GSMA Announces Latest Event Updates for 2018 “Mobile World Congress Americas, in Partnership With CTIA”

Executives from AEG, AT&T Mobility & Entertainment, Boingo Wireless, T-Mobile US and Verizon Wireless to Keynote; Additional Exhibitors, Sponsors, Partners and Programs Confirmed

ATLANTA-Saturday 28 July 2018 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The GSMA today announced several additions to the Mobile World Congress Americas event line-up, including new speakers in the conference program, additional participating companies and exhibition experiences, and new programs and events. The show will take place in the Los Angeles Convention Center from September 12 -14, 2018.

“With its new location in Los Angeles, this year’s event – our second in North America – shifts the focus to the intersection of mobile with content, entertainment and media,” said Michael O’Hara, Chief Marketing Officer, GSMA. “This is an exciting and transformative time for the industry, as evidenced by recent merger and acquisition activities to create truly integrated communications providers. Mobile is becoming the preferred way of consuming entertainment content, and the 2018 Mobile World Congress Americas will convene decision makers from across these industries to explore the opportunities and challenges in this new converged world.”

New Keynote Speakers Announced

The GSMA announced several new speakers for the Mobile World Congress Americas keynote program, with executives representing mobile, sports and entertainment organizations, including:


   • Dan Beckerman, President and CEO, AEG
   • David Christopher, President, AT&T Mobility & Entertainment
   • David Hagan, Chairman and CEO, Boingo Wireless
   • Michael Sievert, President and COO, T-Mobile
   • Ronan Dunne, Group President, Verizon Wireless
   • Rick Fox, Entrepreneur, Actor and Former LA Laker

These executives join previously announced keynote speakers:

   • Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman, Bharti Enterprises and Chairman, GSMA
   • Meredith Attwell Baker, President and CEO, CTIA
   • Mats Granryd, Director General, GSMA
   • Richard Plepler, Chairman and CEO, HBO
   • Seleta Reynolds, General Manager, Los Angeles Dept. of Transportation
   • Rajeev Suri, President and CEO, Nokia
   • Tim Baxter, President and CEO, Samsung Electronics North America
   • Marcelo Claure, Executive Chairman, Sprint and Chairman, CTIA

In addition to the keynote program, the Mobile World Congress Americas conference will address an array of topics including 5G and next-generation networks; artificial intelligence (AI); sports, entertainment and media; immersive content; connected vehicles; the digital consumer; the Fourth Industrial Revolution; regulation and policy; privacy and security; sustainable development and smart cities, among others. Recently confirmed conference speakers include:

   • Sameep Tandon, CEO and Co-Founder, Drive.ai
   • Lesley Young, Global Director, Growth at Workplace, Facebook
   • Ronalee Zarate-Bayani, CMO, Los Angeles Rams
   • Soma Velayutham, Head of Global Industry Development, AI and Deep Learning, NVIDIA
   • Kevin Crull, Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer, Sprint
   • Maryanne Morrow, CEO, SurgeXLR and 9th Gear Technologies
   • Angela Shen-Hsieh, Director, Predicting Human Behavior, Telefónica
   • Dr. Rosanna Chan, Founder, Therefore
   • Molly Battin, EVP, Global CCO and CMO, Turner
   • Nicola Palmer, Chief Network Officer, Verizon Wireless

For more information on the conference program, including the agenda and keynote speakers, visit https://www.mwcamericas.com/conference-programs/.

Latin America Media and Convergent Services Summit Confirmed

Inspired by recent consolidation activity in the industry, the Latin America Media and Convergent Services Summit will focus on the future of mobile and content distribution across the region, addressing key issues facing operators and the wider ecosystem, including innovation and investment, business cases and partnership opportunities for convergent services, and regulatory considerations, among others. Featuring keynotes, presentations and panel sessions, the Latin America Media and Convergent Services Summit will take place on Thursday, September 13. The first speakers confirmed for the Summit include:

   • Tomas Genenari, Executive Vice President, Business Bureau
   • Martin Gallone, Global Digital Director, Millicom
   • Rosario Ballesteros-Casas, Founder and CEO, VR Americas
   • Michele Edelman, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Content Strategy, Vubiquity

For more information, visit: www.mwcamericas.com/conference-programs/agenda/latin-american-media-convergent-services-summit.

