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Quarter4 Launches Real-Time AI-Powered Predictions for 2021 NFL & NCAA Football Seasons

Quarter4

Quarter4, an easy-to-integrate, AI-driven predictive sports data and analytics provider for sports, media and betting companies, today announced the launch of its NFL and Division I NCAA college football predictions for the 2021 season. With the addition of the NFL and NCAA Football, Quarter4 will produce more than 2 million predictions per-day, including pre-game predictions and in-game player forecasts for all 2,180 NFL players and 16,900 college players. Quarter4’s verified and true deep learning neural network, analyzes 250,000 layers of statistical data and other variables that affect athlete performance. The company’s technology takes the human element out of creating the in-play data set. This provides its partners deeper insights into the game including the most robust, customizable predictive forecasts updated at the speed of the game, not at the end of the quarter. “Football is king in sports betting. Our new predictions and forecasts are empowering our partners to provide richer betting experiences for their audiences,” said Danijela Covic, CSO and co-founder of Quarter4. “Our in-game forecasts are especially exciting, given that every 60-90 seconds our partners will see updated player predictions. The depth and speed of our forecasts provide our partners with an exceptional value-add as their customers can take immediate action on the insights Quarter4 is powering.” Highlights of Quarter4’s new NFL and NCAA Football predictive analysis include: Fully customizable pre-game predictions and in-game forecasts Current game predictions as well as evolving futures outlooks for wildcard and playoff teams Data considers injury and trade impacts Key call-outs to star player performance and under-the-radar breakout candidates For more information please visit Quarter4.io. ABOUT QUARTER4 Quarter4 is a revolutionary artificial intelligence platform that generates thousands of daily predictions called 4Qasts. The easy-to-use sports technology delivers proprietary insights, related to team and player performance, in just seconds. Quarter4 provides sportsbooks, data providers, media agencies and sports bettors with predictive data that is unique, personalized and non-biased. Contact Details Michael Adorno +1 212-931-6143 madorno@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://quarter4.io/

September 13, 2021 09:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Stop Worrying about the Cost of Ransomware with Cyvatar

Cyvatar

Cyvatar today announced that it has partnered with Cysurance, a next-generation platform delivering cyber insurance as a service to growing businesses, to offer an enhanced service guarantee as a benefit to all customers with a silver membership or higher. Starting today, Cyvatar members can worry less about the high costs associated with ransomware or business email compromise (BEC) attacks, regulatory fines, cyber legal liability, and more. With a Cyvatar Silver, Gold, or Enterprise subscription, members benefit from an exclusive service guarantee that pays for up to $500,000 of breach-related costs. “The partnership with Cysurance gives Cyvatar members a financial safety net in the event of a successful attack,” said Kirsten Bay, Cysurance co-founder and chief executive officer. “The added protection will enable them to manage all types of cyber risk.” Cyvatar already guarantees members of all levels a fully remediated, continuously clean security environment within the first 90 days. Now, that guarantee extends to service disruption costs related to: Ransomware threats Business email compromise Compliance penalties, audit failures, and regulatory fines Cyber legal liability expenses Business Interruption costs “We’re proud to partner with Cysurance and offer our members a one-of-a-kind security experience, one where they can get CyValue fast,” said Cyvatar Co-Founder and CEO Corey White. “As we continue to grow and evolve our revolutionary cybersecurity-as-service (CSaaS) offering, we have the opportunity to add more exciting benefits for our members all for the same fixed subscription price they pay today.” Cyvatar’s enhanced service guarantee comes bundled with all memberships starting at the Silver subscription level. In addition to breach cost assurance, the membership also includes: Click here to learn more about Cyvatar and Cysurance’s new partnership and sign up for Cyvatar’s robust membership offering today. About Cysurance Cysurance is the next-generation cyber solution, protecting small businesses and their partners through affordable cyber risk management. Built on a proprietary platform, our program comes with a complete set of features to safeguard business continuity and insure against loss, protecting both revenue and recovery. For more information, visit www.cysurance.com, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, or email us at info@cysurance.com. Insurance and 360Protect offered by Cysurance, LLC. NY License #1578397. All products may not be available in all states. This communication contains product summaries only. Coverage or protection is subject to the language of the policies and terms as actually issued. Nothing in this communication should be construed as involving the sale, solicitation or negotiation of insurance, the provision or offer of insurance services, or the provision or offer of legal advice or services. About Cyvatar Cyvatar is committed to effortless cybersecurity for everyone. As the industry’s first subscription-based, cybersecurity-as-a-service (CSaaS) company, it’s our mission to transform the way the security industry builds, sells, and supports cyber solutions. We empower our members to achieve successful outcomes by providing expert practitioners, market-leading technologies, and proven best practices to guarantee business results. Our approach is rooted in a proprietary ICARM (installation, configuration, assessment, remediation, maintenance) methodology that delivers measurable security solutions for superior compliance and cyber-attack prevention, all bundled into a fixed monthly subscription that members can cancel anytime. Cyvatar is headquartered in Irvine, California, with locations around the world. Begin your journey to security confidence at cyvatar.ai and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Contact Details Cyvatar KC Higgins +1 303-434-8163 kc@cyvatar.ai Cysurance Gray Newhouse +1 917-503-8031 Company Website https://cyvatar.ai/

