand that offers a southern California cool vibe for the whole family. Effortless, easy, and exactly what I’ll be asking my husband for this holiday season!” For more information, go to Koolaburra.com. Koolaburra by UGG® Official Site | Koolaburra.com Instagram: @Koolaburra Facebook: Koolaburra by UGG - Home | Facebook GIFT GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK: These days conscious consumers are paying attention to more than price tags. Fister highlights how important it is to think of ways to pamper loved ones while using one’s purchasing power to give back to the world we live in. “One great gift idea comes from the female-founded beauty brand, Josie Maran, she is the pioneer of Argan-oil-powered beauty. They’ve partnered with the CORAL Reef Alliance to create a limited edition Pro-Retinol Body Butter in a naturally derived Grapefruit scent.” Fister says those who know “It’s cool to care,” can rest assured knowing 10% of all sales of the Body Butter will be donated to CORAL, which is focused on saving the world’s coral reefs. The Pro-Retinol Body Butter will be available in a grapefruit scent, while containing safe and healthy pro-retinol derived from pink algae to give the same benefits of a retinol with zero irritation. For more information, go Ulta.com. https://www.ulta.com/p/whipped-argan-pro-retinol-body-butter-coral-reef-alliance-collaboration-pimprod2028603 Instagram: @JosieMaran & Coral_Org Facebook: @ JosieMaran & CoralReefAlliance Hashtags: #JosieMaranxCORAL & #ItsCooltoCare THE GIFT OF RELAXATION: Given the state of the world over the past year-and-a-half, Fister suggests giving the budget-friendly gift of relaxation as we head into 2022. She says, “There has been too much stress for too long of a time,” while pointing to a few of her favorite self-care items from the brand This Works. The lifestyle expert says with This Works, shoppers can give the gift of sleep and less stress this holiday season with their holiday gift sets that contain award-winning and 100% natural, aromatherapeutic blends that truly “work.” One example is the large gift set called DREAM TO SLEEP. It is made up of a trio of sleep saviors including a shower gel, body lotion, and celebrity-favorite DEEP SLEEP PILLOW SPRAY. Fister says she’s such a fan of this product, “You just spray your pillow or mist your PJs before you retire to bed and the 100% natural essential oil fragrances of lavender, chamomile, vetiver help you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling refreshed.” There are mini sets available with pocket-sized pillow sprays and items from their Stress Check line that help manage stress. For more information, go to Nordstrom.com. https://www.nordstrom.com/s/thisworks-soothe-sleep-set/6474152?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FBrands%2Fthisworks%C2%AE&color=000 Instagram: @ thisworks About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

November 12, 2021 05:45 PM Eastern Standard Time

Video

The Rise of ‘Revenge Travel’

