Winners will be Announced at the Conference in February

NEW YORK, Jan. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Vibe Conference, the premiere on-premise beverage conference for beverage executives, today announces the 2024 Vibe Vista Award finalists. Vibe Vista Awards recognize the top performers in the beverage industry through the creation, training, execution, management, and on-going positive results of beverage programs.

Tim McLucas, Vice President, Bar & Restaurant, said, “Congratulations to the 2024 Vibe Vista Awards finalists. We had many strong entries again this year, and we look forward to announcing the winners at the Vibe Conference in February in San Diego.”

The Vibe Vista Award finalists (listed in alphabetical order):

Best Overall: Casinos

Delaware NorthGila River Resorts & CasinoPENN Entertainment

Best Overall: Cruise Lines

Celebrity CruisesNorwegian Cruise LineVirgin Voyages

Best Overall: Hotels

Four Seasons Hotels & ResortsHilton Managed HotelsTempo by Hilton

Best Overall: Multi-Unit Chain Restaurants

BJ’s RestaurantsKincaid’sSSP AMERICA

Best Spirits Program

Coury HospitalityNorwegian Cruise Line- Prima ‘66Virgin Voyages

Best Wine Program

Crystal CruisesRoyal Caribbean InternationalVine Hospitality

Best Beer Program

Hooters of AmericaMarella CruisesOld Chicago Pizza + Taproom

Best Adult Alcohol-Free Beverage Program

Hyatt LifestyleTempo by HiltonVirgin Voyages

Best Beverage Limited Time Offer

Royal Caribbean InternationalSSP AMERICAVirgin Voyages

Best Beverage Menu

Norwegian Cruise LineRoyal Caribbean InternationalVirgin Voyages

Vibe Vista Awards entries were judged by a panel of Johnson & Wales University beverage faculty, staff and alumni, together with Technomic and SevenFifty Daily and Beverage Media Group.

Awards were judged on positive beverage sales initiatives, efficient operational innovations and training and service programs producing high quality standards. They include:

Brian Warrener, Associate Professor & Director of the Center for Beverage Education & Innovation, Johnson & Wales University (Judging Chair)Michael Sabitoni, Associate Professor & Dept. Chair, Food & Beverage + Travel & Tourism Studies, Johnson & Wales UniversityBrian Van Gyzen, Associate Professor, Johnson & Wales UniversityDonna Hood Crecca, Principal, TechnomicJulie Heseman, Director, Research & Insights, TechnomicCourtney Schiessl Magrini, Editor-in-Chief, SevenFifty Daily & Beverage Media Group

Winners will be revealed at the Vibe Conference on February 27.

To learn more about Vibe Conference, visit: https://www.vibeconference.com. To submit an Operator qualification form, click here. Stay connected with Vibe Conference and industry news at https://www.barandrestaurant.com/chains.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Donna Bruns (for companies A-L) [email protected], or Fadi Alsayegh (for companies M-Z), [email protected].

About Vibe Conference
Vibe Conference is the premier event for chain and hotel adult beverage executives and suppliers. The top on-premise conference is held annually and involves high-level content, tastings and networking opportunities. The 2024 conference will be held February 26-28 at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, CA.

About Questex
Questex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: travel, hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here.

Media Contact
Michelle Osborne
Vibe Conference
[email protected]        

NEW YORK, Jan. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex, the owner of World Tea Expo and World Tea News, today announces it is partnering with Australian Tea Masters, the leading organization for global tea training and tea education, to expand the World Tea Academy education hub.

Australian Tea Masters extensive tea experience together with its wide global network provides an opportunity to expand World Tea Academy’s educational options, and provide enhanced choice and value for students, in the fast-growing tea market.

Since 2011, Australian Tea Masters had been devoted to promoting the art, culture and knowledge of tea. With a goal of building a community of tea lovers and professionals who value and understand the excellence of high-quality teas as well as the tea farmers who produce the tea, this is the perfect collaboration for Questex.

Australian Tea Masters will be responsible for operational management of World Tea Academy and will introduce expanded choices of classes and educational opportunities for tea professionals to learn, collaborate and engage with the global tea community.

As part of this collaboration, new World Tea Academy features include:

Launch of a new website, which provides improved flexibility for completing classesAbility to complete classes on demandChoice of online classes, plus new in person education in select locationsOpportunity to attend the annual World Tea Expo, which takes place March 18-20, 2024 in Las Vegas, with special discounted rates for students, and World Tea Academy meetups

Classes are now available on-line at www.worldteaacademy.com. Additional new opportunities will be launched soon.

