American Marketing Association's International Collegiate Conference Comes to Chicago
Thu, Mar 05, 2026 10:04 EST
Contact: Amy Gwiazdowski, agwiazdowski@ama.org American Marketing Association's International Collegiate Conference Comes to Chicago Collegiate marketers to build expanded professional connections and compete in annual marketing competitions Chicago, IL- The 2026 AMA International Collegiate Conference (ICC) is coming to Chicago, Illinois in March 2026. The theme for this year's conference: Level Up . ICC is a three-day transformative experience designed to empower and equip students with the skills and insights necessary to navigate and excel in the evolving world of marketing. The conference celebrates students through dynamic competitions, innovative insights, networking, career guidance and recognition. This is a chance for collegiate marketing leaders to connect and contribute to the energy of the largest marketing pep rally in the world. Dates March 12-14, 2026 Location Sheraton Chicago Grand Riverwalk 301 E North Water St. Chicago, IL 60611 Speakers- The full agenda is now available. The keynote speakers include: Jade Walters | The Ninth Semester Sean Greenwood | Ben & Jerry's Competitions- More information about AMA's Collegiate Competitions is available here . Register- Register for the event at AMA.org . For media questions, please contact Amy Gwiazdowski , VP of Communications. ###
SiMa.ai and STIGA S.p.A. Announce Strategic Partnership in Physical AI
Thu, Mar 05, 2026 08:18 EST
Collaboration unlocks new, real-time, efficient and class-leading AI solutions for robotic lawn mowers STIGA S.p.A., the leading European manufacturer and distributor of garden machinery and equipment, and SiMa Technologies Inc., the Physical AI company, today announced a strategic partnership to bring AI-powered solutions to robotic lawnmowers. STIGA will lead the industry with real-time decision-making on an ultra-low latency and power draw platform from SiMa, providing a scalable solution architecture for all robotic lawnmower products - domestic and commercial. STIGA has established itself as a leader in lawn and garden technology, known for combining engineering excellence with practical, user-friendly design. From classic lawn mowers to state-of-the-art autonomous robotic solutions, STIGA continues to push the boundaries of innovation, delivering products that set the standards for precision, performance, and reliability in the industry. Emerging technologies like Physical AI are transforming the capabilities of autonomous devices. By embedding intelligence directly into machines, Physical AI enables devices to perceive, decide, and act independently in real-world environments. For STIGA's robotic lawn mowers, this represents the potential for even smarter, more adaptive, and highly efficient operation. SiMa.ai is a leader in this field, providing low-power machine-learning system-on-chip (MLSoC) platforms and software that enable intelligent edge devices to run advanced AI workloads efficiently, without the need for high power consumption - a key requirement in a consumer device. " This partnership represents a major step forward in delivering real-world AI to edge devices, " said Krishna Rangasayee, Founder and CEO of SiMa.ai. " By joining forces with STIGA, we're removing the traditional complexity of edge AI and empowering STIGA with solutions that perform effortlessly-without compromise. " STIGA's leadership in autonomous garden solutions, combined with the advancements of Physical AI and the sophisticated hardware and software platforms from SiMa.ai, is shaping the next generation of smart outdoor equipment. These technologies demonstrate how autonomous devices can operate with greater precision, responsiveness, and efficiency, setting a new standard for intelligent machinery. " At STIGA, innovation is at the heart of everything we do, " commented Sean Robinson, CEO of STIGA S.p.A. " Partnering with SiMa.ai allows us to push the boundaries of what autonomous machinery can achieve. By integrating Physical AI into our robotic lawn mowers, we're delivering a new benchmark of intelligence and performance. How the robot senses, decides, and operates lies firmly within STIGA's capabilities and expertise. The way these operations are delivered with low power consumption is where SiMa.ai technology truly excels - allowing the robots to achieve much more with the battery power available. This results in lighter, more efficient, and cost-effective intelligence. It's a great example of what two experts in their fields can achieve through engineering-driven collaboration. And the real winner is the robot owner, who gets significantly more use from their machine". IMAGE: Left - Krishna Rangasayee, Founder, CEO, SiMa.ai and Right - Sean Robinson, CEO, STIGA S.p.A. About SiMa.ai SiMa.ai is a pioneer in edge AI computing, developing innovative platforms that enable intelligent applications at the edge. The company's Modalix platform delivers exceptional AI performance with industry-leading energy efficiency, making advanced AI capabilities accessible across diverse industries and applications such as robotics, smart vision, autonomous systems, and beyond. Founded by seasoned technology veterans, SiMa.ai is headquartered in San Jose, California. For more information, visit www.sima.ai .
eXp Realty Launches in Luxembourg To Reshape Real Estate Agency Sector
Thu, Mar 05, 2026 07:58 EST
eXp Realty has officially launched in Luxembourg, appointing industry veteran Karim Layouni to lead its expansion in one of Europe's most internationally connected property markets, with plans to build a high-quality, cross-border agent network focused on long-term professional growth. The launch follows strong global momentum for eXp Realty throughout 2025 that saw the firm launch across seven new global territories including the Netherlands, Türkiye, Peru, Japan, Ecuador, South Korea, and Romania. The latest launch marks the next phase of the company's international expansion in 2026, with the goal to operate across 50 countries by 2030, delivering the most agent-centric real estate model in the world. The launch of eXp Luxembourg is being led by Karim Layouni. With more than 12 years' experience in the Luxembourg sector and extensive senior management experience in Belgium, Layouni has built a reputation for developing high-performing agent networks and supporting sustainable business growth. Layouni's appointment signals eXp's intention to establish a quality-led, professional platform tailored to the realities of a cross-border market. Layouni began his career within the RE/MAX Luxembourg network, where he operated as a Broker and Manager across 14 offices and approximately 140 agents. During this period, the business ranked number one nationally for transactions and commissions between 2016 and 2018 and consistently remained among the top-performing networks in subsequent years. He later joined RE/MAX Belgium as Business Development Manager before progressing to Chief Operating Officer, working closely with brokers and agents nationwide on recruitment, onboarding, training, compliance, and long-term retention. His experience spans both frontline brokerage and senior operational leadership, giving him a detailed understanding of the challenges faced by modern agents. Now leading eXp's launch in Luxembourg, Layouni believes the market is ready for a new approach. "Traditional, standardised brokerage models are reaching their limits," he said. "The market has changed, client expectations have changed, and agents need platforms that support long-term professional growth rather than restricting it. "Luxembourg sits at the strategic centre of Europe, with agents operating across borders and languages every day. My ambition with eXp is to build a network that reflects that reality, one focused on quality, discipline, and professionalism, supported by world-class technology and global collaboration." Luxembourg's real estate sector is shaped by its international workforce, investor demand, and close links to neighbouring countries, with many agents already managing cross-border transactions and multinational client bases. eXp's cloud-based model is designed to support this environment, combining local autonomy with access to a global referral network, digital tools, and structured business support. Layouni added: "Our goal is not simply to grow quickly, but to grow well. We want to attract agents who are serious about their profession and give them the tools, systems, and international reach to build resilient, scalable businesses. "By combining strong local leadership with the strength of eXp's global ecosystem, we believe we can redefine how agency businesses operate in Luxembourg." The launch forms part of eXp Realty's wider international expansion strategy for 2026, with a focus on mature, professional markets where flexibility, technology, and cross-border capability are increasingly essential. Agents interested in learning more about eXp Realty in Luxembourg can visit https://www.expluxembourg.com/ .
