Partner support helps expand opportunities and access for startups advancing technologies and business solutions in low Earth orbit

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Increased support from investors, sponsors, and industry partners has fueled the growth of the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory's Orbital Edge Accelerator in its second year, creating new opportunities for startups developing space-enabled technologies and business ventures. The collective efforts of these partners helped attract strong interest in the program, resulting in the selection of eight innovative startups. The companies in this year's cohort are now working with mentors, industry leaders, and financial experts to advance their business models and accelerate their path to commercial success.

The continued growth of Orbital Edge has been driven by a network of global investment partners, including CIRI, Context Ventures, Draper Associates, Draper University, E2MC, and Stellar Ventures. Their engagement has expanded the program's reach and strengthened investment opportunities, raising the available funding from up to $500,000 per startup to between $500,000 and $750,000. This increased support also enabled the accelerator to expand its 2026 cohort from six startups to eight.

In addition to investment partners, the accelerator has benefited from the involvement of sponsors committed to fostering collaboration across the entrepreneurial and aerospace communities. Boeing, serving as the program's presenting sponsor, will also award one of the cohort participants the Technology in Space Prize, which consists of $100,000 in non-dilutive funding. Corporate sponsor Fenwick and event sponsors Aegis Aerospace Inc., BAE Systems, Greenberg Traurig, and J.P. Morgan play an important role in connecting startups with leaders across the space, technology, business, and financial sectors.

The 2026 accelerator program has also expanded pathways to in-space testing through the addition of dedicated flight sponsors. Exotrail, Loft Orbital, and Rogue Space Systems Corporation have committed to providing complimentary or discounted flight opportunities that may be awarded to selected Orbital Edge startups. These contributions may also assist with payload and hardware development activities, helping reduce barriers to entry and creating additional avenues for future in-space demonstrations. In addition, Orbital Edge startups benefit from the Google for Startups Cloud program, which is providing cohort members with up to $200,000 in cloud credits over two years.

"Orbital Edge is designed to accelerate the conversion of highly promising startup innovation in space into real-world commercial successes, driving increased value creation from the assets of the space station while leveraging private capital and industry partnerships," said ISS National Lab Chief Economist Sven Eenmaa. "The commitment of our investment partners, sponsors, and industry collaborators has been instrumental in creating an environment where entrepreneurs can access the expertise, resources, and connections needed to accelerate growth and unlock opportunities within the expanding space economy."

Through mentorship, strategic guidance, and direct engagement with investors and industry experts, startups in the Orbital Edge cohort are refining their plans to leverage the unique space environment to validate technologies and strengthen business strategies. These efforts will culminate in a Demo Day event in San Francisco this December, where each startup will present its planned spaceflight project.

For more information on the Orbital Edge Accelerator, visit www.OrbitalEdgeAccelerator.com.

Download a high-resolution image for this release: Orbital Edge Support

About the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory:

The International Space Station (ISS) is a one-of-a-kind laboratory that enables research and technology development not possible on Earth. As a public service enterprise, the ISS National Laboratory® allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve quality of life on Earth, mature space-based business models, advance science literacy in the future workforce, and expand a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit. Through this orbiting national laboratory, research resources on the ISS are available to support non-NASA science, technology, and education initiatives from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space® (CASIS®) manages the ISS National Lab, under Cooperative Agreement with NASA, facilitating access to its permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space. To learn more about the ISS National Lab, visit our website.

SOURCE International Space Station National Lab

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The Dog Stop Announces First Kansas City Location

Local Owners to Bring The Dog Stop's All-in-One Dog Care Experience to Kansas City with New 10,000-Square-Foot Facility This Fall

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dog Stop, the all-in-one award-winning dog care brand, is expanding into the Kansas City market with its first location opening in late October at 2713 Cherry St. The location will provide dog daycare, boarding, grooming, and retail services to dogs and their families throughout Kansas City, including the Midtown, Downtown, Crown Center, Union Hill, Hyde Park, Crossroads and River Market neighborhoods.

Husband-and-wife duo, Charlie and Ellen Tocco, will be leading the charge as owners of The Dog Stop Kansas City, with Charlie managing the day-to-day operations. Together, they are combining their professional backgrounds with a shared love of dogs to bring a new pet care option to the rapidly growing Midtown and Downtown community.

Born and raised in Kansas City, Charlie attended Rockhurst University and built his career in public accounting before deciding to pursue entrepreneurship. "We know how valuable dogs are to their families because ours are such a big part of our own lives," said Charlie. "As we looked at different franchise opportunities, The Dog Stop stood out because it allowed us to build a business around something we genuinely care about while benefiting from a system and brand that have already been established." Ellen, a University of Kansas graduate who continues her career in health care technology, was equally excited by the opportunity to build a family-owned and operated business.

Fittingly, dogs have been part of Ellen and Charlie's story since before they were even a couple. Charlie's Patterdale Terrier, Pumpkin, stole Ellen's heart before she'd even met Charlie. Ellen first spotted Pumpkin while socializing with Charlie's then roommates and describes the interaction as "love at first sight." Weeks later, Charlie met Ellen while he was out walking a friend's German Shepherd on the Country Club Plaza. Today, the couple's family includes Pumpkin, now 14 (she continues to steal Ellen's heart), their 4-year-old Mountain Cur, Tiger, and their two young daughters, a 2-year-old and a newborn. As longtime dog parents and now parents to two little girls, Ellen and Charlie understand just how much pets are part of the family and how important it is to have a place you genuinely trust to care for them when you can't be there, which is one of the reasons bringing The Dog Stop to Kansas City felt like such a natural fit.