September 13, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Tim Hortons® Smile Cookie™ Campaign is Back – Celebrating 25 Years of Supporting Local Charities Across the U.S.

Tim Hortons

Every year, Tim Hortons restaurant owners show their dedication to supporting their communities through the annual week-long Smile Cookies campaign. The annual campaign sees 100% of the purchase from each Smile Cookie – a chocolate chunk cookie topped with pink and blue icing drawing out a smile – donated to local charities. Last year, a record $245 thousand was raised to support over 27 charities and hospitals across the country. Back again for its 25th year, Tim Hortons Smile Cookie week is a much-anticipated event in so many U.S. and Canadian communities. “We’re honored to serve our local communities for the 25 th year in a row,” says Ricardo Azevedo, President of Tim Hortons, North America. “Every year, it’s so inspiring to see Tim Hortons guests and restaurant owners rally together to give back to their neighbors.” To participate in this year’s Smile Cookie campaign, visit your local Tim Hortons restaurant or place a digital order through the Tim Hortons app and/or website. The Smile Cookie sells for $1.00, excluding taxes. For a full list of local charities benefiting from Tim Hortons annual Smile Cookie campaign, visit www.timhortons.com/smile-cookie. Guests can also show how they are supporting the annual campaign by using #SmileCookie hashtag on social media. Smile Cookie Campaign Facts For over 25 years, Tim Hortons restaurant owners and guests across North America have been spreading smiles. The Smile Cookie campaign began in 1996 as a way to help raise funds for the Hamilton Children’s Hospital in Ontario and has grown to become a major fundraising event at Tim Hortons Restaurants in Canada and US. Nationally, Tim Hortons Restaurant owners support more than 27 local charities, hospitals and community programs through the Smile Cookie campaign. Last year, the Smile Cookie campaign raised $245,000 across US. Join the conversation online and share your smiles on social media using the hashtag #SmileCookie. About TIM HORTONS® In 1964, the first Tim Hortons® restaurant in Hamilton, Ontario opened its doors and Canadians have been ordering Tim Hortons iconic Original Blend coffee, Double-Double ™ coffees, Donuts and Timbits® in the years since. Over the last 55 years, Tim Hortons has captured the hearts and taste buds of Canadians. Tim Hortons is Canada's largest restaurant chain operating in the quick service industry serving over 5 million cups of coffee every day with 80% of Canadians visiting one of nearly 4,000 Tim Hortons in Canada at least once a month. More than a coffee and bake shop, Tim Hortons is part of the Canadian fabric and guests can enjoy hot and cold specialty beverages – including lattes, cappuccinos and espressos, teas and our famous Iced Capps™ – alongside delicious breakfast, sandwiches, wraps, soups and more. Tim Hortons has more than 4,800 restaurants in Canada, the United States and around the world. For more information on Tim Hortons visit TimHortons.ca. Contact Details Adrianna Lauricella +1 212-230-1800 tims@abmc-us.com Company Website https://www.timhortons.com/

September 13, 2021 07:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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SONG ZU DRIVES SOUND DESIGN FOR NISSAN Z