Additional Exhibitors, Sponsors and Partners Confirmed for 2018

The GSMA announced new participating companies at Mobile World Congress Americas including AT&T, NBC Universal and Spirent. These brands join previously announced companies including Accenture, American Express OPEN, ARM, Cisco, Dell, Ericsson, G+D Mobile Security, Gemalto, Google, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, IBM, Infosys, JMA Wireless, Mastercard, Mavenir, McAfee, Nokia Solutions, Samsung Networks, Sprint, Synchronoss, Syniverse, TELUS, Verizon Wireless and VMware and more at this year’s Mobile World Congress Americas.

On the show floor, country and regional pavilions will feature companies, products and services from around the world, including Canada, China, Finland, France, India, Ireland, South Korea, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Attendees visiting the pavilions will be able to explore and experience the latest cutting-edge technologies and innovations from the regions.

Another major exhibit floor attraction area is the IoT Zone, with interactive demonstrations and connected products from KORE, Microsoft, the Open Network Foundation, Pycom, Sitch Ai, U-blox and many other exhibiting companies. The IoT Zone will showcase the role 5G plays in the IoT, enabling connectivity across diverse, real-world applications for consumers and enterprises, including health and wellness, fleet management, autonomous vehicle experiences and more.

Also on the show floor, the NEXTech Zone will feature new and established companies that are disrupting today’s ecosystem including Asocs, Mimosa Networks, Sunitor, Syncleo and others. NEXTech will demonstrate the use of next-generation technology, such as AI, augmented reality, virtual reality and robotics, in everyday scenarios including in hospitals, homes and schools, to name a few. For more information on the Mobile World Congress Americas exhibition, visit: www.mwcamericas.com/exhibition/.

Cisco has joined as the headline sponsor for the show’s IoT and 5G Industry Theme, while NBCU Code is headline sponsor of the CMO Industry Theme. CBS Interactive, LinkedIn and the Wall Street Journal have signed on as official media partners for Mobile World Congress Americas, alongside Fortune. For more information on sponsors and partners, visit: www.mwcamericas.com/about/sponsors-partners.

New Speakers, Partners for 4YFN Startup Event

Over the three event days, the 4YFN Startup Event will provide an opportunity to connect international startups, investors and large corporations. A highlight of 4YFN is the 4YFN Stage, which will host the startup and innovation program, startup pitching sessions, the exclusive investors networking program, 4YFN Americas 2018 Awards finals, and the 4YFN Talk Series.

The first 4YFN Startup Event speakers include:

   • Yossi Vardi, 4YFN Event Chairman
   • Edith Yeung, Partner, 500 Startups
   • Michelle Klein, Senior Marketing Director, North America and Global, Facebook
   • Jonathan Perelman, Head of Digital Ventures, ICM Partners
   • Dan Shiebler, Machine Learning Modeling Engineer, Twitter Cortex

Rivetz has been confirmed as the 4YFN Silver Sponsor; additional 4YFN partners include Boston Consulting Group Digital Ventures, Expert Dojo, Grid110, Qualcomm Ventures, Tech in Motion and Verify Investor. For more details on 4YFN, visit: www.mwcamericas.com/experiences/4yfn.

Updates for Women4Tech Program in Los Angeles

The Women4Tech program at Mobile World Congress Americas will feature a range of activities, including a speed coaching and networking session on Wednesday, September 12 and the Women4Tech Summit, which will be held on Thursday, September 13. The GSMA announced several additional speakers who will be participating across the Women4Tech program, including:

   • Michelle Morris, Vice President, Global Marketing Solutions, Facebook
   • Hilary Gosher, Managing Director, Insight Venture Partners
   • Anarghya Vardhana, Principal, Maveron

YoMo to Attract 6,000 Students and Educators

In its first year at Mobile World Congress Americas, the Youth Mobile Festival (YoMo) is set to welcome over 6,000 students and educators from across Los Angeles and Southern California to a major showcase featuring more than 500 hours of unique content designed to encourage studies and careers in science, technology, engineering, art and design and math (STEAM) fields. The GSMA today announced the first official YoMo partners for the Los Angeles event, including arc, Los Angeles Convention Center, Propel LA, Star Education and Think Together. The inaugural YoMo Los Angeles will be held September 12-14 in Kentia Hall at the LACC. For more information on YoMo, visit: www.yomola.com.

