- The New Original Production, Developed with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music, Celebrates the Unmistakable Voice, Music and Legacy of Whitney Houston, Delivering an Unforgettable Tribute Experience at Sea –

– Norwegian Aura™ Will Also Feature a Bold Mix of Immersive Theater, Live Music and Late-Night Entertainment with the Debut of "ILLUMINOX: Infinite Wonder Unboxed™," The Vinyl Republic™, and the Return of LunaTique: Pop Circus™–

– Images and Show Logos are Available for Download HERE –

MIAMI, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL), the industry leader in delivering freedom and choice in experiences with uncompromising hospitality, today unveiled the entertainment lineup for the highly anticipated debut of Norwegian Aura™ in May 2027, including the headlining production "Whitney: A Celebration of Whitney Houston."

Developed in partnership with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music, the new original production celebrates one of the most acclaimed and bestselling artists of all time. With more than 220 million records sold worldwide, seven consecutive No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hits, six Grammy Awards and a legacy that continues to inspire generations, Houston's music will come to life through a contemporary concert experience created exclusively for NCL.

Norwegian Aura's lineup will also feature "ILLUMINOX: Infinite Wonder Unboxed™," a new original illusion spectacular blending acrobatics and visual effects; "The Vinyl Republic™," NCL's newest live music collective that expands beyond the theater; and the return of the adults-only nightlife favorite "LunaTique: Pop Circus™," creating entertainment experiences for every guest from day to night.

"Every new ship is an opportunity for Norwegian Cruise Line to push the boundaries of what entertainment at sea can be, and with 'Whitney: A Celebration of Whitney Houston,' we're building on the incredible momentum we've seen from our Vegas residency-inspired productions celebrating some of music's most iconic artists," said Bryan White, vice president of entertainment production at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. "Following the success of our Prince and Elton John productions on Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, respectively, this new show reimagines Whitney's legendary catalog through contemporary arrangements, dynamic storytelling, stunning visuals and powerful live performances. Together with original experiences like 'ILLUMINOX' and 'The Vinyl Republic,' we've created a collection of entertainment that transforms every venue into a destination and every evening into something unforgettable."

Whitney: A Celebration of Whitney Houston – A New Original Production Honoring One of Music's Most Iconic Voices

Developed in partnership with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and music publishing company Primary Wave Music, the production reimagines Houston's artistry through contemporary arrangements, dynamic storytelling and immersive stagecraft. Inspired by the glamour, confidence and star power that made Houston a global phenomenon, the show pays tribute to one of the most iconic voices ever recorded, transforming beloved songs into a vibrant concert experience that feels both timeless and entirely new. Guests will enjoy iconic hits including "It's Not Right, But It's OK," "I Will Always Love You," and "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)," the nine-times RIAA certified platinum dance-pop anthem, also named Best Pop Song of All Time by Billboard magazine in 2023.

Staged in the three-story Aura Theatre & Club, the 45-minute production combines live vocals, a live band, stunning visuals and performances extending beyond the main stage to create an immersive experience.

"We are thrilled to partner with Norwegian Cruise Line to present 'Whitney: A Celebration of Whitney Houston' for the debut of the Norwegian Aura in May 2027," said Pat Houston, executor of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and president of the Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation. "Whitney enjoyed cruises. Her fans and supporters will have a nostalgic experience enjoying the extraordinary artistry and live music of Whitney Houston, performed by worldclass musicians while sailing on the high seas."

Breathtaking Acrobatics, Live Music That Spans Generations and Endless Nightlife

Beyond the headline production, Norwegian Aura will feature a collection of original entertainment designed exclusively for the ship to deliver multigenerational experiences.

"ILLUMINOX: Infinite Wonder Unboxed™" combines grand-scale illusions, acrobatics, original music and visual effects in a fast-paced theatrical production that invites audiences into a world where the impossible becomes reality. Inspired by the joy of curiosity and the thrill of the unexpected, the 45-minute production will take guests through a fast-moving journey full of surprise and wonder in the Aura Theater & Club.

Music comes alive aboard Norwegian Aura with "The Vinyl Republic™," NCL's newest live music collective inspired by the legacy of vinyl records. Spanning genres from country and rock to funk, blues and pop, the band delivers high-energy performances where no two shows are ever the same.

The collective headlines two signature experiences in the Aura Theatre & Club: "The Vinyl Republic's Journey Through Rock," celebrating Journey's greatest hits and the arena rock era, and "The Vinyl Republic's Kickin' It Country™," a lively, late-night country party featuring today's biggest hits and interactive line dancing.

Beyond the theater, The Vinyl Republic brings live music throughout the ship, from the Penrose Atrium to Improv at Sea, creating fresh, engaging performances that transform every venue into a unique concert experience.

Returning favorite "LunaTique: Pop Circus™" expands its adults-only blend of cabaret, circus artistry and immersive nightlife to the Aura Theatre & Club following its successful debut aboard Norwegian Luna™. This immersive theatrical experience, featuring new acts and new music, is available for an additional cost and includes tantalizing cocktails paired with each performance, offering a late-night alternative that is equal parts live entertainment and cocktail party.