"We were drawn to the family-oriented culture of The Dog Stop and its focus on both the dogs and the relationship with their owners, and we can't wait to introduce our community to The Dog Stop difference," continued Charlie.

Ellen and Charlie believe that The Dog Stop's focus on transparency and individualized dog care, 24/7 camera access, thoughtfully designed play spaces, highly trained staff, and options for dogs who may not thrive in traditional group play, will set it apart from other dog care options. The Dog Stop Kansas City is designed to give dog parents peace of mind that their dog is safe, happy and cared for like family.

The Kansas City facility will feature approximately 8,500 square feet of indoor space in addition to 1,500 square feet of outdoor space. Plans include multiple play yards designed to accommodate dogs of different ages, energy levels, and play styles, including dedicated areas for lower-energy dogs, high-energy dogs, and older dogs. In addition, the facility will also feature a Very Independent Player space, dedicated specifically for dogs that do better with one-on-one care rather than traditional group play and will offer The Dog Stop's comprehensive lineup of pet care services, including daycare, boarding, grooming and retail.

Through The Dog Stop's partnership with Fear Free®, all Kansas City team members will receive specialized training designed to recognize and reduce fear, anxiety and stress in dogs. From boarding and daycare to grooming and everyday handling, staff will use Fear Free principles to create a calmer, more positive experience — especially in situations that can naturally be stressful for pets. The goal is simple: to help every dog feel as safe, comfortable and secure as possible while away from home.

As Charlie and Ellen prepare to open the location, they're looking forward to becoming even more involved in the Kansas City pet community. They plan on exploring partnerships with local rescue organizations, including opportunities to help rescue dogs access grooming services and potentially hosting adoption events at the facility.

For more information about The Dog Stop Kansas City, visit https://thedogstop.com/grand-opening-kansas-city-midtown/.

About The Dog Stop

Founded in 2009 and franchising since 2013, The Dog Stop is an all-in-one destination for dog care, offering play-focused daycare, year-round overnight boarding, spa-style grooming, individualized training and enrichment, and a natural pet retail store with carefully selected, high-quality products. Owned and operated by dog people, The Dog Stop pairs comprehensive services with highly trained staff knowledgeable in dog behavior, grooming and nutrition, with each experience tailored to support the unique physical, mental and emotional needs of every dog. The Dog Stop currently serves dogs and their owners at 47 locations across 17 states, with more than 50 additional locations coming soon. For more information, visit TheDogStop.com.

Contact: Ashlyn Jensen | Franchise Elevator | [email protected]

SOURCE The Dog Stop

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Landmark investment will expand patient access, accelerate research and establish a world-leading center for cerebrospinal fluid leak diagnosis and treatment.

AURORA, Colo., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- University of Colorado Anschutz has received an anonymous $50 million gift to transform care for patients with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, one of the most underdiagnosed and undertreated neurological conditions in medicine.

Inspired by the life-changing work of Andrew Callen, MD, his neurosurgical partner Peter Lennarson, MD, and the CSF Leak Program team, the landmark gift, one of the largest in campus history, will expand the already nationally recognized program by broadening access to specialized care, advancing research and diagnostic expertise and further solidifying CU Anschutz as one of the nation's leading destinations for CSF leak diagnosis and treatment. At the same time, the investment will create opportunities for advances in radiology and collaborative research.

Cerebrospinal fluid is the clear liquid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. When the protective membrane surrounding the brain or spinal cord develops a defect, either through a tear or an abnormal connection to a vein, cerebrospinal fluid can escape, causing a range of often debilitating symptoms, including severe headaches, neck pain, hearing changes, dizziness and cognitive difficulties. Because symptoms frequently mimic other neurological disorders, patients often spend years searching for answers before receiving an accurate diagnosis.

"This extraordinary gift has the potential to transform the future of CSF leak care and speed advances across the neurosciences," said John Sampson, MD, PhD, dean of the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine. "First and foremost, this is about patients – reaching more people with the specialized care they need while accelerating research and innovation. This investment also creates opportunities for breakthroughs in areas such as neuroimaging, extending its impact well beyond the CSF Leak Program."

"Too many patients spend years searching for answers to a condition that is still widely misunderstood," said Andrew Callen, MD, associate professor of diagnostic radiology and director of the CSF Leak Program at the CU Anschutz School of Medicine. "This gift will help us reach more patients, reduce barriers to specialty care, and advance the research, innovation, and education needed to improve diagnosis and treatment. I'm fortunate to work alongside a multidisciplinary team that includes neurosurgery, headache neurology, advanced practice providers, nurses, technologists, researchers and coordinators, proving that this discipline is truly a team effort."

According to CU Anschutz researchers in collaboration with the Spinal CSF Leak Foundation, who conducted the largest patient survey ever on CSF leaks, nearly 80% of patients reported being misdiagnosed and saw a median of more than six clinicians before receiving the correct diagnosis. More than 60% said they were unable to access specialized care because of long waitlists, while many traveled across state lines in search of treatment.

The gift provides the program with the flexibility to invest in its highest priorities, including expanding clinical capacity, recruiting physician-scientists, advancing research, supporting innovation, enhancing physician education and developing the infrastructure needed to further propel CU Anschutz as one of the world's leading comprehensive programs dedicated to spinal CSF leak diagnosis, treatment, research, innovation, and education. This gift is also designed to reduce barriers to specialty care so that geography and financial circumstances become less of an obstacle to receiving expert evaluation and treatment.

