ag

5 Tips for DMO Managers with More Questions Than Answers

5 Tips for DMO Managers with More Questions Than Answers jhammond@desti… Tue, 05/07/2024 - 18:30

Image
5 min read

New DMO Managers Agree on 5 Pain Points

Your supervisor picked you for your position because you’re adaptable, committed, and creative. Still, you might wonder whether this job is for you. Managers I talked to at the PACE forum want help with five issues:

  1. The new DMO managers feel overwhelmed because they have too much to do.
  2. They need more guidance on how to keep members engaged and retain them.
  3. They worry about providing value to the community.
  4. New DMO managers are stressed about navigating their new roles.
  5. They want help with training and coaching teams.

Treat ‘em Right helps managers solve these problems and more with coaching, group training, and online courses customized for individual DMOs. Your first call with us is free, so contact us if you are interested.

Tip One: Prioritize and Delegate

You thought you joined an industry that values rest, relaxation, and recreation, but you are working long hours! We get it. You feel overwhelmed by what seems like three jobs in one. It’s time to prioritize:

  • Put your tasks in order based on 1) your deadlines and 2) which will have the most impact. Note: something due today is not necessarily more important than something due next week. Keep your goals in mind and prioritize what matters most.
  • Delegate non-essential tasks to team members, empowering them to take ownership. Effective delegation will reduce your stress and foster collaboration on your team.

If you’re not using project management software find one that works for you. Putting tasks in your computer will cut your stress because don’t have to try to remember 10 deadlines in your head. You might think you don’t have the money. One of the top project management software systems, Monday.com, has free subscriptions for one or two users. Other plans start at $20 a month.

Tip Two: Make a Membership Plan

You believe in your organization’s mission and want to help keep it strong. Retaining members is one of your top goals (and stressors). Yes, building and maintaining relationships with members is time-consuming. Realizing you cannot do everything at the same time, plan to meet who you can, and find other ways to connect with all your members regularly. That means planning.

Check out The Center for Association Leadership’s Guide to Membership Strategy to see what is working for others. The guide includes questions to ask yourself:

  • How are you engaging members and prospects who are in their 20s and 30s?
  • Is your online membership platform easy to use? Does it solve members’
    problems?
  • Are you fostering collaboration that benefits members? For example,
    DMOs offer visitor experience education to members’ employees and many
    others who interact with guests.

Tip Three: Focus on the Visitor Experience

The constant pressure to provide value can keep you up at night. Ease your pain by focusing on what matters most – the visitor experience. DMOs have become experts in visitor experience education (VXE) with help from Treat ‘em Right. We customize VXE based on the needs of your members. Examples of successful VXE programs include:

  • Visit Manhattan, Kansas offers VXE to retailers, hotels, restaurants, attractions, and business community employers.
  • Destination Niagara Falls USA engaged taxi and ride-share drivers, travel
    agencies, tour operators, and short-term rental owners in VXE. 
  • The Pennsylvania Convention Center trained its union labor contractors.

We have received dozens of positive reviews on our VXE video series. We believe in video because people retain 95% of what they learn while watching a training video, compared to 10% of what they read. However, for some learners, our hybrid live sessions are best. It’s all about the learner.

Tip Four: Connect with Others in the Industry

In a 2023 survey, 40% of recent graduates said they had no training, onboarding, or support from their managers. If you are unsure of something, ask. Your manager should be clear about expectations on things like your work hours, deadlines, and what it will take to advance in your position. Other solutions for navigating new roles include:

  • Connect with experienced managers in the industry.
  • Attend workshops, conferences, and webinars to learn from others’ successes and failures.
  • Look into Destinations International’s Young Professional Development Program and its 30 Under 30 program – a year-long networking and learning experience for emerging leaders. In an article on the DI website, a past 30 Under 30 participant says the program gave her purpose and a sense of belonging.

“Having peers who share similar struggles and passions has been transformative,” Juliet Velasquez, manager of client relationships and insights, Tourism Economics. “Through them, I've gleaned insights into leadership, skill development, and discovering my true calling. 

Sign up to get notified when DI opens the next round of applications for 30 Under 30.

Tip Five: Find a Coach

Many DMOs do not have structured management training programs. That makes it more difficult for a new manager to learn their job. So, smart DMO executives invest in expert training, coaching, and consulting. Treat ‘em Right supports success with:

  • Skill Enhancement: Training programs improve managers’ skills, from leadership to communication. Our offerings include custom workshops and online courses tailored to the needs of each DMO needs. We start with helping teams get to know each other by taking an Insight Inventory.
  • Team Performance: Coaching helps managers motivate and guide their teams. Treat ‘em Right uses tools like the 5 Dysfunctions of a Team training to help new DMO managers become more productive and aligned with organizational goals.
  • Strategic Planning: We work with DMO managers who want a Visitor Experience Strategy that supports the goals of their organization. With the right training, coaching, and consulting you will have the confidence to lead
    with passion. Contact Phil at Treat ‘em Right or call 314-221-6037 to talk about getting the support you want.

About The Author

Phil Bruno

Founder and President, Treat ‘em Right

As the founder and President of Treat ‘em Right, Phil Bruno has served 43 years in the Tourism and Hospitality industry. Bruno works with DMOs to connect them with their Visitor Economy workers and communities through custom education programs both live and on-line. Treat ‘em Right programs have exceeded expectations in over 80 cities with 100,000 Certified Hospitality Professionals.  Since 2005 Phil has been a member of Destinations International and DMAI speaking at events and serving on the Advocacy Committee, Community Relations Task Force and Visitor Services planning committee.