“We are immensely proud to be joining forces with Questex and the World Tea Academy,” said Sharyn Johnston, CEO, Australian Tea Masters “This partnership marks a landmark moment for us, offering an extraordinary opportunity to showcase our deep commitment to tea education on a global stage. Our unwavering dedication to providing tea education has always been at the core of our mission. Through this collaboration we anticipate expansion in both our reach and available resources. Our online platform represents the forefront of tea education, and we are fully committed to continually enriching our range of courses and we can bring our expertise to a respected platform for tea education welcoming tea enthusiasts and professionals from all corners of the globe to engage in a rich, dynamic learning environment. We’re particularly excited about bringing our unique blend of traditional and contemporary tea knowledge to a wider audience. This is an opportunity for us to inspire connect and elevate the tea industry as a whole.”

Tim McLucas, VP and Market Leader of the Bar & Restaurant Group at Questex added, “We’re delighted to partner with Australian Tea Masters to enhance the World Tea Academy and widen the opportunity for tea education internationally. Building on the success that Sharyn Johnston and her team have demonstrated within the global tea industry, Australian Tea Masters is uniquely positioned to support the growing demand for online tea education, plus provide new opportunities for professionals to meet and learn in person and connect face to face with the tea community including producers, retailers, suppliers and other key industry stakeholders.”

Stay connected with World Tea Academy on Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Australian Tea Masters
Australian Tea Masters is a leader in tea education. Since 2011, Australian Tea Masters has been devoted to promoting the art, culture and knowledge of tea. Our ultimate goal is to build a community of tea lovers and professionals who truly value and understand the excellence of high-quality teas and the tea farmers who produce the tea. Through our programs of education and certification in all thing’s tea related we have become the resource for individuals and companies globally to increase their knowledge of the tea industry.

About World Tea Academy
World Tea Academy is the leading provider of tea education, that supports the educational and learning needs of today’s global tea industry. Our choice of courses and certifications provides the most up to date and industry recognized programs that cater to both individual and business needs, in today’s fast growing industry. 

World Tea Academy is part of the World Tea portfolio of products and events including the annual World Tea Expo, and World Tea News, educating and informing a global tea audience in both online and in person formats. 

About Questex
Questex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: travel, hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here.

Media Contact
Michelle Osborne
World Tea Academy
[email protected]

Topical Programs Presented for Advisor Business Growth and Development

NEW YORK, Jan. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex Travel Group announces the topics for its two virtual event series in 2024 – “Navigating Your Travel Business” and “Selling Luxury,” each curated by the editors of Travel Agent Central and Luxury Travel Advisor respectively.

Both programs will feature a lineup of leading speakers and suppliers who will present tangible content and poignant information travel advisors can leverage in their day-to-day businesses. The topics are relevant to today’s busy, technologically advanced traveler and based on feedback received from the advisor audience.

2024 Program:
Navigating Your Travel Business – Presented by Travel Agent Central
February 6: Let’s Make Romance and Money Selling Couple Getaways
June 4: Crafting Unique Multi-Gen Vacations for Discerning Clients
September 10: Creating Great Relationships with Suppliers
December 17: Island Travel

Selling Luxury – Presented by Luxury Travel Advisor
March 12: Sustainability/Eco-travel
July 16: Luxury Adventure Travel
October 15: Amazing New Travel Options

Attendance is free for all travel advisors and each virtual event will be recorded and available for viewing on-demand for up to six months post-live date. Plus, all attendees will be entered to win a $100 gift card.

To register to attend the first virtual event, Let’s Make Romance and Money Selling Couple Getaways, click here. To learn more about upcoming Selling Luxury events, click here. To sponsor a virtual event, click here.

About Questex
Questex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: travel, hospitality, and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Rosen
Group Marketing Director
[email protected]

NEW YORK, Dec. 20, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Digital Signage Experience 2023 (DSE), the preeminent event for the digital signage industry, brought together the entire digital signage ecosystem – advertising, brand marketing, experience design, entertainment, hospitality, and retail, as well as IT systems integrators, manufacturers and more from 61 countries.

DSE attendees were able to walk through a rainbow tunnel that led to Questex’s Live Design International (LDI) show, co-located to convene industry leaders, change makers and planners in entertainment, destinations, and event technology to reimagine extraordinary experiences, share expertise, and innovate new technologies around live events and entertainment. Together, DSE and LDI drew nearly 15,000 registrants to the co-located events. The quality of the DSE audience was high, 79.4% of registrants were end users, designers or systems integrators.

DSE highlights included:

A dynamic educational experience with 80+ industry leaders with sessions covering retail, entertainment, public spaces, restaurants, content, strategy, technology, artificial intelligence, and digital out-of-home (DOOH).