YourUpdateTV

A s borders begin to open and with holiday deals season right around the corner, travel is coming back in full force. Recently, travel and cruise expert and Editor-in-Chief of Cruise Critic, Colleen McDaniel, teamed up with Norwegian Cruise Line on a satellite media tour to discuss “Revenge Travel” and how travelers can take advantage of some of the holiday season’s best deals. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/1h7yQHbpQgQ “Revenge Travel” has come to mean the strong desire to vacation and explore the world even more than before the onset of travel restrictions, resulting in pent-up consumer demand to travel freely again. As destinations get ready to welcome back tourists, cruising is a great way for consumers to travel and visit the destinations they’ve been dreaming about for the last year and a half. Cruising provides travelers the opportunity to visit multiple destinations in one trip. Norwegian Cruise Line’s 17-ship fleet sails to more than 300 destinations worldwide offering a wide variety of itineraries to buck-list destinations in addition to boasting world-class dining options, Broadway-caliber onboard entertainment and one-of-a-kind at sea attractions such as racetracks and laser tag experiences. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday right around the corner, it’s a great time to take advantage of the best holiday deal at sea before booking that highly anticipated vacation. Norwegian Cruise Line has opened for sale the most sailings in its history where consumers can book their dream cruise vacation now through 2024. Beginning Nov. 16, 2021, the Brand unveils its greatest deal ever providing travelers with exceptional value featuring 70 percent off the second guest fare as well as seven free offers including: Free Open Bar Free Specialty Dining Free Wifi Free Excursions Free Extra Guests Free Air for the 2nd Guest Free $250 onboard credit Giving avid and new cruisers the next generation in cruise travel experience, the Company also announced its newest ship – Norwegian Prima – will set sail summer 2022. The first of six vessels within NCL's all new Prima Class, will offer guests exciting itineraries, the highest staffing levels and space ratio of any new cruise ship in the contemporary and premium cruise categories. For those travelers who want to be the first on board, the ship’s new itineraries to Northern Europe, Caribbean and Bermuda are already on sale. Consumers can visit www.ncl.com to learn more about available itineraries and onboard attractions to begin planning their long-awaiting vacation at sea. About Colleen McDaniel: Colleen McDaniel is Editor-in-Chief of Cruise Critic, the world’s largest online cruise resource. She considers cruising to be a true passion, having traveled the world by water – from Alaska, the Caribbean and Hawaii, to Europe’s rivers, Antarctica and Africa – on ships of all ships and sizes. She’s regularly quoted as a cruise expert in media outlets across the country, including outlets like The Associated Press, Good Morning America, CNN, FOX Business, CNBC, The New York Times, Travel + Leisure and Skift. About Cruise Critic: Cruise Critic is the world’s largest cruise reviews and information site, offering a comprehensive resource for cruise travelers -- from first-time cruisers to avid cruise enthusiasts. The site features more than 50M+ opinions, reviews & photos and hosts the world's largest online cruise community. Cruise Critic is a subsidiary of TripAdvisor, Inc. About Norwegian Cruise Line: As the innovator in global cruise travel, Norwegian Cruise Line has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 55 years. Most notably, the cruise line revolutionized the industry by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Today, its fleet of 17 contemporary ships sail to over 300 of the world’s most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize. Norwegian Cruise Line not only provides superior guest service from land to sea, but also offers a wide variety of award-winning entertainment and dining options as well as a range of accommodations across the fleet, including solo-traveler staterooms, mini-suites, spa-suites and The Haven by Norwegian®, the company’s ship-within-a-ship concept. For additional information or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com. For the latest news and exclusive content, visit the media center and follow Norwegian Cruise line on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @NorwegianCruiseLine; and Twitter and Snapchat @CruiseNorwegian. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

November 12, 2021 05:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

Video

Airbnb Upgrades Platform to Serve a Revolution in How We Travel

YourUpdateTV

The world is undergoing a revolution in how we live and work. Technologies like Zoom make it possible to work from home. Airbnb makes it possible to work from any home. This newfound flexibility is bringing about a revolution in how we travel, allowing for more frequent trips, longer trips, travel to more locations, and even the ability to live on Airbnb. Recently, Communications Lead for North America at Airbnb, Liz DeBold Fusco, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss how Airbnb is supporting a revolution in how we travel. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/1-HhndqYOIQ Before the pandemic, millions of people used to live in one place (their home) and work in another (their office). But now, with technologies like Zoom, they can live and work in the same place, and that place can be anywhere. Living, working, and traveling are all blurring together. This newfound flexibility is creating a revolution in how people travel, giving them the flexibility to travel everywhere, go anytime, and stay for longer -- data and research from Airbnb suggests these trends are here to stay. People increasingly are living on Airbnb -- from July to September, 20% of nights booked were for stays of one month or longer -- and they are traveling at any time. Nearly half of nights booked on Airbnb were for at least one week, compared to 38% two years ago; and families are traveling more during the week, with the most growth in stays on Mondays and Tuesday nights globally. With the holidays ahead, many are excited to reunite with loved ones. As of the end of September, we had over 40% more nights booked for Thanksgiving week in the US than at the same time in 2019. The reopening of US borders this week is also revealing pent-up demand. In the US -- which historically is the largest inbound travel market in the world -- during the week following the October 15 announcement of the November 8 reopening date, nights booked by foreign guests for stays starting November 8 increased by 44%. In May, Airbnb introduced its 2021 Release, with over 100 upgrades to improve every aspect of the Airbnb service. Now, Airbnb has announced a number of new innovations that make it easier to host on Airbnb and support these changing needs of travelers. These include new features like AirCover, Translation Engine, Accessibility Review, Verified WiFi, and many more. For more information, visit Airbnb.com About Liz DeBold Fusco: Liz DeBold Fusco is a Communications Lead for North America for Airbnb. Prior to that, she was a Vice President at SKDKnickerbocker, a national public affairs firm, where she provided strategic communications guidance to organizations ranging from the NAACP and Demos to The Rockefeller Foundation and AT&T. Liz has also worked for the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City and New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray as well as the New York State Attorney General. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