New Partner Programs Added to Agenda

The GSMA announced a number of new Partner Programs at Mobile World Congress Americas, including the IDE Drone Summit, the Sports and Entertainment Summit, and the SmartDeviceLink (SDL) Connected Car Developer Conference by FordDev. Additional Partner Programs will be presented by A10 Networks, AirFuel Alliance, ATrack Technology Inc. and VisTracks Inc., Award Solutions, CBRS Alliance, Circle, mGage and Vodafone. Spanning the three-day show, Partner Programs will be held both onsite the LACC in the Theater District in Concourse Hall, Level 2, and at the JW Marriott LIVE! LA hotel. To learn more about Partner Programs, including Power Hour sessions, visit: www.mwcamericas.com/conference-programs/partner-programs.

Get Involved at Mobile World Congress Americas 2018

The official Mobile World Congress Americas Opening Party will take place on Wednesday, September 12 at 4:30 p.m. in the Networking Gardens of the LACC. For more details, visit: www.mwcamericas.com/networking.

Attendees can also participate in the MWC Americas Sunrise 5K Run in the heart of the vibrant L.A. Live entertainment district. The run will start at the LACC South Hall Entrance at 6 a.m. on Thursday, September 13. For more information and to register, visit: www.mwcamericas.com/networking/sunrise-5k-run.

More information on Mobile World Congress Americas 2018, including how to attend, exhibit or sponsor, is available at www.mwcamericas.com. Follow developments and updates on Mobile World Congress Americas on Twitter @GSMA using #MWCA18, on our LinkedIn Mobile World Congress Americas page https://www.linkedin.com/company/gsma-mobile-world-congress-americas or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MWCAmericas/. For additional information on GSMA social channels, visit http://www.mwcamericas.com/.

About the GSMA

The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting nearly 800 operators with more than 300 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces industry-leading events such as Mobile World Congress, Mobile World Congress Shanghai, Mobile World Congress Americas and the Mobile 360 Series of conferences.

For more information, please visit the GSMA corporate website at www.gsma.com. Follow the GSMA on Twitter: @GSMA.

About CTIA

CTIA® (www.ctia.org) represents the U.S. wireless communications industry and the companies throughout the mobile ecosystem that enable Americans to lead a 21st century connected life. The association’s members include wireless carriers, device manufacturers, suppliers as well as apps and content companies. CTIA vigorously advocates at all levels of government for policies that foster continued wireless innovation and investment. The association also coordinates the industry’s voluntary best practices, hosts educational events that promote the wireless industry and co-produces the industry’s leading wireless tradeshow. CTIA was founded in 1984 and is based in Washington, D.C.

Contacts

Media Contacts
For the GSMA
Amelise Lane
alane@webershandwick.com
212.546.7830
or
Ivette López
ilopez@gsma.com
678.429.5066
or
GSMA Press Office
pressoffice@gsma.com


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Gemalto Helps Companies Gain Valuable Data Insights, Reduce Cost and Time with Automatic Software Updates

AMSTERDAM-Tuesday 24 July 2018 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Gemalto today announced the launch of Sentinel Up, an enterprise-grade software update solution for software vendors and device manufacturers. Designed to help businesses improve customer satisfaction and drive business growth, Sentinel Up allows vendors to deliver fast and timely software updates, creates in-app notifications and generates install base insights which are vital components of a digital business.

“Business demands are constantly changing and having a software licensing solution that adapts to an organisation in real-time is critical to staying ahead of the competition,” said Shlomo Weiss, Senior Vice President, Software Monetization at Gemalto. “Agility and speed are crucial to business success, so being able to update products easily, automatically, and with minimum user disruption allows vendors to keep their customers up-to-date with their latest offerings.”

Delivering fast and simple updates via a “One Click” application, Gemalto Sentinel Up ensures users get the latest software updates, whilst at the same time helping to increase business growth through automated renewals and upgrades that increase customer satisfaction and retention.

With Gemalto Sentinel Up, software vendors and device manufacturers will benefit from:

    Automating existing manual software update processes to help streamline time-consuming manual updates, eliminate human error, reduce support costs and remove the need for coding integration during implementation.
    Collecting install base insights to help businesses understand how their products are being used, which customers require software updates and provide more information about their customers to aid future product developments.
    Reducing customer churn by providing fast updates and in-app notifications to inform customers of the latest changes, increasing customer satisfaction. This should lead to increased customer loyalty and business growth.