Guests will also enjoy signature experiences including "Aura FIRST NIGHT™," a welcome showcase introducing the ship's entertainment lineup, and "Latin LIVE!™," an energetic poolside celebration featuring live percussionists, dynamic vocalists, vibrant dance performances and the biggest Latin dance hits to keep guests moving all night long.

Together, these experiences reflect NCL's continued commitment to delivering world-class entertainment at sea through innovative productions and unforgettable live performances.

Norwegian Aura Inaugural Season from Miami

Prior to homeporting in Miami for her inaugural season in June 2027, Norwegian Aura will sail a seven-day Mediterranean voyage from Trieste, Italy to Barcelona, Spain on May 21, 2027 with calls to Valletta, Malta; as well as Salerno and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy. This will be followed by a 13-day transatlantic voyage from Barcelona to Miami, from which she will commence her season of Caribbean cruises from Miami. From June 2027 through October 2027, Norwegian Aura will sail seven-day Eastern Caribbean voyages with calls to quintessential island destinations, including Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and the Brand's newly enhanced private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, featuring the all-new Great Tides Waterpark. In winter 2027/28, Norwegian Aura will offer seven-day Western Caribbean voyages taking guests to lush, tropical destinations like Roatan (Islas de la Bahia), Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; as well as Harvest Caye, NCL's resort-style private destination off the Belizean coast.

For more information about Norwegian Aura and NCL's award-winning fleet, visit www.ncl.com.

About Norwegian Cruise Line

As the innovator in global cruise travel, Norwegian Cruise Line® has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 59 years. Its tagline, "It's Different Out Here®" reflects the emotional connection guests experience aboard and pays tribute to the company's history of pioneering the cruise experience. Most notably, NCL revolutionized the industry by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Today, the company continues to deliver on that freedom, choice and uncompromising hospitality so no one has to settle on their ideal vacation. With award-winning entertainment, globally inspired dining and thoughtfully designed accommodations, including solo staterooms, Club Balcony Suites and The Haven by Norwegian®, the company's exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept, NCL ensures every guest enjoys a seamless and personalized journey that allows them to enjoy the moment and connect with those who matter most. To further deliver guests with more value, the company's signature Free at Sea™ package provides added benefits and inclusions such as unlimited open bar; specialty dining credits; high-speed Wi-Fi; shore excursions credits; and with select sailings guests can enjoy free airfare as well as third and fourth guests sail free (terms and conditions apply). NCL guests sailing to the Caribbean can also enjoy exclusive experiences at Harvest Caye, the company's resort destination in Belize, along with new and enhanced experiences at Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's expanded private island in the Bahamas. NCL sails to nearly 350 of the world's most desirable destinations with its fleet of 20 contemporary ships.

For additional information or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.

Wings Air Helicopters Selected to Support VIP Transportation for Resorts World in New York

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Sept. 15, 2026 , /PRNewswire/ -- Wings Air Helicopters, a leading provider of luxury helicopter transportation throughout the Northeast United States and South Florida, has been selected to support VIP transportation services for Resorts World through a new helicopter program connecting New York City and the Catskills.

For the program, which was initially launched as a seasonal summer service and recently extended, Wings Air Helicopters operates chartered helicopter flights between Resorts World New York City (JFK) and Resorts World Catskills. The service is designed to enhance the guest experience by reducing travel times while offering panoramic aerial views of the New York metropolitan area and Hudson Valley.

"This new helicopter service reflects our commitment to giving guests every reason to choose Resorts World for a premium getaway. Connecting Resorts World New York City and Resorts World Catskills by air gives our guests a fast, effortless way to experience both properties in a single trip," said Meghan Taylor, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs and Public Relations, Genting Americas. "We are proud to partner with Wings Air Helicopters on a program that raises the bar for luxury travel between two of New York's premier entertainment and hospitality destinations."

Operating from strategically located heliports in the New York area, the program is utilizing Wings Air's fleet of Airbus AS350 and AS355 helicopters, known for their comfort, reliability, and exceptional visibility. The service is available to Resorts World guests seeking premium transportation between the company's flagship properties. Travel time is approximately 45 minutes.

"We are honored to have been selected by Resorts World to support this exciting transportation initiative," said Anna Macsai, General Manager of Wings Air Helicopters. "This partnership reflects the growing demand for efficient, high-end travel solutions and demonstrates how helicopter transportation can seamlessly connect major destinations while delivering an unforgettable guest experience."

With nearly 25 years of operational experience as an FAA-certified air carrier, Wings Air Helicopters specializes in executive transportation, luxury travel, and customized aviation solutions throughout the Northeast and South Florida.

About Wings Air Helicopters

Founded in 2002, Wings Air Helicopters is a commercial helicopter company and FAA-certified air carrier headquartered in New York and recently expanded to South Florida. A Virtuoso Preferred Partner, certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), and recipient of numerous safety awards and accreditations, Wings Air operates a state-of-the-art helicopter fleet and offers a wide range of services including charters, tours, luxury experiences, and professional aerial cinematography.

Media Contact:

Anna Macsai

General Manager

Wings Air Helicopters

914-361-4674

[email protected]

wingsairhelicopters.com

Photo(s):

https://www.prlog.org/13170641

Press release distributed by PRLog

SOURCE Wings Air Helicopters

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Hospitality Veteran Releases an Insider's Guide to Hotel Operations, Management, and Industry Trends

Book provides behind-the-scenes snapshots of what defines success and challenges in the fast-moving world of hotels and resorts

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hospitality industry leader, consultant, and educator Robert A. Rauch, CHA, known as "The Hotel Guru," has released a book that provides guidelines, leadership insights, and success strategies for hoteliers, students, and property investors.

