Canadian Oil Sands Production Expected to Grow for 25th Straight Year, Reaching New Record
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Potential shift towards new construction adds upside to longer-term outlook, S&P Global Energy analysis says

CALGARY, AB, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Canadian oil sands production is expected to average a record 3.5 million barrels per day in 2026 – a 100,000 b/d (3%) increase from the previous year, according to the latest S&P Global Energy 10-year production outlook. Production is expected to reach 3.9 million b/d by the early 2030s.

Since 2001, when annual output was just 300,000 b/d, production has grown every year except for COVID-19-related impacts in 2020.

The bulk of 2026 production growth is expected to once again come from optimization of existing facilities. However, the potential for a renewed appetite for capacity additions via new construction projects is adding additional upside to the longer-term outlook, the analysis says.

Most of today's installed oil sands production capacity is the result of construction between 2009 to 2018, with construction of new facilities being rare since then.

"The Canadian oil sands has proven to be a resilient source of supply despite periods of low oil prices, regional price volatility and uncertainty over future Canadian energy and climate policy," said Kevin Birn, Chief Canadian Oil Markets Analyst, S&P Global Energy. "The question today is not whether the oil sands will continue to grow, but rather how much additional growth could come should new projects once again come forward."

Developments contributing to the sense of optimism include announced plans for expanded pipeline export capacity; the clarification, reduction and extension of carbon pricing to 2040; commitments to accelerate reviews for projects deemed in the national interest; and potential changes to fiscal terms for new oil sands projects.

Canadian energy production is also increasingly being seen as a source of national security and economic growth amid the deteriorating trade relationship between Canada and the United States over the past 18 months, the analysis says.

"The degree of alignment to drive upstream growth between the Canadian Federal and Provincial governments has not been seen in more than a decade," said Birn. "The fresh focus on eliminating uncertainties to accelerate investment could set the stage for a return to new construction and greater growth."

Nevertheless, new construction projects are more capital-intensive and require longer lead times, and important details remain to be determined.

The competitiveness of future projects, and the appetite from shareholders to investment will be critical determinants about what type of upside could emerge. The details of the final implementation agreement related to the Canada-Alberta Memorandum of Understanding that is expected on November 15, 2026, between the governments of Alberta, Canada, and the oil sands industry will be telling, the analysis says.

The current S&P Global Energy outlook expects production levels to roughly plateau after reaching 3.9 million b/d in the early 2030s. The growing optimism, however, creates the potential for an acceleration of growth should new projects advance.

"Looking at past proposed projects that did not advance, and how they have likely evolved, S&P Global Energy estimates that there is nearly half a million barrels per day of incremental production capacity that could come forward beyond what is currently in the outlook," said Celina Hwang, Director, Canadian Crude Oil Markets, S&P Global Energy. "This estimate is what we expect would be the most attractive and expedient projects. Given the right conditions and time, the potential could be greater."

Media Contacts:

Suzanne Mount

S&P Global Energy

[email protected]

About S&P Global Energy

At S&P Global Energy, our comprehensive view of global energy and commodities markets enables our customers to make superior decisions and create long-term, sustainable value. Our four core capabilities are: Platts for pricing and news; CERA for research and advisory; Horizons for energy expansion and sustainability solutions; and Events for industry collaboration.

S&P Global Energy is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI). S&P Global enables businesses, governments, and individuals with trusted data, expertise, and technology to make decisions with conviction. We are Advancing Essential Intelligence through world-leading benchmarks, data, and insights that customers need in order to plan confidently, act decisively, and thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape. Learn more at www.spglobal.com/energy.

SOURCE S&P Global Energy

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<p>Potential shift towards new construction adds upside to longer-term outlook, S&amp;P Global Energy analysis says CALGARY, AB, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Canadian oil sands production is expected to average a record 3.5 million barrels per day in 2026 – a 100,000 b/d (3%) increase from the...</p>

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At RelFest Chicago, Relativity Announces KPMG and Three Global Law Firms to Join Relativity claiR Advanced Access Program
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At RelFest Chicago, Relativity Announces KPMG and Three Global Law Firms to Join Relativity claiR Advanced Access Program

News Summary

- At its annual user conference, RelFest Chicago, Relativity announced that KPMG, Latham & Watkins LLP, Ashurst Perkins Coie and Troutman Pepper Locke have joined the Advanced Access program for its conversational AI experience designed specifically for lawyers, Relativity claiR.

- KPMG will serve as the program's first alliance partner, while Latham & Watkins LLP, Ashurst Perkins Coie and Troutman Pepper Locke join a group of leading global law firms helping shape claiR ahead of its planned general availability in early 2027.

- At RelFest Chicago, attendees can learn more about claiR and explore recent developments across Relativity's broader product and innovation portfolio, including the launch of Assist, expanded Model Context Protocol (MCP) integrations, Relativity's plan to bring aiR directly into Microsoft Word through the acquisition of Gavel and investments in legal technology innovators through Rel Labs.

CHICAGO, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Relativity, a legal data intelligence company, today announced that KPMG, Latham & Watkins LLP, Ashurst Perkins Coie and Troutman Pepper Locke have joined the Advanced Access program for Relativity claiR, a conversational AI experience designed specifically for lawyers.

KPMG will serve as the program's first alliance partner, joined by global law firms Latham & Watkins LLP, Ashurst Perkins Coie and Troutman Pepper Locke. These early participants will play a key role in shaping and refining claiR ahead of its planned general availability in early 2027.

"You don't get the best solutions by working in isolation. You get them by bringing together people who see a problem from different angles," said Phil Saunders, CEO of Relativity. "On any significant matter, outside counsel and advisors are working from the same record toward a common goal, each accountable for a distinct part of the process. Advanced Access brings both of those parties into the room while we're building claiR, so we can learn what each of them needs, and how they need to work together. That helps us create something that works in the real world, shaped by people who will actually use it."

The legal record as an intelligence asset

Relativity claiR gives legal practitioners a simple, intuitive way to engage with the full depth of their matter within the secure, governed AI platform where their most consequential legal data already lives.

A customer's Relativity aiR environment typically contains vast amounts of legal data, along with the context and work product built around it. This powerful intelligence is only valuable if teams can easily access it and put it to work. With claiR, legal teams can go from plain-language questions to finished work, exploring the record, drawing connections and producing the insights and memos that carry a matter forward.

"We are excited to support claiR as Relativity continues to turn powerful technology into practical value for lawyers," said David Nides, Global Forensic Technology Leader at KPMG US. "The future of legal technology is not simply finding documents; it is generating actionable intelligence that informs legal strategy and business outcomes."