A dynasty of injustice: 123 years is too long for gender equality to become real - Sightsavers
Thu, Mar 05, 2026 06:48 EST
Sightsavers warns that women with disabilities face a double penalty and calls for urgent investment to break the cycle The latest World Economic Forum data shows it will take at least 123 years 1 for women to reach full parity with men across health, education, economic participation, and political empowerment. A century ago, women could not vote, the lightbulb was new, and Paris's Eiffel Tower had just been built. Although the world has transformed since then, at the current pace, women and girls will wait just as long for basic equity. The international development organisation Sightsavers says this is not a gap, but a dynasty of injustice set to span five to six generations of women unless urgent action is taken. Even this 123-year projection may underestimate the true scale of inequality, particularly for women with disabilities. Global gender metrics largely measure average gaps and rarely capture the compounded exclusion faced by women with disabilities, leaving millions statistically invisible. While the gender gap spans multiple indicators, one of the most powerful drivers 2 of long-term change is economic empowerment. Without much-needed investment to expand women's access to decent work, skills, and financial independence, progress across other indicators will remain slow. Today, one in every ten women lives in poverty 3 . Unless disparities are addressed, 351 million women 4 , around 8% of the global female population, will still be living in extreme poverty by 2030, the deadline set to end it. Women with disabilities face even steeper barriers to employment, entrepreneurship and asset ownership, driven by discrimination, inaccessible workplaces and limited access to skills training and finance. With economic participation parity projected to take over a decade longer than 123 years, Sightsavers is calling for targeted, disability-inclusive investment to accelerate progress. "We do not have to accept a 123-year wait or longer for equality," said Sarah Wang'ombe, Technical Advisor on Economic Empowerment at Sightsavers. "Disability-inclusive investments in women's health and livelihoods can compress over a century of waiting into transformative change right away. Our programmes worldwide show that when women, especially women with disabilities, gain economic power, families and communities grow stronger, and economies expand. Investing in women, especially those with disabilities, is an undervalued investment opportunity which even the World Bank acknowledges could add up to US$21 trillion to the global GDP 5 ." In Malawi, Ruth Peter, a widowed mother of three with visual impairment, once doubted her worth due to stigma. Through Sightsavers' economic empowerment programme, she learned how to make soap and also improved productivity of her millet farm, building sustainable income streams. "I stopped looking down on myself," she says. "Even without a husband, I can live an independent life. That makes me happy. My children have what they need and we can share with our community." In Uganda, Knighty Akwero's story reflects a similar transformation. Stigma, because of her disability, led to a loss of confidence. An encounter with a Sightsavers programme changed her life. She learned tailoring skills and now runs her own shop where she trains tailoring apprentices and makes enough income to support her family. "Growing up I never imagined such a future," she says. "But, when I gained [this] knowledge, I saw a change in my life." END Notes to Editor: For further information, to set up interviews, and other inquiries, please contact Julius Omokhunu, senior media officer (inclusion), Sightsavers on jomokhunu@sightsavers.org / +44 (0) 7352 489941 (WhatsApp) References World Economic Forum, 2025. Global Gender Gap Report 2025 UN Women. Facts and figures: Economic empowerment UN Women, 2025. Gender equality in 2025: Gains, gaps, and the USD 342 trillion choice UN Women, 2025. Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: the gender snapshot 2025 Pennings, S., 2022. A Gender Employment Gap Index (GEGI): A Simple Measure of the Economic Gains from Closing Gender Employment Gaps . World Bank Group, 2022
New Findings Provide Objective Look at Broad Sensory Impairments Among Long COVID Sufferers
Thu, Mar 05, 2026 02:00 EST
First-of-its-kind Ohio State study identifies the drivers behind COVID-19 sensory issues Key takeaways The Ohio State University College of Medicine conducted the first objective study measuring multisensory losses in long COVID patients. The research found that the severity and breadth of sensory dysfunctions are influenced by patient age, initial COVID-19 severity and cognitive functions. Future studies are planned to further investigate the systematic impact of long COVID and understand why sensory and cognitive symptoms vary so widely, with the goal of improving patient care. New research from The Ohio State University College of Medicine is the first to objectively measure multisensory losses in COVID-19 patients. "Our goal is to understand why some long COVID patients experience different profiles of sensory losses while others do not," said Kai Zhao, PhD , professor in the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery . "We believe this knowledge will help us improve the care for long COVID patients." The study, published in the journal BMC Medicine , follows long COVID patients with self-reported complaints in at least one area: smell, taste, balance/dizziness, hearing and brain fog. Researchers put them through standardized objective assessments for smell, taste, hearing, vestibular, balance/dizziness and brain fog/cognitive. Sixty patients ages 27 - 78 who had COVID between January 1, 2020 - December 21, 2023, and had persistent symptoms for four to 50 months participated in the study. Most of these patients had mild COVID-19 cases. Only eight patients were hospitalized, with two needing breathing tubes. Patients with smell, taste, hearing, balance issues, neurologic conditions and severe health problems unrelated to COVID-19, history of severe head trauma or traumatic brain injury, and pregnancy were excluded. Patients in the study self-reported high and overlapping issues: 67.3% smell, 63.6% taste, 56.6% balance and dizziness, 31.8% hearing and 51.3% brain fog/cognitive issues. The objective assessments confirmed: 65.5% smell, 16% taste, 31.6% balance and dizziness, 53.4% hearing and 19.1% brain fog/cognitive issues. "Our research found strong associations between confirmed balance/dizziness and hearing impairments, likely due to the shared inner ear structure of the auditory and vestibular systems, as well as among brain fog, balance and hearing impairments, implicating likely involvement of the central nervous system," Zhao said. "Strong associations were also found between patients with smell and taste issues, in particular those tasks require more cognitive involvement, e.g. recognizing a flavor or odor." The study found that COVID-19 impacts the sensory systems broadly and differently. This is driven by patient age, initial disease severity as well as cognitive functions. In the eight patients who were hospitalized during their COVID-19 infection, all had confirmed smell dysfunction, seven had confirmed balance dysfunction, six had hearing loss and four had cognitive dysfunction. "This sheds light on the impact of initial disease severity on broad sensory dysfunctions," Zhao said. It's unclear how multisensory dysfunctions manifest among long COVID patients or how long-term versus short-term phases differ. According to the World Health Organization, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in 775 million cases and more than 7 million deaths worldwide. Most COVID-19 patients have symptoms similar to the common cold or flu. Others report neurological symptoms including sensory loss after the initial infection. Future research will longitudinally follow these long COVID patients - both objectively and subjectively - to further help to answer how these symptoms may improve differentially over time, and to provide better prognosis predictions. Ohio State authors include: Ahmad Odeh, Veronica L. Formanek, Christina Smith, Nidhi Jha, Junichi Tajino, PhD, Jessica H. Lewis, Lauren Gastineau, Shivani Patel, Songzhu Zhao, Lai Wei, Daniel M. Merfeld, PhD and Christopher T. Simons, PhD. ###
Ascendus Launches The Get Ready Research Brief With Urban Institute And MetLife Foundation
Wed, Mar 04, 2026 14:14 EST
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Ascendus Launches "The Get Ready Research Brief" - Research by Urban Institute , Supported by MetLife Foundation - A New Model for Building Credit Access and Financial Health Ascendus , a nonprofit financial institution focused on expanding economic opportunity, has released The Get Ready Research Brief , an in-depth look at how coaching-centered, small-dollar lending can unlock access to capital and build stronger financial futures for underserved entrepreneurs. The research was conducted by the Urban Institute and made possible with the support of MetLife Foundation. The brief presents early insights from the Get Ready Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to help historically excluded small business owners prepare for and transition into larger, market-rate credit products. Through a $500 starter line of credit paired with individualized coaching, participants navigate a structured pathway toward a $5,000 graduation loan. "Get Ready isn't just a product-it's a gateway," said Paul Quintero , CEO of Ascendus. " It's about meeting people where they are, investing in their growth, and shifting the way our industry thinks about readiness and risk." Key findings from the research include: The Get Ready Program reached predominantly low- to moderate-income and first-time borrowers with limited or no credit access. Nearly 4 in 10 participants successfully graduated to a larger line of credit within six months. Coaching was a critical factor in borrower engagement, repayment consistency, and product navigation. The research brief is the first installment in a two-part series conducted by the Urban Institute . While Part One focuses on program design and early implementation outcomes, Part Two-forthcoming early next year-will provide a deeper analysis of how the program affects participants' credit profiles and long-term financial mobility. "The Get Ready Loan demonstrates that even very small lines of credit, when paired with coaching, can set entrepreneurs on a path to larger loans. This model shows promise for replication across the CDFI field." - Brett Theodos, Senior Fellow at The Urban Institute "Credit is often treated as a barrier," said Victoria Richardson , Chief Development Officer at Ascendus. "This report repositions it as a building block, and asks: What if readiness isn't something people lack, but something they can grow into-with the right tools, structure, and trust?"
