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

Fully Promoted® Now Offering Unique New Product to Combat Germs and Bacteria

Fully Promoted

Fully Promoted ®, the world’s largest branded products and marketing services franchise, announced today it will now offer nanoDefense ® products. The product line is comprised of recognizable, replaceable film that has a proprietary coating which activates in the presence of light to create a self-cleaning service. The surface engineered to repel contaminants allowing it to easily be wiped clean with water, but more importantly ingredients are actively involved in destroying organic compounds. The nanoDefense ® products are intended to be used by businesses on high touch surfaces in lighted areas, where the coating can work to remove viruses, bacteria, and contaminants. Fully Promoted recommends using the products on doors, elevator buttons, restrooms, touchscreens, self-service items and on mass transit. “Offering the nanoDefense ® products to our customers is another way that Fully Promoted is helping businesses get back to business,” said Mike Brugger, Fully Promoted brand President. “Businesses will find comfort in knowing that high touch points throughout their facilities are combating the growth and spread of contagions. Employees will be equally comfortable knowing that their work environment is safer.” In addition to offering nanoDefense ® , Fully Promoted offers a vast selection of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) that will help businesses get back to business. Most recently, Fully Promoted launched social distancing bracelets for networking events. The color-coded wristbands indicate an individuals preferred level of interaction. A member of the United Franchise Group, Fully Promoted can access more than half a million promotional products . For more information about Fully Promoted, the nanoDefense ® products, or to receive a product sample, contact your local Fully Promoted store. About Fully Promoted Fully Promoted has 300 locations across the globe. The brand operates a full-service branded products and marketing service business and is the place to attract customers. From promotional products and embroidery to expert printing services, Fully Promoted can help take businesses to the next level. Fully Promoted also offers an office-based model allowing franchisees to operate their business using a developed network of resources. To find the Fully Promoted nearest you, visit www.FullyPromoted.com , and for franchising opportunities, visit www.FullyPromotedFranchise.com . Contact Details Brittny Fuchs +1 561-812-6032 bfuchs@ufgcorp.com Company Website http://www.fullypromoted.com/

September 09, 2020 10:06 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Royal Belgian Football Association Helps Their Fans Cheer on the Red Devils from their Home for the Belgium vs. Iceland Match Today Via the Innovative Startup HearMeCheer

HearMeCheer

Today at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Belgium, the Royal Belgian Football Association Red Devils will play against Iceland in an empty stadium. But to avoid it being a “silent” match, the Red Devils are calling on their fans to support them en masse, from their living rooms. RBFA has partnered with innovative start-ups HearMeCheer and FanFest to bring the full stadium experience to their loyal fans in their living rooms and beyond, as well as on the field for the Red Devils. “The Devils will have to play in empty stadiums for some time, which is why we needed to find a manner in which we could engage our fans in the game and get the full stadium experience to them,” said Manu Leroy, Marketing & Communication Director for the Royal Belgian Football Association . “We found two innovative start-ups via the international virtual incubator HYPE Sports Innovation. HearMeCheer transmits live cheers, while FanFest allows supporters to chat with friends via their computers about the match as if they were in the stadium or a café. ” HearMeCheer will bring the full King Baudouin Stadium experience on your TV instead of a sterile, pre-recorded audio track. The app from the Canadian start-up captures the cheers, chants, and encouragement of Belgian fans in front of their television. The app mixes supporters’ sounds and transmits them live as a background to the comments on Belgian broadcasters VTM and RTBF, the channels that will broadcast the match against Iceland. “If you want to cheer the Red Devils on to victory from your living room, go to https://hln.hearmecheer.com/games/2020-nations-league-belgium on Tuesday evening,” said Leroy. “As a start-up, we are honored that we can help fans of the highest-ranking team in the world in one of the most popular sports,” said Elias Andersen, founder and CEO of HearMeCheer . “Now that the Red Devils have to play in empty stadiums in the time of COVID-19, our innovation helps the Royal Belgian Football Association create the feeling of a full stadium. It makes the experience much more enjoyable for the players on the field and the supporters at home in front of their TV set. “ HearMeCheer is built to bring together fans and teams in a new way, bringing the stadium experience into their home while bringing the fan experience into the stadiums so that the players know their fans are still with them,” Andersen added. “The opportunity for HearMeCheer to work together with the Royal Belgian Football Association gives everyone the chance to be part of this exciting match no matter where in the world they are watching, and lets the Red Devils hear their fans that inspire their on-field performance. The RBFA is actively engaging their fans in this COVID-19 world, as play resumes without fans in the stands. They are being proactive and innovative, and their willingness to work with a young startup company like ours is further proof that RBFA and other teams need fan engagement platforms like HearMeCheer to keep their fans in the game.” About HearMeCheer: HearMeCheer is an innovative fan engagement platform developed by the team at ChampTrax. The Toronto-based company has created an app that allows sports fans at home to actively engage with their favorite teams playing in ballparks, arenas, and stadiums around the world. HearMeCheer collects live fan noise, cheers, sounds and reactions into a live audio stream that is used by sports teams, leagues, and broadcasters in live game coverage. Additional information is available at http://www.HearMeCheer.com . Contact Details Jim DeLorenzo +1 215-266-5943 jim@jhdenteprises.com Company Website http://www.jhdenterprises.com