Three Keynote Speakers: The opening keynote by Laura Frank, Executive Director and Creative Advocate, frame:work, delved into the value of collaborative problem-solving in today’s world of entertainment production. The lunch keynote by Jamie Reilly, General Manager Moment Factory Events & USA, Moment Factory, explored shifting realities of place and how digital enhancement is pushing the boundaries. And the final keynote by Dale Sheehan, Executive Creative Director, Meow Wolf, invited attendees to step into the extraordinary of unconventional innovation in immersive environments.

Other notable speakers included executives from Captivate Network, Fidelity Investments, Google, HH Global, IA Interior Architects, Lenovo, Lincoln Center, Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport, NSCA, Publicis Sapient, Sony, T-Mobile, The Museum of Flight, and University of San Francisco, among many others.

The Expo Hall showcased 60 exhibitors, demonstrating new technologies. The Digital Signage Federation (DSF) also provided guided tours for attendees around the Expo Floor.

Artist installation: ClearLED, makers of transparent LED displays, built a 4-meter (13 feet) cube in “The Park” area of the event. In addition, digital artists Vero Lyn Esque, Stuart Fingerhut, Brian Henry and Fillip Isgro displayed their work on the cube. Esque also demonstrated its motion capture using Unreal Engine.

Fulldome.pro brought its Super Reality Dome providing an immersive experience on the DSE Show Floor.

In partnership with Sky Elements, SPH engineering hosted a breathtaking Drone Show, showcasing the outstanding achievements of the 4th International Drone Show Competition.

The celebration of the 2023 DIZZIE Awards. See the full list of winners here.

The FlyOver Las Vegas Tour took attendees on a magical tour of the Canadian Rockies, followed by an in depth behind-the-scenes look at how it all happens.

Attendees experienced behind-the-scenes tours of notable venues such as AREA15, Meow Wolf, Resorts World, Enchant Christmas, and Cirque du Soleil Mad Apple, offering an intimate look into the industry’s creative landscapes.

Digital Signage Experts Group courses provided opportunities for attendees to become certified.

Networking in-person including numerous gatherings such as the Opening NIght Networking Reception sponsored by Sony, Sixteen:Nine Industry Mixer, XUSC Digital Brew Festival, Lunch Roundtable Discussions, DSE Awards Reception, Women of Digital Signage Luncheon and more, all allowing attendees to catch up with colleagues and make new connections.

David Drain, Director, Event Programs, DSE said, “Digital Signage Experience is a truly immersive experience for the fast-changing digital and interactive display industry. Our research shows that 57% of DSE registrants have a digital signage project in the next 12 months. We brought together all the knowledge, experts, training, and companies attendees need to make their digital signage installation a success.”

Here’s what attendees and exhibitors had to say about DSE 2023:

“What a fun week with colleagues, partners, and clients at #dse2023 – this is such a great industry with amazing innovation and I’m so excited for the future.” – David Saltsman, Business Development Manager, Videri

“I found the sessions and networking to be very informative & educational and have shared insights with my team, especially on AI. Since I’ve been back to the office, I’ve helped with gathering information & possibilities for our learning and innovation center. Overall, DSE23 was a great experience.” – David E. Schmerbach, Lead Engineer, LAKEHOUSE | KPMG LLP

“Had such a great time at DSE 2023 talking templating and content creation with a growing industry. Excited to see what the future holds for this space!” – Nathan David, Director of Client Services, Design Huddle

“What an amazing #DSE2023 event this year! It’s been a pleasure meeting new faces and seeing familiar ones.” – Darryl Kuder, President, Red Dot Digital Media

“It was a great couple of days in Vegas for @DSE2023! The show itself had a lot of interesting and innovative solutions across both hardware and software, and Anthony and I had lots of thought-provoking conversations.” – Candace Kubicek, Director of New Client Development, LYNX Innovation Inc.

“What an amazing week at Digital Signage Experience meeting with clients, partners and industry friends.” – Anne McKnight, Sr. Director of Business Development, BrandPoint Services

“What an amazing experience! The DSE + LDI Conference in Las Vegas has truly been an impressive experience, and I cannot wait to see what amazing things we can make happen in the coming year at the University of Kentucky.” – Emily Conley, Marketing Communications Specialist, University of Kentucky

“Listening to the Women in AV/IT panel today was absolutely inspiring.” – Megan Shafer, Product Manager, Chief

“This is my first time attending the Digital Signage Experience (DSE) and LDI show! Wow!! There is some really cool stuff. My imagination is running wild on what all my HETMA and Educational Technology Collaborative schools can do! I have so many ideas!!!” – Jennifer Weaver, Business Development Manager – Education, Starin

“The Digital Signage Experience (DSE) show was amazing to attend this year. Lots of interesting people, technology, and content creation tools are advancing at lightning speeds.” – Aaron Farrell, CTO, BoomBright Media.

“It’s always great seeing all the latest tech in person!” – Vincent Casey, Software Engineer, RevelDigital

For additional information on Digital Signage Experience, visit: https://www.digitalsignageexperience.com.