November 12, 2021 05:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

Video

Kids Who Move, Move the World: Nike’s New Footwear and Inclusive Line of Sports Apparel for Kids

YourUpdateTV

This month, Nike is launching a new footwear and inclusive sports apparel based on insights from girl basketball players: Nike Air Zoom Crossover and Inclusive Basketball Apparel Collection. It’s Nike Kid’s first collection of inclusive sports footwear and apparel, helping all kids, however they identify, bring their full and authentic selves to the game! During the nationwide media tour, Lisa Leslie, All-Star Basketball Player, Olympic Gold Medalist, 3X WNBA MVP and Karie Conner, Vice President of North America Nike Kids, discussed the importance of listening to kids - especially girls - to build products and programs that make sport more inclusive. Highlights include: By listening to the voice of kids, Nike created the Nike Air Zoom Crossover shoe to give all kids the best fit possible for any possible movements they make while still providing space for growing toes to move and spread during play. All-inclusive sizing so that any kid (him, her, they) can wear anything, increasing easy on and off solutions for athletes of all abilities so that Nike Kids product is the go-to item they grab and want to wear. Focus on style and gender expression through a full spectrum of choice so every kid can express themselves authentically. Parents and caregivers also know that active kids do better in school and in life. That’s why Nike invests in programs and initiatives that educate kids about the power of play and how they can inspire play within their own communities: Nike Game Growers: A program, in collaboration with the WNBA and NBA, that gives eighth-grade girls the tools and resources they need to increase girls' participation in sports in their local communities. Throughout the program, girls will attend online workshops and connect directly with their participating WNBA or NBA team to develop their idea. In 2022, the program will launch its third season with more than 40 participating WNBA and NBA teams. Girls can apply for Game Growers online at gamegrowers.com/apply before the competition closes on November 15, 2021. Nike PLAYlist: A sport-inspired series where kids and pro athletes come together to do what they do best: PLAY. The interactive content series is filled with creative activities for kids to do at home or outside. From creative games to challenges and awesome athlete interviews, kids are welcome to freely explore and interact with sports however they see fit. The next season of PLAYlist launches on October 23 and new episodes air every Saturday on YouTube. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

November 12, 2021 05:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Agora Data to Present at Used Car Week 2021

Agora

Agora Data’s SVP of Strategic Relationships Jim Bass and SVP of Sales Chris Barry will speak at Used Car Week 2021 in Las Vegas at Red Rock Casino & Spa, November 15-18. During his breakout session at 1:30 p.m. on November 15, Bass will present “Franchise Dealers Can Add the BHPH Marketplace to Their Sales Mix, Increasing Sales & Profits.” New car dealers can substantially expand their vehicle and parts/service sales by adding a Buy Here Pay Here (BHPH) dealership as an affiliated business of their company. When BHPH is an option, dealers enjoy fewer lost sales, fewer trade-ins going to auction, and – most importantly – greater profits. Bass will give real-life examples and walk through the steps a dealer can take today to set up a complementary BHPH sales organization. “The opportunity to create higher sales and profits is always worth investigating. Based on my one-on-one discussions with dealers, I believe it’s not yet common knowledge how much of a boost they can get by entering the Buy Here Pay Here business,” Bass said. “At Agora, we enjoy daily visibility into the inner workings of Buy Here Pay Here dealerships, with access to hundreds of data points surrounding portfolio performance and profitability. If new-car dealers were aware of the true potential of Buy Here Pay Here, I think they would jump at the chance to become their own bank. I’m excited to discuss this in-depth and lay out simple, actionable steps to integrate the Buy Here Pay Here model with an existing business.” Barry will present a breakout session titled "Groundbreaking Changes in Auto Financing to Fuel Growth" at 3:30 pm on the same day. Barry will share highlights about the industry’s first-ever crowdsourced subprime securitizations, which were completed by Agora in December 2020 and again in May 2021. Transformative solutions are now available for accessing funding that can help dealers lower their cost of debt, grow their sales volumes, and even slash prices for the consumer while achieving high profitability. Barry commented, “It’s an exciting time to be a Buy Here Pay Here dealer. In the past, only large franchise dealers and used-car superstores were privy to competitive financing with attractive rates and terms. But today’s environment is different. With revolutionary capital solutions like reducing interest rate lines of credit and crowdsourced securitizations, Buy Here Pay Here dealers can easily level up and compete.” Bass and Barry look forward to discussing Agora’s innovative capital solutions and free-of-charge, in-depth portfolio analytics with Used Car Week attendees. Company representatives will also be on hand at future industry conferences, to be announced soon, where they will continue to share Agora’s mission of empowering BHPH dealers and small to mid-size finance companies. About Agora Data, Inc: Founded in 2017, Agora Data’s platform delivers a suite of tools to empower Buy Here Pay Here dealers and finance companies to maximize their success. Agora is disrupting and influencing the industry by connecting its dealers and finance company members to Wall Street and other capital resources previously only available to large dealer groups. Agora Data’s family of auto finance products provides a wide range of critical funding paths so originators can obtain the cash they need to fuel growth. Powered by Agora’s proprietary, radical, AI-infused technology platform, originators now have access to robust data analytics and planning resources to help optimize the performance of their portfolio. Agora Data made history by closing the first-ever Crowdsourced Subprime Auto Securitization in 2020 and followed that up with its second transaction in early 2021. For more information, visit agoradata.com or contact us at 877-592-4672. Contact Details Shelly Vandeven +1 682-282-4130 media@agoradata.com Company Website https://agoradata.com/