Perspectives from legal practice

For the participating law firms, Advanced Access gives practicing lawyers an opportunity to work with claiR and offer their perspectives on how conversational AI can support the realities of legal work.

"In the terabyte-scale environments we encounter in modern litigation, we are constantly challenged by the need to sort through tremendous volumes of highly technical materials in developing arguments and answering pivotal fact questions under tight timelines," said Hayden Schottlaender, Partner at Ashurst Perkins Coie. "Being able to query and interact with these previously unthinkable datasets using natural language, while likely improving accuracy from a manual review resulting from a traditional query, is revolutionary."

"Clients don't just want faster answers, they want answers they can rely on. That's the standard we hold any new technology to before we incorporate it into how we work," said Alison Grounds, Managing Partner of Troutman eMerge. "Our case teams eagerly signed up to participate in the Advanced Access program for claiR, putting these advanced features to work and demonstrating how conversational AI can make complex legal data more accessible without sacrificing the governance and defensibility that high-stakes legal work requires."

The growing community shaping claiR

The four new participants join A&O Shearman, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, K&L Gates and Foley & Lardner LLP in the Advanced Access program, which was first announced in August 2026. When generally available, claiR is expected to be included in Relativity aiR integrated pricing at no additional cost.

At RelFest Chicago, Sept. 29-Oct. 1, attendees can learn more about claiR and explore recent developments across Relativity's broader product and innovation portfolio. These include the recent launch of Assist, expanded Model Context Protocol (MCP) integrations, Relativity's plan to bring aiR directly into Microsoft Word through the acquisition of Gavel, and investments in emerging legal technology innovators through its Rel Labs investment arm.

To stay informed as development progresses, visit https://resources.relativity.com/relativity-clair-updates-opt-in.html.

About Relativity

Relativity is a leading legal data intelligence company that builds technology to help users organize data, discover the truth, and act on it. Its AI platform, Relativity aiR, transforms complex data into actionable insights at massive scale for litigation, investigations, regulatory inquiries, data breach responses, and other legal use cases. The world's largest law firms and corporations, government agencies, and a robust network of channel partners rely on Relativity's legal AI to securely surface and manage the most relevant and impactful information in their matters. The company also expands access to technology by providing its platform at no cost to academic institutions through its Relativity Academic program and to organizations supporting pro bono legal work through its Justice for Change initiative. 

CONTACT: [email protected]

SOURCE Relativity

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<p>News Summary At its annual user conference, RelFest Chicago, Relativity announced that KPMG, Latham & Watkins LLP, Ashurst Perkins Coie and Troutman Pepper Locke have joined the Advanced Access program for its conversational AI experience designed specifically for lawyers, Relativity...</p>

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FirstDigital Reaches 500 Five-Star Reviews, Reflecting a Different Approach to Fiber Internet Service
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DRAPER, Utah, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstDigital has reached a milestone of 500 five-star Google reviews and an overall 4.4-star rating.

The milestone is about more than the number of five-star reviews. FirstDigital reviews tell a story: customers point to reliable connectivity, responsive support, access to real people, and a team that stays involved until problems are resolved.

In a fiber internet market where providers may offer similar connectivity solutions, FirstDigital's 4.4-star Google rating is notably higher than ratings at most locations operated by major national providers in the same markets. FirstDigital has made the support experience a central part of how it serves customers.

That approach comes through in FirstDigital customer reviews.

What FirstDigital Customers Are Saying

When customer Mary Tipton's fiber internet went down following a series of power outages, she called FirstDigital and, as she put it, "got a real person." FirstDigital created a high-priority service ticket, and Tipton reported that her service was restored within hours.

For longtime customer Vance Hawkins, reliability has been just as important as responsive support.

"Downtime is practically nonexistent. I've used their service for twelve years, and rarely has there been a hitch," Hawkins wrote. "When there has been a hitch, things have been quickly resolved—within minutes—so that there has been no work disruption."

Customer Rob Savage pointed to another part of the experience: follow-through. He praised a FirstDigital representative for going "the extra mile" to ensure he received what he needed and then following up.

Customer Service as a Differentiator

For more than 25 years, FirstDigital has supported businesses and organizations with enterprise fiber and telecommunications solutions. Its locally based customer support team works closely with local engineers and technicians, giving customers access to knowledgeable people who understand their networks and communities.

Alex Jackson, Chief Operating Officer at FirstDigital, said the growing number of positive FirstDigital fiber internet reviews reflects the company's approach to customer relationships.

"Five-star reviews are something we're proud of, but they aren't what drives our team," Jackson says. "What matters is earning our customers' trust by being there when they need us, solving problems quickly, and treating their business like it's our own. Reaching this milestone is a strong reminder that how we serve our customers makes a meaningful difference."

For businesses and multifamily communities that depend on connectivity every day, the reviews reinforce that choosing a fiber internet provider is a matter of who answers when you need help.

About FirstDigital

FirstDigital provides fiber internet, connectivity solutions, and telecommunication services for businesses and multifamily communities, combining enterprise technology with localized customer support and technical expertise. Learn more at FirstDigital.com.

SOURCE FirstDigital

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<p>DRAPER, Utah, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstDigital has reached a milestone of 500 five-star Google reviews and an overall 4.4-star rating. The milestone is about more than the number of five-star reviews. FirstDigital reviews tell a story: customers point to reliable connectivity,...</p>

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Yardstik Adds Arctic Wolf CEO Nick Schneider to Board of Directors
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The appointment follows Yardstik's $30M Series B and deepens the company's focus on the security risks that surface beyond a candidate's point of hire

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Yardstik, the Human Trust Platform for employers, today announced that Nick Schneider, President and CEO of the cybersecurity and AI company Arctic Wolf, has joined its board of directors. The appointment comes weeks after Yardstik closed $30 million in new funding Series B led by Harbert Growth Partners to build out fraud prevention, continuous monitoring, and credential tracking through the entire worker lifecycle.

Schneider has spent more than 20 years building high-growth technology companies at scale. As President and CEO of Arctic Wolf® since 2021, he has grown Arctic Wolf into one of the largest privately held cybersecurity companies, driven its international expansion, and established the company as an industry leader. Arctic Wolf ranks among Forbes' top 25 Cloud 100 companies and has been named to the Fortune Cyber 60. Under his leadership, Arctic Wolf launched the Aurora® Agentic SOC, the industry's leading agentic security operations center, and was named a Leader in the 2026 IDC MarketScape for Worldwide Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Service for Midmarket, cementing its place among the top cybersecurity companies in the industry. Before Arctic Wolf, he ran North American sales at Code42 and held senior sales roles at Compellent Technologies through its IPO and acquisition by Dell.