"The Hotel Guru's Journey: A Guide to Excellence in the Hotel Industry" details operational frameworks across guest services, revenue management, financial accounting, security protocols, property design, and hotel development. Rauch's career spans more than 50 years in the hospitality sector. Starting as a banquet dishwasher in 1974, he subsequently held positions as server, restaurant manager, sales manager, food and beverage director, general manager, owner, developer, and consultant. He served as founding chairman of R.A. Rauch & Associates and RAR Hospitality, developing and managing hotel assets across top international brands, including Hilton, Marriott, and Choice Hotels, as well as independent boutique properties.

"This book is organized into 20 chapters, framed around real-world stories: triumphs born from bold innovation and cautionary tales that underscore the stakes of cutting corners," Rauch states in the publication. "My goal is to share the gritty, behind-the-scenes truth of running a hotel."

As an industry expert and mentor, Rauch is available for interviews, media commentary, panel discussions, and background briefings across the following topics:

- Revenue Management & Smart Pricing: Using smart technology and algorithms to adjust room rates in real time, helping hotels maximize actual profit per room rather than just trying to fill beds.

- Accounting & Fraud Prevention: Setting up financial checks and balances to keep daily cash flowing smoothly, prevent theft or internal fraud and protect the hotel's bottom line.

- Hotel Valuation & Investment: Guiding owners through the complex financial side of hotels, from securing loans and evaluating property values to figuring out if a new hotel project will actually be profitable.

- Service Robotics in Operations: Bringing helper robots onto hotel floors to handle tasks like room service deliveries, vacuuming, and disinfection, freeing up staff to focus on guest care.

- AI & Guest Experience: Using modern AI to handle behind-the-scenes tasks like predicting equipment fixes and answering common guest questions, all without losing the warm human touch of hospitality.

- Cybersecurity & Data Privacy: Keeping guest credit card details, reservation data, and personal information safe from hackers, scam attempts and data leaks.

- Mentorship & Future Leaders: Training the next generation of hospitality talent, supporting female leaders and creating workplace cultures that make young workers want to stay and grow.

- Crisis Management & Safety: Preparing hotel teams to handle unexpected emergencies, from health scares and workplace injuries to fire safety and fast, calm responses during a crisis.

- Labor Laws & HR Trends: Helping managers stay ahead of shifting labor laws, employee rights and modern digital hiring systems so the hotel operates smoothly and fairly.

- Eco-Friendly Hotel Development: Building and running sustainable hotels using solar power, water-saving technology, waste reduction and locally sourced food.

- Managing Economic Cycles: Weathering tough financial times, showing hoteliers how to keep properties profitable through recessions, inflation spikes, and unexpected market shocks.

- The Impact of Alternative Lodging: Understanding how home-sharing sites like Airbnb and vacation cruises change travel habits and showing traditional hotels how to stand out and compete.

Rauch has developed, operated, and managed over $1 billion in hotel assets. Since 1984, he has published Hospitality Innsights, a monthly newsletter delivering curated market intelligence, tech trends, and operational strategy to 4000 hospitality executives and investors. He also writes columns for CoStar Hotel News and Hotel-Online.com, which each have over 40,000 subscribers.

Please reach out if you'd like to receive a digital copy of "The Hotel Guru's Journey" and/or you're interested in speaking with the author.

"The Hotel Guru's Journey: A Guide to Excellence in the Hotel Industry"

By Robert Rauch

ISBN: 979-8993036304 (softcover)

Available at Amazon and hotelguru.com

About the author

Robert A. Rauch, CHA, is a veteran hotelier, developer, author, and educator with over five decades of hands-on hospitality experience. Known nationally as "The Hotel Guru," Rauch has developed, operated, and managed over $1 billion in hotel assets. He publishes monthly industry commentary via Hospitality Innsights and his website, hotelguru.com.

General Inquiries:

InkFox Publicity – Phoenix

Ziggy Goldfarb

SOURCE InkFox Publicity

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ugee Unveils ArtPlay Pad: EMR-Powered Creative Tablet Turns Children's 2D Sketches Into Physical 3D Works

Designed for the way today's youth create—anytime, anywhere, across any medium

SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ugee, one of the leading digital hardware and software developers, announced the launch of ArtPlay Pad, a groundbreaking creative tablet tailored for young beginner creators and kids. Departing from one-size-fits-all adult-oriented devices, ArtPlay Pad reimagines the drawing tablet as a portable studio that turns doodles into dimensional designs. It includes a lifetime ibisPaint license, integration with Tripo AI for turning 2D sketches into 3D models, professional EMR pen technology delivering an authentic pen-on-paper feel, and a display with TÜV SÜD Low Blue Light Certification and AG-etched glass anti-glare for eye protection, more comfortable creative sessions.