Song Zu

Song Zu, the most awarded music and sound design company in the Australia and Asia Pacific region, announced today their involvement in the 2022 Nissan Z launch. Song Zu handled the sound design, composition and licensing, while creative and production was by the Spinifex Group, for the two films produced to showcase the new model in North America. Motor enthusiasts around the world had been eagerly awaiting the launch of the seventh generation Nissan Z for months. However, due to challenges brought on by the pandemic, no large-scale unveiling could take place to reveal the car. Instead, two films were created to demonstrate the vehicle's capabilities with Song Zu’s own former professional race car driver turned Sound Designer Simon Kane tasked with crafting a sound that accurately represents the sound of the car driving through suburban and urban streets. “My approach was to bring to life the two personalities in the Nissan Z Escape spot; a car that you can drive to the shops or on the race track,” said Simon Kane, Head of Sound at Song Zu. “I used softer sounds during the slower suburban scenes with the yellow car to make it feel more sophisticated, but at the same time playing Lindsay Jehan's (Song Zu Composer) music underneath to invoke an edginess that is telling you - there’s more than meets the eye. With the blue car, I used harsher, more aggressive engine sounds, cinematic impacts and fast cuts that let you know just how intense this car can be.” Since the Nissan Z was unveiled on August 17, 2021 and the ads launched across multiple online verticals, the response from motor enthusiasts around the world has been overwhelmingly positive. The two videos can be viewed here and here. Song Zu was acquired by Songtradr, the world’s largest music licensing ecosystem, in March 2021. Song Zu works in all areas of sonic branding, including soundtracks for advertisements on TV and radio, online content, VR and installation spaces. With an unparalleled reputation for creative problem solving over the past 25 years, Song Zu continuously garners top awards including the Gold Clios, Cannes Gold Lions, London International Awards (LIA) for Best Music and Sound Design Company of the Year, and more. Credits: Sound Designer: Simon Kane, Song Zu Composer: Lindsay Jehan, Song Zu Producer: Ian Lew, Song Zu Agency: Spinifex Group, Los Angeles Director: Damian Fulton Producer: Donna Hampton Song Zu is the most awarded music and sound design company in Australia and the Asia Pacific region, with post-production studios in Sydney and Singapore. They work in all facets of sonic branding including soundtracks for advertisements on TV and radio, online content, VR and installation spaces. Song Zu’s unique position of being one of the longest standing companies of its kind is testament to their creative problem solving ability. Song Zu provides a full audio and post-production service, from music composition and sound design to voice over casting. The company has also sound supervised, scored and mixed a number of award winning TV series, documentaries and feature films. Contact Details Jive PR + Digital Maya Sarin +1 818-422-2248 maya@jiveprdigital.com Company Website https://songzu.com/

September 12, 2021 04:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time

ThriveFantasy Partners with NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers for 2021 Season to be Daily Fantasy Sports Partner

ThriveFantasy

ThriveFantasy, the leading player prop daily fantasy sports, announced today it has signed on as a proud daily Fantasy Sports partner of the Los Angeles Chargers. The partnership provides Chargers fans with opportunities to participate in Thrive’s customized daily fantasy contests throughout the season. Of equal importance, ThriveFantasy will donate $25,000 to the Chargers Impact Fund to help those within the greater Los Angeles community who are most in need. “The Chargers are a great organization in so many ways,” says Adam Weinstein, founder and CEO of ThriveFantasy. “This partnership allows us to both give back to those who need it most, at a time when so many are hurting, as well as offer creative ways to help the Chargers engage their fanbase.” ThriveFantasy was created to give everyday fans a better chance at winning by challenging them to pick Chargers-only contests within its app to offer Chargers fans the chance to win tickets to Chargers Games at SoFi Stadium. Fans can visit their mobile app store to download the ThriveFantasy app today. “We’re excited to welcome ThriveFantasy into the Chargers family, especially as fantasy sports continues to grow in popularity. We also thank them for this wonderful donation to the Chargers Impact Fund which will truly help so many in the Los Angeles Community,” said A.G. Spanos, Chargers President of Business Operations and the Chargers Impact Fund. “Thrive will give our fans a unique and engaging way to interact with their favorite team and, in this case, win cash prizes and tickets to Chargers Games at SoFi Stadium.” In the coming months, Chargers fans can download the ThriveFantasy app and keep an eye out for: Match first time deposits up to $100 Custom Chargers-only contests throughout the 2021-2022 season About ThriveFantasy ThriveFantasy is a Daily Fantasy Sports and Esports App for Player Props. Thrive eliminates the countless hours of research users have to spend, by only focusing on the top-tier athletes that have the biggest impact on the game. Follow ThriveFantasy on Instagram (@ThriveFantasy), Twitter (@ThriveFantasy) and Facebook (ThriveFantasy). Download the app today via the App Store and Google Play. App Store https://apps.apple.com/us/app/thrivefantasy/id1240062484 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appster.p2f&hl=en_US About the Chargers Impact Fund The Chargers Impact Fund is committed to helping families thrive in and around Southern California. The Fund focuses on four pillars in the community – youth empowerment, supporting families, animal welfare and emergency response – to help families thrive in their community. Over the years, the Fund has awarded more than $12 million in direct community assistance, including more than $6 million to public schools for badly needed physical fitness, nutrition and athletic programs and equipment. Today, in partnership with Chargers fans, volunteers and donors, the Chargers Impact Fund continues to honor Alex and Faye Spanos’ legacy by helping to build strong support structures for youth, families, and their communities across Southern California. For more information on the Chargers Impact Fund, please visit www.chargers.com/community/impact-fund/. Contact Details Hot Paper Lantern for ThriveFantasy Michael Adorno madorno@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://www.thrivefantasy.com/