Yardstik and Arctic Wolf sit on opposite sides of the same problem: keeping bad actors out of a company's systems and workforce. In June 2025, the Department of Justice broke up a network of laptop farms that let North Korean operatives pose as remote IT workers using stolen American identities. They'd landed jobs at more than 100 U.S. companies, several of them Fortune 500 firms. A second case unsealed later that year tied a five-person facilitator ring to fraudulent placements at 136 more companies. Some of those workers went on to steal data from the same employers who'd hired them and tried to extort them for it.

Arctic Wolf watches the network for signs something's gone wrong once someone's already inside. Yardstik monitors the person behind the login: who was actually hired, whether their credentials are still valid, and whether the person clocking in today was the one who passed the background check six months ago. Ponemon's 2026 research puts the average cost of insider risk at $19.5 million a year per organization, and Verizon's Data Breach Investigations Report ties roughly three in ten breaches to an insider. A background check run once at hire can't catch any of that. It only proves who someone was on the day they applied.

"Nick has spent his career proving that real security is never a one-time check, it's a continuous journey." said Andrew Johnson, CEO of Yardstik. "You don't scan a network once and call it safe. Every attack surface gets watched continuously except one...the workforce. A candidate clears a background check at the point of hire and nobody bothers to check again. That's the gap we built Yardstik to close, and Nick understood the importance immediately."

"Companies have invested heavily in securing their networks, but people accessing those systems are still an underprotected part of the security equation," said Nick Schneider, President and CEO of Arctic Wolf. "Yardstik is bringing a modern approach to workforce risk by giving businesses greater visibility into who is accessing their organization and how that risk can change over time. I'm excited to help the company establish lifecycle workforce protection as a core part of the enterprise security stack as it enters its next stage of growth."

Schneider's appointment expands Yardstik's board as the company scales past its Series B, adding a director with direct experience turning a security platform into a channel-driven growth engine. A path Yardstik is now pursuing with its own ATS, HR, and marketplace integration partners.

About Yardstik

Yardstik is a Human Trust Platform built to help organizations move beyond one-time background checks toward a continuous and transparent workforce lifecycle. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Yardstik combines fraud prevention and background verification into a single, cost-efficient platform used by customers including HR Block and Gopuff. Yardstik operates in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), providing full transparency to the individuals it monitors.

About Arctic Wolf

Arctic Wolf is the cybersecurity and AI company that ends cyber risk by transforming it into business resilience. Powered by the Aurora® Superintelligence Platform, Arctic Wolf delivers modern security operations built on proprietary AI and decades of real-world expertise. By combining AI-driven automation with expert-validated precision, Arctic Wolf takes ownership of cyber risk — so organizations can operate with confidence, control, and the freedom to innovate.

To learn more about Arctic Wolf, visit www.arcticwolf.com.

Media Contact

[email protected]

SOURCE Yardstik, Inc.

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<p>The appointment follows Yardstik's $30M Series B and deepens the company's focus on the security risks that surface beyond a candidate's point of hire MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Yardstik, the Human Trust Platform for employers, today announced that Nick Schneider,...</p>

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US Consumer Confidence Fell in September
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Views of the present situation and expectations for the future both deteriorated

NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® fell by 6.7 points to 81.9 (1985=100) in September, down from 88.6 in August. The Present Situation Index—based on consumers' assessment of current business and labor market conditions—retreated by 7.9 points to 109.3. The Expectations Index—based on consumers' short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions—fell by 5.9 points to 63.6, its third consecutive monthly decline. The survey period for this month's preliminary results was September 1-23, which included a federal funds rate hike and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

"The Consumer Confidence Index deteriorated notably in September, following two prior months of softening," said Dana M Peterson, Chief Economist, The Conference Board. "The Present Situation Index fell sharply, while the Expectations Index slipped further into negative territory. Consumer appraisals of current business conditions became negative for the first time since September 2024. Perceptions of the current labor market also worsened, though remained within positive territory. Over the next six months, consumers expected both business conditions and the labor market to weaken. Consumers still anticipated their household incomes to rise, but less so compared to previous months."

Peterson continued: "Consumers' write-in responses regarding factors affecting the economy were mostly pessimistic in September. References to prices, the high cost of goods and services, and oil and gas prices in particular, rose to new heights, reflecting September's surge in fuel costs. Comments about war/conflict eased this month but remained elevated. Consumers also frequently cited politics, trade, and employment in their write-in responses, though to a lesser extent."

The Present Situation Index worsened in September. Net views of current business conditions—the share saying conditions are "good" versus "bad"—declined by 3.4 percentage points to –1.9%. The fall was largely driven by more consumers reporting that business conditions are "bad." Perceptions of current employment conditions also softened, with the labor market differential—the share of consumers saying jobs are "plentiful" minus the share saying jobs are "hard to get"—retreating by 2.5 ppts to just +1.7%.

The Expectations Index also declined in September. All three of its components deteriorated, with net expectations for business conditions dipping by 3.2 ppts to –9.5%. Net expectations for the labor market also became more pessimistic, declining by 3.1 ppts to –14.4%. Net expectations for household income fell by 3.0 ppts but remained in positive territory at +2.5%.

On a six-month moving average basis, confidence across all age groups and nearly all income groups trended downward. While higher-income groups remained generally more optimistic, those with a household income of $125,000-$149,000 reported the greatest decline in confidence over the last six months. By generation, confidence for Gen Z, followed by Millennials, remained the highest on a six-month moving average basis. Confidence among the three oldest generations—Generation X, Baby Boomers, and the Silent Generation—continued to weaken. Confidence fell in September across all political affiliations—Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.

Consumers' average and median 12-month inflation expectations rose 0.3 ppts in September to 6.1% and 5.1% respectively. The share of consumers anticipating higher interest rates over the next 12 months jumped by 5.2 ppts to 68.4%. Consumers still largely expected stock prices to rise in the next 12 months, but optimism moderated in September.

Consumers' net views of their Family's Current Financial Situation turned negative in September, as the share of consumers who said their finances were "bad" rose to overtake those saying "good" for the second time since the question was introduced four years ago. Views of their Family's Future Financial Situation over the next six months were somewhat less optimistic. The share of consumers who believed a US recession over the next 12 months is "somewhat likely" rose while those who believe recession is "not likely" declined. (These measures are not included in calculating the Consumer Confidence Index®).