"With the rapid advancement of creative tools in both hardware and software sciences, the younger generation has increasingly higher demands for diverse and varied forms of creative expression. Unlike most children's tablets that use capacitive pen technology, ugee has long focused on EMR pressure-sensitive pen technology for professional creatives, delivering a tactile pen-on-paper feel. Now we are applying this to serve children and DIY creators with a product that enables both paper-like drawing and digital software creation," said Amy Yuan, Global Brand Director of ugee.

"The ArtPlay Pad features EMR pen technology, broad software compatibility, and AG-etched glass anti-glare for eye health. We want creation to go beyond the mind—so imagination can be truly seen and touched. That is the original intention behind this product, designed to tackle three core challenges: the stroke barrier for a natural writing feel, the 2D-to-3D creative gap to keep the process engaging, and eye-care protection for healthier usage," she added.

Stroke Barrier — Glass screens feel slick and unresponsive, often discouraging beginners before they begin.

ArtPlay Pad counters this with 16K ultra-sensitive pressure powered by smart chip, and advanced EMR (Electro-Magnetic Resonance) technology, paired with a paper-like anti-glare display and full palm rejection.The result: tactile friction that mirrors pencil on paper, preserving muscle memory and transforming the first stroke from a stumbling block into a confident start. And with access to a vast library of creative and educational apps via Google Play, young creators can explore endless possibilities—from digital painting and 3D modeling to animation and interactive learning—all at their fingertips.

2D-to-3D Barrier — Today's young creators think in volume and space, not just lines.

ArtPlay Pad breaks this barrier with a seamless workflow, powered by deeply integrated ibisPaint (ad-free education version with lifetime access) and Tripo AI. With a single tap, AI converts flat sketches into fully realized 3D models—not cold renders, but living extensions of the original drawing. Models can be exported directly to the ugee Funbox 3D Printer, turning digital designs into tangible creations. This end-to-end workflow embeds STEM learning at every step—from spatial reasoning during modeling to engineering principles during printing. Beyond creative play, 3D design helps children tackle school projects—building historical models, visualizing science concepts, or prototyping inventions—and even create practical tools like phone stands or organizers to help parents at home.

Eye-Care Barrier — Parents worry not just about how long kids stare at screens, but what it does to their eyes.

ArtPlay Pad shifts the conversation from duration to depth. The 12" 2K Eye-Care Display features a 16:9 aspect ratio, 16.7 million colors, full lamination, and anti-glare + anti-fingerprint coating—delivering vivid visuals indoors and out. With TÜV SÜD Low Blue Light Certification and AG-etched glass anti-glare technology, prolonged use causes less eye strain without compromising color accuracy, while reducing distracting reflections for a more comfortable viewing experience.

Premium Hardware That Powers Infinite Creativity

Packed with high-performance hardware, the ArtPlay Pad fuels non-stop creativity. It features 6GB RAM + 256GB expandable storage, holding 50,000+ sketches and hundreds of 3D models. The 7800 mAh battery delivers up to 18 hours of drawing or 12 hours of video playback with 30W fast charging, while the MediaTek Helio G99 octa-core chip ensures smooth performance across 3D tools, education apps, and HD videos. Immersive 360° quad-speaker audio, crisp 13MP rear and 8MP front cameras for calls and photo sharing, and an included adjustable silicone case with a stepless stand and stylus slot complete the experience. At just 7.4mm thin and 644g light, this slim tablet goes wherever inspiration takes you.

Launch and Availability

ArtPlay Pad is available starting September 15, 2026—timed to inspire young creators and reassure parents alike. The device comes with a suite of pre-installed creative apps, cloud-based sharing capabilities, and a protective case designed for on-the-go inspiration. Order now at the ugee official shop to bring home the ultimate creative companion for your child.

About ugee

A global creative hardware enterprise distributing products across 100+ nations, ugee focuses on digital art equipment and educational STEM tools, extending its layout from drawing tablets to household 3D printing to fuel children's hands-on creativity.

SOURCE UGEE TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD

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New NX Series module enables microsecond level edge control to help reduce variability, improve inspection accuracy, and increase machine performance.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As manufacturers push for higher throughput, tighter quality tolerances, and greater machine flexibility, traditional control architectures can struggle to keep pace with increasingly time-sensitive applications. Processes such as liquid filling, dispensing, inspection triggering, and laser processing often require decisions to be made faster than conventional PLC scan cycles can support.

To address these challenges, OMRON Automation Americas has introduced the NX-CT High-Speed Counter, a new addition to the NX Series Modular I/O platform. Designed for applications where timing accuracy directly affects quality, productivity, and machine performance, the NX-CT enables high-speed signal acquisition and edge control at the machine level, helping manufacturers make more precise control decisions while reducing system complexity.

"Manufacturers today are under constant pressure to increase throughput without sacrificing quality," said Alex Ocampo, Product Manager at OMRON Automation Americas. "The NX-CT was developed to help machine builders overcome one of the most persistent challenges in high-speed automation, making accurate control decisions fast enough to keep up with the process. By moving critical counting and edge control functions closer to the application, customers can improve precision and reduce variations within the automation process."

Unlike solutions that rely on PLC scan times to process high-speed events, the NX-CT executes counter-match outputs within 1 microsecond. The result is more consistent fill levels, repeatable inspection trigger positions, improved synchronization with downstream equipment, and greater confidence in high-speed machine operation.

