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

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
Article thumbnail News Release

Veteran Soccer Referee Ian Bongaardt Appointed as New State Referee Administrator for the Eastern Pennsylvania State Referee Committee

Default company name

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer , which fosters the mental, physical and emotional growth of youth through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition within Eastern Pennsylvania’s 36 counties, today announced that veteran soccer referee Ian Bongaardt has been appointed as the new State Referee Administrator of the Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association Referee Committee (EPSARC). Previously with EPSARC, a joint committee between the youth and adult soccer association, Bongaardt served as the organization’s State Director of Instruction for the referee committee from January 2015 to July 2016. During that period, he developed and oversaw the instruction program for 3,000 referees, instructors, assessors, and assignors in the Eastern Pennsylvania, providing clarification on the interpretation and application of the Laws of the Game under the guidance of US Soccer. “We are excited to have Ian come back to our organization in his new role as State Referee Administrator,” said Jeff Sommer, President of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. “Ian brings a ton of great soccer experience, not only as a ref, but as a player and a coach. All of those aspects enable him to view the game with a unique perspective, and he will be vital in guiding our game officials going forward, especially in this ‘brave new world’ of youth sports in the time of COVID-19.” Bongaardt is a graduate of East Stroudsburg University with a bachelor’s degree in Economics, as well as a graduate of the Small Business Administration’s Emerging Leaders program. He is the owner of Comfort Keepers, an elder care alternatives provider, and is a leading expert of the elder care industry. About Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer State Referee Association : Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s State Referee Association (SRA) is appointed by the youth and adult associations as part of a joint state referee committee to serve both associations. The state referee committee is responsible for recruiting and training new referees, and the registration and continuing education of current referees for US Soccer. For more information on becoming a referee, go to http://www.EPSARC.org . About Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer: Since 1972, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer has worked throughout 36 counties in Eastern Pennsylvania to promote, foster and perpetuate the game of soccer to the region’s youth. Through competitions, educational programs, outreach efforts and coaching clinics, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer impacts the lives of more than 130,000 youth soccer players from ages 5 to 19. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is one of 55 state associations in US Youth Soccer and a member of the United States Soccer Federation. Additional information about Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer can be found at http://www.EPYSA.org. Contact Details Jim DeLorenzo +1 215-266-5943 jim@jhdenterprises.com Company Website http://www.EPYSA.org

August 11, 2020 01:01 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Cloud Conventions Virtual Event Platform Introduces Licensing Program

Convey Services

Cloud Conventions , a full featured virtual tradeshow and event technology solution today introduced a new Licensing Program for event management firms, tradeshow producers or others who want greater flexibility in customizing features or to resell a white-labeled platform. Licensing allows companies to enter the market quickly, customize their offerings and deliver fully managed or self-managed virtual events. “ Convey Services , Cloud Conventions’ parent company, began engineering this technology over eight years ago to deliver sophisticated content and marketing portal networks,” said Carolyn Bradfield founder of Convey. “When the pandemic crippled the market’s ability to conduct live tradeshows, or in-person conferences, Convey transformed its portal capability to deliver full-featured, content-rich, automated events. Our new licensing program allows event operators to collapse time-to-value by quickly deploying a robust technology solution. We offer three levels of licenses, with flexibility to take advantage of the common codebase, along with upgrades or use the software as a platform to independently develop customized capabilities.” Cloud Conventions automates every aspect of delivering a virtual tradeshow, conference or event from attendee onboarding to virtual exhibit booths. It supports a content-rich environment with enhanced access to marketing materials, continuing education classes, videos and product literature. The platform analyzes all attendee interaction and presents 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 underlying software of Cloud Conventions was developed in an Agile environment and the technology is modern and constantly updated,” added Bradfield. “We offer a white-label option with a shared common codebase, hosted in the Rackspace OpenStack® Private Cloud. You also can request custom feature sets exclusively for your clients or license the code for a completely customized environment, delivered and managed by your development team.” For more information on licensing options visit: Cloud Conventions Licensing or contact Convey at licensing@conveyservices.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 11, 2020 01:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