On a six-month moving average basis, plans to purchase autos and homes both declined slightly in September. Among durable goods, furniture and smartphones remained the top categories consumers desired to buy over the next six months. Spending plans for refrigerators and TV sets fell the most on a six-month moving average basis, while plans for other durable goods moderated slightly.

Expected spending on services over the next six months pared back again in September. The top five planned services spending categories were: restaurants/bars/take-out, streaming/internet/mobile services, beauty and personal care, utilities, and healthcare. Beyond the top five, consumers preferred to spend on cheap thrills and necessities. Anticipated spending for many discretionary activities moderated, including hotels for personal travel, movies, airfare, and amusement parks. Household maintenance, financial services, and historical sites/museums saw minor increases in planned spending.

Despite the general pullback in planned services spending, vacation plans held up, with 42.6% of consumers planning a vacation in the next six months—up 0.5 ppts over August. However, this slight month-over-month increase was limited to domestic travel, as planned travel to foreign countries dipped in September.

Present Situation

Consumers' views of current business conditions fell in September:

- 18.5% of consumers said business conditions were "good," down from 18.8% in August.

- 20.4% said business conditions were "bad," up from 17.3%.

Consumers' views of the labor market softened in September:

- 23.6% of consumers said jobs were "plentiful," down from 24.5% in August.

- 21.9% of consumers said jobs were "hard to get," up from 20.3%.

Expectations Six Months Hence

Consumers were more pessimistic about future business conditions in September:

- 15.9% of consumers expected business conditions to improve, down from 17.0% in August.

- 25.4% expected business conditions to worsen, up from 23.3%.

Consumers were also more negative about the labor market outlook in September:

- 14.0% of consumers expected more jobs to be available, down from 14.8% in August.

- 28.4% expected fewer jobs, up from 26.1%.

Consumers' assessment of their income prospects was also less optimistic in September:

- 17.9% of consumers expected their income to increase, down from 19.0% in August.

- 15.4% expected their income to decline, up from 13.5%.

The monthly Consumer Confidence Survey®, based on an online sample, is conducted for The Conference Board by Toluna, a technology company that delivers real-time consumer insights and market research through its innovative technology, expertise, and panel of over 36 million consumers. The cutoff date for the preliminary results was September 23.

Source: September 2026 Consumer Confidence Survey®

The Conference Board

The Conference Board publishes the Consumer Confidence Index® at 10 a.m. ET on the last Tuesday of every month. Subscription information and the technical notes to this series are available on The Conference Board website: https://www.conference-board.org/data/consumerdata.cfm.

About The Conference Board

The Conference Board is the Member-driven think tank that delivers Trusted Insights for What's Ahead®. Founded in 1916, we are a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization holding 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in the United States. TCB.org l Learn about Membership

SOURCE The Conference Board

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<p>Views of the present situation and expectations for the future both deteriorated NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® fell by 6.7 points to 81.9 (1985=100) in September, down from 88.6 in August. The Present Situation Index—based on...</p>

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Truven Launches MarketScan Snapshot, an AI-powered Tool to Evaluate Fit-For-Purpose Real-World Data in Minutes
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AI-powered capability gives teams a faster way to explore MarketScan's longitudinal closed-claims data, including 300M+ cumulative lives and 95M active lives, all with 99% claims completeness

The story at a glance:

- By accelerating early data exploration, MarketScan Snapshot helps teams move from question to evidence generation with greater speed and confidence.

- MarketScan Snapshot is an AI-powered capability that enables users to explore MarketScan® Research Databases in plain language and identify fit-for-purpose data within minutes.

- Snapshot is designed to help users quickly explore patient populations, evaluate cohort feasibility and understand whether MarketScan data can support their research questions.

- Snapshot builds on MarketScan's superior longitudinally, with employer-sourced data that enables 4.25 years of average patient follow-up and complete views of care journeys, utilization and real costs.

- Complimentary access to MarketScan Snapshot is available to current and prospective customers.

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Truven, a trusted leader in healthcare data and analytics, launched MarketScan Snapshot, an AI-powered capability that gives users a faster, more intuitive way to assess whether MarketScan real-world data will support their analytics needs. MarketScan Snapshot helps users rapidly explore patient populations and data availability within the MarketScan Research Databases, supporting faster feasibility assessment and more confident evidence planning.

MarketScan Snapshot is designed for teams that need quick clarity on whether the right data exist. Using AI-powered search, users run their own patient counts requests in everyday language, without the need to specify medical codes or have programming experience. Snapshot returns relevant patient counts and a comprehensive summary statistics dashboard enabling researchers to easily evaluate cohort size and determine whether a deeper MarketScan analysis is warranted.

MarketScan Snapshot helps accelerate early research decisions

"Today, the real-world evidence community can spend days or even weeks just getting to an initial answer on whether a cohort exists," said John E. Linnehan, vice president and head of real-world data for Truven. "With MarketScan Snapshot, they can explore that question in minutes using AI-powered, plain-language search. That means faster feasibility decisions, better use of analytic resources and faster time-to-evidence."

MarketScan Snapshot brings AI-powered accessibility to the industry's most published real-world data asset. Users can simply describe the populations, conditions, treatments or outcomes they want to explore, then receive an early view of patient counts and summary statistics in minutes. By lowering the technical barrier to MarketScan exploration, Snapshot helps teams move faster from idea to feasibility assessment and focus resources where they can have the greatest impact.

Built on the strength of MarketScan real-world data

MarketScan combines scale, completeness and longitudinal depth in the nation's longest running closed-claims data asset, with 300M+ cumulative lives, 95M active lives, 99% claims completeness, and data access dating back to 1995. Across commercial, Medicare and Medicaid populations, MarketScan captures healthcare utilization and actual paid costs across inpatient, outpatient and pharmacy settings to support stronger real-world evidence generation.

The MarketScan Partner Ecosystem extends that foundation by connecting MarketScan claims with clinical, laboratory and inpatient datasets, helping organizations attain precise, clinically informed evidence generation.

Snapshot reflects MarketScan's continued focus on making trusted real-world data more accessible and actionable. By combining MarketScan's longitudinal claims foundation with AI-powered exploration, anyone on the research team can now easily conduct database assessments, in minutes rather than days to weeks, freeing them to focus on deeper analysis.