Tasmanian Tiger® Modular Grab Pack 30 Delivers Mission-Ready Organization in a Compact Short-Range Platform
Wed, Mar 04, 2026 13:12 EST
30-liter escape and survival pack combines a fully modular interior, detachable harness system, and durable CORDURA® construction. Tasmanian Tiger®, a tactical nylon line of products distributed exclusively for the US market by Proforce Equipment, Inc., announces the release of the TT Modular Grab Pack 30 , a short-range escape and survival backpack engineered to provide rapid access, adaptable organization, and rugged durability in a 30-liter platform. Designed for operational professionals and prepared civilians alike, the TT Modular Grab Pack 30 features a two-chamber layout with two large, fully opening compartments. All-around zippers allow both compartments to open completely, providing unobstructed access to gear when time is critical.
Harbor Retirement Associates and Protea Capital Partners Provide Construction Update on HarborChase of Beachwalk
Wed, Mar 04, 2026 12:06 EST
Harbor Retirement Associates (HRA) , in partnership with Protea Capital Partners, is pleased to announce continued construction progress at HarborChase of Beachwalk, a new luxury senior living community underway in the Beachwalk master-planned development in St. Johns, Florida. Following the groundbreaking celebration in November, construction is actively advancing, and the community remains on schedule for a Fall 2027 opening. Pre-leasing for HarborChase of Beachwalk will officially begin in November 2026. While November 2026 may seem well ahead, demand for high-quality senior living in St. Johns and the greater Northeast Florida market continues to grow. Beginning the pre-leasing process early will provide prospective residents and their families the opportunity to thoughtfully explore floorplans, amenities, and lifestyle offerings before the community opens its doors. HarborChase of Beachwalk will feature 172 residences, including 82 independent living, 66 assisted living, and 24 memory care apartments. The community will offer studio, one- and two-bedroom floorplans designed to deliver both comfort and elegance. Onsite amenities will include HarborChase signature restaurants such as Fusion Lounge, Counter-Offer café, The Grill Room, Signatures, Zest, and Chef's Studio-bringing the brand's farm-to-table mission and hospitality-driven experience to St. Johns. Additional amenities will include a salon and spa, arts and crafts studio, movie theater, billiards room, fitness center, golf simulator, tea room, and thoughtfully designed outdoor living spaces. "We are excited to continue bringing the HarborChase senior living experience to Beachwalk and St. Johns," said Charlie Jennings, Chief Development Officer for HRA. "Exceptional hospitality is the hallmark of HRA and differentiates our communities. As construction progresses, we look forward to welcoming future residents and families as we begin pre-leasing later this year." HarborChase of Beachwalk will become the 11th senior living community in Florida operated by Harbor Retirement Associates and the 20th nationwide. For more information, visit www.HRAseniorliving.com and www.HarborChase.com.
Keeper Security Launches Native Jira Integrations to Unify Security Incident Response and Privileged Access Governance
Wed, Mar 04, 2026 10:51 EST
New Jira integrations connect security alerts, access requests and approvals into a single, governed workflow while keeping enforcement centralised in Keeper Keeper Security , the leading zero-trust and zero-knowledge Privileged Access Management (PAM) platform, today announces two new native Atlassian Jira integrations. The integrations with the widely-used issue and Project Tracking software embed security incident response and privileged access governance directly into existing Jira workflows while keeping access enforcement centralised in Keeper. Jira plays a central role in how organisations manage security incidents, operational requests and change workflows. Security alerts are tracked and triaged in Jira, with remediation tasks assigned and approvals documented as part of the workflow. Yet in many environments, incident response and access enforcement remain disconnected, relying on manual handoffs, email approvals or ad hoc processes that introduce risk and delay. Keeper's Jira integrations close this gap by unifying security detection, response and access governance into a single operational flow while keeping enforcement, encryption and audit controls centralised within the Keeper platform. The integrations consist of two Forge-based applications serving distinct but complementary roles. The Jira ITSM integration handles security events and incidents, while the Jira Workflow integration governs how access is requested and granted in response to those events or broader operational needs. Together, they connect detection, response and access enforcement in Jira, with Keeper remaining the system of record for security controls. The Jira Workflow integration leverages Keeper's Commander Service Mode , ensuring cryptographic operations remain within the customer's environment and preserving Keeper's zero-knowledge security model. "Security teams don't just investigate incidents in Jira; they also coordinate the access changes required to resolve them," said Craig Lurey, CTO and Co-founder of Keeper Security. "This industry-first integration extends privileged access approvals and workflow into the tools that security and IT teams use every day, ensuring that strict encryption controls are still in place." With Keeper's Jira ITSM integration, security alerts generated by Keeper can be automatically created as Jira issues, ensuring incidents are captured, prioritised and tracked without manual ticket creation. Each issue includes full event context and structured alert data, enabling teams to assess impact and begin remediation immediately. From there, access-related actions required to resolve an incident or operational request can be initiated directly from Jira using the Jira Workflow integration. Teams can request access to Keeper Vault resources, shared folders, service accounts or protected systems as part of the same workflow used to manage the incident or task. The integration also supports Endpoint Privilege Manager approvals, allowing administrators to review and act on privilege elevation requests directly within Jira. Access requests support configurable expiration windows, enabling time-bound access with no standing privileges. All access enforcement, cryptographic controls and session auditing remain within Keeper, ensuring Jira functions as a workflow interface rather than a security boundary. This unified approach allows organisations to: Eliminate insecure side channels such as email approvals or screenshots Unify incident response and access remediation in a single system of record Enforce least-privilege access consistently across cloud, hybrid and on-prem environments Maintain complete audit trails across alerts, approvals and access events The Jira integrations support both team-managed and company-managed Jira projects and are built on the Atlassian Forge platform for Jira Cloud environments. Flexible field mapping allows organisations to align Keeper alert data and access workflows with existing Jira configurations, issue types and priorities. By embedding access governance into Jira workflows without decentralising enforcement, Keeper enables organisations to modernise security operations while preserving the zero-trust and zero-knowledge architecture required for compliance, audit and risk management. "These integrations reflect Keeper's broader platform strategy," added Lurey. "Security workflows should adapt to how teams work, but enforcement should never be fragmented. Jira is where decisions happen. Keeper is where access is controlled." Keeper offers a rich set of integrations that help companies unify and strengthen their security and identity workflows while reducing manual overhead. Keeper connects with identity providers and Single Sign-On (SSO) systems and supports automated user provisioning via System for Cross-domain Identity Management (SCIM) tools, making onboarding and offboarding smoother and more secure. Keeper also integrates with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools to feed real-time credential and access activity into broader security monitoring and compliance dashboards, among other integrations. For business customers, these integrations streamline authentication, improve threat detection and compliance, enhance visibility into access activity and boost operational efficiency by tying Keeper into existing enterprise tools and workflows. Keeper's new Jira integrations are available now. For more information, visit KeeperSecurity.com . ### About Keeper Security Keeper Security is one of the fastest-growing cybersecurity software companies that protects thousands of organisations and millions of people in over 150 countries. Keeper is a pioneer of zero-knowledge and zero-trust security built for any IT environment. Its core offering, KeeperPAM®, is an AI-enabled, cloud-native platform that protects all users, devices and infrastructure from cyber attacks. Recognised for its innovation in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Privileged Access Management (PAM), Keeper secures passwords and passkeys, infrastructure secrets, remote connections and endpoints with role-based enforcement policies, least privilege and just-in-time access. Learn why Keeper is trusted by leading organisations to defend against modern adversaries at KeeperSecurity.com . Learn more: KeeperSecurity.com Follow Keeper: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn X YouTube TikTok