DSE 2024 will run December 7-10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. DSE also provides exhibitor opportunities throughout the year, with activations inside Bar and Restaurant Expo (March 18-20, 2024 in Las Vegas) and The Hospitality Show (October 28-30 in San Antonio, Texas). For sponsorship or exhibitor enquiries, contact Kelly Turner.

About Digital Signage Experience (DSE)
Digital Signage Experience (DSE) is the preeminent event and digital platform for the digital signage industry, showcasing innovations in technology, market applications and creative educational content. With an increased focus on reaching key end-user markets for digital solutions and experiences, DSE will harness other audiences and platforms in hotels, hospitality, travel, healthcare, entertainment, education, sensors and communications technology and more.

About Questex

Questex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: travel, hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here.

Media Contact
Sonal Patel
DSE
[email protected]

NEW YORK, Dec. 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Live Design International 2023 (LDI) highlighted unparalleled success as the foremost event within the live events industry, uniting the global entertainment design and technology communities. The 2023 event featured new and enhanced experiences, from three keynotes and an exclusive backstage tour of Las Vegas venues to a custom drone show, Battle of the Busk competition, and a rainbow tunnel walk to the co-located show, Digital Signage Experience. LDI 2023 served as a testament to the thriving future of live events, captivating over 12,000 attendees with an expanded array of activities and activations. Notably, the conference achieved significant milestones by enhancing the LDInnovation Conference with a 68% increase in courses and amplifying the LDInstitute offerings by 16%, fortifying its training programs. Impressively, registrations for conference and training courses surged by 23% compared to last year, marking a substantial growth in attendee engagement and program participation.

LDI 2023 attendees saw groundbreaking innovation, solidifying its reputation as a platform for cutting-edge technology and professional development. Notable highlights from the event encompass:

Three Keynotes: The opening keynote by Laura Frank, Executive Director and Creative Advocate, frame:work, delved into the value of collaborative problem-solving in today’s world of entertainment production. The VIP lunch keynote by Jamie Reilly, General Manager Moment Factory Events & USA, Moment Factory, explored shifting realities of place and how digital enhancement is pushing the boundaries. The closing keynote by Dale Sheehan, Executive Creative Director, Meow Wolf, invited attendees to step into the extraordinary world of unconventional innovation in immersive environments.Comprehensive Training: 205 renowned industry leaders led 196 hands-on training sessions encompassing a wide array of subjects, from lasers and lighting to projection mapping, audio, media servers, rigging, XLIVE, and new stage management and wellness track.Work/Life Balance: The Shining-A-Light Wellness Lounge hosted by Behind the Scenes offered healthy lifestyle and work environment sessions, which included daily yoga and mental health sessions, and an alternative Mocktail Hour.Exclusive Tours: Attendees experienced behind-the-scenes tours of notable venues such as AREA15, Meow Wolf, Resorts World, Enchant Christmas, and Cirque du Soleil Mad Apple, offering an immersive look into the industry’s creative landscapes.Breathtaking Drone Show: SPH Engineering in partnership with Sky Elements wowed everyone with 400 drones painting the Vegas sky with a trophy and welcome to Las Vegas sign. Drones created a QR code in the moonlit sky, guiding viewers to a page displaying the winning projects of the International Drone Show Competition.Fierce Battle of the Busk Competition: Four teams of two light jockeys and two video jockeys each were provided two days of intensive training by mentors from Sovereign Candle Collective, 4Wall Entertainment, Volvox Labs, and Pixera, demonstrating their training, knowledge, and skill at the final competition on day three. LDI attendees witnessed the ultimate showdown between teams of lighting and video jockeys as they competed in the Battle of the Busk; winners were chosen based on popular vote.Celebrating Excellence: Noteworthy recognitions included the fifth annual Pat MacKay Diversity in Design Scholarships, the Sustainability Award, and the 33rd annual LDI Booth & Best Debuting Product Awards.Empowering Future Talent: The Foster the Future Program engaged 161 students and young professionals, fostering diversity and growth through scholarships and development programs.Expo Hall Excitement: 279 exhibitors unveiled cutting-edge technologies, providing live demos and the opportunity for face-to-face discussions about the groundbreaking gear they debuted exclusively to LDI attendees.Bridging the Digital Signage Experience (DSE): LDI attendees were able to walk through a rainbow tunnel that led to the co-located DSE show, which offered shared experiences, featuring visual display solutions, entertainment production technology, and experiential activations and events.Networking Opportunities: Various co-located events and the new ConNEXTions Café facilitated invaluable networking, allowing attendees to forge new connections and engage in industry discourse across multiple forums.