Unlike many CSF leak programs, where treatment is part of broader neurology or radiology services, the CU Anschutz CSF Leak Program is designed to focus on CSF leak diagnosis, treatment, research, innovation and education. The investment will bring together specialized clinical care, advanced imaging, physician education, patient access initiatives and groundbreaking research under one coordinated mission.

"This remarkable gift allows us to build something that does not currently exist at this scale," said Don Elliman, chancellor of CU Anschutz. "Together with our clinical partners at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, who have been important champions of this work, we have an opportunity to establish CU Anschutz as the definitive leader in CSF leak care and advance discoveries that will improve lives in Colorado and around the world."

About the University of Colorado Anschutz

The University of Colorado Anschutz is a world-class academic medical campus leading transformative advances in science, medicine, education and patient care. The campus includes the University of Colorado's health professional schools, more than 60 centers and institutes, and two nationally ranked independent hospitals - UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado - which see nearly three million adult and pediatric patient visits each year. Innovative, interconnected and highly collaborative, CU Anschutz delivers life-changing treatments, exceptional patient care and top-tier professional training. The campus conducts world-renowned research supported by $890 million in funding, including $762 million in sponsored awards and $128 million in philanthropic gifts for research.

Find the latest CU Anschutz news here.

Contact: Kelsea Pieters, CU Anschutz

[email protected] Phone: (804) 314-1360

SOURCE University of Colorado Anschutz

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The strategic collaboration will expand access to global oncology insights for physicians across Brazil

NEWARK, N.J., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Medscape, the leading global digital platform for physicians and healthcare professionals, today announced the expansion of its strategic partnership with the Brazilian Society of Clinical Oncology (SBOC). This expanded partnership will provide Brazilian oncologists and other professionals who care for cancer patients with timely access to the latest advances in cancer research, treatment, and clinical practice.

The two-year agreement will focus on the development and publication of Portuguese-language educational and medical content designed to enhance knowledge and support day-to-day clinical practice of oncology professionals in Brazil. This announcement continues the editorial partnership between the two organizations, previously announced in 2022, which aimed to strengthen editorial content to tackle misinformation and inaccuracy of health information online. "Physicians are bombarded with a huge volume of information online, which varies in quality," said Pablo Labbé, Group Vice President at WebMD/Medscape. "By working closely with SBOC, combining clinical expertise with our advanced Medscape AI technologies, we can help Brazilian physicians more easily identify and access peer-reviewed and validated clinical information from global sources. This in turn better allows medical developments to be translated into everyday clinical practice here in Brazil."

Through the collaboration, thousands of oncology professionals across Brazil will gain access to expert-led reporting, congress updates, analysis of emerging clinical data, and educational resources from major international and national oncology meetings, all free and on-demand. "SBOC is committed to advancing oncology care in Brazil through education, scientific excellence, and professional development. This collaboration with Medscape creates an important new channel for knowledge sharing, benefiting oncologists across Brazil and, ultimately, their patients," said Dr. Clarissa Baldotto, President of the Brazilian Society of Clinical Oncology (SBOC).

This announcement marks the latest in Medscape's ongoing collaboration with leading academic institutions, professional societies and healthcare organizations, brought together by a shared commitment to advancing medical education and supporting healthcare professionals. "Partnerships with leading medical societies are central to Medscape's mission of supporting healthcare professionals with trusted, clinically relevant education," said Diane Leonis, Head of Commercial and Educational Partnerships, Medscape Brazil. "By deepening our collaboration with SBOC, we can connect Brazilian oncology professionals with timely insights from the global oncology community."

SBOC is one of Brazil's most recognized medical specialty societies and a leading advocate for oncology education and professional development. Founded in 1981, the organization represents clinical oncologists across Brazil and supports continuing medical education, research, professional advocacy, and healthcare policy development.

This collaboration reflects Medscape's continued investment in Brazil, one of its most engaged international markets for physician education.

About Medscape

Medscape is the leading source of clinical news, health information, and point-of-care tools for health care professionals. Medscape offers specialists, primary care physicians, and other health professionals the most robust and integrated medical information and educational tools. Medscape AI is the first and only medical-grade generative AI platform that synthesizes peer‑reviewed evidence, real-time medical news, and Medscape's expert‑validated content in seconds, delivering clinically verified insights that healthcare professionals can trust. Built for global healthcare, Medscape AI is free to all 13+ million Medscape members and accessible in any language, in any country, and in any clinic. Medscape Education (medscape.org) is the leading destination for continuous professional development, consisting of more than 30 specialty-focused destinations offering thousands of free C.M.E. and C.E. courses and other educational programs for physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals. Medscape is a subsidiary of WebMD Health Corp., an Internet Brands company.

About the Brazilian Society of Clinical Oncology

The Brazilian Society of Clinical Oncology is the national organization representing clinical oncologists in Brazil. Founded in 1981, SBOC works to advance oncology through medical education, scientific research, professional development, healthcare policy engagement, and national and international collaboration. The organization is dedicated to promoting excellence in oncology practice and improving outcomes for patients with cancer across Brazil.

SOURCE Medscape

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~ Maestro Andrea Bocelli Headlines "An Unforgettable Evening Under the Stars" on New Year's Eve, Joined by Chart-Topping Artist Alex Warren ~

PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Atlantis Paradise Island, the Caribbean's premier destination for world-class entertainment, will welcome 2027 with two marquee performances over New Year's Eve weekend, featuring five-time Grammy-winning Maestro Andrea Bocelli on December 31, 2026, and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Alex Warren on January 2, 2027.