September 08, 2020 12:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Fully Promoted Launches Social Distancing Bracelets for Networking Events

Fully Promoted

Fully Promoted , the world’s largest branded products and marketing services franchise, is helping businesses get back to business with its wide range of promotional products. Most recently, Michelle Bottino, owner and operator of Fully Promoted St. Charles in Illinois, helped her local Chamber of Commerce execute a successful event with the use of color-coded wristbands to identify comfort levels regarding social distancing. Bottino, an active member of the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce, recently collaborated with the Chamber to determine an effective way to drive event attendance while maintaining social distance and allowing attendees to feel comfortable. Together, the two came up with providing attendees with color-coded wristbands. The branded, disposable bracelets were available at the check-in table. Guests were given the option to choose from three bracelets to indicate their preferred level of interaction. Green – Happy to high five and hug! Yellow – I am okay with talking but please no hugging or handshakes. Red – Happy to see you but keeping my distance. “My business focuses primarily on helping others promote their businesses. I couldn’t help but think that I could do more for them right now as they rebuild and get back to networking in person in some fashion,” said Bottino. “The wristband is just one of the many ways we are looking to get businesses back to business at a time when they need us the most. The St. Charles Chamber of Commerce chose to use this affordable yet extremely effective visual aid to help put attendees at ease while attending an event and adhering to local guidelines and regulations. It takes away the need to verbally express, Hey… I’m here, but I‘m not comfortable shaking hands just yet. At Fully Promoted, our goal is to keep our customers safe, but we have to learn to live with COVID and get back to business.” With the success of this event and others like it, Fully Promoted has introduced an entire line of Networking Bracelets for in person gatherings and events including reusable silicone bracelets, rubber wristbands and Tyvek paper wristbands . “The past several months has presented challenges across every single industry,” said Mike Brugger, President of Fully Promoted. “I am proud of Michelle and our entire Fully Promoted network for their dedication to helping their local communities as businesses reopen. Michelle and the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce identified a safe way for businesses to get back to business and successfully host events where everyone can feel comfortable.” Today, businesses need to be equipped with user-friendly and on-demand tools to remain top-of-mind. With approximately 300 locations worldwide, Fully Promoted is uniquely positioned to give customers an online and physical option so they can see and touch the product prior to purchasing. For businesses seeking content and promotional products , you are encouraged to visit the Fully Promoted shopping platform featuring hundreds of quality promotional products. A member of the United Franchise Group, Fully Promoted can access more than half a million promotional products, plus it offers a comprehensive suite of marketing services that include print, digital marketing, and lead generation. For more information about Fully Promoted and to visit the new online shopping site, visit Shop.FullyPromoted.com . About Fully Promoted Fully Promoted has approximately 300 locations across the globe. The brand operates a full-service branded products and marketing service business and is the place to attract customers. From promotional products and embroidery to expert printing services, Fully Promoted can help take businesses to the next level. Fully Promoted also offers an office-based model allowing franchisees to operate their business using a developed network of resources. To find the Fully Promoted nearest you, visit www.FullyPromoted.com , and for franchising opportunities, visit www.FullyPromotedFranchise.com . Contact Details Brittny Fuchs +1 561-812-6032 bfuchs@ufgcorp.com Company Website http://www.fullypromoted.com/

September 03, 2020 10:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Bactro Responds to COVID-19 Precautionary Trends with New Consumer Offerings