LDI show director Jessi Cybulski expressed her gratitude, stating, “Completing the 2023 show makes me proud of the LDI community. So many people showed up in ways we haven’t seen since before the pandemic, if ever before. Buyers and sellers, mentors and mentees, attendees and exhibitors, students and trainers, friends and colleagues. What we saw was people coming together and collaborating. The business of live events and the fast-changing industry were being discussed and considered at every turn.

Our LDInnovation League saw new initiatives and innovations come to life with Foster the Future Career Day, Backstage Las Vegas Tour, Battle of the Busk, ConNextions Café, Lasers, Drones, hands-on training, and so much more. Packed with knowledge and positivity, the show was truly amazing. From the entire LDI team, we thank everyone for their contributions for a successful LDI.”

“This year’s LDI was a landmark event for us,” adds Marian Sandberg, VP and market leader for LDI, Live Design, and DSE. “We saw incredible support from our exhibitors and attendees, showing that LDI is on a major growth path for 2024 and beyond, especially seeing record numbers of attendees interested in conference and training sessions. Our re-sign for next year has also been a resounding success, with the show floor more than half booked onsite, showing a high-level of confidence in our ability to bring qualified buyers and specifiers to exhibitors and sponsors. We are so grateful to our customers for their support and look forward to next year.”

For more information and a detailed list of award winners, visit https://www.livedesignonline.com/news/ldi-2023.

LDI will take place Sunday through Tuesday, December 8-10, 2024, at the West Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV, with the conference starting December 4. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Kelly Tuner, Director of Sales, at [email protected].

About Live Design International (LDI)
Established in 1988, Live Design International (LDI) is built on a 35 year history as the essential trade show and conference for global live design professionals. Attendees come to LDI to see the latest gear and entertainment technology in action, covering audio, lighting, projection, video, staging, special effects, and XR. It is also a great opportunity to refresh their knowledge and professional training as well as network and be inspired by colleagues and the manufacturers and distributors at the vanguard of entertainment technology. For more information, visit http://www.ldishow.com/. LDI will take place December 4 – 10, 2024, at the West Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV.

About Questex
Questex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: travel, hospitality, and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here.

LDI Media Contact
Sarah Joy Lagunzad
Sr. Marketing Manager
[email protected]        

NEW YORK, Dec. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Fierce Telecom and Fierce Wireless today announces the 2023 Fierce Innovation Awards — Telecom Edition winners. The awards recognize the creators, makers, and doers of outstanding services and equipment unveiled over the past 12 months.

The awards promote the competitive spirit and initiative to spark new design, development and distribution of inventive solutions; find revolutionary tech or services; and to acknowledge and honor the most visionary operators, service providers, and vendors for their commitment to next-gen business and consumer offerings.

The 2023 Fierce Innovation Awards – Telecom Edition winners:

AI/Analytics/Automation

Mavenir: Mavenir automation drives step-change in operational energy efficiency and QoS

BSS/OSS 

AEX (Automation Exchange) Inc.

Business Services 

Aryaka: Aryaka Unified SASE

Core Network 

NETSCOUT: Observability for Cloudified 5G SA Networks

Customer Engagement 

Evergent Technologies Inc.: Catered & Creative Customer Retention

Digital Divide 

BICS: BICS – Project ‘Connect the Remote & Vulnerable’

IoT 

Uber: UberSIM project

Network Test and Measurement 

Infovista: World’s largest 5G network benchmarking project

Next-Gen Deployment Fiber/Wireline 

Boldyn Networks: Boldyn Networks Transforms San Francisco Metro Through Unrivaled Fiber Connectivity

Next-Gen Deployment Wireless 

Tarana Wireless: Tarana G1 in 6 GHz

Private Wireless Networks 

Cox Private Networks: Hybrid private/public cellular network improves business operations for a used vehicle wholesale solution provider

RAN Innovation 

Cohere Technologies: First MU-MIMO Software Solution for 4G + 5G in FDD and TDD with 2X Spectrum Multiplier Benefit

Security 

Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA): TIA SCS 9001 Cybersecurity and Supply Chain Security Standard

Alejandro Piñero, Head of Content, Fierce Technology Group at Questex said, “Congratulations to the 2023 award winners for developing solutions that exemplify excellence. We applaud you on your innovation solutions and wish you continued success.”

Winners were chosen by the awards program’s judges who are the industry’s elite including analysts and service providers.

To learn more about the 2023 Fierce Innovation Awards — Telecom Edition, visit: https://www.fiercetelecomawards.com.

About Fierce Telecom
FierceTelecom is the telecom industry’s daily monitor. FierceTelecom’s independent team of experienced editors provides relevant and insightful information on the dynamic telecom market, covering topics ranging from fiber deployments, virtualization of telecom and cable networks, partnerships with big cloud providers, edge computing, business deals and competition. FierceTelecom provides its readers — which include stakeholders from the entire telecom and cable industry such as service providers, equipment vendors, telecom customers and analysts — with thoughtful news and analysis on this competitive marketplace.