Weiss continued: “Connectivity and consumerization are now firmly entrenched in the B2B world and users want the same experience here as they do in their smartphone’s app store. But our customers were struggling to keep up with these demands by implementing manual software updates, which is not sustainable in today’s fast-paced market. Companies need to create and adapt solutions that enhance, not disrupt, business operations and with Gemalto Sentinel Up, businesses now have a convenient, secure and manageable solution that helps them meet users’ needs.”

One such company is a German start-up, QuantoLux who provides instruments for performing elemental quantitative analysis on a wide range of materials. “As a young, software-driven company we need to constantly improve and deliver our growing customer base with a seamless user experience while ensuring they are always up to date with our latest products,” said Andreas Kunz, Managing Director at QuantoLux. “We chose Gemalto’s Sentinel Up to enable an automated, direct in-app, and smooth distribution of our many software updates. We look forward to working with Gemalto and are excited to begin the implementation phase.”

Additional Resources

    Download the Product Brief
    Request a free trial
    Learn more about our Sentinel Licensing & Protection solutions
    Watch this YouTube video

About Gemalto

Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO) is the global leader in digital security, with 2017 annual revenues of €3 billion and customers in over 180 countries. We bring trust to an increasingly connected world.

From secure software to biometrics and encryption, our technologies and services enable businesses and governments to authenticate identities and protect data so they stay safe and enable services in personal devices, connected objects, the cloud and in between.

Gemalto’s solutions are at the heart of modern life, from payment to enterprise security and the internet of things. We authenticate people, transactions and objects, encrypt data and create value for software – enabling our clients to deliver secure digital services for billions of individuals and things.

Our 15,000 employees operate out of 114 offices, 40 personalization and data centers, and 35 research and software development centers located in 47 countries.

For more information visit www.gemalto.com, or follow @gemalto on Twitter.

Contacts

Gemalto media:
Tauri Cox, +1 512 257 3916
North America
tauri.cox@gemalto.com
or
Sophie Dombres
Europe Middle East & Africa
+33 4 42 36 57 38
sophie.dombres@gemalto.com
or
Jaslin Huang, +65 6317 3005
Asia Pacific
jaslin.huang@gemalto.com
or
Enriqueta Sedano, +52 5521221422
Latin America
enriqueta.sedano@gemalto.com

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STATS Taps Dr. Helen Sun, Former CTO of JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking Division, to Lead STATS’ Technology Operations

Sun was recently recognized in Crain’s 2018 Tech 50 and awarded Chicago Business Journal’s 2015 “50 Women of Influence”

CHICAGO-Tuesday 24 July 2018 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, STATS, the worldwide leader in sports data and intelligence, expanded its executive roster with the introduction of Dr. Helen Sun as Chief Technology Officer. Sun will oversee STATS’ product, engineering, artificial intelligence and data production teams in developing the next generation of products and services that will revolutionize the performance and experience of sports.

Sun joins STATS from JPMorgan Chase, most recently serving as Chief Technology Officer of the Commercial Banking division. For over 22 years, Sun has a proven record as a technology strategist and thought leader in previous roles as Vice President of Cloud Computing, Information Management, and Architecture at Motorola Solutions; Senior Director of Global Enterprise Architecture at Salesforce; and Director of Enterprise Architecture at Oracle.

“Helen is a leader in transforming businesses through innovative solutions and she will be a driving force in building upon our reputation as the leading sports technology company in the world,” said Carl Mergele, Chief Executive Officer at STATS. “The depth of Helen’s knowledge and experience make her a perfect fit as we deliver new products that are backed by best-in-class artificial intelligence and machine learning. We are thrilled to have a technology expert of Helen’s caliber come on board.”

Sun earned a Ph.D. in Education Technology and Information Systems from The University of Toledo prior to her extensive leadership experience across multiple financial and software organizations. She has been recognized by the Chicago Business Journal as “Business Woman of the Year” and as a featured speaker at the University of Chicago’s “Women in Analytics” symposium. On July 16, Sun was recognized in Crain's Tech 50 of 2018.

“I am thrilled to be joining an impressive team that is committed to providing cutting-edge solutions powered by artificial intelligence that is leading the standard for technology and software platforms,” said Sun. “STATS’ commitment to technology and innovation, particularly when it comes to advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, make it an exciting opportunity. I look forward to creating new benchmarks for the future of sports and technology.”