Bactro LLC

Bactro LLC has responded to the changing COVID-19 pandemic precautions and developed unique PPE kits available direct to consumers. As the country starts to return to community activities with social distancing interactions, many state and county authorities require masks to participate in daily routines and community activities. Further evidenced by the CDC report on August 3, 2020, that recommends people that have contracted COVID-19 should be isolated for at least 10 days after symptom onset, and also quarantine for an additional 24 hours after their fever subsides. These recommendations have led Bactro to find ways to help people return to their normal daily routines with the protective equipment they need, all in one convenient package. “When the pandemic first hit, we saw consumers struggling to find all of the PPE items they needed. One might find sanitizing wipes, but no masks, or sanitizer. Though now as Americans get back to their lives we have found that consumers are needing supplies that are suited to a one-use purpose, such as traveling, or returning to their place of work,” said Bactro creator Tim Svitak. “It provides people with the protection they need in one convenient kit.” As our economy restarts, with people returning to their place of work, children returning to their classrooms, and stores opening their doors, it is vital that individuals have the protective equipment they need. Buying in bulk serves certain workplace demands, however, PPE in bulk is not typically individually wrapped, which can allow the PPE to be susceptible to germs and bacteria. Also, washing cloth masks daily, especially for parents of school children, is not an easy or convenient task. Bactro is dedicated to providing safer, healthier products through innovations to all. To learn more about Bactro's protective products visit bactro.com. Contact Details Tim Svitak Jr. +1 720-805-3763 timsvitak@bactro.com Company Website https://www.bactro.com

September 03, 2020 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

HearMeCheer Delivers Successful Integration of Real, Live Fan Cheers and Crowd Noise for Top Rank Live from the MGM Grand Conference Center Grand Ballroom in Las Vegas

HearMeCheer

HearMeCheer , the innovative and timely audio broadcast app that collects live fan noise and streams it into stadiums, arenas, ballparks as well as live sports television broadcasts, was successfully implemented by Top Rank boxing for their recent live cards distributed on ESPN platforms. Today, HearMeCheer announced that their agreement has been extended through October. Top Rank utilized HearMeCheer, actively promoted during the live broadcasts, to bring authentic, live fan cheers and crowd noise into the MGM Grand Conference Center Grand Ballroom in Las Vegas during each night’s contests, creating an authentic sound and feel in an otherwise empty arena. “Top Rank challenged us to enable fans and viewers to hear and feel as though the arena was full, but at the same time not deliver audio that detracted from the telecast,” said Elias Andersen, the 20-year-old founder and Chief Executive Officer of Toronto-based ChampTrax , and the creative mind behind HearMeCheer. “They wanted the fans to participate live in the event. We launched the HearMeCheer app through viewer cellphones, as suggested by the announcers on location in on-air promotions during the broadcast,” Andersen continued. “The result was live audience reactions and sounds captured through HearMeCheer and ‘piped’ into the production at the MGM Grand Conference.” According to Brad Jacobs, COO of Top Rank , “ HearMeCheer delivered authentic, live fan reaction and crowd noise during our events, bringing the fans closer to the matches, almost as if they were in the arena with us. HearMeCheer proved to us it can be done, and our telecasts are greatly enhanced by this new way to engage our fans.” About HearMeCheer: HearMeCheer is an innovative fan engagement platform developed by the team at ChampTrax. The Toronto-based company has created an app that allows sports fans at home to actively engage with their favorite teams playing in ballparks, arenas, and stadiums around the world. HearMeCheer collects live fan noise, cheers, sounds and reactions into a live audio stream that is used by sports teams, leagues, and broadcasters in live game coverage. Additional information is available at http://www.HearMeCheer.com . Contact Details Jim DeLorenzo +1 215-266-5943 jim@jhdenteprises.com Company Website http://www.jhdenterprises.com