About Questex
Questex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: travel, hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here.

Media Contact
Charlene Soucy
Senior Director
Questex Technology Group
[email protected]

NEW YORK, Dec. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s International Beauty Show (IBS New York) and the International Esthetics, Cosmetics, & Spa Conference (IECSC New York) return to the Javits Convention Center March 3-5, 2024, with the industries’ top stars including Sam Villa, Roger Molina, John Mosely and more, sharing their wisdom, talent and advice to help attendees grow their businesses and expand their customer base.

IBS New York welcomes back Sam Villa, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Sam Villa and Global Artistic Ambassador for Redken, Villa is a true leader that brings out the best in others. As the 2021 NAHA Educator of the Year, Hair Awards USA Hall of Fame Inductee and 2017 NAHA Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, he is known for doing things differently to challenge, inspire and motivate change. His Master Class, “Hairvolution: Shaping the Future of Haircutting,” on March 4, should not be missed. Villa will be joined by his colleague and fellow renowned artist, Roger Molina. Molina has 20 years of experience behind the chair and has worked as a national educator and platform artist for over a decade. Molina is now part of the Sam Villa® ArTeam and works behind the chair as a Master Stylist at Lunatic Fringe Salon. Also joining the line-up of top-tier educators, is men’s grooming expert, John Mosley. Mosley brings over ten years of industry experience to the Andis Education team, including working behind the chair in the barbershop, working as a platform artist for Paul Mitchell and providing personal grooming services to several celebrities in the entertainment and sports industries. Mosley’s knowledge, passion and industry relationships help Andis deliver best-in-class educational programs in the Southwest and awarded 2022 Educator of the Year NAHA.

Other top educators on tap for this year’s Shows include:

IBS New York

Candy Shaw – trained in Paris, Shaw is the world’s foremost authority on balayage education. She teaches a fast, efficient, no-nonsense method of hair painting and runs three companies: her Atlanta salon; a Balayage education Academy and SUNLIGHTS Balayage, the makers and purveyors of the world’s leading balayage products and education.Monaé Everett – is a celebrity hair stylist, author, educator and Diversity Equity and Inclusion consultant with 20 years of experience. Everett’s passion project, Texture Style Awards, a competition for hairstylists, is centered around diversity and inclusion.J Ladner – an accomplished hair and makeup artist with experience in film, television, theatre, print and digital media, J is the Director of Education of FASTFOILS and co-hosts the No Stylist Left Behind podcast with Nina Tulio.Gilad Goldstein – as part of the Ulta Design Team, Gilad creates online Salon Education for stylists globally.Nina Tulio – an industry-leading salon business consultant, speaker, and educator helping salon owners and stylists around the world to grow their business, while growing themselves.Ben Brown – an international left-handed cutting educator and owner of BBEducation, Ben Brown believes in sharing knowledge and education which has been a key factor in his fantastic hairdressing journey.Lupe Voss – a gifted and passionate educator, Voss has helped countless colorists around the globe to flourish in their career. She also founded and co-owned the highly successful Julian August salon in Redlands, California for 32 years.Oliver Adams – affectionately known as the “Kolor King,” Adams is the owner of Splash Studios Inc., which consists of salons and salon suite locations in Atlanta, Georgia and Las Vegas, Nevada. As a Top Artist for Clairol Professional for 20 years, he shares his passion for hair, through his other love, which is teaching. Collin Martin – Martin has created multi-functional cuts with a keen eye while employing unconventional 3D sculpting for the past 14 years. His unconventional approach to hair has, in the words of a colleague, “brought the avant-garde to the people.”Wayne Tuggle – Tuggle is considered the rockstar of hair and has been published in numerous magazines such as Vogue, Glamour, and Us Weekly, working with renowned photographer David LaChapelle. Tuggle has created and mastered a cutting system that is simple, methodical, and fast, allowing him to see 20+ clients a day, every day.Dawn Braley – a podcaster, educator, hairstylist, & mental health advocate, Bradley’s real, raw, and honest approach puts beauty professionals at ease and ready to earn six figures stress-free.

“Being an educator at the International Beauty Show (IBS) was a game-changer for my career. The exposure significantly extended my network, reaching artists I may not have connected with otherwise,” said Monaé Everett. “At IBS, I’ve had the unique opportunity to lead main stage presentations and influence the beauty industry towards a more inclusive and equitable future, aligning with the core values of both IBS and myself.”

For the full list of IBS New York educators, click here.