"Live performances from the best talent in the world are a hallmark of the Atlantis experience, and this New Year's will be no exception," said Audrey Oswell, President and Managing Director of Atlantis Paradise Island. "With Andrea Bocelli and Alex Warren, we are bringing together two extraordinary artists from different generations and genres, creating an opportunity for our guests and the community to come together through the universal language of music."

Andrea Bocelli will headline An Unforgettable Evening Under the Stars on New Year's Eve, bringing his unparalleled artistry to The Royal Deck for a once-in-a-lifetime performance. Set against the backdrop of Paradise Island and beneath the Bahamian sky, the intimate evening will invite guests to experience Bocelli in an exclusive setting, culminating in a dazzling midnight fireworks display.

Bocelli has captivated audiences across six continents for more than 40 years, carrying the Italian vocal tradition to audiences around the world and earning his place among the most celebrated classical artists. With more than 90 million albums sold, a Golden Globe, six Latin Grammy Awards, seven Classical BRIT Awards, seven World Music Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Bocelli has performed for presidents, prime ministers, members of royal families and millions of fans around the globe. His repertoire includes iconic songs such as, "Con te partirò (Time to Say Goodbye)" and "The Prayer," alongside acclaimed performances at the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup and some of the world's most prestigious cultural events.

On January 2, Alex Warren will take the stage at Casuarina Beach, bringing his hit songs and high-energy stage presence to Atlantis' harborside setting. His performance will add a distinctly modern sound to the New Year's weekend, complementing Bocelli's timeless artistry and extending the celebration with another unforgettable night of live music in paradise.

Alex Warren has quickly emerged as one of pop music's most compelling new artists, transforming a dedicated social media following into a global recording career and devoted international fanbase. His chart-topping single, "Ordinary," quickly became a worldwide success, showcasing the deeply personal songwriting and distinctive sound that has propelled Warren onto the global stage. Following the recent release of his sophomore album, WILDCHILD, Warren arrives at Atlantis at a pivotal moment in his rapidly ascending career.

For decades, Atlantis Paradise Island has welcomed some of music's most celebrated performers, creating signature entertainment experiences for resort guests, travelers and the local community. Previous New Year's Eve performances have included artists such as Maroon 5, Neil Patrick Harris, DJ Khaled, Timbaland, Nelly, Doja Cat, Kesha, Ellie Goulding, The Chainsmokers, Lil Jon, Ariana Madix and many others, reinforcing Atlantis' position as the entertainment capital of the Caribbean.

Tickets for both performances are now on sale. For more information, accommodations, and ticket purchases, visit NewYearsAtlantis.com.

About Atlantis Paradise Island, The Bahamas

Atlantis Paradise Island recently completed $250 million in bold renovations and launched exciting new partnerships throughout the resort — including a full transformation of The Royal Towers, a reimagined Atlantis Casino, and much more. These enhancements mark a dynamic new chapter for the world's most iconic entertainment resort destination, ensuring that guests from around the globe continue to enjoy the very best of Atlantis: with stunning accommodations, innovative cuisine, and unforgettable experiences ranging from live music performances and concerts to internationally acclaimed food and wine festivals. For more information and reservations, please visit atlantisbahamas.com.

About Andrea Bocelli:

Maestro Andrea Bocelli is the most successful classical artist of all time who has sold nearly 90 million records and amassed over 25 billion streams since rising to fame after winning the 1994 Sanremo Music Festival. Renowned for his interpretations of major operatic works under legendary conductors such as Lorin Maazel, Seiji Ozawa, and Zubin Mehta, he has earned six Grammy and six Latin Grammy nominations and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Bocelli has performed for four Presidents of the United States, four Popes, the British Royal Family, and at global events around the world including the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup. He also founded the Andrea Bocelli Foundation to advance education and healthcare worldwide. His 2020 Easter performance at Milan's Duomo became one of the most-watched classical livestreams in history, offering an uplifting message of love, healing and hope.

About Alex Warren

Off the heels of the success of 'Ordinary,' Warren released his album You'll Be Alright, Kid in July 2025. The album features all the songs on You'll Be Alright, Kid (Chapter 1), released last fall, alongside 10 entirely new tracks. Amongst these new tracks are Warren's smash hit 'Ordinary,' 'Bloodline (with Jelly Roll),' and 'On My Mind (with ROSE)'. While You'll Be Alright, Kid (Chapter 1) focuses on dealing with grief, You'll Be Alright, Kid turns the page with healing, resilience, and optimism. The album is currently #11 on the ARIA Albums Charts (#2 peak), #6 on the Aotearoa Official Top 40 Albums Chart (#2 peak) and #15 on the Billboard 200 chart (#5 peak) and dominated across charts globally appearing #1 in the UK, Ireland, Netherlands, and Norway.

Alex has delivered soul bearing performances, making his award show debut at the 2025 American Music Awards, 2025 MTV Video Music Awards and most recently taking the stage at the 2026 GRAMMY Awards. He also made his late-night television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, performed with Ed Sheeran in an underplay at Coachella and joined Jelly Roll during Stagecoach. Adding to his accolades, Alex was named Billboard's January Chartbreaker with his track 'Burning Down with Joe Jonas' joining for a reimagined version. The single marked Alex's first time breaking onto the Billboard Hot 100, has now amassed over 185 million streams, and reached #1 on the global charts in 8 countries. He follows his record-breaking success with live shows as he recently wrapped his sold out, headlining "Cheaper Than Therapy" Global Tour, hitting 47 cities across Europe and North America. He extended the tour to add 15 more shows this fall.