The Oasis Group Releases AI Readiness Index™, First Maturity Benchmark for Wealth Management Industry
Wed, Mar 04, 2026 07:54 EST
Exclusive tool for fiduciary wealth management firms measures both governance control and technology sophistication across 70 diagnostic questions The Oasis Group, an award-winning consultancy and leading voice on artificial intelligence in the wealth management industry, recently released the Oasis AI Readiness Index™ , the industry's first maturity benchmark built exclusively for fiduciary wealth management firms, trust firms, and family offices. The AI Readiness Index utilizes a two-axis maturity model that measures both governance control and technology sophistication across 70 diagnostic questions. "Most wealth firms are flying blind on AI - The Oasis Group just built the instrument panel," said John O'Connell , founder and CEO of The Oasis Group. "While the wealth management industry races to adopt artificial intelligence, a troubling gap is widening: firms are deploying AI tools faster than they can govern them. Advisors are using AI their compliance teams don't know about. Client data is flowing through systems with no audit trail. And most boards have zero visibility into AI-related risk." THE PROBLEM: AI ADOPTION WITHOUT A SCORECARD Most wealth firms don't lack AI ambition - they lack a way to measure whether their adoption is safe, compliant, and sustainable. Generic enterprise AI frameworks ignore the unique regulatory and fiduciary requirements that RIAs, broker-dealers, trust companies, and family offices face every day. The result? A dangerous blind spot. Firms with advanced AI tools but weak governance are one incident away from a compliance crisis. Firms with strong policies but no technical capability are falling behind competitors who move faster. Neither type knows where it stands - because until now, there was no way to measure both dimensions. THE SOLUTION: A TWO-AXIS MATURITY MODEL The Oasis AI Readiness Index solves this by measuring two things simultaneously: 1. Governance & Operational Maturity - Does the firm have the policies, data controls, compliance alignment, process governance, and workforce readiness to manage AI responsibly? Assessed across five weighted pillars and 35 diagnostic questions, each rated on a five-level scale from Initial to Optimized. 2. Technology Capability Tiering - How sophisticated is the firm's AI deployment? The model tracks a five-stage progression across seven categories and 35 questions: Foundational - off-the-shelf assistants used individually Augmented Tools - AI connected to firm data and context Operationalized Agents - purpose-built AI automating specific tasks Orchestrated Systems - multiple AI agents coordinating across workflows Digital Workers - persistent, governed AI entities executing business roles The combined formula - (Governance × 0.70) + (Technology × 0.30) - produces a single score (0-100) and readiness tier: Emerging, Developing, Maturing, Advanced, or Leader. "The question isn't whether your firm is using AI," said O'Connell. "It's whether you're ready to use it in a way your regulators, your clients, and your board can trust. That's what this Index measures." The Oasis AI Readiness Index includes: 70-question diagnostic instrument: 35 governance + 35 technology questions, each with five detailed maturity-level descriptions and real-world wealth-management examples. Interactive scoring workbook : Auto-weighted scoring with dynamic readiness quadrant visualization plotting Governance (Y-axis) vs. Technology (X-axis). Methodology brief: Transparent documentation of scoring, weighting, and validation - designed to be cited, not just referenced. WHY GOVERNANCE GETS 70% OF THE WEIGHT In a fiduciary context, the ability to explain, audit, and control AI is more important than the AI technology used by itself. A firm running basic AI tools under strong governance is in a far better position than one running autonomous agents with no oversight. The 70/30 weighting is a deliberate design choice that reflects the regulatory reality wealth firms operate in, and a direct challenge to the 'move fast and break things' mentality that can get firms into trouble. "We've seen firms deploying AI tools or allowing team members to use AI tools with no acceptable use policy, no incident response plan, and no board visibility," added O'Connell. "That's not innovation - that's unmanaged risk with a compliance deadline attached." CONTEXT FOR THE WEALTH MANAGEMENT INDUSTRY John O'Connell and The Oasis Group are recognized as a leading voice for AI use and governance in the wealth management industry: "The Oasis Group has tracked the AI-in-wealth-management landscape more closely than any other consultancy," said O'Connell. "Our AI WealthTech Map identifies 100+ AI-first firms serving the wealth management industry and is updated regularly." In addition, John O'Connell has delivered AI-focused keynotes and workshops at Schwab IMPACT, Financial Planning Advise AI, T3 Technology Conference, Wealth Management EDGE, and Orion Ascent, and other leading industry events, and has published extensively on AI governance, AI risk in fiduciary firms, and the evolution from AI tools to digital workers. The AI Readiness Index is the natural next step: moving from mapping what's available to measuring what's ready. The Oasis AI Readiness Index methodology and scoring instrument are available now to download for free . Firms interested in receiving a personalized readiness assessment and world class AI consulting can contact The Oasis Group at www.TheOasisGrp.com . ABOUT THE OASIS GROUP The Oasis Group is an award-winning consultancy and research firm serving wealth management firms nationwide. Founded by John O'Connell in 2019, the firm helps RIAs, broker-dealers, family offices, and trust organizations transform their technology, processes, and operations. With extensive leadership experience in both emerging businesses and mature, established organizations, founder John O'Connell and his team are passionate about helping financial services and technology firms solve their most complex technology and sales challenges, while staying focused on their clients, understanding the market and competition. The Oasis Group is recognized by Wealth Management, WealthBriefing, ThinkAdvisor, InvestmentNews, and T3 Technology Tools for Today as a top firm in the space. To learn more about The Oasis Group, visit www.TheOasisGrp.com. ABOUT JOHN O'CONNELL John O'Connell has more than 30 years of leadership experience in financial technology and wealth management, including North American leadership at Oracle, fintech CEO and president roles, and participation in IPO and M&A transactions. He is the creator of the AI WealthTech Map (100+ firms), the developer of the Oasis AI Readiness Index , and is recognized as a leading independent voice on AI adoption in wealth management. O'Connell is regularly featured in Barron's, Wealth Management, Financial Planning, ThinkAdvisor, InvestmentNews, Family Wealth Report, and other leading publications, and has been recognized for his thought leadership in many industry-leading awards programs. Media Contact: Jonny Swift Impact Communications, Inc. 913-649-5009 JonnySwift@ImpactCommunications.org
18th Annual Tucson Tattoo Expo returns to Casino Del Sol Resort March 6-8, 2026
Tue, Mar 03, 2026 13:25 EST
Three-day event features live tattooing, tattoo contests, Art Fusion, art gallery, and Tattooed Pin-Up Contest The 18th Annual Tucson Tattoo Expo returns to Casino Del Sol Resort March 6-8, 2026 , bringing together tattoo artists and fans for three days of live tattooing, on-stage competitions, Art Fusion, an art gallery, and the Tattooed Pin-Up Contest. Held at one of Southern Arizona's premier resort destinations, the Tucson Tattoo Expo offers guests the chance to get tattooed on-site, watch artists create work live, and experience a full weekend that celebrates tattoo culture and craft. The event features multiple contest categories across the weekend and includes nightly "Best Tattoo of the Day" awards, culminating with a "Best of Show" recognition on Sunday. The Tucson Tattoo Expo is designed as an immersive experience for both dedicated tattoo enthusiasts and first-time attendees, with opportunities to meet artists, explore styles and techniques, and enjoy the creative energy of a high-visibility event setting. Programming includes Art Fusion live collaboration sessions and an art gallery showcasing tattoo-inspired artwork, alongside the popular Tattooed Pin-Up Contest, which blends vintage style with modern ink artistry. Admission is $15 for a day pass or $20 for a weekend pass , and children under 18 are free with an adult . The event takes place at Casino Del Sol Resort, 5655 W. Valencia Rd., Tucson, AZ 85757 . For general information, call (520) 329-3101 . Media coverage is welcomed, with strong visual opportunities throughout the weekend, including live tattooing in progress, contest moments and winner reveals, Art Fusion collaborations, and the Tattooed Pin-Up Contest. Interviews may be arranged with event organizers and participating artists.