The NX-CT's integrated advance time setting further helps compensate for delays introduced by actuators such as valves and lasers. By accounting for downstream response times, manufacturers can maintain process accuracy even as operating speeds increase or production conditions change. This capability can help reduce waste, improve first-pass yield, and support more predictable process performance.

Fully integrated with the OMRON Sysmac automation platform and EtherCAT-based NX architecture, the NX-CT enables a consistent engineering experience across machine control applications. For customers modernizing legacy systems, it also provides a path to higher-speed performance and improved precision within the NX Series ecosystem.

For more information about the NX-CT High-Speed Counter Unit and the OMRON NX Series Modular I/O portfolio, visit NX-CT High-Speed Counter Unit | Omron

SOURCE Omron Automation Americas

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S/4HANA Migration Risk Rises When Strategic Decisions Are Left to Implementation Partners, Info-Tech Research Group Finds

With SAP's end of mainstream maintenance for ECC approaching in 2027, organizations are under pressure to define their migration plan. New insights from Info-Tech Research Group show that relying too heavily on implementation partners to make strategic migration decisions can increase the risk of cost overruns, project delays, and outcomes that fail to reflect business priorities. The firm's Build Your S/4HANA Migration Plan blueprint helps SAP migration teams evaluate migration options and trade-offs, lead critical decisions, and establish direction before engaging technical partners.

ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 15, 2026 /CNW/ -- SAP users preparing to migrate from ECC to S/4HANA face one of the largest technology transformations many organizations will undertake. While these initiatives often require outsourced technical expertise, the most critical migration decisions remain the organization's responsibility. According to recent insights published in Info-Tech Research Group's Build Your S/4HANA Migration Plan blueprint, many teams enter implementation without fully understanding how strategic migration decisions affect long-term business outcomes.

Info-Tech's research recognizes the important role that implementation partners play in S/4HANA migrations. However, it also emphasizes that strategic decisions must remain with the organization. While partners provide essential technical expertise, they may not have the full business context needed to determine priorities, transformation goals, or acceptable trade-offs. These decisions shape every stage of migration, from deployment and migration strategies to governance and organizational change. Without a clear understanding of their long-term implications, organizations risk cost overruns, delays, and reduced business value.

"Most organizations do not run ERP transformations often enough to build deep internal experience," says Mia Scherba, research analyst at Info-Tech Research Group. "Implementation partners are critical to execution, but they cannot determine what the business should prioritize or which trade-offs it can accept. Those choices need to be owned internally because they shape cost, complexity, and long-term value well beyond the migration."

Key Factors That Increase S/4HANA Migration Risk

Info-Tech's research highlights several planning challenges that consistently affect S/4HANA migration outcomes:

- Migration complexity is underestimated. Treating S/4HANA as a technical upgrade rather than a full ERP transformation leads organizations to overlook the effort required on customizations and integrations.

- Critical decisions are made independently. Migration strategy, deployment method, technical complexity, and organizational readiness influence one another. Optimizing one decision without evaluating the others can introduce unintended constraints and trade-offs.

- Implementation partners are expected to define business direction. While external partners provide essential technical expertise, they cannot determine organizational priorities and acceptable trade-offs.

- Change management receives insufficient attention. Successful migrations depend not only on technical execution but also on organizational readiness and user adoption.

Info-Tech's Three-Phase Methodology for Building an S/4HANA Migration Plan

To help organizations establish direction before technical work begins, Info-Tech's Build Your S/4HANA Migration Plan blueprint guides SAP migration teams through three planning phases.

- Discover the Current SAP Landscape. Assess internal capabilities, strategic intent, organizational readiness, and technical complexity to establish a realistic starting point.

- Define the Migration Plan. Evaluate deployment methods, migration strategies, and the trade-offs associated with each option to identify a combination that aligns with organizational capacity and priorities.

- Prepare for Migration. Formalize governance, define rollout expectations, and document the decisions that implementation partners will use to execute the migration.

The blueprint also includes a S/4HANA Project Management Worksheet, S/4HANA Complexity Assessment, S/4HANA Decision Guide, and S/4HANA Migration Readiness Brief. These resources help organizations assess their current environment, evaluate migration scenarios, document planning decisions, and communicate a clear implementation strategy before engaging technical delivery partners.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Info-Tech's experts, including Mia Scherba, and access to the complete Build Your S/4HANA Migration Plan blueprint, please contact [email protected].

About Info-Tech Research Group

Info-Tech Research Group is the "get things done" partner for over 30,000 IT, HR, and marketing leaders worldwide. The fastest growing research and advisory firm, Info-Tech enables leaders to make well-informed decisions and transform their organizations through AI, strategic foresight, step-by-step methodologies, practical tools, industry-leading advisory, and training programs. For nearly 30 years, tens of thousands of private and public organizations have trusted Info-Tech to lead their most important initiatives through periods of change and deliver outcomes that truly matter.

To learn more about Info-Tech's HR research and advisory services, visit McLean & Company, and for data-driven software buying insights and vendor evaluations, visit the firm's SoftwareReviews platform.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software, and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact [email protected].

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

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PITTSBURGH, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- "I wanted to create a unique accessory to enhance the appearance of a golf club," said an inventor, from Highland Heights, Ohio, "so I invented the BUNKER BUDDIES. My design also offers a fun and simple way to play sound effects."

