SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Jacobi has been selected by Aberdeen Portfolio Solutions Limited (APSL) to enhance the discretionary fund manager's model portfolio capabilities.

Jacobi's institutional-grade Model Portfolio Management System (MPMS) will enhance and industrialize APSL's model portfolio rebalancing process, deliver advanced forward-looking analytics and complement its compliance and governance framework.

As part of their usage of Jacobi, APSL will integrate a range of proprietary models, tools and processes into their own private version of the software.

Mark Hopcroft, Head of Investment Solutions at Aberdeen Adviser, and responsible for the distribution, marketing and operations of Aberdeen MPS, says:

"Working with Jacobi represents an important step forward for our MPS proposition. This partnership enables us to further enhance the efficiency of our internal processes, supporting better outcomes for advisers and their clients. It reinforces our commitment to maintaining a robust, scalable and forward-looking MPS offering."

Tony Mackenzie Co-Founder and CEO of Jacobi, says:

"We're excited to be working with Aberdeen to take their model portfolio capabilities to the next level. Our MPMS is built to bring efficiency and institutional-grade rigor to the entire investment process - from portfolio construction through to rebalancing and oversight. This partnership is about helping Aberdeen scale with confidence, deepen insight, and continue delivering strong outcomes for advisers and their clients."

About Jacobi

Jacobi is a global investment technology provider for multi-asset investment teams. Capabilities include model portfolio design, analysis, and client engagement. Its unique "open architecture" platform allows users to tailor private deployments of the platform by integrating their own code, models, data, analytics, and applications.

Founded in 2014, Jacobi provides its technology to top-tier investors across the globe, including some of the world's leading asset and wealth managers, pension funds, asset owners, and investment consultants. Jacobi has seen strong demand from wealth managers in need of 'institutional grade' MPMS technology.

About Aberdeen Portfolio Solutions Limited

Aberdeen Portfolio Solutions Limited is the discretionary investment manager responsible for the portfolio management, distribution and operations of the Aberdeen Managed Portfolio Service solutions.

Launched in 2011, Aberdeen MPS's offering has evolved to cater for a wider range of adviser and client needs. This includes the introduction of the Index, Sustainable and Sustainable Index ranges, as well as a standalone Money Market MPS and a tailored MPS proposition.

As at 31 March 2026, APSL is responsible for £3.4bn assets under management across all six MPS solutions.

Aberdeen Portfolio Solutions Limited is part of the Aberdeen Group, comprised of Aberdeen Group plc and its subsidiaries.

About Aberdeen Group plc

Aberdeen is a leading wealth and investments group, working to help millions of customers and clients turn their financial goals into reality. As at 31 December 2025, Aberdeen managed and administered £556bn of client and customer assets across its three core businesses - interactive investor, Adviser and Investments.

SOURCE Jacobi Inc

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ATEEZ, Billboard 200 #1 Group, Transforms into Special 'Rockstars'

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital IP entertainment company IPX, the company behind the global character brand LINE FRIENDS, successfully launched its third collection for MIGHTEEZ, a character IP created in collaboration with global K-Pop sensation ATEEZ, titled the 'MIGHTEEZ Rock The Stage POP-UP' exclusively at LINE FRIENDS SQUARE US Online.

MIGHTEEZ are the superpowered fairies who accompany ATEEZ on their journey. In this third collaboration, MIGHTEEZ character IP reinterprets the unique personalities and vibes of ATEEZ members through IPX's creative approach. In this new universe, MIGHTEEZ are gearing up for their rockstar debut, while ATEEZ, who recently hit #1 on the US Billboard 200 with their 14th EP, transform into shining rockstars on stage through the 'Rock The Stage' theme. ATEEZ members directly participated in an exclusive photoshoot tailored to the 'Rock The Stage' concept, creating a special connection between the artists and their characters as they seamlessly share the same universe on stage.