March Learning Opportunities and Events at the American Marketing Association
Tue, Mar 03, 2026 11:53 EST
Contact: Amy Gwiazdowski, agwiazdowski@ama.org March Learning Opportunities and Events at the American Marketing Association March learning: community building, human creativity and AI, and trust and privacy in digital marketing Chicago, IL -This March, the American Marketing Association (AMA) has several new learning opportunities for marketers. AMA's professional development offerings are designed to meet marketers where they are, whether it's looking to deepen expertise or explore the latest trends shaping the future of marketing, the goal is to enable marketers to expand their knowledge base in accessible ways. For additional information and registration details on virtual trainings, bootcamps, and conferences, visit AMA.org . If you have questions about any of AMA's learning opportunities, please reach out for more information. Virtual Trainings, Bootcamps & Webinars Community Building Beyond Content Marketing March 3, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CST Virtual Training For marketing teams grappling with declining engagement rates, explore how platforms like Reddit and other community forums can become powerful tools for cultivating authentic brand advocates who champion your products in spaces you cannot directly reach. Learn to apply community engagement throughout the customer journey, from initial awareness to conversion and advocacy. Beyond Tours: How AI Turns Campus Websites Into Enrollment Engines March 3, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CST Sponsored Webinar Learn how forward-thinking institutions are using AI-powered conversion intelligence to transform campus websites from digital brochures into enrollment engines-capturing high-intent behavior, surfacing qualified prospects automatically, and proving marketing's direct impact on yield. This webinar is for enrollment marketers who are tired of being measured on traffic instead of results. Intent to Impact: Practical Ways to Apply AI in Modern ABM March 4, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CST Sponsored Webinar Your ABM campaigns are generating activity, but are they generating revenue? Join us for an actionable session on how to change the way you fuse AI into your ABM strategy.. We'll show you how to identify high-value accounts showing buying signals, create hyper-targeted campaigns that resonate, and prove the ROI of your ABM investments to sales and leadership. Balancing Human Creativity with AI Efficiency March 5, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CST Virtual Training AI platforms can save time, spark ideas, and surface insights-but it can't replicate human creativity, intuition, or empathy. In this interactive AMA session, Heather Whaling, CEO of Geben Communication, will help marketers uncover their personal zone of genius-the work only they can do-and identify where AI can amplify, automate, or accelerate their impact. You'll explore frameworks for using AI intentionally, preserving authenticity in your marketing, and spending more time in the parts of your work that energize and differentiate you. Fix what AI can't find. Is your institution showing up when AI search recommends programs? March 10, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CST Sponsored Webinar In this session, you'll learn how AI systems evaluate and surface university content, and why clarity, structure, and intent determine whether your programs appear in AI-generated answers. We'll share a practical framework to score your content readiness, prioritize fixes by impact, and align your content strategy so you can stay competitive as AI reshapes digital discovery. Trust and Privacy in Data Marketing March 17, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM CST Virtual Conference This free virtual conference brings together marketing leaders, researchers, and practitioners to explore how organizations can responsibly collect, manage, and activate data in an evolving privacy landscape. Through expert-led sessions and real-world case studies, attendees will examine consumer trust, regulatory considerations, and ethical data practices. This virtual event offers actionable insights to help marketers balance personalization with transparency while building long-term, trust-driven relationships. Digital Marketing Copywriting March 18 - April 29, 2026 Virtual Training This small-group online training will help you build your writing skills by exploring the latest techniques and best practices in copywriting for the web - specifically social media, blogs and email. You'll learn how to drive action by using powerful, emotive copy and how to explain complicated or technical details of your products in accessible ways. You'll leave ready to write the perfect headline and produce content people actually want to read. Brand Management Essentials (Spring Cohort) March 19 - April 30, 2026 Virtual Training This small-group, online training will teach you exactly what brand management is and how the best brand managers think about their businesses, prioritize projects and grow their careers. You'll learn core frameworks and project prioritization methods, how to best collaborate with cross-functional partners, key areas to develop a career in brand management, and how brands analyze and judge the financial performance/ROI of key initiatives. Social Media Bootcamp (March 2026) March 24-25, 2026 Bootcamp Imagine building a community that advocates for your brand, converts consistently, and gives you an edge your competitors can't copy. That's the power of strategic social media-and it's exactly what you'll unlock in the AMA Social Media Bootcamp. Exit the training with a custom content roadmap, proven engagement tactics, and the exact framework to turn your social channels into revenue-generating machines. How to Turn Events into a Content Engine March 24, 2026 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CST Sponsored Webinar Enterprise B2B marketers are under pressure to drive pipeline, increase content output, and prove ROI. The highest-performing teams aren't running events as one-off campaigns. They're designing them as strategic content engines that power demand generation, sales enablement, brand, and thought leadership for months. In this session, we'll explore how both virtual programs and in-person tentpole events can be intentionally architected to fuel full-funnel growth. AMA Executive in Residence Program March 24, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CST Virtual Session Join Marc Pritchard, the Chief Brand Officer of Procter & Gamble, and AMA's CEO, Bennie F. Johnson, for a conversation to explore marketing strategies, practices, and learning that will shape the future of the profession. Join us for a thoughtful dialogue that will advance marketing education by allowing academics to engage with executives who are shaping the profession; nurture marketing theory and research by giving scholars access to first hand accounts of the challenges facing leading executives; and support industry thought leadership and community interplay by bringing together industry leaders and academics to build the future of the profession. Built for the Ecosystem: Turning Email into Strategic Campus Communication March 25, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CST Sponsored Webinar This webinar explores how email can evolve from a standalone broadcast tool into a strategic communication layer that connects the entire campus ecosystem. We'll discuss why integrations matter in higher education, what systems should work together-and why-and how to evaluate integration capabilities when selecting an email platform. Attendees will gain practical guidance on avoiding point-solution sprawl, maintaining governance and data integrity across departments, and transforming email into a coordinated, insight-driven channel that supports enrollment, advancement, and student engagement without sacrificing control. The AI Reckoning for Marketers (Members Only) March 26, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CST AMA Members Only Webinar AI is reshaping how marketing work gets done, how customers discover brands, and how value is created across the profession. This session helps AMA members explore what these shifts make possible for their organizations, their teams, and their careers. Aligned with insights from AMA's 2026 Future Trends in Marketing Report, this discussion focuses on where AI creates new leverage for marketers, not just new challenges. Elevate Your Video Content: From Concept to Creation March 31 - May 12, 2026 Virtual Training Join our 6-week online video master session to learn skills and strategies you need to thrive in a digital landscape dominated by video content. With hands-on and detailed instruction covering the entire video production lifecycle, you will create your own video strategy and content, as well as get guidance from your instructor, ensuring you're battle-ready for the new era of social media. Adobe on AI: Top Agentic Innovations for Discovery, Creativity, and Personalization March 31, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CST Sponsored Webinar Agentic AI is unlocking a new era of enterprise innovation. As search and brand discovery evolve, customer expectations are shifting toward personalized, conversational experiences-and creativity becomes even more critical to building meaningful, connected journeys across channels. Explore the latest agentic innovations across experiences, creativity, and