September 09, 2021 09:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time

FantasyStand, A Unique ‘Beat The Threshold-Style’ Fantasy Game, Officially Launches

FantasyStand

FantasyStand, a new desktop beat-the-threshold style fantasy game, has officially launched for the 2021 NFL season. Users can immediately create an account and start playing football contests at https://fantasystand.com/. FantasyStand blends an against-the-house and beat-the-threshold style game with the traditional elements of building a team through a salary cap. At the beginning of each contest Fantasy Stand will let users know what the point threshold is for that week. If the users’ team beats the point threshold set by FantasyStand, they win. “Traditional fantasy sports can be extremely frustrating. A user could form an amazing line-up, outscore thousands of users and still not win. Every week the goalposts are hidden and that was a problem I wanted to solve,” said Joe Brown, founder of FantasyStand. “We feel that our against-the-house and beat-the-threshold model provides a level of transparency in an industry where users are building fantasy teams blindly, not knowing what they need to achieve to win. By giving our users the point threshold ahead of our contests, they can confidently build their strongest team to win and ultimately have a great time doing so.” Fantasy Stand features include: Multiple contests will be offered weekly with buy-ins starting at $5 and going up to $500. Users play against the house, not each other. If you beat the given threshold, you win. (ex. Bet $100, Win $100) Additional prizes may include 10% of the total contest pot for the highest scoring user in that contest. Currently the NFL is the only sport available on the platform. FantasyStand has plans to launch basketball contests for the upcoming 2021-2022 NBA season. FantasyStand is available for desktop and mobile use via the website. An app is in development for launch in 2022 to enhance the mobile experience. Following the launch of the platform, FantasyStand will be raising a Friends and Family round of funding. The round will be used to invest in marketing, technology development and additional state licensing. FantasyStand currently operates in 25 states and will continue to add new states to its roster in 2022. For more information to create a FantasyStand account please visit: https://fantasystand.com/ ABOUT FANTASYSTAND Founded in 2020 by entrepreneur and founder Joe Brown, FantasyStand is bringing fun and transparency back to fantasy sports. FantasyStand blends an against-the-house and beat-the-threshold style game with the traditional elements of building a team through a salary cap. By blending the best of both worlds, FantasyStand is providing users a new, fun and entertaining fantasy experience. For more information to create a FantasyStand account please visit: https://fantasystand.com/ Contact Details Hot Paper Lantern Michael Adorno +1 212-931-6143 madorno@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://fantasystand.com/

September 08, 2021 10:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time

NFL Hall of Famer Cris Carter Joins Trainnr, First Dedicated Online Health & Fitness Marketplace