'MIGHTEEZ Rock The Stage POP-UP' Collection Details:

- Available: Exclusively online at LINE FRIENDS SQUARE US, September 18 – September

- U.S. exclusive items:

- Halloween Plush Keychain Blind Box

- Halloween Photocard Frame Deco Kit (with matching photocard and 3D stickers)

- Rock The Stage Random Trading Photocard Set

- U.S. Exclusive Daily Drops from Day 1 to Day 3 at 9AM PDT

The 'Rock the Stage' global collection also includes Plush Keyrings, a Plush Bag, Plush Charm, Plush Tape Measure, apparel, and more, bringing ATEEZ's special 'rockstar' transformation to life.

For more information on the 'MIGHTEEZ Rock The Stage POP-UP' and to shop the collection, visit LINE FRIENDS SQUARE US official website and follow @linefriends_us on social media.

Meanwhile, the 'MIGHTEEZ Rock The Stage POP-UP' is taking place simultaneously in South Korea, China, and Japan, with plans to sequentially expand across major Asian and European countries and regions.

About IPX (F.K.A LINE FRIENDS)

IPX is the new corporate name of LINE FRIENDS, a global character brand that started from Original Characters including BROWN, CONY, SALLY created for use as stickers for the leading mobile messenger app LINE and its 200 million active users worldwide. IPX has announced a new business strategy that would accelerate the global expansion of its IP businesses by diversifying its IP portfolios targeting all ages and advancing its digital and retail business. IPX provides diverse IP experiences including BT21(BTS), ZO&FRIENDS (G-DRAGON), minini, and JOGUMAN. It has also carried out its IP-based business by partnering with global companies including Netflix (original animated series), HoYoverse (Genshin Impact) to win the hearts of over 50 million Millennials and Generation Z worldwide. IPX currently operates in 18 markets worldwide including Seoul, New York, LA, Tokyo, and Shanghai, and operates in 8 online sales platforms.

Media Contact:

Emily Fletcher

Public Haus Agency

[email protected]

SOURCE LINE FRIENDS

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The Inner Circle acknowledges Nicola Upright as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence

FORT COLLINS, Colo., Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Nicola Upright is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for her contributions to Transportation Construction.

Ms. Nicola Upright, Construction Manager at RockSol Consulting Group, Inc., has built a 41 year career in heavy civil road construction and transportation infrastructure, leading major projects and teams across Colorado.

Ms. Upright began her career with the Colorado Department of Transportation as a tester and inspector before advancing to project manager roles overseeing multimillion dollar projects. Her experience includes roadway and bridge reconstruction, project budgeting, inspections, materials testing coordination, team supervision and collaboration with contractors and agencies.

Among her career accomplishments, Ms. Upright managed a 30-mile resurfacing and realignment project involving 160,000 tons of asphalt. She also helped oversee the reconstruction of bridges following Colorado's 2013 flooding.

Beyond project management, Ms. Upright has focused on supporting others in the construction industry. She was a founding member and served as president of Women of Asphalt Colorado for five years. She also founded a Colorado Department of Transportation charity 19 years ago that has provided more than $250,000 in support to employees and their families.

A graduate of Colorado State University with a bachelor's degree in Anthropology, Ms. Upright has built her career around excellence, resilience, mentorship and inclusion. She remains committed to supporting the next generation of construction professionals and advancing opportunities for women in the industry.

Ms. Upright currently serves as Construction Manager at RockSol Consulting Group, Inc. in Loveland, Colorado, where she continues to lead transportation infrastructure projects and diverse teams throughout the region.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected]

SOURCE The Inner Circle

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Mayors are driving solutions on the ground, but say federal partnership is essential to solve crisis

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) released the results of a National Affordability Survey of 113 U.S. mayors, whose responses show a country struggling with an affordability crisis that city leaders are working to address on multiple fronts, including housing, food and utility costs. It is the most comprehensive survey on affordability ever produced by the Conference, and presents a stark picture of the challenge.

According to the detailed survey, 96% of mayors say their residents are very or extremely concerned about the affordability crisis. And responding mayors were nearly unanimous in identifying its cause – with 96% citing untenable housing costs. Mayors also see the affordability crisis deepening. Nearly 93% reported a rising cost of living in their cities over the past year, with 39% saying the crisis has significantly worsened.

The survey also shows that:

- While housing generates the most concern over affordability, the price of groceries, utilities, childcare, transportation (including gas) and healthcare all contribute to the rising cost of living in cities.