productivity that are redefining what's possible for modern enterprises. LinkedIn Learning Generative AI for Marketing Professional Certificate by the AMA Online | 4 Hours | Beginner AMA's Generative AI for Marketing Professionals Certificate course is available on the LinkedIn Learning platform. Generative AI is revolutionizing marketing and content creation. This new learning path equips marketers with the essential skills they need to harness AI tools responsibly, from prompt engineering fundamentals to creating authentic content and developing strategic AI implementation plans. Learners will acquire practical applications that will help boost productivity and drive innovation in their work. Upcoming Conference 2026 AMA International Collegiate Conference March 12-14, 2026 Chicago, IL Level Up at the 2026 AMA International Collegiate Conference (ICC)-your ultimate quest to gain experience, unlock new skills and power up your marketing career in today's fast-paced, ever-evolving world of marketing and beyond. Immerse yourself in three days of transformative experiences designed to empower and equip you with the skills and insights necessary to navigate and excel. Get ready to be part of thrilling competitions, engaging chapter activities, insightful career prep programming and invaluable networking opportunities. No matter what level you're starting from, ICC is an opportunity where every challenge is a chance to grow, and every connection helps you advance. Register for the International Collegiate Conference. Why learn with the AMA? The AMA is the premier community for marketing professionals offering training, research, and industry guidance. Continue your journey with Digital Marketing courses and professional credentials . The AMA is dedicated to helping marketers advance their careers through expert-led courses that deliver the latest trends, insights, and actionable skills. Our courses offer the flexibility and depth marketers need to thrive in an ever-evolving industry. Explore more AMA learning opportunities . ###
PCK Travel™ Launches Member-Based Travel Platform Offering Exclusive Savings and Curated Experiences
Tue, Mar 03, 2026 11:12 EST
Las Vegas, NV 03/03 2026 - PCK Travel™, an emerging lifestyle travel brand, has announced its official launch. PCK Travel will offer an innovative membership-based platform designed to provide exclusive savings , premium perks , and curated travel content to modern travelers. Built with the spirit of exploration in mind, PCK Travel invites members to " Light Up Your Destination " with access to member-only hotel rates, branded travel kits, and inspirational destination content all through a beautifully designed, user-friendly platform. "As a Las Vegas based and Vegas-Inspired brand, PCK Travel was born from a passion for travel and a desire to bring excitement back to the planning process starting with a Feather and a Dream." said Jason Kuntzelman , Founder of PCK Travel. "We're not just offering travel deals. We're helping create that experience from the moment you book to the moment you return." What Members Receive: Access to exclusive, unpublished hotel rates and global travel deals. Access to airfare, cruises, car rental, shows, theme parks, and activities. Discounts on retail, dining, and more. Branded travel gear and lifestyle essentials. Personalized destination content and curated trip inspiration. A mobile-friendly, design-forward booking experience . Access to additional tiered benefits through select subscription models may become available in the future. PCK Travel's members gain access to a powerful, secure travel engine backed by a network of negotiated rates and private inventory usually reserved for large corporations or loyalty programs. "We're thrilled to partner with PCK Travel to help them deliver exceptional value to their members from day one," said Kelly Passey, President of Access Development. "Whether travelers are planning a spontaneous weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, our platform makes it easy to access wholesale travel pricing that can be 30-50% below typical rates-without compromising on quality or service. This is exactly the kind of innovative partnership that demonstrates how travel savings can become a core membership benefit." As the demand for flexible, value-driven travel options continues to grow, PCK Travel positions itself at the forefront of the subscription travel trend, offering a modern alternative to traditional booking engines. With many travelers postponing vacations due to rising costs and uncertainty in the market, PCK Travel offers a timely solution combining aspirational travel with real value. The brand helps members save on the experiences they've been dreaming of, while offering tools, perks, and content to make planning easier and more enjoyable. "The travel industry is evolving rapidly, and membership-based models are transforming how people access and experience travel," said Passey. "Organizations across industries - from airports to financial institutions to lifestyle brands like PCK Travel - are investing into and delivering meaningful travel benefits that strengthens customer engagement and loyalty and we are proud to be a part of the PCK exceptional offering." Creative campaigns and social rollouts are planned in the coming weeks, showcasing vibrant destinations including Las Vegas, Hawaii, New York City, and other popular global leisure destinations; each reflecting the brand's neon, Vegas-inspired identity and inclusive message, with a nod to the city that helped inspire PCK Travel's bold, energetic aesthetic. About PCK Travel™ PCK Travel is a travel lifestyle brand based in Las Vegas, Nevada, dedicated to delivering curated travel experiences, exclusive member benefits, and premium travel gear. Through its agreements with travel suppliers, PCK Travel™ brings together technology, savings, and style to inspire the modern explorer. To learn more, visit www.pcktravel.com .
One-Third of Working People Are Now Covered by State Paid Leave
Tue, Mar 03, 2026 10:44 EST
New report shows states lead the way to greater access to paid family and medical leave Link to report: https://nationalpartnership.org/report/state-paid-leave-programs-cover-nearly-one-third-of-workers/ WASHINGTON, D.C. - A new report from the National Partnership for Women & Families reveals that one in three private-sector workers in the U.S. now has access to paid family and medical leave through a state program. The report credits states for the rising number of people with access to the benefit. As of today, 14 states, including D.C., have enacted paid leave laws, which means workers in those states can get paid time off for caregiving needs, including their own serious illness or to care for a family member. Overall, the findings show that 93 percent of workers in these states are eligible to take paid leave when they have a qualifying health or caregiving need. Virginia could soon pass its own law before the end of the state's legislative session this month. According to the report, if Virginia and five other states with the most momentum behind their campaigns all passed paid leave programs, 44 percent of workers nationwide would have access to paid family and medical leave. "Being able to take time off to provide care - whether for a new child, a loved one or oneself - is not simply a workplace benefit - it is a basic necessity that everyone will need at some point, and everyone should have access to paid leave without unjust barriers," said Jocelyn Frye, president of the National Partnership for Women & Families . "To see a growing portion of the workforce with more access to paid leave means that fewer workers will have to worry about choosing between their responsibilities at work or at home, marking a major milestone that is long overdue. Yet we still have much work to do to make sure that every worker in the United States can take paid family and medical leave when they need it." "States have shifted the paradigm now that more than 46 million workers across the U.S. are covered by paid family and medical leave programs, pointing the way forward for the rest of the country. Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, and Latino workers are especially benefitting because they are more likely to live in states with paid leave programs," said Jessica Mason, senior policy analyst at the National Partnership for Women & Families . "However, the job isn't done yet, and the lack of progress on paid leave in the 37 other states has disproportionately left out certain groups of workers who are more likely to live in states without paid leave programs, including American Indian/Alaska Native workers and Black workers." For decades, the National Partnership has advocated for a strong paid family and medical leave program that is comprehensive, covering family needs such as maternity or paternity leave - as well as medical needs like appointments for serious conditions or treatments. As the U.S remains last among its peers on this issue, NPWF and its partners continue to push for a comprehensive, national paid leave law covering all states - and all workers and their families. # # # Click here to view this on our website. The National Partnership for Women & Families is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy group dedicated to promoting fairness in the workplace, reproductive health and rights, access to quality, affordable health care, and policies that help all people meet the dual demands of work and family. More information is available at NationalPartnership.org .