Complimentary access to MarketScan Snapshot is available to qualified organizations evaluating the MarketScan Research Databases. Interested teams can request access through the MarketScan Snapshot webpage and will be contacted by a MarketScan team member to confirm eligibility.

About Truven

Truven by Merative is a portfolio of healthcare data and analytics solutions, backed by deep healthcare expertise. We help organizations understand, enhance, and maximize healthcare data to drive better health and financial outcomes. Through best-in-class data quality and market-leading solutions like Health Insights, Springbuk, and MarketScan, Truven serves 7 of the top U.S. health plans, more than 40% of the Fortune 500, and the top global pharmaceutical companies. Learn more at merative.com/truven.

SOURCE Truven

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<p>AI-powered capability gives teams a faster way to explore MarketScan's longitudinal closed-claims data, including 300M+ cumulative lives and 95M active lives, all with 99% claims completeness The story at a glance: By accelerating early data exploration, MarketScan Snapshot helps teams...</p>

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Stibo Systems Announces Agentic AI Engine, AgentWorkx, Bringing Governed Agents Directly Into Enterprise Master Data
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AARHUS, Denmark, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Stibo Systems, a global leader in master data management (MDM), today announced AgentWorkx, a new framework for building, deploying and governing AI agents within MDM, along with Stibo Systems Agents.

This innovation gives customers two ways to apply agentic AI to MDM: 1) use agents built and supported by Stibo Systems for common MDM workflows and 2) build and configure their own agents for requirements unique to their business. Both operate through the same AgentWorkx framework and within the governance, roles, permissions, and enterprise controls of the Stibo Systems platform (STEP).

"As AI agents take on more of the enterprise's workload, the constraint is whether the data underneath can be relied on to make decisions at machine speed," said Adrian Carr, CEO of Stibo Systems. "We built that foundation long before anyone was talking about agents, and it turns out to be the critical element required for AI to deliver value. When our customers are asked if they're AI ready, we want the answer to be: we were ready yesterday."

From AI experimentation to AI at work

AgentWorkx brings the tools required to create and operate MDM agents into one framework, including a gallery of agents, a studio for building and configuring them, orchestration, and governance.

The first release includes two ready-to-use agents:

- Upload Anything AGT: Brings structured and unstructured data into the platform quickly, reducing onboarding processes that can take months to days.

- Content Optimizer Agent: Generates product descriptions, SEO content, and marketing copy using governed product attributes and business context.

Both are designed to turn MDM workflows into agentic experiences without requiring customers to build the underlying capabilities themselves.

For organizations that want to create their own agents, AgentWorkx provides access to the same framework Stibo Systems product and engineering teams use to build agents, while keeping them within the controls of the Stibo Systems platform.

Moving from AI capability to AI ROI

"The AI conversation is shifting from 'Can we build it?' to 'Can we trust it, scale it and prove the ROI?'" said Neda Nia, Chief Product & Growth Officer at Stibo Systems. "As agents take on more work, their precision and performance increasingly depend on the quality of the data and context behind them. Whether those agents operate inside MDM or across the broader enterprise, trustworthy data becomes even more important. AgentWorkx gives customers the flexibility to innovate within the governed environment of MDM, rather than creating the next generation of shadow AI."

AgentWorkx builds on Stibo Systems' existing MDM capabilities, including its semantic data foundation, role-based access controls, auditability, integrations, and management of relationships across domains such as products, customers, suppliers, and locations.

As enterprise AI evolves, Stibo Systems plans to expand both its portfolio of ready-to-use agents and the flexibility available through AgentWorkx, including work around bringing customers' preferred models into their MDM environment.

"Ultimately, every company has data, context and institutional knowledge that is uniquely theirs," Nia added. "That is increasingly where their competitive advantage lives. Our job is to help them put it to work without giving up trust and control."

For more information and to register early interest, visit the AgentWorkx agents library.

About Stibo Systems

Stibo Systems is a leading enabler of trustworthy data through AI-powered master data management. Built on a robust and flexible platform, our SaaS solutions empower enterprises around the globe to deliver superior customer and product experiences. Our trusted data foundation enhances operational efficiency, drives growth and transformation, supports sustainability initiatives and bolsters AI success. Headquartered in Aarhus, Denmark, Stibo Systems is a privately held subsidiary of Stibo Software Group, which guarantees the long-term perspective of the business through foundational ownership. More at https://www.stibosystems.com.

For more information, please contact: 

Katherine Hahn 

Senior Public Relations Manager 

[email protected]

SOURCE Stibo Systems

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Threat Intelligence Market worth $26.68 billion by 2031 - Report by MarketsandMarkets™
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DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- According to MarketsandMarkets™, the Threat Intelligence Market is projected to grow from USD 13.15 billion in 2026 to USD 26.68 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 15.2% during the forecast period.

Browse 500 market data Tables and 50 Figures spread through 400 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Threat Intelligence Market - Global Forecast to 2031"

Threat Intelligence Market Size & Forecast:

- Market Size Available for Years: 2020–2031

- 2025 Market Size: USD 11.55 billion

- 2026 Market Size: USD 13.15 billion

- 2031 Projected Market Size: USD 26.68 billion

- CAGR (2026–2031): 15.2%

Threat Intelligence Market Trends & Insights:

- The market for threat intelligence solutions is being fueled by the ever-growing need to adopt threat intelligence solutions for the detection of emerging threats, the tracking of threat actors, and proactive risk management caused by frequent cyberattacks.

- By offering, the solutions segment is expected to dominate the market in 2026.

- By deployment mode, the cloud segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 14.0% during the forecast period.

- By vertical, the defense & intelligence segment is expected to record the highest CAGR of 19.0% during the forecast period.

- North America is expected to account for the largest share of approximately 37% of the global Threat Intelligence Market in 2026.

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Rising investments from both private and public sectors are accelerating innovation in threat intelligence, enabling more advanced, AI-driven detection and response capabilities. Recent funding rounds, such as Filigran's USD 35 million to expand its OpenCTI platform and Australia's USD 206.4 million allocation for next-gen cyber tools, are fueling real-time collaboration, regulatory responsiveness, and integrated intelligence platforms. This surge in strategic funding is driving the development of holistic, proactive security solutions that strengthen defenses against evolving cyber threats.

Based on vertical, the defense & intelligence segment is projected to register the highest growth rate during the forecast period.