The patent-pending invention provides a new accessory that would be applied on the end of a golf club grip. In doing so, it enables the golfer to add a fun or unique character embellishment to the club grip. It also enables the user to enjoy sound effects. As a result, it enhances fun and personal style. The invention features a novel design that is easy to apply so it is ideal for golfers. Additionally, a prototype model and technical drawings are available upon request.

The original design was submitted to the National sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 25-KSG-236, InventHelp, 100 Beecham Drive, Suite 110, Pittsburgh, PA 15205-9801, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.

SOURCE InventHelp

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Flagship community platform to reach 10,000 students across the Carolinas in first year through programs focused on literacy, physical wellness and personal well-being

More than 400 students from Title I schools celebrated the launch with a special field day at Bank of America Stadium

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Carolina Panthers today announced the launch of 3rd & Goal, a new flagship platform developed in collaboration with Bank of America that invests in the critical years of childhood development through literacy (Read 20), physical wellness (Play 60) and personal well-being (Feel 100). The program will launch this year and is expected to reach 10,000 students across North and South Carolina.

In football terms, 3rd & Goal represents a pivotal moment when preparation, execution and opportunity converge to determine the outcome of the drive. The platform applies that same urgency and focus to education, recognizing third grade as a defining moment in a child's academic success.

"For years, the Carolina Panthers and Bank of America have worked together to create meaningful impact across the Carolinas, and 3rd & Goal gives us an opportunity to bring that work together under a single, unified platform," said Kristi Coleman, CEO, Tepper Sports & Entertainment and Carolina Panthers President. "Our vision is for 3rd & Goal to become the signature community initiative for our organization, creating opportunities for thousands of young people each year and serving as a national model for how sports partnerships can drive meaningful impact."

The platform was officially introduced during a special field day at Bank of America Stadium that brought together Panthers players and staff, Bank of America executives, local elected officials, and more than 400 third-grade students and school administrators from Title I schools across the Carolinas.

"Our longstanding partnership with the Panthers reflects a shared belief that investing in young people strengthens our communities," said Kieth Cockrell, President, Bank of America Charlotte. "By bringing literacy, physical activity and mental well-being together through 3rd & Goal, we can help more children across the Carolinas build a strong foundation for lifelong success."

Research consistently shows that early elementary years are critical for establishing emotional regulation skills that influence academic performance, peer relationships, and mental health outcomes later in life. The organizations will work closely with partner schools to set and utilize key benchmarks to help measure the success of the program over a three-year span. The UNC Charlotte Center for Educational Measurement and Evaluation (CEME) will provide ongoing evaluation throughout the school year, working closely with each school to track program implementation and student engagement.

About 3RD & GOAL presented by Bank of America

The 3rd and Goal platform includes the following three pillars: 

READ 20

Research shows that children who are not reading proficiently by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school, making early literacy a critical predictor of long-term success. A Read Charlotte-commissioned study conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that students with below-average reading ability in third and fourth grade face significantly worse outcomes later in life, including lower household income, reduced likelihood of attending college, high unemployment and increased mental health challenges.

Together, these findings underscore the importance of early intervention and provide the foundation for Read 20, an initiative aimed at improving literacy during the most pivotal years of a child's development through Panthers-themed, incentive-based activities designed to motivate young people to read twenty minutes a day and reinforce positive reading habits.

PLAY 60 presented by Atrium Health

Play 60, an NFL-wide initiative long-supported by the Carolina Panthers, promotes at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity for children. The effort is especially critical in the Carolinas, where many young people fall short of recommended activity levels, with North Carolina and South Carolina ranking 33rd and 23rd, respectively, among states. Through school based, Panthers-themed programming, including flag football equipment support, educator resources, student engagement experiences and recognition opportunities, the initiative encourages healthy habits, sustained movement and positive outcomes for young people.

FEEL 100 presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina

The addition of Feel 100 reflects the growing need to support the personal well-being of young people and reinforces Blue Cross NC's broader youth mental health strategy by advancing a prevention-first approach to mental health that supports students during critical developmental windows. Feel 100 rounds out 3rd & Goal by supporting students' personal well-being through literacy, discussion, and experiential learning in classroom settings to help students understand emotions, practice self-regulation, and build healthy social connections.

Annual 3rd & Goal Field Day at Bank of America Stadium

Each participating 3rd & Goal school will have the opportunity to select 15 third grade students to attend a one-of-a-kind 3rd & Goal Field Day at Bank of America Stadium each year at the end of the school year. The experience is designed to serve as a powerful incentive, with schools recognizing five students for achievements in Read 20 literacy efforts, five students for excellence in Play 60 physical education, and five students for being good classmates who exhibit positive wellness and being through Feel 100.

Editor's Note: Event photos and b-roll will be available here following the event.

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers became the 29th National Football League franchise on October 26, 1993. The Panthers began play in the 1995 season, winning an expansion-team-record seven games. In 31 seasons, Carolina has won seven division titles, including three consecutive NFC South division titles from 2013-15. The Panthers have played in 18 playoff games, winning two NFC Championships and appearing in Super Bowl XXXVIII and Super Bowl 50. David A. Tepper, the founder and president of global hedge fund Appaloosa Management, L.P. and a well-known philanthropist, is the owner of the Carolina Panthers. Truly representing both Carolinas, the Panthers play their home games at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., just miles from the North Carolina-South Carolina border. Serving the two-state region is a priority for the team. The Panthers work with over 3,800 community partners, non-profit agencies and schools in the Carolinas each year and are committed to positively impacting the region by providing philanthropic funding, resources and opportunities throughout the Carolinas.