About STATS

STATS is the global leader in sports intelligence, operating at the intersection of sports and technology. The world’s most innovative brands, technology companies, leagues and dozens of world championship teams trust STATS to find their winning edge. STATS combines the industry’s fastest and most accurate data platform with video analysis, sports content and research, player tracking, and the latest in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to provide unparalleled media and team performance solutions. The pioneer of live sports data, STATS continues to speed innovation in the industry with STATS Edge™, the first-ever team performance solution powered by AI. For more information, go to www.stats.com and follow STATS on Twitter @STATS_Insights.

Contacts
STATS
Reed Findlay, +1 847-583-2642
mediarelations@stats.com

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FlipNpik Raises $2 Million to Date in ICO Private Sale, Consolidates Partnerships for Expansion into Asia

LONDON & SINGAPORE -Tuesday 24 July 2018 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- FlipNpik's unconventional democratic ICO private sale has already raised USD 2 Million, 4 days after opening it to the public. Notably, funds raised have come from a combination of cryptocurrency and fiat payments - a clear indication that the project is appealing to both the crypto and non-crypto communities.

“We are very happy to help the larger community who may be new to cryptocurrencies break down the 'crypto barrier' by having one of the first fiat-based payment gateways to facilitate the purchase of tokens,” says Henri Harland, CEO of FlipNpik Worldwide.

In the past month, the blockchain-based social media platform has also signed two significant partnerships in Asia, iFashion and Vexanium, as it continues its expansion into the competitive Asian markets.

The partnership with Indonesian blockchain-based Vexanium will give FlipNpik access to their 3500-plus merchants and private database of 1 million-over users. With the Singapore-based iFashion Group, FlipNpik will have access to 10,000 new merchants and a database of over 40,000 subscribers from the MGX stores (iFashion subsidiary). FNP tokens will be accepted as payment on its e-commerce platform. These two partnerships will undoubtedly extend FlipNpik's reach into the Asian markets. FlipNpik is also finalizing several other agreements which will increase FlipNpik's penetration into the Asian and worldwide markets.

The FlipNpik private sale offering special 'whale' bonuses (reaching up to 100% token bonus) has been made public for only 15 days and will continue till August 3rd. Starting with a low minimum buy-in of USD100, anyone can benefit from the 'whale' bonus. For more information on FlipNpik and to participate in its sale, please visit https://flipnpik.io

About FlipNpik

FlipNpik is the first blockchain-based collaborative social media to allow users to monetize their social media posts by supporting their favourite local shops. Users are rewarded for posting and promoting businesses, and this translates to enhanced marketing and visibility for businesses. The FlipNPik mobile app is available on iOS and Android, and FlipNpik has listed businesses in Switzerland, Great Britain, Ireland, Singapore, Canada and France. https://flipnpik.io



View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180724005372/en/

Contacts

FlipNpik
Henri Harland, CEO
h.harland@flipnpik-ww.com
Skype: Henrij.h22
or
yourPRstrategist
Cecilia Wong, +65-91826605
cecilia@yourprstrategist.com

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Virgin Voyages Prescribes ‘Vitamin Sea’ Experiences for All Sailors

Sir Richard Branson unveils nine new irresistible spaces and an ocean-inspired, well-being ethos that will deliver unique onboard experiences
      
Print

GENOA, Italy-Tuesday 24 July 2018 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Voyages President and CEO Tom McAlpin revealed renderings and animations of nine new public spaces of the company’s first ship, as well as innovative programming details about its approach to well-being for sailors, which the brand refers to as ‘Vitamin Sea.’

As part of the “Epic Sea Change for All” brand purpose, Virgin Voyages has committed to delivering transformational and rejuvenating experiences for its sailors. Its ‘Vitamin Sea’ ideology is inspired by the oceans and their importance in the health and well-being for our planet and our daily lives. The approach also places healthy travel at the forefront of the delivery of its ‘Adult by Design’ experience for the 18+ sailor.

“We are all so busy with life, work and family that vacations are critical for us to be able to rebuild our energy, so that we can live our best lives,” said McAlpin. “With well-being at the heart of everything we do at Virgin Voyages, sailors will come back feeling rejuvenated, not like they need a holiday from their holiday.”

The company also announced that they will eliminate the use of sailor facing single-use plastics as part of its aim to create one of the cleanest fleets at sea. This initiative includes banning plastic items on board including straws, bottled beverages, shopping bags, food packaging and more. Instead, the company will emphasize the use of recyclable and reusable materials across the ship. Sailors will have access to complimentary filtered still and sparkling water at all bars and restaurants, as well as specially designed Natura filtered water stations throughout the ship.