Read More from Phil

chevron_right More from this Author
Show Header?
On




ag

What Destination Leaders Can Do to Engage Their Workforce

What Destination Leaders Can Do to Engage Their Workforce jhammond@desti… Fri, 06/21/2024 - 13:19

Image

Workforce development is an issue facing just about every destination executive. Attracting, developing, retaining, and engaging a team is an incredibly fluid and complex puzzle destination executives are forced to solve every single day. 

7 min read

What does an engaged workforce feel like? It feels like a team of people ready to rally around a shared mission they are deeply inspired by. Engaged workforces are willing to go above and beyond. They lean in, proactively looking for ways to contribute meaningfully. Engaged workforces show up to work every day, ready to bring their best to take care of the communities around them.

What destination leader doesn’t want that?

Unfortunately, fully engaged workforces are not as common in the destination industry as we’d like them to be. Destination executives are often left scratching their heads at how to get their team to buy in.  

Ready to engage your workforce? Start here:

Harness the Power of Your Destination’s Purpose

The purpose of a destination organization provides leadership with an inspiring mission to rally their team around.

Destination organizations are powerful economic drivers. They have the power to bring positive change to the communities, cities, and regions they represent, and your workforce is likely to consist of team members with close, personal connections to the destination they represent. Destinations are naturally positioned to cultivate an inspiring organizational purpose, creating meaningful work for each and every one of their team members.

“During the interview process, many candidates share that finding meaningful work is just as important as their compensation package,” shares Brook Kaufman, President & CEO of Visit Rapid City. “While there are times we can’t be competitive with the private sector on wages, the fact that our work does make a difference in our community is often the tipping point for someone accepting a position with us.” 

Harnessing the power of your destination’s purpose can be an incredible motivator to engage your workforce. Unfortunately, many destination leaders struggle to capture the power of their organization’s purpose. Leaders who clearly define their organization’s purpose, connect that purpose to the day-to-day work, and consistently communicate progress made can capture the full power of this engagement opportunity. “Employees want to know how their daily tasks help reach departmental and organizational goals. We can’t get from A to B without communicating where we’re headed and where each team member fits into the overall equation.”

Key Recommendation for Leaders: Work to define your destination’s purpose. Then, connect the dots with organizational objectives, goals, and outcomes so that every team member understands how their contribution directly impacts the destination’s purpose.  

As leaders define an inspiring purpose and connect the day-to-day work to that purpose, workforce engagement grows. 

Compensate Fairly

Let’s face it: compensation in the destination industry is an uphill battle for many executive leaders.

It’s tough to compete with for-profit organizations when it comes to compensation, but destination leaders have to try to compete in this arena.

Compensation is not just about salary and cash. Yes, salary and cash tend to make up an important part of what a destination can offer a member of its team, but total compensation can go far beyond that.  

Key Recommendation for Leaders: Execute regular compensation studies to get up-to-date compensation data for every role in your organization. Then, consider how to build a holistic compensation package, which enables leaders to assemble a competitive offering to attract and retain talent. Medical benefits, vacation time, flex time, remote work opportunities, wellness stipends, and professional development stipends are examples of how destinations are blending salaries and benefits to build competitive compensation packages.

As leaders obtain accurate market data, advocate on behalf of their team to their board of directors, and build competitive compensation packages, workforce engagement grows. 

Establish Career Development Opportunities

For many in the workforce, career development and opportunities for advancement are major motivators, driving engagement. Leaders can take advantage here on multiple fronts: first by developing their team members to fit the specific skill set their destination needs, and secondly, by engaging their team members to buy in as a byproduct of their career development and advancement. 

Key Recommendation for Leaders: Build your workforce by providing both internal support and external resources to foster cohesive career development. Internal support structures include mentorship programs, job shadowing, and clear career tracks. External support structures can look like stipends for class and conference attendance.

As leaders are able to provide opportunities for their team members to develop and grow their careers, workforce engagement grows. 

Provide Clarity, Then Flexibility

Work-life balance means a hundred different things to a hundred different people but here’s what most of your team really wants: autonomy to manage their work and their personal priorities. “Some employees value flexibility. Others value PTO or an organization that invests in their professional development. Delivering on what’s important to individual team members is a very effective way to keep people with you for the long term,” added Kaufman.

Your workforce has priorities and goals outside of the professional work they do. That’s a good thing! And for leaders who can build destination organizations where team members can achieve both their professional and personal goals at the same time, your workforce will be more likely to engage and stick around for the long haul. 

Key Recommendation for Leaders: Provide clarity to each and every one of your team members about WHAT needs to get done, then give them the opportunity and autonomy to get it done HOW they need to. Define the key outcomes that must be driven for each role in your organization, work to build clarity around WHAT must happen. Then, worry less about HOW the outcome is reached. 

As leaders provide clarity and flexibility so team members can achieve their personal goals without sacrificing the productivity of the destination, workforce engagement grows.

Show your Care

Empathetic leaders build more engaged workforces.

Leading with empathy should not prevent leaders from making difficult decisions, being steadfast in their beliefs, and driving the organization's needs forward. Leading with empathy connects leaders to their workforces, showing their care for the people around them and the impact that their decisions have on them.

Unfortunately, it’s more likely than not that you have worked for a leader who you felt did not care about you. It’s demotivating, it causes team members to lean out, and it results in folks looking to depart your destination. 