In 2024, Warren released his acclaimed full-length debut album, You'll Be Alright, Kid (Chapter 1), which instantly skyrocketed onto charts around the world. The album is further highlighted by Warren's global success with another standout platinum certified track, 'Carry You Home,' which has garnered over half a billion streams worldwide. Known for his vulnerable pop melodies, passionate vocals, and lyrical candor, Warren has won over fans with these deeply personal singles.

SOURCE Atlantis, Paradise Island

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Appointments bring deep casino marketing modernization and world-class hospitality and culinary operations expertise to the firm's Senior Advisor team

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- GMA Consulting, a world-leading gaming, hospitality, integrated resort, sports and entertainment research and consulting firm, today announced that Alisa Mirabal and David Robins have joined the firm as Senior Advisors. The appointments deepen GMA's roster of subject-matter experts advising public gaming companies, private operators, Native American tribes, banks, and government agencies around the world.

"Alisa and David each bring exactly the kind of hands-on, results-driven experience our clients count on," said Josh Swissman, Founding Partner & Managing Director of GMA Consulting. "Alisa's track record modernizing marketing, loyalty, and customer experience for some of the largest names in gaming, paired with David's three decades leading world-class hospitality and culinary operations for the Wolfgang Puck organization, gives our clients partners who have done the work from the inside — not just advised on it. As our industry evolves, additions like this strengthen our ability to deliver real, measurable results across every corner of the guest experience."

About Alisa Mirabal

Alisa Mirabal joins GMA Consulting as a Senior Advisor specializing in casino marketing modernization and connected customer growth strategy. With more than 20 years of leadership across casino operations, marketing strategy, product innovation, and digital transformation, Mirabal helps gaming, hospitality, sports and entertainment organizations turn legacy loyalty, CRM, and technology investments into measurable growth.

Most recently, Mirabal served as Vice President, Advanced Products & Global CXS Products at Aristocrat Technologies, where she directed five-year product roadmaps and led global gaming systems CXS product lines across the U.S., Asia, and Australia — overseeing a $25 million development budget and 40 legacy product lines where she focused on elevating innovation for regulated omni-channel and payment systems. She previously built the customer success function and product capabilities at sports-tech SaaS company Lava.ai, supporting 17 major clients across the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLS to deliver digital real-time fan engagement experiences.

Mirabal's casino operating background spans 16 years as an operational marketer in such roles as Vice President & Assistant General Manager at Red Rock Casino Resort, where she led a full-spectrum resort operation with 2,600 employees and $450 million in annualized revenue, and Vice President, Marketing, Sales & Entertainment at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe, where she delivered a $10 million EBITDA swing in 18 months. She holds an MBA in Marketing from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, and a B.S. in Gaming Management from the University of Nevada, Reno.

About David Robins

David Robins joins GMA Consulting as a Senior Advisor, bringing more than 35 years of hospitality operations, culinary leadership, and brand development experience to the firm. Robins is the founder and principal consultant of Robins Hospitality, a full-service consultancy he launched in 2025 that partners with hotels, restaurant groups, developers, and lifestyle brands on concept development, operational turnarounds, culinary innovation, and leadership coaching.

From 1992 to 2025, Robins served as Executive Vice President of Operations, Corporate Chef, and Managing Partner for Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group, directing culinary and operational functions across a global, multi-concept restaurant portfolio — including Spago, CUT, and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill — spanning Las Vegas, Beverly Hills, New York, London, Singapore, and beyond. He led more than 30 domestic and international restaurant openings, oversaw more than 1,500 employees and $400 million in annual revenue responsibility, and partnered with luxury hospitality brands including Four Seasons, MGM Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, Caesars Entertainment, The Venetian, and the Walt Disney Company. During this period, Robins concurrently served as Executive Chef of Spago, Wolfgang Puck's flagship restaurant, helping establish Las Vegas as a world-class dining destination.

Robins' honors include a James Beard Award nomination, Las Vegas Chef of the Year, and recognition from Zagat, Forbes, Bon Appétit, and The Wall Street Journal. In 2021, he opened 1228 Main, an artisan bakery and restaurant in downtown Las Vegas's Arts District, in partnership with Wolfgang Puck. He holds a B.A. in Communications from San Francisco State University.

Mirabal and Robins are available to meet with clients immediately. To learn more or to schedule a meeting, please contact [email protected].

About GMA Consulting

GMA Consulting is a world-leading gaming, hospitality, integrated resort, sports and entertainment research and consulting firm that is led by Founding Partners Matthew Chilton, Steve Gallaway, Seth Schorr, Josh Swissman, and Kit Szybala. GMA's client list spans the majority of public gaming companies, 85 Native American tribes, commercial and investment banks, and government agencies from around the world. For more information on GMA Consulting, please visit www.gmaconsulting.com.

Media Contact: Hannah Sever

423238 @email4pr.com | (303) 759-5944

SOURCE GMA Consulting

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83% of organizations run AI workloads, driving demand for interoperable, cost-efficient data platforms

- The OpenSearch Software Foundation and Linux Foundation Research released The 2026 Open Data Infrastructure Report, examining how organizations scale AI implementation while navigating data governance, vendor independence and infrastructure costs.

- Key findings show that 83% of organizations run or plan to run AI workloads, with 71% prioritizing vendor neutral infrastructure.