A dose of ‘Vitamin Sea’ is naturally intertwined across the entire ship, with well-being activated through a mix of high-energy moments coupled with relaxation and rejuvenation. A wide variety of group fitness classes on board are all provided complimentary within the voyage fare, allowing sailors many opportunities to revel in their favorite fitness activities or even try something new.

The ship has been designed with ample outdoor and outward looking spaces meant for sailors to enjoy any or all activities. The Crow’s Nest with its 360-degree view is a secluded sundeck for sunrise and sunset yoga. Adjacent to this area of Zen is the signature Virgin red running track called The Runway that forms a halo-like vision over the ship and where sailors will sweat, strut or skate.

Designed by Concrete Amsterdam, the rock and roll designers from Virgin’s creative collective, The Crow’s Nest and The Runway link to The Athletic Club. Offering moments of detox and ‘retox,’ the space features an outdoor training zone, including a boxing ring, strength and gymnastics equipment like you’d find in the New York sports clubs of the 1920s, oversized gaming for outdoor adult play, cabanas for relaxation, and a sports bar for socializing post-workout.

The B-Complex features the ultimate well-being and fitness experience with strength, spin, yoga and cardio in its Build, Burn, Bike and Balance rooms, all with dramatic ocean views. For on-demand fitness, the Burn and Build gyms will each be equipped with Technogym ARTIS, a line of sustainably crafted cutting-edge fitness technology.

After working up a sweat or finding their moment of reflection, sailors will restore themselves in the serenity zone by hopping in the Well-being Pool and boosting their performance with fresh cold-pressed juices, served at the Gym and Tonic bar. MyBeast, an artistic adult playground and fitness apparatus designed by Equilibria, will add a Venice Beach-like atmosphere to the Well-being Pool.

On deck 5, well-being will take center stage at Redemption, the ship’s spa. Inspired by an underwater cave, Redemption will serve as a mermaid and merman hideaway complete with hydrotherapy pool, mud room, salt room, cold plunge pools, quartz beds, and rejuvenating spa treatments. By night, sailors can complete their well-being journey by attending one of the voyage’s evening spa parties where a killer DJ will transform the spa’s thermal suite into a mermaid hideaway extravaganza.

Vitamin Sea is also about being pampered and well-groomed. The Scarlet Lady will offer an array of personal treatments in different spaces across the ship to transform sailors. This includes a standalone blow dry bar called the Dry Dock salon, the Stubble & Groom barbershop with a male pedicure spa overlooking a porthole ocean view and to polish it off the gorgeous mani-pedi spa.

Future sailors and travel partners are invited to check out Virgin Voyages by visiting www.virginvoyages.com or following @virginvoyages on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

ABOUT VIRGIN VOYAGES

Virgin Voyages is a global travel brand committed to creating the world’s most irresistible holiday. With operations in the US, UK and Europe, Virgin Voyages currently has three ships on order with master shipbuilder Fincantieri. Virgin Voyages’ first ship, Scarlet Lady, will arrive at PortMiami in 2020 for her inaugural sailing season, where she will sail to the Caribbean hosting more than 2,700 sailors and 1,150 amazing crew from around the world. Keep watch on virginvoyages.com for more updates.

PHOTOGRAPHY NOTE TO EDITORS: SHIP RENDERINGS, EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO ASSETS ARE HOUSED IN SUBFOLDERS HERE. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180723005627/en/

Contacts

Virgin Voyages
Christina Baez
media@virginvoyages.com



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Fans Win With Visa at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™

 Visa data shows that contactless payments dominated in-stadium spending as foreign tourists outspent Russian fans

 Tournament ratings increased, bringing Visa brand to billions of viewers worldwide



SAN FRANCISCO-Friday 27 July 2018 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Visa (NYSE: V), the Official Payment Services Partner of FIFA, today announced its final results for the FIFA World Cup™, showcasing the positive impact of the tournament throughout the 64 matches played across Russia from June 14 to July 15, 2018.

Overall, contactless payment technology – including payments made using contactless cards, mobile devices or wearables - took centre circle, increasing in the host cities during the duration of the tournament. During the FIFA World Cup™, contactless payments accounted for 45 percent of all Visa purchases in the 11 host cities. Fans from Poland made the most of the contactless purchasing options in-stadium, making 74 percent of Visa transactions using contactless technology.