Trainnr HQ

Trainnr, the first dedicated online health and fitness marketplace that connects personal trainers with clients, is announcing today that NFL Hall of Famer Cris Carter is joining its community of elite content creators to bring NFL-quality fitness training to the Trainnr community. Available on iOS, Android and Web, the Trainnr platform connects personal trainers with clients so they can easily create, customize and distribute training content. Trainnr also offers tailored marketing and business development support and infrastructure, including a library of stock training videos, marketing materials, and social campaigns that trainers can download, edit, and make their own to further enhance and improve their personal training business. Additionally, Trainnr has made it easy for individuals seeking improved fitness or a better, more professional training experience to find a personal trainer or program that works for their interests, goals, and budget. “Cris Carter is one of the most prolific and successful NFL players to play the game, and his knowledge and experience in elite levels of training and physical performance are a perfect fit for the Trainnr Team '' said Jeffry Smith, Founder of Trainnr. “Trainnr is excited to work with Cris to make professional sports training accessible on every television, smart phone, and computer on the planet. It’s clear that Cris values what we value – democratizing world class training techniques so they are available to independent personal trainers and their customers everywhere.” One of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history, Carter scored 130 touchdowns and racked up 1,101 receptions for 13,899 yards (12.6 avg.) in 16 seasons, finishing his career as the NFL’s second all-time leading receiver and with the second-most touchdowns in league history. Carter is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s. “Growing up, my teammates and I only had access to the coaches we met in our youth and high school football teams. I was fortunate my high school Coach, Bill Conley, was a phenomenal teacher and in college at Ohio State, being coached by Legendary coaches Urban Meyer and Jim Tressel gave me a huge advantage over my opponents. I know that there are thousands of talented athletes out there who didn’t have that same opportunity. Elite training should not be available only to exclusive groups of people. Everyone should have access to the best tools and techniques so they can be fit and healthy! I’m excited to work with Trainnr to help every young athlete achieve their dreams, and work with adults to help teach them how to do the same for the young athletes in their charge.” About Cris Carter Aside from being a HOF football player and media personality, Cris Carter is committed to supporting young people. He received the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 1999 in recognition of his work with inner-city youth and was selected as a mentor in President Barack Obama’s “My Brother’s Keeper” Program aiming to have a national impact on changing the trajectory of at-risk minority youth. An Ohio native, Carter attended Ohio State University where he studied communications and was a first-team All-American and two-time All-Big Ten performer. He lives in Boca Raton, Fla., and has two children, son Duron, a former wide receiver in the Canadian Football League now a coach for North Palm Beach Prep, and daughter Monterae who works for the Minnesota Vikings as their foundation programs manager. About Trainnr TRAINNR IS A PLATFORM PRODUCT BY FITWISE INC. Available on iOS, Android and web, Trainnr is the first dedicated online health and fitness marketplace that connects personal trainers with clients by providing the necessary tools and technology to democratize fitness. We strive to make quality personal training accessible to everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and socioeconomic background. Trainnr has made it easy for trainers to manage and grow their entire business in one place. Seamlessly engage with clients to help them set, track and achieve their fitness goals. Trainnr has made it easy for any individual to improve their fitness by easily finding professional training content that works for their interests, goals, and budget. Everyone deserves access to high quality health and wellness content – Trainnr provides that. Contact Details Jeffry Smith Fitwise Inc./Trainnr - Founder/CEO Jeff.smith@fitwise.pro

September 08, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Velocity Global named the presenting sponsor of PGA TOUR University