November 12, 2021 09:03 AM Eastern Standard Time

Jalen Rose and Tracy McGrady Make Goodwill Trip to Qatar on Veterans Day

Blink

As part of a goodwill trip to Doha from Nov. 10-13, NBA Legends Jalen Rose and Tracy McGrady visited with U.S. Military personnel today and took a tour of some of Qatar’s 2022 World Cup sites. The Al Udeid Air Base in Doha serves as a primary logistics and command hub for U.S. operations in the Middle East. Rose and McGrady also visited with school-aged Qatari children and university students from Qatar’s Education City, learning more about the country’s efforts to partner with the top global universities to continue to be at the forefront of education both now, and into the future. “A highlight of our trip has definitely been visiting with our troops at the base in Doha on Veterans Day,” said Jalen Rose. “Qatar is clearly on a path to being the sports capital of the region. They’ll be on the world stage at the end of 2022 when they host the World Cup. It’s exciting to get a first look at how the preparations for the first large sporting event in a post-Covid pandemic world are coming along.” “This is my second trip to Qatar and my first since 2018 when I visited with Klay Thompson, Carmelo Anthony, and Luke Walton,” said Tracy McGrady. “Both times, I have been made to feel at home by the incredible hospitality and warmth of the people. But this time is certainly extra special because of our visit with the U.S. troops serving in Qatar right now.” The trip was organized by the U.S.-based event management company, Blink. Both NBA Legends will be documenting the trip on their social media channels. About Blink Established in 2020, Blink is an entertainment, promotions, and event management agency that helps clients deliver cutting-edge events, promotions, and initiatives. With a growing network of top sports and entertainment agencies, strategic partnerships with industry insiders, and experienced professionals on staff, Blink works with domestic and international clients seeking access to and/or visibility in the U.S. and North American markets. Contact Details Eric Nemeth +1 602-502-2793 nemeth@ericpr.com Company Website https://blink.global/

November 11, 2021 05:38 PM Eastern Standard Time

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B Code Intelligence Center Releases Online Racial Hate Report, Revealing How Harmful Content Impacts Black Users and Content Creators on Social Platforms