Tepper Sports & Entertainment

Tepper Sports & Entertainment (TSE) owns and operates the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL), Major League Soccer's (MLS) Charlotte Football Club, and Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. TSE is committed to making the greater Charlotte metro area the premier year-round destination for sports and entertainment in the Carolinas and beyond. Bank of America Stadium hosts nearly 50 annual ticketed events. The diverse array of events attracts audiences spanning NFL, NCAA, high school football, MLS, international soccer, and blockbuster concerts. Beyond sports and entertainment, the venue accommodates hundreds of corporate and community events throughout the year and has served as a mass vaccination site in 2020, as well as an early voting site in the 2020, 2022 and 2024 elections.

About Bank of America Charlotte

From its origins in 1874, Bank of America has helped shape Charlotte's identity and growth. The bank has played a central role in the city's emergence as a global financial hub, influencing everything from its business infrastructure and early industrial expansion to its current skyline and stadiums. With more than 19,500 employees in the Charlotte area, the company remains one of the region's largest private-sector employers and an important contributor to the local economy. Today, Bank of America continues to play a critical leadership role in Charlotte's progress by supporting local businesses, investing in community development, and driving regional growth through sustained philanthropic giving, financing, and employment.

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving more than 69 million clients with approximately 3,500 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 60 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. As the #1 small business lender in the United States (FDIC), Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries and/or jurisdictions. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

In the news release, Moovair named Exclusive Heating and Cooling Partner of the CHL, issued 15-Sep-2026 by Master Group over CNW, we are advised by the company that changes have been made. The complete, corrected release follows, with additional details at the end:

Moovair named Exclusive Heating and Cooling Partner of the CHL

Partnership highlights Moovair's continued growth as a leading Canadian home-comfort brand while connecting with fans across the WHL, OHL and QMJHL through season-long activations, national broadcasts and marquee CHL events

TORONTO, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) today announced a new partnership with Moovair that spans the CHL and its Member Leagues — the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Under the agreement, the Canadian home-comfort brand becomes the Exclusive Heating and Cooling Partner of the CHL and an Official Partner of the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL.

Built around a shared belief in bringing comfort to moments that matter, the partnership will connect Moovair with fans and families across all Member Leagues through engaging in-arena promotions, digital and broadcast exposure, and activations at the CHL's two marquee events. As one of Canada's fastest-growing heat pump brands, Moovair is built specifically for Canadian homes, climates and communities. This partnership extends that connection coast to coast, bringing the brand closer to hockey fans in communities where many of our customers, contractors and dealer partners live and work. Whether fans are enjoying time together at home or cheering on their favourite team at the rink, Moovair will help make those experiences more comfortable.

"Moovair and the CHL are a natural fit. We share a passion for performance, a commitment to excellence and deep roots in the communities we serve. CHL communities are our communities, and we're proud to be part of them," stated Keith Strachan, President of The Master Group—the organization behind the exclusive private-label Moovair brand. "As Moovair continues to grow across Canada, this partnership provides an exciting opportunity to connect with families in a meaningful way while reinforcing the trust, reliability and comfort that define our brand."

"Moovair's focus on bringing comfort to moments that matter makes it an ideal partner for the CHL and our Member Leagues, as the excitement of our game brings families and communities together," said Ryan Hudecki, Vice-President of Partnerships for the CHL. "From rewarding fans in arenas throughout the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL to supporting our signature CHL events, this partnership will create memorable experiences for fans while strengthening Moovair's ties with hockey communities across Canada."

During the regular season, Moovair will connect with fans across the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL through a range of in-venue activations, including the "Moovair Moov of the Game," an in-arena seat upgrade for two fans. The seat-upgrade activation will take place at 75 regular-season games in 15 markets: Brandon, Calgary, Lethbridge, Penticton, and Swift Current in the WHL; Barrie, Kingston, Kitchener, Niagara, and Oshawa in the OHL; and Blainville-Boisbriand, Charlottetown, Moncton, Newfoundland, and Sherbrooke in the QMJHL. Moovair will also engage fans through in-venue activations at five games in Edmonton.

Moovair's presence will also extend across the digital platforms of the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL through web advertising and inclusion in e-newsletters. Each CHL national broadcast will also feature Moovair rinkboard exposure and a dedicated branded feature. Together, these activations will give Moovair a national platform to engage with hockey fans while continuing to build awareness of a Canadian brand trusted in homes across the country.

The partnership builds on Moovair's role as a partner of the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota in Kelowna, British Columbia. The expanded CHL partnership represents another milestone in Moovair's continued national growth and investment in community-based brand building. As the Exclusive Heating and Cooling Partner of the CHL, Moovair will continue to connect comfort with memorable hockey experiences through a range of fan engagement initiatives at the 2026 CHL USA Prospects Challenge on Dec. 1 in Chicoutimi and Dec. 2 in Québec City, Québec, and at the 2027 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota from May 20–30 in Guelph, Ontario, including the "Moovair Moov of the Game" seat upgrade at both events.