SAD Season Solutions: This Natural Nutrition Powerhouse Can Support Mood During the Darkest Months
Tue, Mar 03, 2026 09:58 EST
With winter solstice behind us, daylight hours are increasing little by little - but for many, it is not yet enough to make any difference in how they feel. It is still winter; energy dips, motivation wanes and sleep can become unsettled. While this is often brushed off as part of the season, it may also be the body's way of signalling a need for deeper nutritional support. Irish Sea Moss offers a food-first approach to fight the winter slump. Harvested from the cold Atlantic waters off Ireland's west coast, this traditional sea vegetable contains a naturally occurring blend of vitamins, minerals and prebiotic fibres that support the systems most affected during the darker months. Laboratory testing of Irish Sea Moss shows it delivers substantial levels of iodine, magnesium, potassium and B vitamins - all nutrients that play a vital role in nervous system regulation and energy metabolism. B vitamins are particularly important during periods of stress, supporting cognitive function and helping the body convert food into usable energy. Magnesium and potassium contribute to muscle relaxation and sleep quality, both of which can suffer during winter when routines are disrupted. Irish Sea Moss also contains soluble fibres that act as prebiotics, feeding beneficial gut bacteria. Growing research continues to underline the link between gut health and mood, often referred to as the gut-brain axis. When digestion is supported, many people report improved resilience, steadier energy and fewer fluctuations in mood. Harry Morgan, founder of The Moss Way, believes winter is a time to pay closer attention rather than push through fatigue. "When people feel flat or foggy in winter, it's often treated as something to ignore or power through," he says. "But those signals are useful. Sea moss provides the minerals and fibres the body needs to regulate energy and mood more naturally, without forcing the system." Unlike stimulants or quick-fix solutions, sea moss works gradually. It does not override the body's natural rhythms but supports them, making it particularly appealing to those who prefer to listen to physical cues rather than rely on trackers or artificial boosts. Whether taken as a gel, capsule or tea, it fits easily into daily routines without adding complexity. For more information, visit www.themossway.co.uk .
Libretto Launches AI-Automated Client Onboarding and AI Assistant to Streamline Financial Planning and Asset Allocation
Tue, Mar 03, 2026 07:54 EST
New AI features help financial advisors scale sophisticated advice from their largest to smallest clients Libretto , the "total wealth" advice platform for financial advisors and family offices, today announced new AI features designed to streamline planning, asset allocation, and risk management. Chief among these features is Libretto's AI-automated data entry tool, which populates new client strategies from scratch using uploaded client data files. "It's a simple concept - advisors upload client data files, and Libretto automates the data entry using AI," said Trevor Coyle , Product Manager at Libretto. "We originally designed this tool to help advisors migrate data from eMoney, MoneyGuidePro, and RightCapital, but it works for a wide variety of file types, including custom prospect surveys and client onboarding forms." The AI-automated data entry tool is designed to help advisors scale sophisticated advice across their full client base. When creating a new client strategy, advisors can upload multiple client data files - including an eMoney report, custom survey, and other sources of client data - and Libretto will populate the strategy automatically. Beneath the hood, Libretto uses AI to extract family details, goals, income, account balances, and other planning data from uploaded files. Libretto's proprietary knowledge engine then applies embedded best practices to transform that data into a draft client strategy. While no AI-powered system can achieve 100% accuracy in every situation, Libretto combines AI's data extraction capabilities with rule-based algorithms to improve consistency and reduce errors. This automated client onboarding workflow allows advisors to spend less time typing and more time focusing on what matters most: their advice. After uploading client files, advisors receive a draft strategy with Libretto's best practices already applied for modeling the client's unique situation. From there, advisors can review the strategy and focus on the key levers that drive planning outcomes, such as evaluating financial sufficiency, determining risk protection, and formulating asset allocation recommendations. With the AI-automated data entry tool, advisors can implement client strategies more efficiently: Streamline data migration from eMoney, MoneyGuidePro, RightCapital, and other financial planning tools. Accelerate client onboarding by uploading custom client intake forms and other data. Enhance the sales process with rapid strategy and proposal creation from available data. The tool is particularly powerful in the prospecting process, allowing advisors to quickly build proposed strategies from unstructured data provided by their prospects. The feature pairs with Libretto's personalized client letters , which enable advisors to generate graphic-rich, white-label letters with the click of a button. Together, these tools empower advisors to go from data dump to written proposal in minutes instead of hours. INTRODUCING MERT, LIBRETTO'S AI ASSISTANT Following the AI-automated data entry workflow, Mert - Libretto's AI assistant - helps advisors review, refine, and communicate each client's strategy. From within any client's strategy, advisors can use Mert as a thinking partner to help answer important questions, such as: What are this client's key issues? Is this client prepared to retire? How does Social Security inform this client's recommended bond portfolio? How do I model a whole life insurance policy? Markets are down, help me craft an email addressing my client's concerns. In addition to client data, Mert has access to Libretto's extensive knowledge base. Libretto's knowledge base contains 150+ articles on topics ranging from system best practices to guidance on liability-driven investing, risk management, and total wealth planning. Together, these resources enable Mert to provide context-aware guidance tailored to each client's unique situation. Mert is also connected to Libretto's knowledge engine tools, including: A data entry checklist with links to short how-to videos. A health check scanner that identifies key client issues and flags common pitfalls. A personalized client letter generator that creates graphic-rich, white-label letters. Together, the AI-automated data entry tool, Mert, and Libretto's knowledge engine create an integrated workflow for building sophisticated client strategies. The data entry tool accelerates onboarding, Mert provides guardrails and analytical support, and Libretto's personalized client letters help advisors clearly communicate recommendations to clients and prospects. "At Libretto, we want to help advisors make all their clients feel like they're worth $100 million," added Coyle. "To scale sophisticated advice across your full client base, you need powerful tools to address your largest client, and you need an efficient process to bring that same rigor to your smallest - and that's one area where I see AI being particularly effective." To learn more about Libretto, the new AI features, and other features of the platform, please visit the Libretto website . ABOUT LIBRETTO Libretto is a powerful advice platform that helps financial advisors make every client feel like they're worth $100 million. Originally built to manage ultra-affluent clients, Libretto brings advanced liability-driven planning, asset allocation, and risk management tools to advisors serving clients at every wealth level. Libretto scales "total wealth advice" across an advisor's full client base, making it easy for advisors to deliver sophisticated advice to both their largest and smallest clients. Learn more at Libretto.io . Libretto is a registered investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"); however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training and no inference to the contrary should be made. Libretto provides advisory services to registered investment advisors and other professional advisors and does not advise individual clients. Individuals should consult their personal financial advisor or a licensed securities professional before investing. Information about Libretto, including the services provided, the types of clients Libretto accepts, and fees charged, is available on Libretto's Form ADV Part 2A, which can be obtained by going to www.adviserinfo.sec.gov .