Key Recommendation for Leaders: Find how you show your care for your team. It could be through consistent and meaningful 1:1 time. It could also look like taking the time to eat lunch with team members at all levels of the destination. Maybe displaying your care comes in your communication around difficult topics and decisions. Discover what works best for you, but be sure to find a way to make it known that your team members matter to you.

As leaders are able to show their care, workforce engagement grows. 

Ask for Feedback Regularly

Engaged team members feel like their voice matters and their thoughts, ideas, and concerns impact the trajectory of the destination they work for.

Leaders should regularly request feedback from all levels and departments in their destination organization. When feedback is requested, it’s vital that leaders acknowledge it, share what was learned, and ultimately drive change from it. 

Key Recommendation for Leaders: Identify a variety of mediums and a variety of subject areas to request feedback on throughout the course of a year. Focus groups, surveys, and 1:1 meetings offer mediums to ask for feedback. Business operations, organizational culture, and personnel performance offer subject areas to get feedback on.

Identifying opportunities to build feedback from your workforce into recurring organizational operations will not only provide leaders with an important data point to direct the path forward for the destination, but it will also build engagement throughout your workforce.  

Get Intentional to Drive Workforce Engagement

Chalking up a lack of workforce engagement to generational differences is lazy.

Doing so also removes leadership’s responsibility to make an active difference in how their team decides to lean in and engage or lean out and disengage.

Frankly, your workforce's engagement reflects your organization’s health and development. Simply put, team members will choose to engage if they think it’s worth it.

“Is driving engagement within your team hard work? Absolutely,” shared Kaufman. “But your organization will never reach its full potential without putting energy and resources into keeping employees satisfied.” 

Leaders have the opportunity to actively drive initiatives forward to engage their workforces. Those who do so intentionally and effectively have the opportunity to lead impactful teams that drive their organizations and the destinations they lead forward in incredibly meaningful ways. 

About The Author

Chad Kearns

Vice President & Lead Practitioner
Fired Up! Culture

Chad Kearns is a Vice President & Lead Practitioner at Fired Up! Culture. Chad partners with destination executives across North America to successfully work through powerful change management processes to create healthy, high-performance organizations. Areas of expertise include culture change, organizational values development, performance management philosophy and practice, operational efficiencies and enhancement programs, executive coaching, leadership development and succession planning. 

chevron_right More from this Author

Submit Your Thought Leadership

Share your thought leadership with the Destinations International team! Learn how to submit a case study, blog or other piece of content to DI.

Submit to DI

Partner
Show Header?
On




ag

Attracting Talent and Boosting Youth Engagement from Austin to LA

Attracting Talent and Boosting Youth Engagement from Austin to LA jhammond@desti… Wed, 07/24/2024 - 20:40

Image

Despite the gains made since the onset of the pandemic, the hospitality industry continues to experience persistent labor shortages. Destination organizations have a chance to engage with the youth in their communities to help close this gap with best practices and strategies for attracting and retaining tomorrow’s tourism workforce. 

6 min read

Key findings from Social Impact of Global Tourism by the World Travel & Tourism Council indicate that hospitality is a leading employer for young people around the globe, accounting for almost 60% of all youth employment in 2021 with 40% of those numbers represented by women. Despite continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, there are staff shortages at hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, theaters, convention centers, and tourism organizations. In relative terms, one in fifteen US job postings remains unfilled, and one in nine European Union jobs remains unfilled. This represents an estimated 412,000 tourism worker shortage. Further, despite the expansion of the Canadian labor market to pre-pandemic levels of 5.3%, Destination Canada reports in their 2023 Quarter-three snapshot that 116,000 positions remain unfilled, representing 6.2% of all the tourism sector.   

Source

Several factors fueling the labor shortage in the US include a decrease in international migration patterns as it relates to the US labor market, working conditions, and a lack of adequate skillsets to perform several jobs within hospitality. Thus, a variety of policy changes and engagement strategies can help destination organizations fill the gap and address these concerns.  

Addressing staff shortages within the sector requires a multi-stakeholder collaborative approach to developing a skilled tourism workforce, providing competitive employee benefits, and partnering with academia to help equip tomorrow’s workforce with new and improved skills to operate within the industry. A recent article by Forbes suggests that one of the greatest currencies of our time is not gold, oil, or knowledge but rather talent acquisition.  

When discussing strategies like youth engagement and workforce development, it's important to be mindful of cultural differences and adapt the approaches accordingly. Be sure to acknowledge the diverse cultural contexts in which these strategies will be implemented and adapt according to the needs of your destination. 

Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board

At the Mobile World Congress in 2021, the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board launched its own Career Academy with the goal of increasing equity in career representation by inspiring the youth of historically underserved communities to consider diverse career paths. This initiative was brought on in response to the call of Los Angeles council leaders’ executive directive to help increase recognition of systemically marginalized groups. For the event itself, a dozen high school students from the Ambassador School of Global Leadership attended the inaugural program led by Mayor Eric Garcetti. Each student received a tour of the exhibition hall, met with executive leaders to learn about career opportunities, fostered meaningful connections, and learned about future career day opportunities available within the industry. Over 4,100 people attended the convention, 65% of whom were senior executives.