Together, Moovair, the CHL, and its Member Leagues will continue creating fan experiences that connect the comfort of home with the excitement of live hockey at CHL events and throughout the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL.

About the Canadian Hockey League (CHL)

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is the world's largest development hockey league, featuring 52 Canadian and nine American teams across the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League (NHL) than any other league and supports student-athletes through significant investment in education and scholarship programs. Each year, nearly 1,000 CHL graduates receive support through WHL, OHL, and QMJHL scholarship programs, with CHL clubs investing nearly $10 million annually in player education and scholarship support. During the 2025-26 NHL season, more than 475 CHL alumni were among the 1,033-plus players to appear in at least one game. At the 2026 NHL Draft, 106 CHL-developed players were selected — the most of any development league worldwide and the CHL's highest total since 2010 — including 16 first-round picks. For more information, please visit chl.ca.

About Moovair

Built for Canada. Proven across the country. Moovair designs heat pump systems specifically for Canadian homes and climates. With over 200,000 units installed nationwide, Moovair has become one of the most trusted names in heat pump comfort, known for reliability, durability, and consistent performance year after year. From ductless, ducted, and add-on systems, Moovair offers a complete range of energy-efficient solutions from accessible entry-level models to advanced, high-performance units. Every system is engineered with the latest technology and meets the highest industry standards, delivering dependable comfort in every season.

Backed by Master. Moovair is supported coast to coast by The Master Group, a leading HVAC-R distributor founded in Québec in 1952, with almost 100 branches across North America and 2,000 employees dedicated to service and support. Master has been recognized as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies every year since 2011, reinforcing the strength, stability, and long-term commitment behind the Moovair brand.

Correction: There have been updates made to the activation details in the release's fifth paragraph.

SOURCE Master Group

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Revenue has grown nearly 7x in the past year, with more than 5,000 employers now using Thatch to give employees greater control over their healthcare

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Thatch, the health benefits platform helping employers move from traditional group health plans to a consumer-directed model, today announced that it has raised $108 million in new funding at a $1 billion valuation from The General Partnership, Index Ventures, General Catalyst, and Andreessen Horowitz, with participation from ADP Ventures, Paychex, Eli Lilly and Company, Scale Venture Partners, QuantumLight, SemperVirens, Quiet Capital, and Avid Ventures.

Thatch's growth is signaling a broader shift in how employers think about healthcare benefits. The company's revenue has grown nearly seven-fold over the past year, with more than 5,000 employers now using the platform to move away from traditional group health plans toward a model that gives employees control over how their healthcare dollars are spent.

The traction comes as employers face a fundamental problem with the traditional system: healthcare costs continue to rise, while a single plan designed around the "average" employee rarely works well for everyone. Thatch's growth is evidence that employers are increasingly willing to rethink that model — shifting from choosing one plan for their workforce to giving employees a budget and the ability to choose coverage based on their own needs.

The model is straightforward: employers set a defined health benefits budget and employees use those tax-free dollars to choose an individual health plan that fits their needs, including their doctors, prescriptions, family situation and preferred type of coverage. Employees can also use remaining funds for eligible healthcare expenses like GLP1s, therapy and more. The shift gives employers more predictability over their healthcare spend while putting the purchasing decision in the hands of the person actually using the healthcare.

"For too long, healthcare has been the one major purchase in someone's life they never actually got to make," said Chris Ellis, co-founder and chief executive of Thatch. "Give people control over their own healthcare dollars, and the first thing they do is ask what something actually costs. That's the behavior change this round is built to scale."

The company believes this shift could have implications well beyond health insurance. Healthcare represents one of the largest categories of household and employer spending in the U.S., yet the individual has historically had little control over how those dollars are allocated. Thatch is building the infrastructure to make healthcare function more like other major consumer markets, where people have a budget, can compare options and ultimately decide what works best for them.

"Every massive consumer market eventually gets rebuilt around the individual - Amazon did it for retail, Expedia for travel, Robinhood for investing. Thatch is doing it for healthcare," said Jahanvi Sardana, Partner at Index Ventures. "With AI, the end state is bigger than shopping: an agent that knows you, holds your wallet and can find, book and pay for the right care. The magic is that you stop navigating healthcare and start being taken care of."

Thatch has built the infrastructure to make that transition possible at scale, connecting employers and employees to individual coverage while integrating with major health insurance carriers, payroll providers and benefits platforms. Its distribution network includes partnerships with ADP, Paychex, Gusto and QuickBooks, enabling employers to move to a consumer-directed model without rebuilding their existing benefits infrastructure.

About Thatch

Thatch is the health benefits platform that replaces one-size-fits-all group plans with individual health budgets. Instead of picking a single plan for everyone, companies give employees a tax-free budget to buy their own medical plan and pay for the health services they actually use. More than 5,000 employers use Thatch today. Backed by The General Partnership, Index Ventures, General Catalyst, and Andreessen Horowitz, Thatch is on a mission to build a healthcare system people love by changing the way we fund it. Learn more at thatch.com.

Media Contact:

Amber Moore

[email protected]

SOURCE Thatch

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