September 02, 2020 09:50 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

World’s largest Urdu-language festival goes online

Rekhta Foundation UK

Jashn-e-Rekhta 2020 (“Festival of Urdu language”) will present a finely curated artistic programme representing the rich tapestry of Urdu culture & heritage . The sixth edition of the world’s largest Urdu-language festival was to be hosted outside India for the first time, in London this year. However, given COVID-19 measures and in the spirit of the show must go on , organisers have taken it online, but it promises to be a fully immersive and interactive experience for attendees. The two-day cultural event is a virtual re-creation of the annual Jashn-e-Rekhta festival that takes place in Delhi, India. The online event will be easy to join and will showcase exclusive sessions and will open a digital archive of art forms including poetry (mushaira), literature, storytelling (dastangoi), ghazals, sufi music, qawwali as well as dance & drama. It is the brainchild of Sanjiv Saraf, who set up the Rekhta Foundation in 2012 which has curated world’s largest online free repository of Urdu language poetry on Rekhta.org (it is visited by over 300,000 people every month from 175 countries). Sanjiv Saraf, Founder, Rekhta Foundation commented: “It is my ambition to spotlight everything the Urdu-language has given us, from poetry, prose, philosophy, a humane and civilized medium of communication and of course, timeless romance. Unfortunately we cannot, as yet, host a physical event in London, but the UK is an obvious destination for the festival. Urdu is the fourth main language in England and Wales and ranked third in the top 10 most spoken languages in London. Hopefully, we will be back in the UK soon with a live festival.” “As one of the most elegant languages, Urdu can express love in all its manifestations, divine and earthly, using the most beautiful symbolism. No matter who speaks it, magic is always felt. This global festival gives us the opportunity to experience this magic through musical performances, discourses, dance and theatre.” The festival will bring to life 32 sessions across three stages over the weekend. Some highlights, as well as those made especially for the UK, include: Javed Akhtar and Manoj Muntashir, poets and lyricists from two different generations present ‘ Cinema – Kal aur Aaj’ – a conversation around films, lyrics and Urdu poetry. Dr. Azra Raza, the highly acclaimed physicist, scientist and author presents the world of Ghalib in her grand style. The play ‘Miya, Biwi aur Wagah’ - an Indo-Pak story told through letters by the UAE based journalist duo Amna Khaishgi & Ehtesham Shahid, will be screened, marking its first ever screening in the UK region. Zia Mohyeddin will recite Padhant and Anwar Maqsood will share Aina Khane Mein Lafz Yawar Abbas relives the golden years of radio with fellow broadcasters Raza Ali Abidi and Pervaiz Alam . Sania Saeed, renowned Pakistani actor, Tanuja Chandra , Indian film director, and Nasreen Munni Kabir, filmmaker and author, will discuss the contribution of Urdu to the world of cinema and television. Celebrating the 500th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev , another specially curated session of music and poetry will be showcased. Talat Aziz and Shilpa Rao from India and Rafaqat Ali Khan from Pakistan will partake in a session titled ‘Ghazal Gayaki – Aathve Sur ki talaash’ where they’ll talk about the traditions of Ghazal singing, the aesthetics and how can be best connect the millennials with our traditions. Attendees will enjoy two complete days of this virtual experience and it can be accessed from any part of the world in the comfort of their home. They will also have a 15-day on-demand viewing access allowing them to catch-up on sessions. For festival tickets and full programme schedule, visit www,jashnerekhta.org.uk/ Ends About Rekhta Foundation UK A registered UK charity, Rekhta Foundation UK aims at preservation & promotion of languages, literature and culture of South Asia with a particular focus on Urdu. The Foundation is working towards engaging renowned academics and cultural leaders in Urdu from across the globe to spread awareness amongst the diaspora. Contact Details Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@marketfinance.com Company Website https://jashnerekhta.org.uk/

August 28, 2020 04:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Uyghurs for Sale

21Wilberforce

Seventy-five years after the Holocaust concentration and labor camps are still in existence. Today the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is interning more than one million Uyghur Muslims in concentration camps – striping them of their fundamental rights to peacefully practice their faith. Now new information has surfaced showing that not only is the Communist Party oppressing Uyghur Muslims, they are profiting from them – and worse – Americans are at risk of being duped into paying for it . Groups working on international religious freedom issues have now added their voice to a coalition of civil society organizations and trade unions calling for fair labor practices. Spearheaded by 21Wilberforce and other organizations working through the International Religious Freedom Roundtable , religious freedom advocates are asking Congress to quickly pass the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (H.R.6210 / S.3471). This legislation would make it more difficult for products produced by people enslaved by the CCP because of their faith to enter Western markets . “We commend Congressman McGovern (D-MA) and Senator Rubio (R-FL) for their bipartisan efforts to confront this horrific exploitation of people because of their religion,” said Randel Everett, President of 21Wilberforce. “One hundred fifty (150) organizations and experts of different beliefs and ideologies have come together to ask Congress to pass this important legislation.” 21Wilberforce encourages Americans to reach out to their representatives in Congress and ask them to enlist more co-sponsors, give speeches, and make statements in support of stopping the Chinese Communist Party from exploiting and profiting from religious discrimination and slavery. Citizens can make a difference by using and sharing a free online tool that directly connects Americans with their elected representatives. Dr. Everett noted that “Our namesake, William Wilberforce, was a man of faith who stood up to free people who were enslaved based on their race. Today we stand up to free those enslaved for their faith.” 21Wilberforce is a Christian human rights organization dedicated to defending the universal rights of religion, belief, and conscience for all people. Our vision is to empower people to collaboratively support persecuted communities, challenge repression, and expand freedom of religion and belief globally. Contact Details Lou Ann Sabatier +1 703-216-2941 Lsabatier@21Wilberforce.org Company Website https://21Wilberforce.org

August 26, 2020 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

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

Huma

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

August 26, 2020 03:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail Digital Asset Direct

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

PhotoShelter

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

August 20, 2020 08:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
1 ... 242243244245246 ... 252