Moreover, Los Angeles’s Career Academy bridges the connections between students and meeting planners looking to authentically impact Los Angeles. In turn, students learn equity, diversity, and inclusion best practices in aligning corporate social responsibility. While the convention was not hospitality-focused, the bureau brought students together with senior-level executives at technology companies, and this can make the connection between other sectors and hospitality. The academy highlights the connection between youth engagement in choosing career paths and where they see themselves represented.  Since one of the greatest strengths of Los Angeles is its diversity, programs like this are essential to helping close the workforce gap and helping to address racial inequalities that exist due to a lack of representation. 

Los Angeles Career Academy (Full-Length)

“Our career Academy connects high school students from La USD to unique experiences at the LA Convention Center. Where they can learn about careers and opportunities. Directly from inspirational industry leaders and gain a practical understanding of the steps that other people took to reach their career goals and overcome challenges.” - Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass

Visit Austin Foundation

Founded in 2019, the mission of the Visit Austin Foundation (VAF) is to develop and promote education, job training, and career opportunities within the hospitality and tourism sector. The foundation has several key objectives in helping to close the labor shortage gap and increase engagement--particularly with the youth. By offering mentorships and scholarships, the foundation hopes to attract young people to the tourism and hospitality industry, and to educate the public about a wide range of career opportunities within the industry, as well as its economic and social benefits.  

One way the VAF has contributed to engaging the younger demographic in a career in hospitality and tourism is by developing hospitality industry learning platforms in conjunction with secondary school systems to promote awareness of the industry as a viable career path and prepare students for careers in hospitality. The VAF, in conjunction with the Austin Hotel & Lodging Association, Austin Independent School District, and Austin Community College sponsors and supports a Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary PTECH High School at Travis Early College High School. This program provides participants the opportunity to earn a high school diploma, an associate degree, and on-the-job training & mentorships while in high school, all at no cost to the student. This allows students to graduate early and prepare for a dynamic career.  

Additionally, the foundation has provided resources for providing careers in hospitality including the Austin Tourism Insider Hospitality Training Program. The training program is intended to support the community’s tourism and hospitality employees, including new hires, and residents who are passionate about Austin and hospitality. Through a one-day course, employees learn expert knowledge about Austin’s tourism assets, improve their confidence in making recommendations that help to elevate the visitor experience, ignite their passion for the industry, and build a deeper sense of connection within the community. Furthermore, the VAF helps to support networking opportunities to connect hospitality professionals with their peers in the local industry. 

The VAF’s Heart of Hospitality Award & Scholarship is dedicated to supporting local hospitality employees who are pursuing tourism-related education and are interested in growing their careers within the industry. Criteria for selection include hospitality employees who provide outstanding customer service, demonstrate a positive attitude, and display initiative in going beyond regular job responsibilities to enhance the visitor experience.  

Scholarships provide pathways for continued education in fields related to the hospitality industry, including organizational leadership, hospitality management, Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) certifications and more.  

There are a range of opportunities available for destination organizations that seek to increase workforce engagement. Organizations can partner with academic institutions to help develop tomorrow’s leaders by creating career youth engagement opportunities and raising awareness about the industry’s various career paths. As the industry continues to shake off setbacks caused by the pandemic, destination organizations can find innovative solutions to advance the industry by developing needed skill sets and providing a warm welcome to help others to feel seen and heard. 

About The Author

Stephanie Auslander

Advocacy and Data Coordinator
Destinations International

Stephanie is a recent graduate of Johnson & Wales University with a Master’s Degree in Global Tourism and Sustainable Economic Development. Previously, she worked as an Intern with Solimar International assisting Destination Marketing Organizations in formulating Tourism Development strategies for the Samtskhe–Javakheti region in Republic Of Georgia and the Sisian region of Armenia. Additionally, she is the author of a Tourism Research Proposal detailing ways in which Destinations can promote the concept of Sustainability to its consumers for a lasting positive impact. With a background in Tourism Development she is confident in her ability to help Destinations innovate into the future.

chevron_right More from this Author

Submit Your Thought Leadership

Share your thought leadership with the Destinations International team! Learn how to submit a case study, blog or other piece of content to DI.

Submit to DI

Show Header?
On




ag

ICYMI - PBOC Governor warned on yuan slide, will 'guard against risk of overshoot'

Justin had the news from the People's Bank of China here:

PBOC governor Pan Gongsheng emphasized the Bank will not let the yuan plummet without a fight:

  • Will step up countercyclical adjustment
  • Should resolutely guard against the risk of exchange rate overshoot

With the surging USD after Trump's win the yuan is just one of many weaker currencies:

This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com.




ag

EURUSD pushes against the 2024 low at1 1.0601

The EURUSD is pushing against its 2024 low at 1.0601. A break below that level would open the door for further downside momentum. A move to new laws would take the price to the lowest level since November 2, 2023.

There is not a lot support technically until a swing area near 1.05158 and 1.05316.

This article was written by Greg Michalowski at www.forexlive.com.




ag

Australia data - Wage Price Index for Q3 2024: +0.8% q/q (expected +0.9%, prior +0.8%)

Australia data - Wage Price Index for Q3 2024:

+0.8% q/q for the third consecutive quarter

  • expected +0.9%, prior +0.8%
  • Both the private sector and the public sector rose 0.8%, seasonally adjusted, for the quarter.

+3.5% y/y, lowest annual rise for the series since December quarter 2022 and followed four consecutive quarters of annual wage growth equal to or above 4%.

  • expected +3.6%, prior +4.1%

---

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes the Wage Price Index (WPI) quarterly, measuring changes in the price of labor, unaffected by shifts in workforce composition, hours worked, or employee characteristics.