Velocity Global

Velocity Global has partnered with the PGA TOUR and GOLF Channel to become the presenting sponsor of PGA TOUR University, the PGA TOUR announced Tuesday. Additionally, Velocity Global, which delivers a global work platform for employers to grow compliant distributed workforces in 185 countries and all 50 United States, has been named the Official Global Workforce Solutions Platform of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions as part of the multi-year agreement. Entering its second season, PGA TOUR University presented by Velocity Global rewards elite college players with access to Tours operated under the PGA TOUR umbrella, while upholding the principles and virtues of collegiate athletics. At the end of each college golf season, the top 15 players in the final Velocity Global Ranking earn status on the Korn Ferry Tour or a PGA TOUR international tour. The Class of 2022 Ranking will be finalized May 30 following the conclusion of stroke play at the NCAA D-I Men’s National Championship at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. “We’re excited to welcome Velocity Global to the PGA TOUR family as the first-ever presenting sponsor of PGA TOUR University,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “Velocity Global shares our passion in supporting the top collegiate golfers on their journey to the professional game, and we look forward to their partnership in growing PGA TOUR University together.” As the Official Global Workforce Solutions Platform and Official Professional Employer Organization of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions, Velocity Global will have a presence in programming throughout PGA TOUR media properties, align with PGA TOUR players and host customers at PGA TOUR events. “This partnership highlights access to opportunity. The Velocity Global Ranking identifies the top players in college golf and rewards them with access to the Korn Ferry Tour and the PGA TOUR’s international network of competition, just as we make global work accessible to employers and talent,” said Ben Wright, Velocity Global Founder and CEO. “We’re proud to partner with the PGA TOUR to open doors for these players and support the game’s future stars, as Velocity Global supports the future of work.” Billy Horschel, a six-time PGA TOUR winner and the 2014 FedExCup champion, is a global brand ambassador for Velocity Global and an avid supporter of college golf. During his four-year career at the University of Florida, Horschel was a two-time SEC Player of the Year and a four-time All-American. “Velocity Global is the perfect match to present the top college players in the world of golf because it is the company that drives how work gets done for the next generation,” said Horschel. “They cheer for hard work and success, and that’s exactly what the PGA TOUR University presented by Velocity Global does. It creates access to global opportunities for these players to compete right away which is so important for their development as pros. I look forward to competing against these guys really soon.” In addition to being the presenting sponsor of PGA TOUR University, the agreement also includes a partnership with GOLF Channel. PGA TOUR University and the Velocity Global Ranking will be featured each Wednesday on Golf Today and within weekly live tournament coverage, as well as across GOLF Channel and PGA TOUR digital platforms throughout the season. GOLF Channel’s first college tournament broadcast of the season is next week’s Maridoe Collegiate Invitational (September 13-15). Additionally, GOLF Channel will collaborate with Velocity Global to highlight a new PGA TOUR University charity program to be announced at a future date. “As the television home of college golf, we’re excited to continue the growth and development of PGA TOUR University alongside our partners at the PGA TOUR,” said Tom Knapp, EVP, Partnerships and Programming, NBC Sports. “The addition of an international partner like Velocity Global enhances our ability to cultivate this important platform, and ensure the top collegiate players will be showcased on GOLF Channel as they progress toward competing throughout the professional ranks and ultimately on the PGA TOUR.” The PGA TOUR University Class of 2021 made their marks in their first summers as professionals. Arizona State’s Kevin Yu finished 4th in the 2021 Velocity Global Ranking, and he posted five top-25s and two top-five finishes in eight starts on the Korn Ferry Tour. On the Forme Tour, Arizona’s Trevor Werbylo and SMU’s Mac Meissner both have wins after finishing 9th and 8th, respectively, in last year’s Velocity Global Ranking. With one event remaining this season, Werbylo leads the Order of Merit and Meissner is fifth, and both players are in position to be promoted to the Korn Ferry Tour next season. For more information, please visit www.pgatour.com/university or  velocityglobal.com. About Velocity Global Velocity Global accelerates the future of work beyond borders. Its global work platform simplifies the employer and employee experience to employ any talent anywhere with just a click through its proprietary cloud-based workforce management technology, backed by personalized expertise and unmatched global scale. As the largest global Employer of Record (also known as International PEO) in 185 countries and all 50 United States, more than 1,000 brands rely on Velocity Global to build global teams without the cost or complexity of setting up foreign legal entities or state registrations. The company offers additional services including Independent Contractor Compliance to assess a workforce, and Agent of Record (AoR) to streamline payments to contractors. Velocity Global was named a “Leader” in Global Employer of Record services by prominent analyst firm NelsonHall. Founded in 2014, the company has hundreds of employees across five continents. For more information visit velocityglobal.com. About PGA TOUR University presented by Velocity Global PGA TOUR University presented by Velocity Global rewards elite college players with access to Tours operated under the PGA TOUR umbrella, while upholding the principles and virtues of collegiate athletics. Introduced in 2020, the program strengthens and elevates the path to the PGA TOUR through the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA TOUR international tours. The Velocity Global Ranking will be featured on GOLF Channel each Wednesday on Golf Today and within weekly live tournament coverage, as well as across GOLF Channel and PGA TOUR digital platforms throughout the season. For more information, please visit www.pgatour.com/university and follow PGA TOUR University on Twitter and Instagram (@PGATOURU). Contact Details Velocity Global John Hall +1 720-650-4348 news@velocityglobal.com PGA TOUR Chris Richards ChrisRichards@pgatourhq.com Company Website https://velocityglobal.com/

September 07, 2021 09:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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RESTAURANT OPERATORS BEWARE OF ONLINE MENU BLIND SPOTS AND SUGGESTIVE SELLING TOO LATE