B Code

B Code Media, a digital media company focused on helping brands and advertisers connect with Black audiences digitally across a Black-owned and Black targeted premium publisher network, today released the Online Racial Hate report in partnership with leading hip hop news site, SOHH.com. The report measures the pervasiveness of racial hate speech among Black online content creators and consumers and gauges the impact it has caused on those individuals. Social media platforms have come under scrutiny recently for the dissemination of harmful content with calls for improved moderation and user protection growing louder. Over the last year, this type of content has been increasingly linked to the rise in hate crimes, amplified by racial tensions stemming from the murder of George Floyd in 2020. In order to encourage further conversation on making online platforms safer for Black audiences, B Code Media and SOHH.com partnered on this research study to provide more context and clarity on the impact this type of harmful content has on the well-being of Black audiences. “What we’re seeing is that most Black consumers online have not seen much progress in stemming the tide of hateful speech across various social platforms” says Damian Benders, General Manager of B Code Media. “We hope that this study acts as an additional step forward in fostering discussion and developing action plans based on the insight into real life impact. Mitigating the ongoing exposure to harmful content that the community endures must be a priority.” The Online Racial Hate report is the latest project from B Code’s Intelligence Center which is focused on providing a richer understanding of how Black audiences consume and perceive content online. The release of the report also comes at a time when Black media platforms and Black content creators are at the center of the movement towards increased diversity and representation in media. The report provides context on the top concerns from this segment and sheds some light on how the environment impacts their ability to create and distribute content through social platforms. “Because of the discrimination they face online, Black content creators do not feel as comfortable expressing their authentic selves when engaging with others online and can often be isolated or financially disadvantaged as a byproduct of not feeling welcome within online communities,'' adds Danielle Hester, Brand Marketing Lead at B Code. “The onus is on these media platforms to make their digital environments more of a safe space for diverse audiences.” The Online Racial Hate report uses proprietary data collected from the B Code Intelligence Center, which routinely surveys a large panel of Black consumers across target demographics. 1,070 Black respondents aged 18+ were interviewed in a quantitative online survey in September of 2021, and they are representative of all main geographical areas of the United States. This report follows another major study released by B Code Intelligence Center in October which explored Black consumers’ attitudes towards digital advertising. "This groundbreaking study proves that online hate is pervasive and unchecked on all social media platforms. Black creators, influencers and publishers are the engine behind the growth of these platforms, yet we are left exploited, unprotected and financially devastated," states Felicia Palmer, Co-Founder of SOHH.com, which was defaced and deplatformed during a 2007 racist online attack. "The evidence from this study is insurmountable -- Twitch, Facebook and Twitter must enact tangible, meaningful and quantifiable reforms -- from AI to personnel -- to ensure there is equity in the next generation metaverse." In addition to partnering with SOHH.com on the design and execution of the study, B Code Media tapped its rapidly growing network of Black-owned and Black-targeted digital publishers to expand the reports distribution and reach. A curated selection of premium publishers including TheGrio.com, BlackEnterprise.com, Rap-up.com, Defpen.com and MadefortheW.com will join forces to amplify the data and insights from the study with their own articles and social media content. Topline insights from the report include the following: More than half (54%) of all Black content creators reported having been victims of online racial hate. Across all respondents, Facebook and Instagram were cited most as platforms where users experience online racial hate. 18-34 year old consumers are disproportionately impacted by online racial hate as 46% of that segment reports that experience, especially on smaller social platforms. The overwhelming majority of respondents who do not report racial hate are disenfranchised, with 58% indicating the report will not make a difference and another 30% believing that no punishment will be imposed. 66% of the Black audience says that online racial hate affects their mental health and well being. To learn more about the Online Racial Hate report, visit: https://www.bcodemedia.com/online-racial-hate-study About B Code B Code is a data-backed digital media entity focused on understanding Black audiences in order to authentically reach, inform and connect with them in the digital spaces they embrace most. At B Code, our mission is to empower brands with the right tools and resources to deliver meaningful and culturally-nuanced messaging for Black audiences, backed by proprietary data intelligence. Our marketing expertise, innovation, and resources make B Code one of few digital media agencies that can provide it all: Media, Creative, and Data Sourcing. Through the B Code publisher network, we aim to provide digital publishers with growth opportunities and access to increased ad revenue in order to dismantle investment disparities. Our overall insights-driven approach provides a constant pulse on ever-changing Black American sentiments, preferences, and habits. About SOHH.com 4Control Media -- and the flagship website, SOHH.com -- was founded in 1995 by the trailblazing duo of Felicia Palmer and Steven Samuel with the vision to build a hip-hop community on the then burgeoning frontier of the internet. Twenty-five years later, SOHH.com stands as a pillar in the hip-hop community -- the longest-running, most trusted, independent, Black-owned hip-hop news brand. Contact Details North 6th Agency for B Code Paolo Ramos hcode@n6a.com Company Website https://www.bcodemedia.com/

November 11, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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