- Nearly 7-in-10 respondents reported higher rates of food insecurity and foodbank usage in their cities.

- Two-thirds of mayors reported that local businesses are impacted by residents having less disposable income to spend within their communities.

"Americans are feeling squeezed by the cost of housing, groceries, utilities and other everyday necessities," said U.S. Conference of Mayors President Todd Gloria, Mayor of San Diego. "Mayors see this every day in our communities, and we're doing what we can locally to lower costs like building more housing and supporting food assistance programs. But this affordability crisis is a national one and it requires strong federal partnership to fix it."

Gloria continued, "The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act becoming law this summer was an important first step toward bringing down housing costs, but there is much more work to do. America's mayors are ready to keep working in our communities and with Congress and the Administration on practical solutions that make it easier for people to afford the communities they call home."

In addition to the direct impact the affordability crisis has on residents, the survey found that it also limits the ability of cities to improve quality of life. Cities reported that rising housing costs were undercutting efforts to increase home ownership (82%) and reduce homelessness (71%). Seventy percent of cities said the affordability crisis was limiting local economic growth, and 46% of cities reported challenges attracting and retaining workers in their city.

In the survey, a city official from Vallejo (CA) highlighted how increased resident needs are straining city resources, saying "more residents are taking buses and transit because of gas prices, even if it means longer travel times, multiple transfers, or long walks. More households are behind on water bills and asking for discounts on fees. Food banks are overwhelmed and have longer lines and new families showing up. Our legal services nonprofits that provide eviction support for tenants have been overwhelmed by demand."

While permanent solutions require national support, mayors are responding where they can. The survey highlighted actions mayors are taking to address the affordability crisis, including efforts to build additional affordable housing, supporting food assistance programs and lowering utility bills. For example, Boise (ID) has "set up utility assistance funds in the city to help offset city-owned utility bills. The city is also pursuing public private-partnerships to build more deeply affordable homes in Boise. The city has built or is building 1,000 affordable housing units over the last six years, and modernizing our zoning code to get red tape out of the market and allow housing to be built more quickly to help solve the supply imbalance."

The survey was conducted from August 18 through September 4, 2026. In total, 113 cities from 39 states and Puerto Rico responded to this survey representing approximately 34.1 million Americans. The full results of the survey can be found here.

About the United States Conference of Mayors – The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are more than 1,400 such cities in the country today, and each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor. Follow our work on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, Substack, and TikTok.

SOURCE U.S. Conference of Mayors

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National Medical Fellowships Celebrates 80 Years of Strengthening the Future of Health Care

Anniversary weekend brings NMF's eight decades of impact full circle with national conversations, community health programming, and a milestone celebration

CHICAGO, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For 80 years, National Medical Fellowships (NMF) has worked to broaden pathways to medical education and ensure talented, aspiring health professionals have the resources, mentorship, and opportunities needed to succeed. This October, NMF will celebrate its eight decades of nationwide advocacy in Chicago, where its mission began.

Since 1946, NMF has supported more than 32,000 scholars across all 50 states, helping generations of physicians and health care leaders build careers dedicated to delivering excellent care.

"Eighty years of NMF is ultimately 80 years of investing in people and the communities they go on to serve," said Michellene Davis, Esq., President and CEO of National Medical Fellowships. "Our history demonstrates what becomes possible when talented students have meaningful pathways into medicine and the support to succeed. As we look toward our future, that work has never been more important."

NMF's investment extends beyond scholarships to mentorship, career development, service-learning opportunities, and clinical research leadership training, helping aspiring and current health professionals turn opportunity into lasting impact. Throughout its 80-year history, NMF has awarded more than $50 million in scholarships to alumni who have become physicians, educators, and health care leaders serving communities nationwide.

Nowhere will NMF's community-focused mission be more visible than during the NMF Impact × Rush University Community Health Fair on October 3 at Charles G. Hammond Elementary School. The event will bring NMF and Rush University medical professionals and advocates directly into the Chicago community, extending the anniversary beyond celebration and putting NMF's mission into action.