Blocks, Bubbles and Big Thinking: The Power of Early STEM Play
Tue, Mar 03, 2026 04:52 EST
The next generation of engineers and innovators may be closer than we think, busy stacking blocks, mixing colours and asking "why?" for the hundredth time. Long before children sit at desks or open textbooks, they are already experimenting, testing and problem-solving. The award-winning science program, Mini Professors believes that is exactly where STEM should begin. While many families still associate STEM with secondary school laboratories and exam timetables, a growing body of evidence suggests that the foundations for scientific thinking, problem solving and creativity are laid much earlier. Research from the Harvard Center on the Developing Child found that in the first years of life, more than one million neural connections form every second. These connections are built through everyday experiences and interactions, forming the architecture of the brain. Responsive, stimulating environments do not simply entertain toddlers; they actively shape cognitive development, language acquisition and emotional regulation. Within this context, Mini Professors believes STEM-based play is not an optional extra, but a vital part of early childhood - a view supported by recent academic research. A recent paper published on the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology found that guided play and the use of STEM-related language were linked to stronger early maths and spatial reasoning in preschoolers. Similarly, a 2025 review in the International Journal of Social Science and Economic Research noted that early STEM exposure contributes to improved problem-solving abilities, logical thinking and collaborative skills. But don't imagine toddlers sitting in a classroom: STEM at this age does not resemble formal lessons. Studies exploring technology-enhanced toys show that children aged three to four demonstrate early engineering thinking when sequencing simple programmable devices, predicting outcomes and adjusting their approach after trial and error - and that imagination-led exploration can nurture motivation and curiosity in science from the earliest years. Abi Davis, Director at Mini Professors, said, "For toddlers, STEM isn't about formal lessons, it's about exploration. When children build, splash, sort, question and experiment through play, they're developing critical thinking, language skills, coordination and confidence all at once. Play-based STEM learning taps into a child's natural curiosity and turns everyday moments into powerful foundations for problem solving and resilience later in life." In practice, this can be remarkably simple. For two- to four-year-olds, STEM might involve mixing coloured water to observe changes, building towers and testing balance, sorting objects by size or texture, exploring magnets, or predicting which items will float or sink. Measuring flour while baking introduces early mathematical language, while planting seeds encourages observation and patience. Each activity builds vocabulary, reasoning and confidence through hands-on discovery. Children who develop analytical thinking, adaptability and confidence early are better prepared for later academic achievement and participation in a knowledge-driven economy. This is what makes nurturing curiosity and problem-solving from the outset a shared social and economic priority. Abi Davis added, "Nurturing STEM skills in the early years is an investment in our collective future. The curiosity, creativity and analytical thinking developed in those formative years underpin the skills our society and economy increasingly depend on. By embedding STEM confidence early, we're helping to build a generation that is adaptable, innovative and equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world." Through its hands-on classes for children 2 - 12, Mini Professors shows STEM is not reserved for older children. Instead, it begins with a question, a splash, a stack of blocks and the freedom to explore - laying foundations that can last a lifetime. For further information, visit: https://www.miniprofessors.com .
Luxury Concierge Support Goes On-Demand with Otium's New Flexible Global Service Launch
Tue, Mar 03, 2026 04:41 EST
Otium On-Demand has launched a new flexible concierge service designed to bring traditionally exclusive lifestyle support to busy professionals worldwide. At a time when packed schedules are the norm and work-life boundaries are increasingly blurred, time has become the ultimate luxury. On-Demand Concierge is designed to offer practical, subscription-based support without the higher costs or long-term contracts typically associated with premium private concierge services. From securing last-minute dinner reservations to managing complex travel plans, On-Demand Concierge is built for professionals who are time-poor but expectation-rich. The flexible subscription model offers practical and responsive support, without the exclusivity or premium price bracket traditionally associated with private concierge services. A streamlined online portal makes it easy to submit requests on the go and around the clock for reassuringly professional support when life gets busy. Katie Moss, Founder of Otium On-Demand and a former private banker, said, "During my years in private banking, I saw first-hand how invaluable personal support can be. But I also saw that concierge services were often reserved for a very narrow audience. I wanted to create something different: a service that feels like having a trusted executive assistant in your pocket. "Whether it's securing a last-minute dinner reservation, researching school options, or managing a complex travel itinerary, we're here to make life run more smoothly. This is a practical solution within everyone's reach; less about extravagance, more about efficiency." The Otium team handles requests both large and small. From practical life admin to more bespoke arrangements, the ethos remains the same: no task is too minor if it saves a client time and stress. For professionals juggling demanding careers, parents managing households, or business owners spinning multiple plates, On-Demand Concierge is a discreet but dependable partner in daily life, helping clients reclaim hours otherwise lost to admin and logistics. It is often said that people know the price of everything and the value of nothing. But as the barrier between work and life keeps blurring, it is easier to see the true value of things that are too precious to put a price on: time, clarity, and a little more breathing space to enjoy the only life we have got. For more information, visit www.on-demand-concierge.com/about .
Qvantum's Exhaust Air Heat Pumps Fit the Bill in New-Build Development
Tue, Mar 03, 2026 03:35 EST
Qvantum's award-winning QE exhaust air heat pumps are delivering low-carbon comfort for 76 new-build apartments at The Roundway in Tottenham, North London. The individual QE systems, designed in conjunction with Nick Yankovec of NLY Building Services, are providing energy-efficient heating, hot water and ventilation for the mix of two and three-bedroom apartments without the need for a central plant room. The QE recovers energy from extracted air while the inverter control automatically adjusts to the comfort demands of the home, thus minimising energy consumption. By using heat from the integrated thermal store, instantaneous hot water production ensures compliance with the industry standard and effectively eliminates the risk of legionella. Meanwhile, the compact design of the units adds a further benefit for residents, with installation in standard appliance cupboards saving valuable internal space. Bal Padda, Sales Manager at Qvantum UK, said: "Our QE series is the perfect choice for urban living, where space is at a premium and efficiency demands are high. Choosing our sustainable technology also means the properties are ready for smart grid integration.'' Owned by Haringey Council, The Roundhouse achieved an EPC rating of A, through innovative renewable features including solar PV. The QE was chosen to complement these measures based on value for money and efficiency when compared with alternatives such as electric panel heaters. The thermal store allows access to electricity when it is cheap, green and plentiful, resulting in genuine peak price shaving for both hot water and heating. The QE also helps the building meet Part F (ventilation), Part O (overheating) and Part L (energy efficiency) of the Building Regulations. A smaller footprint offers installation and operational savings, while Qvantum's built-in open API connectivity allows remote performance monitoring and supports future integration with energy networks and smart tariff control. Nick Yankovec said: "One of the major reasons we went down this route is the billing and metering; compared to a communal heating scheme, this option provides a much more cost-affordable solution for the tenant, as there is no third-party heat metering company involved, the power is directly from the electricity provider. This significantly reduces costs.'' The seamless connectivity and simplified setup of the QE units allowed Qvantum to complete commissioning within two days. Niko Dodaj, of contractor MD Constructions, added: "The technical support from the Qvantum team paved the way for a trouble-free project, with full commissioning and monitoring since installation.''
Casino Del Sol, Vahi Taa'am Dome Lighting Brings "Three Suns" Meaning to Life; Inaugural illumination celebrates bright future for Southern Arizona and the Pascua Yaqui Tribe
Mon, Mar 02, 2026 16:56 EST
On February 9, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and Casino Del Sol hosted a first look at the casino interior followed by a special dome lighting reception at the new Casino Del Sol, Vahi Taa'am location on Grant Road. The event marked significant milestones, with structural construction completed and the iconic dome illuminated for the first time. "Vahi Taa'am" (pronounced vah-hee tah-ahm) means "Three Suns" in Yoeme, the language of the Pascua Yaqui people. The name honors the Tribe's third casino property, joining Casino Del Sol on Valencia Road and Casino of the Sun, while symbolizing light, renewal, and a bright future for the community. The afternoon program featured an interior preview. Positioned from a balcony, select guests were invited to view the interior structure of the gaming floor, the high-limit room, entrances, executive offices, and the casino's main restaurant, OP Grill, which is short for Old Pascua, giving a nod to the land trust the casino is built on. The development stands on culturally significant land acquired through the Old Pascua Community Land Acquisition Act, which enabled the Tribe to take the land into trust. The reception brought together Tribal leadership, project partners including members of McCarthy Construction and YESCO, which constructed the dome and its interior lighting, and community stakeholders for an evening of celebration recognizing the vision and collaboration advancing this transformative project. "Lighting the dome is more than a construction milestone-it's a powerful symbol of what Vahi Taa'am represents: light, momentum, and a future we're building together," said Amanda Lomayesva, Interim CEO of Casino Del Sol. Located at 1055 West Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85757, just off Interstate 10, the new Casino Del Sol, Vahi Taa'am development will feature a 52,334-square-foot gaming floor, multiple dining options, and a multi-level parking garage. The property is expected to create 500 new jobs for the region. The project has reached several significant milestones in recent years. Construction began with a groundbreaking ceremony in January 2025. The next phase will focus on the interior buildout, with full completion now set for November 11, 2026.