Cloud Conventions Supports ADA Requirements for Virtual Event Accessibility

Convey Services

Cloud Conventions , a full featured virtual tradeshow and event technology solution supports ADA requirements for accessibility to help event operators accommodate people with disabilities and avoid increasing legal action being taken against failure to provide attendees easy access to content and programming. As most tradeshows, conferences and association events transition from live to virtual in response to COVID-19, accessibility is often overlooked when making the switch. Event planners who normally take steps to ensure their in-person events accommodate people with any level of handicap, are often unaware that virtual events must meet the same requirements. “Providing ADA accessibility is usually not top of mind, but it is an important component in your overall virtual event strategy not only to accommodate attendees with visual or hearing disabilities, but also to protect your organization from legal action being directed at non-compliant events,” said Carolyn Bradfield , founder of Convey . “Today, Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is being interpreted to include websites and even virtual events as ‘places of public accommodation.’ Events that operate using online platforms that fail to provide accessibility can be viewed as discriminating against persons with disabilities. In 2020, plaintiffs’ lawyers along with certain states like California and New York are filing a significant number of ADA lawsuits for discrimination.” Cloud Conventions took steps in 2019 to ensure that virtual events on the platform could be ADA compliant. For a virtual event operator this means that Cloud Conventions’ technology supports ADA, enabling the event operator to ensure attendees have unrestricted access to the platform and the event content hosted on it. Visually impaired attendees can use web readers and view images that have “Alt” text to be read aloud on a screen reader. In addition, higher levels of color contrast on buttons or other graphics elements guides individuals through the site. “The phrase most often seen in lawsuits is ‘effective communication,’ in other words, does a virtual event provide effective communication for any and all persons who attend,” added Bradfield. “ADA is a strict liability law which means excuses or defenses for violations, like ignorance of the law or third-party responsibility, do not relieve accountability. Cloud Conventions makes complying with ADA requirements easier, but ultimately virtual tradeshow operators and event planners need to educate themselves on effectively applying Cloud Conventions’ underlying resources to their individual show.” For more ideas on how to make a virtual event both 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 11, 2020 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

InterAct LifeLine Addresses Alarming Increase in Overdoses During COVID-19 Pandemic

Convey Services

InterAct LifeLine , a telehealth platform delivering education and content on addiction and wellness, has moved from a beta program to full release offering addiction treatment programs as well as state and local community groups the ability to use technology for remote patient monitoring and keeping individuals connected virtually after they have completed an addiction rehab program. InterAct LifeLine offers structure and accountability, virtual connections to support groups and treatment professionals, along with education about how to maintain recovery and individual monitoring when needed. InterAct is a sister company of Convey Services . “Every day, news reports are hyper focused on COVID-19, but they fail to see the devastation experienced by those struggling with addiction and mental health issues during the pandemic,” said Carolyn Bradfield CEO of InterAct LifeLine. “Addiction is a chronic disease requiring individuals to stay connected to longer term treatment, to implement healthy lifestyle changes, and to create a support system to help them stay in recovery. The pandemic has disrupted the ability for people with addiction to stay connected. This makes InterAct LifeLine’s capabilities all the more essential.” In a July 1, 2020 article, the Washington Post reports that drug overdoses are soaring during the pandemic.According to the article, “Suspected overdoses nationally jumped 18% in March, 29 % in April and 42 % in May, data from ambulance teams, hospitals and police shows.” According to research conducted by the Post, individuals who are suffering from the disease of addiction have felt an increasing sense of isolation, suffer from the disruption in the economy, are disconnected from treatment , accelerating the on-going pandemic of drug addiction and overdose. “I lost my first husband to suicide after a decades long battle with alcoholism and my daughter Laura to overdose a month before her thirtieth birthday,” added Bradfield. “The country cannot afford to ignore the addiction pandemic that takes more American lives annually than both the two Gulf wars and Vietnam War combined. The effects of addiction devastate families. InterAct has had a successful beta program this year and now we’re ready to expand our offering nationwide.” InterAct Lifeline operates on Convey’s portal network using its proprietary Hub & Spoke™ technology to deliver education and content to customized portals used by addiction treatment programs, as well as state and local community groups. The technology offers personalized calendars with reminders for individuals to attend support meetings, therapy appointments, or work commitments. Outbound messaging and short surveys help case workers monitor patient progress and alert staff if there are issues. The program offers additional telehealth connections to therapists and psychiatrists for medication management, as well as providing families with a support and family therapy program. About InterAct LifeLine Founded in 2019 by Carolyn Bradfield following the overdose death of her daughter, InterAct is a telehealth platform delivering education and content on addiction and wellness strategies to promote recovery, connections to community through discussion forums and virtual support groups, and continuous outreach to its members. InterAct’s portal technology is integrated with a HIPAA compliant mobile platform offering applications to families to engage individuals, organize their schedule with reminders and check ins, send secure messages and monitors vital signs through wearables to detect risk for overdose. InterAct’s technology produces detailed data used for treatment program outcomes studies. For information visit www.interactlifeline.com , info@interactlifeline.com or call 866-274-7539. Contact Details Bruce Ahern +1 770-580-0810 bahern@conveyservices.com Company Website https://interactlifeline.com

August 11, 2020 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
1 ... 231232233234235 ... 239