Threat intelligence has become a critical pillar of cybersecurity within the defense & intelligence domain, enabling agencies and military organizations to anticipate, detect, and mitigate sophisticated cyber threats with greater precision. With the growing prevalence of state-sponsored attacks and hybrid warfare, governments are significantly increasing investments in cyber threat intelligence to protect critical infrastructure, defense systems, and supply chain networks. For example, the U.S. Department of Defense allocated more than USD 11 billion in FY2023 toward advancing cyber defense capabilities. International collaborations, such as the Five Eyes alliance, NATO's Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, and EU-led initiatives, underscore the importance of intelligence sharing and joint response strategies. A notable case involves a European Union National CERT that adopted a tailored Threat Intelligence Platform to address challenges including fragmented intelligence sharing, GDPR-driven compliance requirements, and limited cyber situational awareness. By implementing a hub-and-spoke architecture, enhancing data governance, and leveraging national cyber sensor networks, the platform strengthened operational visibility and facilitated faster, more coordinated responses. Large-scale cyber defense exercises, such as Locked Shields, further highlight the role of threat intelligence as both a defensive capability and a strategic enabler in modern cyber warfare.

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By solution, the Digital Risk Protection (DRP) segment is estimated to account for the largest market share during the forecast period.

Digital risk protection (DRP) is a specialized threat intelligence solution that extends security visibility beyond an organization's internal systems to the wider digital ecosystem. It works by continuously monitoring the open web, social media, deep web, and dark web to detect threats such as phishing domains, fake profiles, brand impersonation, credential leaks, or unauthorized data exposure. By providing real-time alerts and automated takedown capabilities, DRP helps organizations neutralize risks before they escalate. This capability is driving market growth as businesses and governments increasingly recognize the importance of protecting their digital footprint and customer trust in a hyperconnected environment. The benefits of DRP include minimizing financial and reputational damage, reducing fraud, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations, and strengthening proactive defense strategies. As adoption grows, DRP is emerging as a critical enabler of threat intelligence, helping organizations transform external threat visibility into actionable security measures.

By region, Asia Pacific is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Asia Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing region in the Threat Intelligence Market, supported by rapid digitalization, expanding cloud adoption, connected devices, and a rising volume of sophisticated cyberattacks. The region faces an increasingly complex threat environment that is creating stronger demand for real-time threat intelligence, threat actor monitoring, and proactive detection capabilities. According to Fortinet, APAC accounted for 42.4% of global exploitation attempts recorded by its IPS sensors in its 2025 threat landscape analysis, the largest share among regions. Verizon's 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report found that four out of five data breaches in APAC involved system intrusions, while ransomware was present in more than half of regional breaches. Aon also reported that cyber incident frequency among its APAC clients increased substantially during 2024, reflecting the growing exposure of organizations to cyber risks. Recent Group IB intelligence further recorded 695 threat incidents across APAC during August 2026, including data leaks, ransomware events, and hacktivist operations. The combination of expanding attack surfaces, persistent threat actor activity, and increasing cybersecurity requirements is encouraging enterprises and governments across APAC to strengthen intelligence-driven security operations.

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Top Companies in Threat Intelligence Market:

The Top Companies in Threat Intelligence Market are Palo Alto Networks (US), Cisco (US), Check Point (Israel), CrowdStrike (US), IBM (US), Recorded Future Mastercard (US), Google (US), Flashpoint (US), Group-IB (Singapore), Kaspersky (Russia), Trellix (US), Rapid7 (US), Fortinet (US), ReliaQuest (US), CPX (UAE), ZeroFox (US), Orange (France), Anomali (US), Resecurity (US), and Help AG (UAE).

Threat Intelligence Market - Investment & funding +Merger & Acquisition

Investment Funding Context

The Threat Intelligence Market is attracting investment as vendors expand beyond traditional threat feeds and indicator-based intelligence toward AI-powered threat detection, digital risk protection, external attack surface management, threat research, and intelligence-driven security operations. Funding activity is also evident among specialized and emerging providers seeking to strengthen their intelligence capabilities, expand geographic presence, and integrate threat intelligence with broader security platforms. QuoIntelligence has raised a total funding of USD 14.1 million across four funding rounds, supporting its development of cyber threat intelligence and geopolitical risk intelligence capabilities. Flashpoint has raised USD 49 million across seven funding rounds, reflecting investment in its intelligence platform focused on physical security, cyber threats, fraud, and risk management. ReliaQuest has raised USD 1.13 billion across four funding rounds, supporting the expansion of its security operations platform and intelligence-driven cybersecurity capabilities. SEKOIA.IO has raised USD 78.1 million across four funding rounds, supporting its development of an AI-powered security operations platform integrating threat intelligence, detection, and response capabilities. These funding activities indicate continued investor interest in threat intelligence providers that combine specialized intelligence with automated detection, security operations, and broader risk management capabilities.

Revenue Shift Context

The Threat Intelligence Market is increasingly shifting from standalone threat feeds and IOC subscriptions toward integrated, actionable, and automated intelligence platforms. Revenue opportunities are expanding across AI-powered threat analysis, digital risk protection, external attack surface intelligence, threat actor monitoring, dark web intelligence, cloud and identity threat intelligence, and intelligence integrated with SIEM, XDR, SOAR, and security operations platforms. Organizations are increasingly seeking solutions that convert large volumes of external threat data into contextualized intelligence, prioritized risks, and actionable security outcomes. This shift is supporting recurring SaaS subscriptions, intelligence feed licensing, API based consumption, managed intelligence services, and platform-based revenue models. The broader ecosystem is also moving toward consolidated platforms that combine threat intelligence, exposure management, detection, investigation, and automated response, creating opportunities for vendors to expand their addressable revenue streams beyond conventional threat intelligence offerings.

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<p>DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- According to MarketsandMarkets™, the Threat Intelligence Market is projected to grow from USD 13.15 billion in 2026 to USD 26.68 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 15.2% during the forecast period. Browse 500 market data Tables and 50 Figures...</p>

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Choice Hotels International Continues Upscale Momentum with New Openings Across Cambria Hotels and Ascend Collection
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The latest additions include two Cambria Hotels and four Ascend Collection properties:

- Cambria Hotel Colorado Springs – Air Force Academy, Colorado

- Cambria Hotel Jacksonville, Florida

- Caretta Landing Sarasota, an Ascend Collection Hotel, Florida

- Coral Pointe Sarasota, an Ascend Collection Hotel, Florida

- Sun Lodge, an Ascend Collection Hotel, Peru, Vermont

- Fairway Inn and Suites, an Ascend Collection Hotel, Mishicot, Wisconsin 

Designed to meet the evolving needs of today's travelers, Choice Hotels' upscale brands deliver unique experiences in destinations spanning vibrant city centers, coastal retreats, mountain resorts, and outdoor recreation hubs. The newest openings expand the company's reach across a diverse mix of markets while offering guests distinctive stays rooted in local character and design.