The ABS provides detailed WPI data, including breakdowns by industry and sector, offering insights into wage trends across Australia's economy.

This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com.




ag

CreationNetwork.ai Integrates 22+ Tools for Enhanced Digital Engagement

CreationNetwork.ai, a groundbreaking digital platform, today announces its public launch, redefining digital engagement for businesses, content creators, and influencers. As an all-in-one solution for content creation, e-commerce, social media management, and digital marketing, CreationNetwork.ai combines 22+ proprietary AI-powered tools and 29+ platform integrations to deliver the most extensive digital ecosystem available.

Empowering Digital Transformation with 22+ AI-Powered Tools

CreationNetwork.ai’s suite of tools spans every facet of digital engagement, equipping users with powerful AI technologies to streamline operations, engage audiences, and optimize performance. Each tool is meticulously designed to enhance productivity and efficiency, making it easy to create, manage, and analyze content across multiple channels. Key tools include:

  • AI Copywriter: Generates high-quality, unique content for blogs, social media, and business communications.
  • AI Page Maker: Simplifies landing page creation with zero design or coding knowledge.
  • AI Trend Briefs: Provides market insights and trends, positioning users at the forefront of innovation.
  • AI Bot Maker: Creates intelligent chatbots for seamless user interaction and customer support.
  • AI Video Maker: Produces captivating, brand-aligned promotional videos.
  • AI Video Ambassador: Transforms text scripts into spokesperson videos with customizable avatars.
  • AI Voiceovers Studio: Offers lifelike voiceovers in multiple languages and accents.
  • AI SmartVoice Replicator: Clones voices to maintain brand consistency across content.
  • AI Voice Modifier: Enhances voice recordings, elevating audio quality effortlessly.
  • AI SmartTranscriber: Converts audio into text with accuracy, ideal for transcription and subtitles.
  • AI Design Studio: Enables professional-quality graphic creation without design skills.
  • AI BrandMagic: Instantly creates essential brand assets like logos and business cards.
  • AI Banners: Tailors banners for digital platforms and campaigns.
  • Art Academy - Image Genius: Allows text-to-image transformation, animations, and editing with AI.
  • Social Metrics Analytics: Offers detailed insights on social media performance metrics.
  • Social SmartEngagement: Increases engagement through targeted AI-driven insights.
  • Social PublishMaster: Automates social publishing with optimized timing and platform synchronization.
  • Social Listen Monitor: Tracks brand mentions and audience sentiment across social media.
  • Social Automation Optimize: Automates repetitive tasks, improving workflow and engagement.
  • Social CollaborationPro: Fosters team collaboration, managing content creation and approval processes.
  • AI & Automation: Integrates AI-driven insights across content creation, engagement, and analytics.
  • Team-Powered Branding: Amplifies brand messaging through employee advocacy.

Each of these tools is designed to optimize digital engagement, reduce manual workload, and enable users to focus on impactful, strategic actions. CreationNetwork.ai’s suite harnesses the transformative power of AI and blockchain, fostering both creativity and precision.

Comprehensive Integration Network: 29+ Platform Connections for Maximum Reach

One of the most distinguishing features of CreationNetwork.ai is its extensive integration network. With over 29 integrations, users can synchronize their digital activities across major social media, e-commerce, and content platforms, providing centralized management and engagement capabilities.

Social Media Integrations: Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, YouTube, WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, and Snapchat.

E-commerce Integrations: Google Business Profile, Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, BigCommerce, Ecwid, and Wix Commerce, supporting online retailers with seamless inventory and order management.

Content Creation Integrations: Canva, Grammarly, Airtable, Zapier, Make, Adobe Express, Unsplash, Giphy, Pexels, Pixabay, and Dropbox allow users to access resources for content creation and file management without leaving the CreationNetwork.ai platform.

This integration network empowers users to manage their brand presence across platforms from a single, unified dashboard, significantly enhancing efficiency and reach.

Community Incentives: CRNT Token Airdrop and ICO Whitelisting

In preparation for its Initial Coin Offering (ICO), CreationNetwork.ai is launching a $750,000 CRNT Token Airdrop to reward early supporters and incentivize participation in the CreationNetwork.ai ecosystem. Qualified participants can secure their position by following CreationNetwork.ai’s social media accounts and completing the whitelist form available on the official website. This initiative highlights CreationNetwork.ai’s commitment to building a strong, engaged community.

CreationNetwork.ai: The Future of Digital Content and Marketing

CreationNetwork.ai is also a comprehensive digital ecosystem for businesses, creators, and marketers. Combining the power of AI and blockchain, CreationNetwork.ai redefines how users manage their digital presence, from crafting content to engaging with audiences across diverse channels. Its suite of tools, extensive integrations, and commitment to community-building make CreationNetwork.ai a leading solution for digital transformation.

“CreationNetwork.ai is built to set a new benchmark in digital engagement,” said Ali Demir, CEO of CreationNetwork.ai. “We’re providing creators and businesses with an all-encompassing solution that combines innovative AI, deep platform integrations, and automation. Our platform is truly one of a kind, empowering users to harness the full potential of digital technology.”

About CreationNetwork.ai

CreationNetwork.ai (https://creationnetwork.ai/) is a leader in AI-driven content creation, social media management, and e-commerce solutions, leveraging blockchain technology to empower its users with advanced digital engagement tools. Through a broad spectrum of AI tools and extensive integrations, CreationNetwork.ai is dedicated to transforming the way brands, businesses, and creators connect with audiences in an ever-evolving digital world.