That community commitment will also be evident in NMF's collaboration with the CPASS Foundation, which works to create pathways for young people into STEMM careers. During the weekend, NMF and CPASS will co-present a discussion on Black maternal health featuring the documentary film Listen to Me at CPASS's symposium.

Beginning October 1, 2026, the four-day Homecoming Weekend will also feature a national Summit & Convening, featuring CPASS founder and NMF 80th Host Committee member Dr. Eric Whitaker, the NMF Connects reception, 80th Anniversary Gala at the Four Seasons Chicago, and the President's Legacy Luncheon.

For more information about the anniversary weekend, including a full list of featured speakers and honorees, visit www.80thnmfhomecoming.com.

SOURCE National Medical Fellowships, Inc.

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Gerstle Snelson, LLP Managing Partners Named to 2026 Texas Super Lawyers List

Michael Gerstle and Steve Snelson, construction and professional liability attorneys, are recognized among the top 5% of Texas lawyers

DALLAS, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael Gerstle and Steve Snelson, managing partners of construction law firm Gerstle Snelson, LLP, have been named to the 2026 Texas Super Lawyers list. The honor marks Gerstle's 13th appearance on the list and Snelson's inaugural recognition.

Each year, no more than 5 percent of attorneys in Texas are selected to the Super Lawyers list. Selection follows a patented, multiphase process that combines peer nominations, independent research across 12 indicators of professional achievement, and peer evaluations by practice area. This approach is designed to identify attorneys who have earned strong peer recognition and have demonstrated professional excellence.

"Being included on this list alongside so many respected colleagues across Texas is a real honor," says Snelson. "It reflects the standard our whole firm holds itself to: doing right by our clients and pursuing the best possible outcome in every matter."

Gerstle and Snelson have each practiced construction and professional liability law for more than 30 years. Together they have represented builders, general contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, and homeowners throughout Texas.

"Peer recognition means the most because it comes from the attorneys who see our work firsthand," says Gerstle. "Sustaining that respect for more than a decade says everything about the standard our team sets for our clients."

About Gerstle Snelson, LLP

Gerstle Snelson, LLP (gstexlaw.com) is a Texas construction law firm with offices in Dallas and Austin. The firm advises and represents builders, contractors, design professionals, businesses, public entities, insurers, and homeowners on transactional and litigated matters in construction, professional liability and malpractice, and business law throughout the state of Texas.

SOURCE Gerstle Snelson, LLP

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Local tourism operator funds a conversational guest concierge built with BEN technology | Hotel assistance first, with room to grow across the visitor journey

ARUSHA, Tanzania, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Skye Africa Intelligence (Pty) Ltd ("Skye") today announced that an established Tanzanian tourism business owned by Ernest Magesa has commercially commissioned SafariOS, a conversational AI concierge named for the visitor journey — the African safari — not for a browser or an operating system. Brand Engagement Network Inc. (Nasdaq: BNAI) ("BEN") is a shareholder in Skye and is providing the underlying technology.

SafariOS is an independent commercial project. It is not an official product of the Confederation of African Football or AFCON PAMOJA 2027.

Magesa's operating business gives Skye a live hospitality environment in which to build and refine the service — local knowledge paired with governed conversational AI.

What is being built

SafariOS applies conversational concierge technology previously used in hospitality and puts it to work in Tanzania's visitor market.

The first release is hotel guest assistance: property information, housekeeping and room-service requests, dining and transport guidance, and a path to a person when one is needed. From there the same conversation can open onto more of the journey — restaurants, excursions, safari operators, onward travel — as participating businesses come onto the platform.

Tanzania first

Tanzania already draws millions of international visitors each year and sits on the doorstep of Arusha, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. That existing flow is the reason to build here.

AFCON PAMOJA 2027, jointly hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda from 19 June to 17 July 2027, will add another pulse of visitors into the same market. The tournament is useful timing. The business case is year-round hospitality.

Ownership

BEN, through its subsidiary Skye AI USA, LLC, holds a minority equity interest in Skye Africa Intelligence. Skye is majority-held by Valio Technologies. BEN does not consolidate Skye.

Management Commentary

"We commissioned SafariOS because visitors still lose time on the small things — a reliable answer, a ride, a person who can help," said Ernest Magesa, the Tanzanian operator commissioning the work. "AFCON will put a spotlight on this region. We are building a service that has to work in June 2027 and in the quiet months after that."