IECSC New York

Savanna Boda – a licensed medical Aesthetician and acne specialist based in Dallas, Texas, Boda has a cult following of 298K on Instagram. She is the founder and owner of Savanna Boda Aesthetics, a medical spa that focuses on ethical and results driven aesthetics.Nydia Cabrera – with over 15 years of experience, Cabrera is a celebrity and published makeup artist whose work has been featured on television, The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, NYFW, The Miss Universe Organization and more.Douglas Preston – founder of Preston Acne Pros, Preston’s career spans 40+years in professional esthetics, spa management and skincare career mentoring. His recently published book, An Esthetician’s Guide to Growing a Successful Skincare Career, is a top-seller among ambitious working skincare professionals.E’Toshia McFarland – McFarland’ passion is to help other estheticians propel in and out of their treatment room, master the art of facial treatments and implement passive streams of income with digital products.Amy Carter – Carter’s consulting company is dedicated to empowering spa and salon professionals to grow their businesses, their teams, and their value. Her leadership and operational strategies help busy professionals free up time to work on their businesses and the results are immediate and impactful!

Douglas Preston added, “IECSC events are my favorite because of the enthusiastic professionals who attend. It’s easy to feel a sense of isolation at work and IECSC open us up to new techniques, business insights, and a chance to make new friends… all in one great event.”

For the full list of IECSC New York educators, click here.

Attendees may register to attend the Shows by clicking here. Exhibit Hall passes include all free classes at IBS, all Product-Focused Education at IECSC, and unlimited access to each Exhibit Hall. Master Classes, Hands-on Workshops at IBS and the curated conference sessions at IECSC are available for additional fees. However, all paid conference sessions include 3-day Exhibit Hall entry. Press may apply for a media pass here.

SHOW HOURS:
Sunday, March 3: 10:30am – 5:00pm; Monday, March 4: 10:30am – 5:00pm; and Tuesday, March 5: 10:30am – 3:30pm

INFO:
For more information, on IBS New York, visit ibsnewyork.com. Stay connected on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

For more information on IECSC New York, visit iecscnewyork.com. Stay connected on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

Upcoming Events
Additional networking and educational opportunities for beauty and wellness professionals are available at IBS Las Vegas and IECSC Las Vegas, taking place June 22-24, 2024 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Visit ibslasvegas.com or iecsclasvegas.com for more information. Also, IECSC Florida will take place October 13-14, 2024 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Visit iecscflorida.com for more information.

About IBS New York
Produced by Questex and presented by American Salon, IBS New York is the longest running professional beauty event in the country. IBS New York is for professionals only and reaches a wide cross‐section of participants including salon owners and managers, hair stylists, hair colorists, makeup artists, nail technicians, beauty and hair product manufacturers and distributors. Connecting serious beauty professionals with the best in the industry, the show brings hundreds of top beauty brands together under one roof for free educational classes by industry legends, workshops, and exclusive show-floor discounts. For more information, visit ibsnewyork.com.

About IECSC
Produced by Questex, the International Esthetics, Cosmetics and Spa Conferences (IECSC) are for professionals only and reach a wide cross‐section of participants from spa and wellness product manufacturers and distributors to spa owners, directors and managers, estheticians, massage therapists, cosmetologists, medical estheticians, and dermatologists. With dynamic trade show floors, in-depth conference programs, and presented by American Spa, the IECSC events provide the perfect meeting ground for the world’s most elite and qualified spa professionals looking to meet the top skin, cosmetic and wellness companies. For more information, visit iecsc.com.

About QUESTEX
Questex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: travel, hospitality, and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here. 

Media Contact
Amanda Brokaw
IBS New York and IECSC New York
[email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/465f0be4-69ba-4370-b104-a559f8a90335 

NEW YORK, Dec. 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Fierce Telecom and Fierce Wireless today announces the 2023 Fierce Innovation Awards — Telecom Edition finalists. The awards recognize the creators, makers, and doers of outstanding services and equipment unveiled over the past 12 months.

The awards promote the competitive spirit and initiative to spark new design, development and distribution of inventive solutions; find revolutionary tech or services; and to acknowledge and honor the most visionary operators, service providers, and vendors for their commitment to next-gen business and consumer offerings.

The 2023 Fierce Innovation Awards – Telecom Edition finalists:

AI/Analytics/Automation

DeepomaticEnterprise Web: Telco-grade generative AI for intent-based orchestrationMavenir: Mavenir automation drives step-change in operational energy efficiency and QoSNetcracker: Netcracker GenAI Telco SolutionPlume: Plume HaystackTNS: TNS Robocall Protection

BSS/OSS 

AEX (Automation Exchange) Inc.Evergent Technologies Inc.: Nimble Monetization Capabilities for Today’s Telecom TransitionsInnova IT Solutions: COSSMOS Auto Discovery and Reconciliation PlatformSage Management: Sage Hybrid Blockchain Services