This article was written by FL Contributors at www.forexlive.com.




ag

FP Markets Secures Three Major Honours at the Inaugural Finance Magnates Annual Award Gala

Australian-founded broker FP Markets further cemented its position as a market leader, winning ‘Most Trusted Broker - Global’, ‘Broker of the Year - Asia’, and ‘Fastest Growing Broker - LATAM’ at the inaugural Finance Magnates Annual Award (FMAA) Gala. The event was held on Wednesday, 23 October, at the Lemon Park Venue in Nicosia, Cyprus.

Powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), the FMAAs ‘celebrate the highest levels of innovation and excellence across fintech, Forex, payments, and trading platforms’. The winners were determined through a dual process: online voting accessible to industry professionals and the global trading community, and a distinguished panel of judges. Notably, global multi-asset Forex and CFD broker FP Markets was the only company to take home three FMAAs on the night.

FP Markets’ Global Head of Marketing, Andria Phiniefs, commented: ‘Being nominated along with some of the industry’s biggest names is a tremendous honour in itself. Winning three awards through votes from the global trading community and industry stakeholders marks a significant accomplishment for our team. This recognition inspires us to continue to pursue our mission, which we embarked on nearly twenty years ago: to be the preferred and most trusted broker for traders worldwide’.

FP Markets continues to leverage opportunities beyond existing markets, while maintaining a consistent standard of product and service quality for its clients globally. As part of the broker’s twentieth anniversary next year, the investing community can also expect further trading technology advancements and updates.

About FP Markets:

● FP Markets is a Multi-Regulated Forex and CFD Broker with over 19 years of industry experience.

● The company offers highly competitive interbank Forex spreads starting from 0.0 pips.

● Traders can choose from leading powerful online trading platforms, including FP Markets’ Mobile App, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, WebTrader, cTrader, Iress and TradingView.

● The company's outstanding 24/7 multilingual customer service has been recognised by Investment Trends and awarded ‘The Highest Overall Client Satisfaction Award’ over five consecutive years.

● FP Markets was awarded ‘Best Value Broker - Global’ for six consecutive years (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) at the Global Forex Awards.

● FP Markets was awarded the ‘Best Broker – Europe’ and the ‘Best Forex Partners Programme – Asia’ at the Global Forex Awards (2022, 2023, 2024).

● FP Markets was awarded ‘Best Trade Execution’, and ‘Most Trusted Broker’ and ‘Best Trade Execution’ at the Ultimate Fintech Awards in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

● FP Markets was crowned ‘Best CFD Broker - Africa’ at the 2023 FAME Awards.

● FP Markets was awarded ‘Best Trade Execution’ and ‘Most Transparent Broker’ at the Ultimate Fintech Awards APAC 2023.

● FP Markets was awarded the ‘Best Price Execution’ at the Brokersview Awards 2024, Singapore.

● FP Markets was awarded the ‘Best Trading Experience - Africa’ at the FAME Awards 2024.

● FP Markets was awarded ‘Most Transparent Broker’ and ‘Best Trading Conditions’ at the Global Ultimate Fintech Awards 2024.

● FP Markets was awarded ‘Best Forex Spreads APAC’ and ‘Best Trading Experience APAC’ at the 2024 Finance Magnates Pacific Summit.

● FP Markets regulatory presence includes the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) of South Africa, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), the Securities Commission of the Bahamas (SCB), and the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) of Kenya.

For more information on FP Markets' comprehensive range of products and services, visit https://www.fpmarkets.com/

This article was written by FL Contributors at www.forexlive.com.




ag

Australia - "Wage inflation is moderating as expected"

In brief from WPAC's note:

  • September quarter Wage Price Index below the RBA’s expectation which pointed to a 0.9%qtr rise in both the September and December quarters of 2024
  • Wage inflation peaked at 4.3%yr in December 2023 and has been drifting lower through 2024
  • Wage Price Index (WPI) rose 0.8% (3.5%yr) ... The RBA is currently forecasting annual wages growth to print 3.4%yr for end 2024 and hold at that rate through to June 2025.

***

The WPI should easily come in under that RBA forecast by end 2024. While some will point to slowing wages as a reason to cut rates the RBA is in no hurry, still war of elevated demand and inflation likely to pop back above the top of the 2 - 3% target band once government cost of living subsidies roll off.

This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com.




ag

Japan's Seven & i Holdings is considering a management buyout

Japan's Seven & i Holdings is considering a management buyout to take itself private with funding from banks, Itochu Corp. and the founding Ito family in a transaction that could be worth US$58 billion

"People with knowledge of the matter" cited in the reports via Nikkei and Bloomberg.

The Japanese owner of 7-Eleven is considering going private by buying back its own shares in a bid to avoid a takeover attempt by Canadian rival Alimentation Couche-Tard, the news report says.

This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com.




ag

ECB's Nagel: Core inflation rate is still quite high

  • There are still noticeable price pressures, especially in services sector
  • Trump's tariffs may cause German economy to contract
  • If tariffs come into effect, it could cost Germany 1% in economic output

And therein lies the dilemma for the ECB heading into next year I guess. The good news is that the disinflation process is still progressing, albeit with a few bumps along the way. All else being equal, the argument for further rate cuts should hold heading into 2025.