- Research found 77% of organizations see OpenSearch as core or significant in their AI processes.

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The OpenSearch Software Foundation, the neutral home for the OpenSearch Project, today released The 2026 Open Data Infrastructure Report: AI, Governance, and OpenSearch Adoption Trends, created in partnership with Linux Foundation Research. Key findings show that AI workloads, now ubiquitous across global organizations, require a neutral, interoperable, unified data platform to ensure data control, cost efficiency, and operational security. This shift helped drive a nearly 2x increase in OpenSearch adoption as it evolved into a foundational data layer for AI infrastructure.

"This research confirms what we're hearing directly from the community," said Bianca Lewis, executive director of the OpenSearch Software Foundation. "As organizations expand AI efforts, they are worried about the risk of proprietary lock-in, and they need a neutral, open platform they can control. "That's why enterprises are shifting to an open model – enabling cost predictability, data sovereignty, and long-term stability."

AI Workloads Drive Widespread Infrastructure Demand

The adoption of AI is pervasive, and the underlying data platforms that search, index, retrieve, and monitor information have become just as central to success as the models and algorithms themselves. As organizations rapidly scale these systems, recent benchmark data highlights the operational shift required to support full-scale enterprise deployment.

The report found:

- 83% of organizations run or plan to run AI workloads, reaching more than 90% among large enterprises.

- Generative AI and LLM-powered applications are the leading data infrastructure use case (82%).

- Hybrid search – combining keyword and semantic search – is the preferred retrieval approach for 68% of organizations to enable AI relevance.

Infrastructure Adoption Relies on Cost Overhead and Vendor Independence

Research confirms that data infrastructure – the search, analytics, observability, and related platforms and tools organizations rely on to collect, store, manage, process, and extract value from their data – is a strategic priority for leaders. Selecting a data platform to run AI requires a major investment of time and resources, which can impact business success for years to come. Vendor independence, data ownership, interoperability, and cost are critical factors in IT leaders' decision making.

The report found:

- 78% of organizations say cross-vendor, cross-tool interoperability is critical when evaluating data infrastructure, enabling flexibility as the ecosystem evolves.

- 71% of organizations agree that deploying infrastructure independently of a specific vendor or cloud provider is a strategic priority.

- Total cost of ownership (80%) and security and compliance (79%) top the list of needs for a data infrastructure platform.

- 80% of organizations would consolidate to fewer platforms if it meaningfully reduced costs, and 44% prefer one core platform with specialized tools.

Beyond Search: OpenSearch as Core AI Infrastructure

OpenSearch has evolved, and the community is taking notice. At the five-year anniversary of the project, search and retrieval is the number one use case (91%), but research demonstrated the breadth and depth of platform use, with use cases like log analytics and observability reaching 83% and real-time analytics at 70%. The increasing importance of unified observability and search capabilities is driving expanded adoption and awareness of the platform.

The report found:

- OpenSearch awareness jumped to 89% in 2026, up from 68% in 2024.

- 77% of organizations see OpenSearch as a core or supporting component of their AI infrastructure.

- 62% of respondents already use OpenSearch in AI workloads.

OpenSearch provides the infrastructure layer that grounds AI applications in an organization's own data and the observability layer that keeps AI-powered systems running reliably in production.

Explore all findings in The 2026 Open Data Infrastructure Report: AI, Governance, and OpenSearch Adoption Trends here.

Insights from OpenSearch in Production

"Our use of data infrastructure technology dates back over ten years to early versions of our primary data platform. When licensing changes disrupted that ecosystem, we transitioned first to an intermediate distribution and eventually moved directly to OpenSearch. Today, we use the technology very heavily across multiple major areas, including global anti-money laundering, public security, and anti-fraud solutions." – Terry Quigley, Principal Software Developer, SAS

"Handling highly sensitive data under a consent framework requires extreme customizability to maintain strict privacy promises. While commercial solutions often violate those privacy bounds, OpenSearch provides a customizable framework that allows organizations to maintain aggregate data layers while upholding user trust." – Art Abal, Managing Director, Vana Foundation

About Linux Foundation Research

Founded in 2021, Linux Foundation Research explores the growing scale of open source collaboration, providing insight into emerging technology trends, best practices, and the global impact of open source projects. By leveraging project databases and networks and committing to best practices in quantitative and qualitative methodologies, Linux Foundation Research is creating the go-to library for open source insights for the benefit of organizations worldwide.

About the OpenSearch Software Foundation 

The OpenSearch Software Foundation is a vendor-neutral community for search, analytics, observability, and vector database software. Hosted by the Linux Foundation and supported by premier members such as AWS, IBM, SAP and Uber, the OpenSearch Software Foundation works with community maintainers, developers, and member organizations to drive the continued growth of the OpenSearch project. With more than 2 billion software downloads since its inception and participation from thousands of contributors, the OpenSearch project and its community are transforming how information is managed and discovered. To learn more, please visit https://opensearch.org/foundation.

The Linux Foundation has registered trademarks and uses trademarks. For a list of trademarks of The Linux Foundation, please see its trademark usage page: www.linuxfoundation.org/trademark-usage. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.

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The Linux Foundation 

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Expanded commitments from Intel and more strengthen vendor neutral platform stability as global downloads grow 140% YoY and contributor participation surges

- The OpenSearch Software Foundation announced three new General Members – Adelean, Intel, and Sidecar – along with two new certified Long Term Support (LTS) providers, Seacom and Sidecar.

- In addition to Foundation growth, OpenSearch project contributors increased 31% year-over-year.