“Being the exclusive payment services partner at the FIFA World Cup™ has a demonstrable impact on Visa’s business and brand,” said Lynne Biggar, chief marketing and communications officer, Visa Inc. “At the tournament, we debuted innovative payment technologies that made the fan experience better and drove our global priorities. Meanwhile, among the billions of fans who watched on screens around the world, we were able to drive Visa brand preference through a diverse, high-impact multi-channel media campaign.”

Foreign Tourists Outspend Russian Fans

Visa data illustrates the economic boost that the FIFA World Cup™ provides for its host country. Throughout the tournament, international travellers outspent Russian locals at the matches: specifically, international Visa cardholders spent 15% more in total in-stadium than Russian cardholders. The increase of international traveler spend positively impacted tourism-related categories, with the biggest three merchant categories being lodging, airlines and restaurants.

In the end, attendees of the final match were the biggest spenders of all: the France vs. Croatia match on July 15 had the highest payment volume of the 64 matches.

Visa Extends its Brand through Coordinated Partner Campaigns

The FIFA World Cup™ presents an unmatched opportunity to deepen partnerships, highlight Visa’s payment innovation and connect clients and consumers to the evolving portfolio of Visa offerings. In Russia, Visa curated unforgettable experiences for more than 250 clients and 3,000 consumers who traveled from over a hundred different countries. In 103 markets around the world, Visa partnered with more than 500 issuers and 40 merchants in 24 languages on a variety of FIFA-related activities, whether to run custom marketing programs, host in-market viewing parties or utilize Visa’s exclusive marketing campaign assets to drive mutual business priorities.

Visa Reaches Fans at Home

According to FIFA data, the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ saw record-breaking global viewership, with an estimated three billion fans tuning in for some of the tournament this summer. FIFA data also shows that 22 percent of viewers watched the tournament digitally, through mobile or desktop, or through out-of-home viewing. In fact, the tournament is on track to be the most-viewed sporting event ever on digital platforms, setting streaming records in major markets including China, France, United Kingdom and United States.

Visa built brand equity among this global, multi-channel audience by having the Visa logo on field boards for more than seven hours on broadcast during the 64 matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™. The company’s digital-first marketing approach was designed to reach fans no matter where they watched, through a multi-channel global campaign featuring international football superstar, Zlatan Ibrahimović, who helped fans defeat fear of missing out (FOMO) this summer. Visa’s FIFA World Cup™ campaign, “Visa's Ultimate FIFA World Cup™ FOMO” documented Zlatan’s journey to the tournament and his return to the FIFA World Cup™ stage, highlighting the ease of contactless payment technology throughout his adventure.

“Visa brought me to Russia to defeat FIFA World Cup™ FOMO and to check out the cool payment technology,” said Zlatan Ibrahimović, star athlete and FIFA World Cup™ legend. “Together, Visa and Zlatan made sure fans were the real winners of the FIFA World Cup™.”

Cashless from Kick-off to the Final Match

For the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, Visa was the exclusive payment service in all stadiums where payment cards were accepted. In-stadium, fans could pay with contactless Visa credit and debit cards and mobile payment services at the more than 3,500 point-of-sale terminals and 1,000 mobile concessionaires that were equipped with the latest in payment innovation. Visa also provided fans in Russia innovations for fast, easy and cash-free payment experiences, including the ability to purchase 6,500 payment rings, 30,000 payment bands and commemorative contactless Visa prepaid cards. Four years ago, many of these payment innovations did not exist and Visa looks forward to seeing how payments evolve by 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™.

About Visa

Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) is the world’s leader in digital payments. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, reliable and secure payment network - enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. Our advanced global processing network, VisaNet, provides secure and reliable payments around the world, and is capable of handling more than 65,000 transaction messages a second. The company’s relentless focus on innovation is a catalyst for the rapid growth of connected commerce on any device, and a driving force behind the dream of a cashless future for everyone, everywhere. As the world moves from analog to digital, Visa is applying our brand, products, people, network and scale to reshape the future of commerce. For more information, visit About Visa, visacorporate.tumblr.com and @VisaNews.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180726005064/en/

Contacts

Visa Inc.
Sheerin Salimi
shesalim@visa.com

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Banyan Biomarkers Announces Publication of ALERT-TBI Clinical Study Results in The Lancet Neurology

Study evaluated the utility of Banyan BTI™, a diagnostic blood test, to rule out the need for a CT scan in patients with a suspected mild TBI, or concussion, presenting to the emergency department within 12 hours of head injury.