Revenue Management Solutions

Revenue Management Solutions, in partnership with the University of South Florida’s Center for Marketing and Sales Innovation (CMSI) and CMSI Director and Study Primary Investigator Dr. Rob Hammond, has released preliminary findings from its newest study using remote eye-tracking technology to analyze how consumers navigate online menus. TGI Fridays volunteered to participate in the first phase of the study. Early results could mark big learning for restaurants: Distinct search patterns revealed blind spots when customers review online menus on a desktop. Suggestive selling opportunities within the “buyer’s journey” of online ordering identified, a set of discrete phases uncovered during analysis. The research, which began in May 2021, marks the first remote eye-tracking study of online ordering behavior. New technology developed by iMotions in collaboration with CMSI allowed researchers to use participants’ own webcams to gather eye-tracking data as they ordered from TGI Fridays’ online test menu via their desktops or laptops. Data was analyzed using Emotional Artificial Intelligence tools, and pre- and post-study survey responses assessed participants’ recall of their ordering journey, behavior and total spend. “In the past 18 months, we’ve undergone a seismic shift in the way our customers interact with our menu,” said Sara Bittorf, Chief Experience Officer at TGI Fridays. “The research has already given us tools to improve the guest experience and increase menu profitability. We’re looking forward to exploring further menu engineering insights as the research proceeds.” Blind Spots Revealed According to the eye-tracking data and the research team’s gaze-path analysis, preliminary findings indicate a persistent blind spot on the left side of the menu. Though each respondent had a unique path, respondents started with a site’s main menu categories (appetizers, sandwiches, etc.), reading across from left to right. Respondents’ focus then shifted down toward the center of the screen, like a “T,” and navigated predominantly to the right of the center. Results show that approximately 50% of the time, respondents missed items displayed on the left of the screen altogether. Suggestive Selling The RMS and USF research team also uncovered a distinct buyer’s journey within the online ordering process, revealing untapped opportunities for suggestive selling. They observed four discrete phases with mental tasks and outcomes for each, including: Familiarization: Respondents scanned the entire menu/website. Exploration: Respondents narrowed and evaluated choices. Affirmation: Respondents began adding items to the cart while toggling back to menu options to add or search additional items. Confirmation: Respondents completed checkout. “We found that respondents were more likely to change their mind or add items during the exploration and affirmation phases of the process,” said Ryan Garner, data architect for Revenue Management Solutions. “Yet most suggestive selling happens during checkout. If these results translate across many menus — and we anticipate that they will — it could be a game changer for operators.” Researchers are finalizing the next phase of the ongoing research, which will be open to interested brands. Subsequent phases will investigate how consumers navigate brand menus with different designs across various media, including online, mobile and physical menus. Analysis will also include age and gender demographics, compare cost/spend recall to actual cost and evaluate other ordering behaviors. The research will conclude this winter. RMS first partnered with CMSI in 2019 to conduct in-laboratory eye-tracking research that revolutionized how the industry thinks about the way we read physical restaurant menus. For more than 25 years, RMS has served restaurant industry leaders with data analytics expertise and profitability solutions. This research is true to RMS’ roots — using restaurant industry science and data and translating highly academic insights into practical solutions for restaurants. About Revenue Management Solutions RMS provides numerous data-driven solutions and services to the restaurant industry, all designed to help brands drive sales and profitability while maintaining traffic and enhancing brand value long-term. RMS works with more than 50 major brands in more than 40 countries, with its patented processes of revenue management used in more than 100,000 restaurant locations globally. The company holds five U.S. patents on menu pricing and customer segmentation and supports ongoing academic research efforts. For more information on how RMS helps its clients, visit www.revenuemanage.com. About TGI Fridays As the world’s first casual bar and grill, TGI Fridays is the birthplace of fun, freedom, and celebration, bringing people together to socialize and experience “That Fridays Feeling TM ”: a sense of celebrating the fun in everyday moments, big and small. For over 50 years, Fridays has been lifting spirits around the world with more than 700 restaurants in 54 countries, serving high-quality, classic American food and iconic drinks backed by authentic and genuine service. Visit www.Fridays.com for more information and join Fridays Rewards®. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Contact Details Tracy Henderson +1 720-989-3530 tracy@centerreachcommunication.com Company Website https://www.revenuemanage.com

September 07, 2021 08:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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