Business Services 

Aryaka: Aryaka Unified SASEGTT: GTT Managed SD-WANKyndryl: Kyndryl’s Network Transformation ServicesWindstream Enterprise: An intelligent cloud-based contact center solution to elevate customer and employee experiences

Core Network

Harmonic Inc.: Harmonic cOS™ Virtualized Core Software PlatformInfinera Corporation: ICE6 TurboNETSCOUT: Observability for Cloudified 5G SA NetworksOracle: The future of 5G analytics: Oracle Communications Network Analytics Data Director

Customer Engagement 

Bango: The Bango Digital Vending Machine®Evergent Technologies Inc.: Catered & Creative Customer RetentionTiVo: TiVo’s Managed IPTV Service with Evolution Digital’s EVO FORCE 1 and FUSE 4KGlobalReach Technology: GlobalReach Technology – Trusted Wi-FiNetcracker: Netcracker GenAI Telco SolutionWindstream Wholesale: iconnect, the wholesale industry’s premier customer portal

Digital Divide 

AT&T: AT&T 5G-Connected HelmetBICS: BICS – Project ‘Connect the Remote & Vulnerable’Casa Systems: Casa Systems’ AurusLINK 5G Self Install Outdoor ModemConsolidated Communications: Bringing Universal Broadband Service to Rural Vermont – Consolidated Communications and Southern Vermont CUDDZS: DZS FiberWayRadisys: Radisys’ Connect 5G FWA/Broadband Convergence

IoT 

1NCE: 1NCE’s Software Platform Turns Connectivity into a ComponentEnea: Automation & Unified Global Connectivity with Enea Aptilo IoT CCSTaoglas: Taoglas Invisible Antenna™Uber: UberSIM project

Network Test and Measurement 

Infovista: World’s largest 5G network benchmarking projectPCTEL: SeeHawk™ MonitorTelsasoft: Telsasoft Rich Notifications

Next-Gen Deployment Fiber/Wireline 

Boldyn Networks: Boldyn Networks Transforms San Francisco Metro Through Unrivaled Fiber ConnectivityClearfield, Inc.: ClearPass™ Dust CapHarmonic Inc.: Harmonic cOS™ Broadband PlatformInfinera Corporation: High-speed Business Services over Existing PON Infrastructure Leveraging ICE-X Intelligent Coherent Pluggables

Next-Gen Deployment Wireless 

Airvine: Airvine WaveTunnel Product LineBICS: BICS advances 5G SA roaming with stc Kuwait and AIS ThailandBoingo: Washington Commanders Score Touchdown with Boingo Wi-Fi 6Tarana Wireless: Tarana G1 in 6 GHz

Private Wireless Networks 

Betacom: Betacom AirGap Protection™ for Private 5GBetacom: Betacom Private/Public Hybrid 5G Network ServiceCox Private Networks: Hybrid private/public cellular network improves business operations for a used vehicle wholesale solution providerKyndryl: Kyndryl enables Industry 4.0 Transformation with Nokia Digital Automation Cloud

RAN Innovation 

Boingo: RAN Innovation: The First Department of Defense Open RAN NetworkCohere Technologies: First MU-MIMO Software Solution for 4G + 5G in FDD and TDD with 2X Spectrum Multiplier BenefitRadisys: Radisys’ Connect RAN Release 17 Compliant 5G NR SoftwareWind River: Wind River Studio

Security 

Digital Element: IPC CharacteristicsHiya: Hiya ProtectPlume: Plume’s Full Stack OptimizationTelecommunications Industry Association (TIA): TIA SCS 9001 Cybersecurity and Supply Chain Security Standard

Alejandro Piñero, Head of Content, Fierce Technology Group at Questex said, “Congratulations to the 2023 award finalists. We were extremely impressed with all of the submissions. We are thrilled to celebrate the finalists for their creativity in developing groundbreaking solutions across the industry.”

Finalists were chosen by the awards program’s judges who are the industry’s elite including analysts and service providers.

The 2023 Fierce Innovation Awards — Telecom Edition winners will be announced on December 14.

To learn more about the 2023 Fierce Innovation Awards — Telecom Edition, visit: https://www.fiercetelecomawards.com.

About Fierce Telecom
FierceTelecom is the telecom industry’s daily monitor. FierceTelecom’s independent team of experienced editors provides relevant and insightful information on the dynamic telecom market, covering topics ranging from fiber deployments, virtualization of telecom and cable networks, partnerships with big cloud providers, edge computing, business deals and competition. FierceTelecom provides its readers — which include stakeholders from the entire telecom and cable industry such as service providers, equipment vendors, telecom customers and analysts — with thoughtful news and analysis on this competitive marketplace.

About Questex
Questex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: travel, hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here.

Media Contact
Charlene Soucy
Senior Director
Questex Technology Group
[email protected]