"SafariOS puts conversational concierge technology to work for Tanzania's visitor economy," said Tyler Luck, Chief Executive Officer of Brand Engagement Network. "Skye knows this market and runs the build. BEN supplies the technology and remains a shareholder."

"Start with the hotel. Earn the rest of the journey," said Lefentse Nokaneng, Chief Executive Officer of Skye Africa Intelligence. "That is how a small team actually gets into a market the large platforms talk about."

About Skye Africa Intelligence

Skye Africa Intelligence (Pty) Ltd applies conversational AI to hospitality, health, and public-sector services in Africa. The company is majority-held by Valio Technologies (Pty) Ltd, with Brand Engagement Network as a shareholder. Tyler Luck, CEO of BEN, serves on Skye's board on BEN's behalf.

About Brand Engagement Network Inc.

Brand Engagement Network, Inc. ("BEN") builds secure, enterprise-grade artificial intelligence for the engagement layer of AI, where human intent is transformed into intelligent interactions, automated workflows, and real-world outcomes. Powered by BEN's proprietary Engagement Language Model (ELM™), BEN's technology enables conversational AI interactions that connect human intent to organizational data, workflows, and real-world outcomes. BEN's AI operates within secure closed-loop environments using approved organizational data and built-in governance and compliance controls. For more information, visit www.brandengagementnetwork.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding the development, testing, launch or expansion of SafariOS; visitor demand around AFCON 2027; integrations with hospitality and booking systems; and BEN's activities through Skye Africa Intelligence. Actual results may differ, including because development may be delayed or discontinued, the commissioned environment may be limited in scope, visitor traffic may not materialize as expected, integrations and participating businesses may not be secured, and other risks described in BEN's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and subsequent Form 10-Q and Form 8-K filings. BEN undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.

Media Contacts

Skye Africa Intelligence / Valio Technologies: Lefentse Nokaneng | [email protected]

BEN Media: [email protected]

BEN Investor Relations: [email protected]

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The article explains how scenic venues provide flexible indoor and outdoor spaces for family, corporate, and community events.

MENOMONIE, Wis., Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- What kinds of events can benefit from choosing a scenic venue instead of a traditional indoor space? A HelloNation article featuring insights from Wedding Industry Expert Teresa Olson of Emerald Ridge Weddings & Receptions in Menomonie, Wisconsin, provides the answer by explaining how scenic venues can support a wide range of gatherings beyond weddings. The article describes how natural surroundings, indoor spaces, and flexible layouts can accommodate family, corporate, and community events.

The HelloNation article begins by noting that many people picture scenic venues as wedding locations first. Wedding Industry Expert Teresa Olson explains that these spaces serve a much broader purpose. A scenic venue offers a combination of beauty and function that works well for celebrations, retreats, and special occasions. With open land and adaptable indoor areas, the venue provides room for guests to relax and enjoy the environment. This blend of scenery and comfort helps create events that feel both organized and inviting.

One of the clearest advantages described in the HelloNation article is the ability of a scenic venue to support family reunions. Wide outdoor areas allow guests of all ages to spread out and interact easily. Children can play while adults reconnect, and no one feels crowded. The same natural setting that supports weddings also works well for casual gatherings. Wedding Industry Expert Teresa Olson notes that families appreciate how the space shifts from formal to relaxed without needing additional changes. This flexibility helps reunions feel comfortable and enjoyable from start to finish.

Graduation parties also fit naturally into a scenic venue. The article explains that families value having both indoor and outdoor options, which helps them handle shifting weather. A barn or hall provides space for food tables, photo displays, and seating areas. The surrounding property gives guests room to talk and move freely. A scenic venue helps create a cheerful and open atmosphere that complements the celebratory tone of a graduation event. When larger groups attend, the extra space keeps the gathering from feeling crowded.

Fundraisers also benefit from this environment. The HelloNation article describes how a scenic venue creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere for donors, volunteers, and guests. The setting encourages longer conversations and deeper engagement. Wedding Industry Expert Teresa Olson explains that organizers can place silent auctions, performances, or presentations across indoor and outdoor areas. This helps the event flow smoothly and gives attendees a comfortable experience. Scenic venues help fundraisers feel personal, which often strengthens community support.