- The expanding ecosystem aligns with enterprise demands for vendor neutral, open source infrastructure, backed by new research showing that 71% of organizations consider independent data infrastructure deployment a strategic priority.

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- OpenSearchCon North America -- The OpenSearch Software Foundation, the neutral home for the OpenSearch Project, today announced increased member investment, certified vendor support commitments, and continued global adoption. The Foundation welcomed new General Members Adelean, Intel, and Sidecar, alongside new certified Long Term Support (LTS) providers Seacom and Sidecar.

"Proprietary software restricts flexibility and increases costs, especially with today's accelerating data demands," said Bianca Lewis, executive director of the OpenSearch Software Foundation. "Open source is the future of enterprise infrastructure, our members' commitment gives organizations the stability and confidence to run their most critical workloads in the open."

Expanding Enterprise Stability with New Members and Certified LTS Vendors

As new General Members of the OpenSearch Software Foundation, Adelean, Intel, and Sidecar will engage with working groups, contribute to technical initiatives, and help guide the strategic direction of the Foundation. Intel's membership builds on its existing open source technical contributions to OpenSearch, which help optimize performance through hardware-level acceleration.

Additionally, Seacom and Sidecar have formally joined the vendor directory as certified LTS providers. Through the Foundation's established LTS program, certified vendors deliver production-ready software stability, extended maintenance windows and predictable upgrade paths.

Recent research from OpenSearch Software Foundation and Linux Foundation Research underscores this momentum as 71% of organizations agree that deploying data infrastructure independently of a specific vendor is a strategic priority. Membership and certified support from these leading organizations strengthen OpenSearch's vendor neutral platform for enterprise search, observability and analytics via a growing ecosystem that delivers predictable, sustainable open source innovation.

Sustained Global Acceleration

The Foundation and OpenSearch project continue to grow in parallel. Over the past year, global community participation accelerated, including a 31% overall increase in contributors. Regionally, contributors increased 43% in Latin America, 33% in Japan, 16% in India and 10% in Europe. Total project downloads reached more than 2.4 billion – an increase of 140% year-over-year – reflecting growing trust in open platforms that future-proof enterprise search, observability, and analytics, and prevent vendor lock-in.

The OpenSearch Software Foundation community is gathering at OpenSearchCon North America in San Jose, California from Sept. 22-24. Register to attend here.

To learn more about the OpenSearch Software Foundation, including how to get involved, become a member or contribute, please visit our website.

About the Newest General Members

- Adelean is an expert consultancy and software vendor specializing in search engine technologies, data, and AI. As trusted OpenSearch integrators, Adelean empowers businesses with highly scalable, ready-to-use search solutions, blending deep technical expertise with strategic consulting to build robust search infrastructures that drive business value for enterprise and e-commerce applications.

- Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) designs and manufactures advanced semiconductors and new technologies that connect and power the modern world and shape the future of computing.

- Sidecar is a specialist engineering consultancy helping teams design, scale, and operate their search, observability, and data infrastructure. The firm works across the full stack from search relevance and indexing pipelines to log aggregation, metrics, and platform architecture so engineering teams can move faster without getting buried in infrastructure complexity.

Supporting Quotes

"OpenSearch combines openness with a highly extensible architecture, making it a strong foundation for enterprise and e-commerce search. At Adelean, we build search and AI verticals on top of OpenSearch and actively support the community through our expertise, training and the OpenSearch Paris Meetup. Joining the OpenSearch Software Foundation is a natural way for us to contribute further and help shape the future of OpenSearch."

– Lucian Precup, Chief Technology Officer, Adelean

"The OpenSearch LTS program represents an important step forward for vendor neutral open source software, bringing the continuity and predictability traditionally associated with proprietary platforms while preserving freedom of choice. For Seacom, becoming a certified LTS provider is both a significant milestone and recognition of our investment in the OpenSearch project from the outset. We are committed to continuing that investment and to helping organizations adopt and operate open technologies with the confidence required for mission-critical environments."

– Stefano Pampaloni, CEO, Seacom

"I've built, run, and consulted on search infrastructure for most of my career. OpenSearch has a thriving community and real momentum. We're thrilled to join the Foundation and put our experience to work for the people building on it."

– Honza Kral, Chief Technology Officer, Sidecar

About the OpenSearch Software Foundation

The OpenSearch Software Foundation is a vendor-neutral community for search, analytics, observability, and vector database software. Hosted by the Linux Foundation and supported by premier members such as AWS, IBM, SAP and Uber, the OpenSearch Software Foundation works with community maintainers, developers, and member organizations to drive the continued growth of the OpenSearch project. With more than 2 billion software downloads since its inception and participation from thousands of contributors, the OpenSearch project and its community are transforming how information is managed and discovered. To learn more, please visit https://opensearch.org/foundation.

The Linux Foundation has registered trademarks and uses trademarks. For a list of trademarks of The Linux Foundation, please see our trademark usage page. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.

Media Contact

Kristi Piechnik

The Linux Foundation

[email protected]

SOURCE OpenSearch Software Foundation

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New six-week league gives golfers a fun, social way to compete, connect and play with Toptracer technology

ORLANDO, Fla. and DALLAS, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sport entertainment leader, Topgolf has teamed up with Spark Golf to offer golfers a fun, social way to keep playing this fall.

Powered by Toptracer technology, the brand-new 9-hole league format concept gets underway this October, running every Tuesday from October 6th through November 10th at 5:30 p.m. at Topgolf venues nationwide. The six-week league is designed to bring golfers together for casual competition, new connections and a different way to experience the game.