This article was written by Justin Low at www.forexlive.com.




ag

News Organizations Request Greater Transparency From Federal Agencies on Capitol Riot, Ongoing Threats




ag

Toolkit Launched to Provide Media With Best Messaging Practices, Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccine Education

Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute (RJI) and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) today announced the launch of an online toolkit to help local journalists craft COVID-19 vaccine education messages that best resonate with their audiences. The toolkit is designed to provide journalists with information and resources to create news reports, public service announcements and other messages related to vaccine safety, effectiveness and distribution.




ag

NAB Launches New Program to Deepen Engagement with All Levels of Broadcast Professionals




ag

NAB Statement on Increase in Violence Against Asian Americans and March 16 Shootings in Atlanta

NAB Statement on Increase in Violence Against Asian Americans and March 16 Shootings in Atlanta




ag

Study Finds Technology Platforms’ Market Power, Economic Practices Disadvantage Local Broadcast Journalism

Washington, D.C. -- Radio and television stations are not adequately compensated for their news content on technology platforms because of an imbalance in market power, according to a new study released today by BIA Advisory Services. The study found that each year broadcasters lose nearly $2 billion in value that they generate for two of the largest technology platforms through publication of their valuable content – particularly local news.




ag

NAB Statement on House Passage of Media Diversity Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In response to passage of the MEDIA Diversity Act of 2021 (H.R. 1754) and a resolution reaffirming Congress's commitment to media diversity and pledging to work with the private sector on solutions eliminating barriers to media diversity (H.Res. 277), the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith:




ag

An Important Message From NAB Show




ag

NAB Statement on Senate Commerce Committee Passage of Low Power Protection Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the Senate Commerce Committee of the Low Power Protection Act, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt:




ag

Cody Rigsby to Detail His “Work Hard, Play Hard” Philosophy in NAB Show Main Stage Session

Washington, D.C. -- Social media star and fitness instructor Cody Rigsby will discuss his focus on making exercise fun and Peloton’s impact on the multi-billion-dollar fitness industry during an NAB Show Main Stage session titled “You’re Doing Great, Boo: A Conversation With Cody Rigsby” on Tuesday, April 26 at 3:30 p.m. in Las Vegas, Nev.




ag

NAB Statement on House Judiciary Committee Passage of PRESS Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to yesterday's passage by the House Judiciary Committee of H.R.4330 - Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act (PRESS Act), which would establish protections for journalists at the federal level regarding the revelation of their confidential sources except in defined circumstances such as threats to national security, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt:




ag

Ashleigh Banfield to Interview Lester Holt in NAB Show Main Stage Session

Washington, D.C. – Award-winning journalist Ashleigh Banfield, host of “Banfield” on NewsNation, will reunite with her former MSNBC co-anchor, Lester Holt, the NBC Nightly News anchor and managing editor. Holt will join her “Rising Tide: The Value in Mentoring Others” series during the NAB Show Opening Main Stage session on Sunday, April 24 at 1:15 p.m. in Las Vegas, NV.




ag

NAB Statement on House Appropriations Committee Passage of Legislation Permitting Legalized Cannabis Advertising

Washington, D.C. – The House Appropriations Committee advanced the FY 2023 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill which included language that would prevent the FCC from taking administrative action against broadcasters that accept cannabis advertisements consistent with the law of the state or jurisdiction in which the station is licensed.




ag

NAB Statement on House Passage of Legislation Permitting Legalized Cannabis Advertising

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the FY 2023 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill, which included language that would prevent the FCC from taking administrative action against broadcasters that accept cannabis advertisements consistent with the law of the state or jurisdiction in which the station is licensed.




ag

PILOT Announces Launch of Broadcaster Direct-to-Consumer Audience Engagement Accelerator

Washington, D.C. -- PILOT, the innovation arm of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), today announced it is conducting a program with support of the Google News Initiative to improve direct-to-consumer audience engagement to better serve local audiences. The six-month program is designed to support broadcaster education as well as the implementation of first-party data and direct-to-consumer business models.




ag

NAB Show New York Presents ‘Radio Reimagined’ Conference Lineup

The National Association of Broadcasters today unveiled the schedule for the Radio Reimagined | Charting Radio’s Future conference, one of two radio-focused tracks taking place at NAB Show New York. Held Thursday, October 20th at the Javits Center, Radio Reimagined is geared towards station-level radio managers, programmers and operators from all market sizes.




ag

NAB Statement on House Passage of PRESS Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to today's House of Representatives passage of H.R.4330 - Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act (PRESS Act), which would establish protections for journalists at the federal level regarding the revelation of their confidential sources except in defined circumstances such as threats to national security, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt:




ag

Keynote Sessions and Networking Events Take Center Stage at NAB Show New York

Washington, D.C. – A strong lineup of keynote sessions, insightful conversations and award ceremonies is confirmed for NAB Show New York’s Content Theater. Located within the Experiential Zone on the show floor, the Content Theater will serve as the event’s main hub for collaboration and education October 19-20, 2022 at the Javits Center.




ag

NAB Statement on Senate Judiciary Committee Passage of the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In response to passage by the Senate Judiciary Committee of the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt:




ag

NAB Show New York Tech Chat Stage Presents Solutions to Content Community Challenges

NAB Show New York attendees will have the opportunity to interact directly with exhibiting companies about their brands and products through sessions on the Tech Chat Stage, part of a new immersive show floor experience. NAB Show New York returns in-person October 19-20, 2022 at the Javits Center.




ag

Broadcasters, DoD Agree on Spectrum Sharing Arrangement for Select Military Bases