Choice Hotels' upscale portfolio today includes more than 300 hotels open across the United States and nearly 150 properties in the pipeline. Through brands including Cambria Hotels, Ascend Collection, Radisson, Radisson Blu, and Radisson Individuals, the company continues to grow its upscale portfolio while providing guests with distinctive accommodations and owners with compelling development opportunities.

"We're seeing strong interest from owners and developers who recognize the strength of our upscale platform and the growth potential of our brands," said Mark Shalala, Senior Vice President, Development, Upscale Brands, Choice Hotels International. "As we continue expanding our upscale portfolio across the country, we're focused on helping owners succeed while delivering experiences that resonate with today's travelers by meeting their increasing demand for unique upscale accommodations."

Cambria Hotel Colorado Springs – Air Force Academy

Located just five miles from the U.S. Air Force Academy, the hotel offers travelers a modern stay with convenient access to some of the region's most iconic attractions and outdoor adventures. Guests can explore destinations including Garden of the Gods, the Manitou Incline, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, and Ford Amphitheater before returning to enjoy the hotel's rooftop bar and inviting shared spaces. The property features 97 design-forward guestrooms and suites, an on-site restaurant and rooftop bar, a 24-hour Grab & Go marketplace, and 286 square feet of meeting space, providing a comfortable and convenient home base for both leisure and business travelers.

Cambria Hotel Jacksonville

Reflecting the vibrant character of Northeast Florida, Cambria Hotel Jacksonville offers contemporary accommodations near many of the area's leading attractions and business destinations, including St. Johns Town Center, Mayo Clinic, the University of North Florida, TPC Sawgrass, and EverBank Stadium. Thoughtfully designed guestrooms feature premium bedding and spa-inspired bathrooms, while guests can enjoy a locally inspired restaurant and bar, complimentary WiFi, a Grab & Go marketplace, rooftop event space, an outdoor pool, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Caretta Landing Sarasota and Coral Pointe Sarasota

Located along Florida's Gulf Coast, Caretta Landing Sarasota and Coral Pointe Sarasota introduce two distinctive Ascend Collection experiences that share resort-style amenities while offering their own unique personalities and guest experiences.

Caretta Landing Sarasota is a retreat-style hotel designed around relaxation and wellness. Guests enjoy convenient access to Siesta Key Beach, The Ringling Museum, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, and the University Town Center district. The property features inviting gathering spaces, wellness-focused amenities, an outdoor heated pool, and flexible meeting space designed to support both productivity and relaxation.

Coral Pointe Sarasota draws inspiration from the area's coastal lifestyle and provides convenient access to attractions including Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota Audubon Nature Center, Sarasota Art Museum, and Nathan Benderson Park. Guests can enjoy complimentary coffee, a boutique retail market, meeting space, and a fitness center.

Together, the properties offer a shared outdoor resort-style pool, complimentary hot breakfast, fitness center, and nearly 1,100 square feet of combined meeting space. Coral Pointe features 107 guestrooms and apartment-style suites, while Caretta Landing offers 86 guestrooms.

Fairway Inn and Suites

Located in Mishicot, Wisconsin, Fairway Inn and Suites, an Ascend Collection Hotel, offers guests a relaxed boutique experience centered around golf, recreation, and Midwestern hospitality. The property features 102 newly renovated guestrooms, nearly 19,000 square feet of meeting and event space, an indoor heated pool, hot tub, fitness center, and complimentary hot breakfast. Guests can dine at the on-site Greyfox Bar and Grill or take advantage of golf packages tied to the adjacent 45-hole golf course. Conveniently located near Point Beach State Forest as well as Green Bay and Two Rivers, the hotel offers travelers easy access to outdoor recreation, regional attractions, local festivals, shopping, and dining.

Sun Lodge

Nestled at the base of Bromley Mountain in Peru, Vermont, Sun Lodge, an Ascend Collection Hotel, offers travelers a four-season destination surrounded by the natural beauty and recreation opportunities of Southern Vermont. The property features 50 guestrooms, ski-in/ski-out access during winter months, a game room, outdoor fire pits, a sundeck, picnic area, meeting facilities, and nearly 800 square feet of flexible event space. Guests enjoy easy access to hiking, skiing, scenic drives, and local attractions including Hildene, Mount Equinox Skyline Drive, Stratton Mountain, and the Long Trail Trailhead, as well as nearby shopping destinations in Manchester.

Choice Hotels' upscale brands participate in Choice Privileges®, the award-winning hotel rewards program, which recently launched an all-new rewards experience enabling members to earn more rewards more frequently, achieve Elite status faster, and access exclusive benefits designed to help get the most from every stay. Members can earn and redeem points for reward nights at Cambria hotels, as well as at more than 7,000 properties across a diverse portfolio of brands in 46 countries and territories.

About Choice Hotels®    

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. The challenger in upscale and a leader in midscale and extended stay, Choice® has over 7,500 hotels, representing more than 650,000 rooms, in 49 countries and territories. A diverse portfolio of 22 brands that range from full-service upper upscale properties to midscale, extended stay and economy enables Choice® to meet travelers' needs in more places and for more occasions while driving more value for franchise owners and shareholders. The award-winning Choice Privileges® rewards program and co-brand credit card options provide members with a fast and easy way to earn reward nights and personalized perks. For more information, visit choicehotels.com.   

About Cambria® Hotels: Going Places™

The Cambria Hotels brand is designed for the modern traveler, offering guests a distinct experience with simple, guilt-free indulgences allowing them to treat themselves while on the road. Cambria properties feature compelling design inspired by the location, spacious and comfortable rooms, flexible meeting spaces, enhanced beverage options and small plates with flavors inspired by the destination. Cambria Hotels is rapidly expanding in major U.S. cities, with more than 75 hotels open in locations like Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Nashville, and Phoenix. To learn more, visit www.choicehotels.com/cambria.

About Ascend Collection®: Find Your Travel Story™

Ascend Collection is a global portfolio of independent, resort, historic and boutique hotels. Recognized as the hotel industry's first "soft brand" concept, there are more than 500 Ascend Collection properties open worldwide, including in Denmark, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico and throughout the Caribbean. Ascend Collection enables distinctive, independent properties to gain a global presence while maintaining their local charm. For more information, visit www.choicehotels.com/ascend.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" about future events, including anticipated hotel openings, development pipeline growth, and brand expansion. Such statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including changes in economic conditions, travel demand, development timelines, and other factors discussed in Choice Hotels International's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements, and Choice undertakes no obligation to update them.