SAN DIEGO-Thursday 26 July 2018 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Banyan Biomarkers, Inc., a pioneer in developing biomarkers for traumatic brain injury (TBI), today announced the publication of the results for the ALERT-TBI study, an international, multicenter clinical trial utilizing the Banyan Brain Trauma Indicator® (Banyan BTI™). The Banyan BTI is a diagnostic blood test used to rule out the need for a head CT scan in patients 18 years of age and older with a suspected TBI. The results, published in The Lancet Neurology, support the clinical role of the biomarker test for ruling out the need for a head CT scan among emergency department TBI patients who would normally receive a head CT scan.

The ALERT-TBI study enrolled patients at 22 independent clinical sites in the United States and Europe and compared the Banyan BTI test's results to head CT scans of patients presenting to emergency departments with suspected head injury. Analysis of 1,959 patients presenting with an initial Glasgow Coma Scale of 9-15 from the study showed that the Banyan BTI achieved high sensitivity (97.6%) and high negative predictive value (NPV) (99.6%) for ruling out the need for a head CT scan in these patients.

Banyan BTI identifies two brain-specific protein biomarkers Ubiquitin Carboxy-terminal Hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1) and Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) that are detected in the blood soon after a brain injury. In February, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted marketing authorization to Banyan Biomarkers for the commercialization of Banyan BTI to aid in the evaluation of patients with a suspected mild TBI or concussion. There is another biomarker, S100B, that has limited adoption in Europe but is not approved for use in the United States.

“This blood test meets an important public health need to reduce the number of unnecessary CT scans particularly among those with mild TBI—also called concussion—who make up over 85% of all TBIs. In emergency medicine, CT scans are often used in evaluating these patients, even though fewer than 10 percent of scans reveal an abnormality,” said Jeff Bazarian, MD, MPH, principal investigator of the study, one of the lead authors on the publication, and professor of Emergency Medicine and Neurology at The University of Rochester School of Medicine. “This extensive clinical study shows that these two blood-based brain biomarkers can predict the absence of intracranial injury and reduce unnecessary head CT scanning, thereby reducing radiation exposure and healthcare costs while improving patient care and emergency department efficiency.”

“This large, prospective, multicenter trial validated the ability of the Banyan BTI to rule out the need for head CT scan in patients with a suspected TBI within 12 hours after injury. The FDA reviewed and authorized for marketing the test in fewer than six months as part of its Breakthrough Devices Program,” said Henry L. Nordhoff, Chairman and CEO of Banyan Biomarkers. “We are working closely with our commercial partners to make the test available in hospitals and emergency departments.”

The company is also engaged in additional TBI studies to evaluate the biomarkers in sports concussions, in adolescents, and for monitoring recovery from brain injury.

The clinical study was supported by the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command under Contract No. W81XWH-10-C-0251. Any views, opinions, conclusions, and/or findings contained in this press release are those of Banyan Biomarkers, Inc. and should not be construed as an official Department of the Army position, policy, or decision, unless so designated by other documentation.

About Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Falls, automobile accidents, sports-related injuries, assaults, and, in the military, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and combat wounds are common causes of TBI. The U.S. Center for Disease Control estimates there are more than 2.5 million emergency room visits in the United States because of head injuries and TBI is an economic burden of more than $76 billion annually on the healthcare system.1 Traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of disability and the number one cause of death for young adults.2

1 CDC https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/severe.html
2 CDC www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/get_the_facts.html

About Banyan Biomarkers

Banyan Biomarkers, Inc. has developed the first blood test, Banyan BTI™, that can be used by physicians to objectively aid in the evaluation of patients with suspected traumatic brain injury (TBI), also known as concussions. Banyan BTI consists of two test kits (Banyan UCH-L1® Kit and Banyan GFAP® Kit) that measure two specific protein biomarkers that rapidly appear in the blood after a brain injury. To learn more about the Company and Banyan BTI, visit www.banyanbio.com.

Banyan Biomarkers, Banyan, Brain Trauma Indicator, BTI, Banyan UCH-L1, Banyan GFAP, and the brain and tree logos are the trademarks and copyrights of Banyan Biomarkers, Inc.

Contacts
Tony Grover
Vice President of Business Development
Banyan Biomarkers, Inc.
tgrover@banyanbio.com
+1 (760) 710-0423
or
Jessica Yingling, Ph.D.
President
Little Dog Communications Inc.
jessica@litldog.com
+1 (858) 344-8091



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