Corporate events also work well in these settings. Many companies look for alternatives to traditional conference rooms. A scenic venue offers fresh air, wide views, and calm indoor spaces that encourage team building. Retreats, appreciation events, and holiday gatherings gain energy from the natural environment. Wedding Industry Expert Teresa Olson explains that employees often feel more relaxed and more engaged when they spend time in a space that feels open and welcoming. The scenery supports conversation and creates a more comfortable atmosphere for group activities.

Birthday parties and milestone celebrations also benefit from the event flexibility described in the article. A scenic venue can accommodate small groups or large crowds. Some families choose a picnic-style setup under trees, while others use the indoor barn for a more structured gathering. The natural backdrop supports a variety of themes without requiring extensive décor. The landscape helps set the tone for the celebration, which allows families to focus on the experience rather than complicated planning.

The HelloNation article highlights the value of having multiple areas across the property. Scenic venues often include outdoor lawns, shaded sections, covered patios, barns, and halls. Guests can move between these spaces without feeling rushed or confined. Wedding Industry Expert Teresa Olson explains that this layout creates a natural rhythm for the event. Each area connects with the others, which supports a unified experience. Organizers can design different parts of the gathering in ways that feel smooth and balanced.

Weather flexibility is another important advantage. Scenic venues often provide a mix of open-air and enclosed options. This helps events continue without disruption when rain, heat, or wind appears. A barn can host the main gathering, while outdoor areas provide additional room when conditions allow. The HelloNation article notes that this flexibility keeps the event tied to its natural setting even when adjustments are needed. Organizers avoid complicated backup plans because the venue already includes workable solutions.

Photography also benefits from the environment. Natural light, textured backgrounds, and open views help photographers capture strong images. Group photos, candid moments, and portraits all feel relaxed and genuine. Wedding Industry Expert Teresa Olson explains that families, companies, and community groups appreciate how the scenery enhances their photos. A scenic venue helps preserve memories in a way that feels authentic rather than staged.

The article emphasizes that the overall experience at a scenic venue feels more relaxed than at traditional indoor spaces. Guests enjoy the slower pace and the chance to explore the surroundings. Organizers value the built-in beauty and flexibility of the layout. Wedding Industry Expert Teresa Olson notes that scenic venues prove their usefulness by hosting a wide range of events comfortably. Their natural setting supports gatherings that benefit from space, calm, and a welcoming atmosphere.

The HelloNation article concludes by stating that a scenic venue becomes a reliable option when it can shift from weddings to reunions to corporate gatherings without losing its charm. The combination of indoor structures, outdoor areas, and inviting scenery helps people create events that feel memorable and enjoyable. Scenic venues offer a practical and beautiful choice for many different needs.

Hosting More Than Just Weddings at a Scenic Venue features insights from Teresa Olson, Wedding Industry Expert of Menomonie, WI, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America's Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative "edvertising" approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

SOURCE HelloNation

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Plaza Premium Group Wins the World's Best Airport Lounge Group, Marking a Decade of Skytrax Wins

A Legacy of Firsts. Now, the World's Best.

LONDON, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Plaza Premium Group, the global leader in 360-degree airport hospitality and passenger service solutions, was awarded the "World's Best Airport Lounge Group" at the World Airline Awards by Skytrax, often referred to as the "Oscars of the aviation industry."

The win marks Plaza Premium Group's tenth consecutive Skytrax recognition, underscoring the group's commitment to service excellence and exemplifying its mission to Make Travel Better.

Three Plaza Premium Lounges also secured top 10 places in Skytrax's World's Best Independent Airport Lounges ranking this year: Plaza Premium Lounge at Rome Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, London Heathrow Airport and Dubai International Airport.