Addendum

This is not an offering. No offer or sale of a franchise will be made except by a Franchise Disclosure Document first filed and registered with applicable state authorities. A copy of the Franchise Disclosure Document can be obtained through contacting Choice Hotels International at 915 Meeting Street, Suite 600, North Bethesda, MD 20852, or by email at [email protected]. 

SOURCE Choice Hotels International, Inc.

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<p>New properties in Colorado, Florida, Vermont, and Wisconsin strengthen the company's growing presence in sought-after leisure, business, and resort destinations nationwide NORTH BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) continues to expand...</p>

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OpenTable's Inaugural U.S. Restaurant Impact Report Reveals Why Restaurants Matter More Than Ever
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New research spotlights the impact restaurants have on local economies, communities and diners, and what it takes to help them thrive

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For more than 28 years, OpenTable has worked alongside restaurants to help them fill tables, connect with diners, and grow their businesses. Today, the global restaurant tech platform which seats 2 billion diners annually is putting restaurants in the spotlight with the release of its first U.S. Restaurant Impact Report: new research examining the vital role restaurants play in local economies, communities, and everyday life, and the role diners play in supporting the dining ecosystem.

With U.S. dining up 11% year-over-year¹ at OpenTable restaurants, that impact is only growing. Full tables can drive spending and foot traffic for surrounding businesses, support jobs, and create spaces where people celebrate, reconnect and become regulars.

Among the findings:

- Dining out has an economic ripple effect: 60% of diners spend money at neighboring businesses before or after their meal, spending an additional $138 on average. This rises to $171 on average for Gen Z and $158 for Millenials.2

- Restaurants foster community and connection: 84% of diners say dining locally enhances their personal and social wellbeing, while 88% say restaurants are important to building a sense of community.2

- Supporting restaurants goes beyond the check: 47% of diners say understanding the financial impact of a no-show would make them more likely to honor or properly cancel a reservation.2 Restaurant operators estimate a no-show table for two costs $80 on average.3

"Helping restaurants thrive is our number one mission at OpenTable, and this report underscores the often unseen value they bring to local neighborhoods," said Amy Wei, Chief Operations Officer of OpenTable. "We hope these insights celebrate the hard work of hospitality teams and remind diners of the vital role they play in keeping their favorite spots vibrant."

Restaurants Fuel Employment and Local Economies

According to the National Restaurant Association, total restaurant and foodservice sales are expected to reach a record 1.55 trillion this year, a 4.8% increase from 2025. These contributions fuel additional spending across the economy, pushing the sector's total economic impact to $3.7T (roughly 16% of real GDP) and supporting 23M jobs and $1.2T in labor income.4

According to OpenTable data from the past 12 months, diners spend an average of $60 per person on restaurant meals, up 3% year-over-year.¹ They also spend an average of $138 at neighboring businesses before or after their meal.2

Restaurants also create opportunities within their communities. More than half (51%) of restaurant workers say their restaurant hires young people without formal qualifications, 39% employ people with disabilities or neurodivergent people, and 19% employ refugees or recently arrived migrants.3

Restaurants Drive Community and Personal Wellbeing

Diners see their local restaurants as much more than places to eat: 43% describe them as somewhere to reconnect with friends and family, 32% say they are part of their weekly routine, and 31% call them a source of comfort.2

Nearly one in four call their local restaurant their "third place" outside of home and work, rising to 39% of Gen Z.2 And those relationships are felt on both sides of the table: 81% of restaurant workers say they greet regulars by name, while 73% know their usual order.3

"Beyond just a meal, people dine out for a sense of belonging to a place and a story that is not theirs. For the comfort of being seen by strangers. And for the ease of eating without any of the burden of waste or cleaning that comes with cooking for ourselves at home," said Jason Hammel, Chef Owner of Lula Cafe and LouLou in Chicago.

Hospitality Works Both Ways

For restaurants, every reservation informs decisions behind the scenes, from staffing and food preparation to whether another diner can take the table. Yet while two-thirds (67%) of diners recognize that failing to show up can seriously harm a restaurant's business, 28% say they have missed a reservation without cancelling at least once in the past year.2

Restaurant workers say no-shows can mean turning away another booking (56%), absorbing staff costs (51%) and wasting food or stock (49%), underscoring how one empty table can have ripple effects across the business.3

OpenTable is working to make that relationship easier to navigate. Diners can quickly modify or cancel reservations when plans change and even direct message restaurants within the app. Restaurants can use tools including deposits and credit card holds, prepaid Experiences, automated confirmations and reminders, online waitlists and Notify Me to manage demand and minimize no-shows.

For diners, supporting restaurants can be as simple as showing up – or cancelling as soon as plans change. Because when a table is filled, the impact extends far beyond the restaurant, helping the people, businesses and neighborhoods around it thrive.

For expanded results and more findings, the full U.S. Restaurant Impact Report is available at https://www.opentable.com/restaurant-solutions/research/restaurant-impact-report/

Methodologies:

1OpenTable Dining Data: OpenTable looked at seated diners and average spend per person from online reservations for all active restaurants on the OpenTable platform in the US from July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026 and compared it to the same time period in 2024/2025 (July 2, 2024 - July 1, 2025).

2Diner Consumer Research: An online survey was conducted by Ripple Research among 1501 US general consumers who dine out at restaurants, with major cities weighted at 250. Fieldwork was carried out between July 28, 2026 and August 4, 2026. All data was collected in accordance with MRS (Market Research Society) and ESOMAR guidelines, ensuring ethical standards and robust data quality.

3Restaurant Consumer Research: An online survey was conducted by Ripple Research among 355 US restaurant workers. Fieldwork was carried out between July 28, 2026 and August 4, 2026. All data was collected in accordance with MRS (Market Research Society) and ESOMAR guidelines, ensuring ethical standards and robust data quality.

4National Restaurant Association, State of the Restaurant Industry 2026

About OpenTable

OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant tech and part of Booking Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), helps more than 70,000 restaurants worldwide fill 2 billion seats a year. OpenTable's world-class technology empowers restaurants to focus on what matters most – their team, their guests, and their bottom line – while enabling diners to discover and book the perfect restaurant for every occasion.

SOURCE OpenTable, Inc.

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