Spark Golf is built around making golf more accessible and social with 9-hole leagues combing friendly competition with a relaxed atmosphere, giving golfers the opportunity to meet new people, play regularly and enjoy the game without the pressure often associated with traditional golf leagues.

At Topgolf, Spark players will take that experience to the range, using Toptracer technology to play and score their 9-hole rounds. Players can follow their performance in real time while enjoying the social atmosphere that has made Topgolf a destination for golfers of all abilities.

"Partnering with Spark Golf is a natural fit with the Topgolf ethos of making golf fun, accessible and welcoming for players of all ages and skill levels," said Topgolf CEO, David McKillips. "Giving Spark Golf members the opportunity to access Topgolf venues nationwide, and enjoy a social, competitive round while experiencing Toptracer technology in action adds another invaluable layer to each of our offerings."

Each Spark Golf round costs $44 per player which includes a 9-hole round on world renowned Toptracer virtual courses. Players can register and manage their rounds through the Spark Golf app, which allows them to connect with fellow league members, keep score and track handicaps and stats.

"Spark Golf is all about bringing people together through golf and Topgolf provides an ideal setting to do that," said Spark Golf co-founder, Charlie Klaus. "By combining our social league format with Topgolf's scale, it's a natural evolution for our leagues to continue to compete, meet other players and keep playing throughout the fall," he added.

For more information and to find the nearest Spark Golf Topgolf league near you visit https://www.spark.golf/topgolf or to learn more about Topgolf, visit www.topgolf.com.

About Topgolf

Topgolf is the ultimate instigator of play. Thanks to our 100+ venues around the globe, which are powered by industry-leading Toptracer technology, we're leading the charge of modern golf. We offer a variety of tech-driven games, a top-tier food and drink menu, space to host large events, and a vibe focused on more play for all. To learn more, plan an event or make plans to come play around, visit www.topgolf.com.

About Spark Golf

 Spark Golf is a technology company that has created the largest on-course social golf community. Driven by the proprietary Spark mobile app, the company organizes leagues that are fun, social and modified with relaxed rules to contain just the right Spark of friendly competition. Launched in April 2018, the company has grown to be hosted at over 2,000 courses and played by more than 300,000 golfers.

For press information, contact:

Dan Wooters

GMS - North America

E: [email protected]

M: +1 201-919-7425

Instagram: @_gmsagency_

LinkedIN: GMS Agency

GMSagency.com 

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Jets-Themed Tees and Hoodies Bring GOAT USA's Streetwear Aesthetic

 to MetLife Stadium and Beyond

NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- GOAT USA, the Long Island-born lifestyle brand known for its confidence-first, connection-driven approach to apparel, has launched a new co-branded collection with the New York Jets, extending its reach into professional sports with one of the NFL's most dedicated fan bases.

The line pairs GOAT USA's core tee and hoodie silhouettes with Jets branding, designed to move seamlessly from parking-lot tailgates to seats inside MetLife Stadium.

"Jets fans bring unmatched energy every game day, and this collection is built for them," said Chris Pierce, Vice President, Fan Commerce for the New York Jets. "GOAT USA has become one of the most recognizable lifestyle brands to come out of our region, and we're thrilled to combine their signature style with the passion of Jets fandom. Whether you're tailgating at MetLife Stadium or representing the team year-round, this collection lets fans wear their green with pride."

"Long before we co-founded GOAT USA, my family had an annual tailgate at MetLife Stadium. Rich was a regular guest, as we joined the rest of the Jets faithful passionately rooting on our boys," said TJ Cristina, CEO & Co-Founder of GOAT USA. "Seeing our logo next to theirs is personal for me. This is the team we grew up rooting for. We bleed green."

GOAT USA got its start in 2016, when childhood friends Rich Alfaro, TJ Cristina, and Dylan McLaughlin began selling T-shirts out of the trunk of a car at youth sports tournaments across Long Island. Word of mouth carried the brand from team to team and town to town, and a decade later it has grown into a nationwide operation with more than 1,000 wholesale accounts and nine company-owned stores.

The Jets collection lands during GOAT USA's 10-year anniversary, adding another marquee partner to a roster that has grown alongside the brand's expansion into professional sports.

The collection debuted at the Jets White Out game at MetLife Stadium on September 20 and will be available in early October on Jetsshop.com, GOATUSA.com, GOAT USA retail locations, and select retail partners.

About GOAT USA: GOAT USA is a Long Island-founded lifestyle brand built around confidence, community, and everyday greatness. Started in 2016 by Rich Alfaro, TJ Cristina, and Dylan McLaughlin, the company has grown from a single folding table to a nationwide presence across wholesale and retail. Learn more at www.goatusa.com.

About the New York Jets:

The New York Jets were founded in 1959 as the New York Titans and served as a charter member of the American Football League. Following the 1968 season, the team made history by becoming the first AFL franchise to win a world championship, defeating the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III—a victory widely credited with validating the AFL ahead of its 1970 merger with the NFL. Today, as one of the league's flagship franchises in the nation's largest media market, the Jets represent the sport on one of its biggest global stages.

The Jets enhance the fan experience through innovation and storytelling, including 1JD Entertainment, a digital content platform that connects fans across social and digital channels. The organization is also committed to community impact, supporting youth football, girls' and women's flag football, and programs serving disadvantaged communities throughout the tri-state area.

The Jets play at MetLife Stadium – one of the world's most successful multi use venues, and are headquartered at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, New Jersey.

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