"From being the world's first to being recognised as the world's best, our mission remains the same: together, we make travel better," said Mr. Song Hoi See, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Plaza Premium Group. "When we pioneered the independent airport lounge 28 years ago, our dream was to change how people experience airport transit. This is far more than a trophy, it reflects the trust our travellers place in us and the dedication our teams bring to their work every single day," he added. "First and foremost, we thank every traveller who voted for us and chose us to be part of their journey. To our team members around the world, thank you for delivering the best hospitality, day in and day out. We are also grateful to Skytrax and to our airport and business partners for their continued support."

Edward Plaisted, Chief Executive Officer of Skytrax, said: "We congratulate Plaza Premium Group on winning the World's Best Airport Lounge Group award, for an incredible tenth consecutive year, a remarkable achievement that the management and staff should be very proud of. For Plaza Premium Group to have three of its lounges featured in the Top 10 independent lounges worldwide is a very strong recognition from customers of the high-quality standards."

About the Top Ranked Lounges:

Plaza Premium Lounge Rome - Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (T3)

Recognised as the World's Best Independent Airport Lounge from 2023 to 2025, the Rome lounge offers travellers an immersive experience into the heart of Italy.

Plaza Premium Lounge London - London Heathrow Airport (T4)

Travellers enjoy exceptional hospitality and stylish spaces alongside authentic, classic British dishes and drinks.

Plaza Premium Lounge Dubai – Dubai International Airport

The Dubai lounge blends Emirati culture with global sophistication through local delicacies, extensive art and traditional experiences that reflect the essence of the city.

About Plaza Premium Group

Founded in 1998, Plaza Premium Group pioneered the world's first independent airport lounge and today operates across 600 airports in 150 countries, serving over 30 million passengers. It is the largest global network of independent airport lounges, complemented by airport transit hotels, airport dining and airport passenger services.

Media Resources

High-resolution assets: [here]

Website: https://www.plazapremiumgroup.com

SOURCE Plaza Premium Group

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Accredit Solutions Launches Accredit Induct to Turn Workforce Readiness into an Access Decision

New operational readiness product links identity, induction, credentialing and access control, enabling organizations to enforce "no induction, no access" before credentials are issued.

Accredit Solutions, the global identity, credentialing and workforce access technology provider, today announced the launch of Accredit Induct .

DURHAM, N.C., Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Organizations across sport, live entertainment, government and major events face growing pressure to prove that people entering their environments are trained, authorized and ready for their roles. Yet many still manage induction and compliance through disconnected PDFs, spreadsheets, emails, supplier records and standalone learning systems.

These approaches may support training delivery, but often leave a gap between completion and control. Organizations may know induction content has been issued, yet struggle to prove in real time whether the right person has completed the right requirements before credentials or access are granted.

Accredit Induct closes that gap.

Built on the Accredit Platform and aligned with the Accredit OS operating model, Accredit Induct enables organizations to assign role-based requirements, deliver digital induction and compliance content, track completion in real time and enforce completion before credentials or access permissions are issued. In simple terms: no induction, no access.

Unlike a traditional Learning Management System, Accredit Induct connects induction status directly to an individual's identity, credential record and access permissions. Completion is not simply recorded; it can become a condition of credential approval and entry.

"Induction has too often been treated as a separate administrative exercise, but it shouldn't sit separately from the access decision," said Peder Berg, CEO of Accredit Solutions. "Accredit Induct connects identity, readiness and credentialing in one workflow, so organizations can ensure the right requirements are met before access is approved."

The platform enables organizations to:

- Prevent credential issuance until mandatory training is complete.

- Maintain one identity record across induction, credentialing and access.

- Assign requirements by role, organization, event or credential type.

- Track completion across individuals, teams and suppliers in real time.

- Manage expiry dates, refresher training and recurring obligations.

- Create auditable compliance records.

- See who is ready, who is incomplete and what action is required.

"Knowing who is onsite is important," added Berg. "Knowing they are trained, authorized and ready for their role is becoming just as critical."

Learn more about Accredit Induct .

About Accredit Solutions

Accredit Solutions is a global accreditation and access management technology provider, helping operations and security leaders achieve complete ownership of accreditation, access management and workforce readiness. Supporting major events, venues, sports organisations, government agencies and critical infrastructure operators worldwide, Accredit Solutions delivers efficiency at every level, enabling leaders to operate with confidence under pressure.

SOURCE Accredit Solutions

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