Washington, D.C. -- The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE), the association for broadcast and multimedia technology professionals, announced a joint memorandum of understanding with the Department of Defense to allow non-exclusive access to commercial spectrum at 2025-2110 MHz at 26 U.S. military sites. The bases were selected for their ability to provide streamlined access to spectrum used by broadcasters for electronic newsgathering and other purposes. DoD activities at these bases will include test and training missions to assure readiness and enhance electromagnetic spectrum superiority.




ag

NAB Statement on Congressional Passage of Low Power Protection Act

Washington, D.C. -- In response to congressional passage of the Low Power Protection Act, which provides eligible low power television stations a long-overdue opportunity to obtain interference protections, the following can be attributed to NAB CEO Curtis LeGeyt:




ag

New NAB Show Floor Tours Explore Content Management Solutions

Washington, D.C.— NAB Show is collaborating with StoryTech to launch three unique attendees tour experiences at the 2023 NAB Show in Las Vegas. The tours explore three central themes: managing data, innovation in virtual production and the evolution of video. Group and individual tours are offered Sunday, April 16 through Tuesday, April 18 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.




ag

NAB Show Jumps Into Immersive Storytelling in Main Stage Session

Washington, D.C. -- NAB Show will explore how the increasing adoption of advanced technology is revolutionizing immersive storytelling experiences in a Main Stage session open to all attendees on Tuesday, April 18 at 1 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center.





ag

Bob Pittman and Angela Yee to Talk ‘Math & Magic’ and Marketing at 2023 NAB Show

Washington, D.C. -- iHeartMedia co-founder, chairman and CEO Bob Pittman will sit down at the 2023 NAB Show with iHeart and Premiere Networks personality Angela Yee for "Math & Magic: Stories from the Frontiers of Marketing with Bob Pittman," a live podcast conversation open to all NAB Show attendees on April 16 at 3 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center.




ag

NAB Show Moves Into the FAST Lane With Main Stage Session

Washington, D.C. -- NAB Show will focus on the rapidly growing FAST TV business in "Fast Channels and Furious Growth," a Main Stage session open to all attendees on April 17 at 2:30 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Leaders in streaming and digital distribution will discuss their strategies to harness the worldwide audience's appetite for free, ad-supported television, which hit revenues of roughly $4 billion in the U.S. last year and is projected to triple over the next five years.




ag

NAB Show Main Stage Session Uncovers 'How to Win an Oscar' with a Fully Remote Creative Team

Washington, D.C. -- The 2023 NAB Show will host an intimate conversation with the creative team behind the Academy Award-winning animated short film, "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse," on Sunday, April 16 at 2:00 p.m. on the Main Stage, open to all attendees. "How to Win an Oscar With a Fully Remote Creative Team" will feature visual artists for the production, which first aired in December 2022, on the BBC, to more than seven million live viewers.




ag

Brett Goldstein to Discuss Creative Process Behind Award-Winning Content on NAB Show Main Stage

Washington, D.C. -- Award-winning actor, writer and producer Brett Goldstein will take NAB Show into his process in creating compelling content that resonates with audiences and that has made him one of Hollywood's most sought-after multihyphenates in a fireside chat on April 17 at 4:00 p.m. on the Main Stage of the 2023 NAB Show in Las Vegas, Nev.




ag

NAB Show Brings Hollywood Closer to Home With Main Stage IMAX Panel

Washington, D.C. -- March 31, 2023 -- The NAB Show will host IMAX on its Main Stage to highlight how the big screen entertainment technology company is going beyond viewer expectations for streaming experiences. "IMAX Beyond the Big Screen" at 5 p.m. on April 16 showcases how IMAX's signature movie-magic technology, combined with best-in-class devices and streaming platforms like Disney+, transport fans beyond the big screen to experience epic content in the home while preserving filmmaker intent and vision.




ag

NAB Show Goes LIVE With Daily Coverage of Global Broadcast, Media and Entertainment Marketplace

Washington, D.C. -- NAB Show will partner with Broadcast Beat Studios to run a live remote-production broadcast from the Show Floor that will air internationally over the internet. NAB Show LIVE will run each day of the 2023 NAB Show, April 15-19, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. PDT (9 a.m.-2 p.m. PDT Wednesday) in Las Vegas, Nev., creating an immersive experience for viewers who want to see exhibitor interviews, demos, new product spotlights, Experiential Zone experiences, and other on-floor events.




ag

Ashley Nicole Black to Moderate 'A Conversation With Brett Goldstein' on NAB Show Main Stage

Washington, D.C. -- NAB Show today announced that two-time Emmy-award winning writer, actress and comedian Ashley Nicole Black will moderate a fireside chat with actor, writer, producer and all-around multihyphenate Brett Goldstein. In "A Conversation with Brett Goldstein," on the NAB Show Main Stage Monday, April 17, at 4 p.m., Goldstein will discuss his multifaceted creative career, how he balances his various roles, and his process for creating compelling content.




ag

NAB Statement on Senate Judiciary Committee Passage of the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to passage by the Senate Judiciary Committee of the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt:




ag

NAB Statement on House Judiciary Committee Passage of PRESS Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to today’s passage by the House Judiciary Committee of H.R. 4250 - Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act (PRESS Act), which provides federal-level protections for journalists regarding disclosure of confidential sources, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt:




ag

NAB Statement on Senate Commerce Committee Passage of AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the Senate Commerce Committee's passage today of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt:




ag

Curtis LeGeyt Spotlights Importance of Broadcast News in Age of Misinformation at Media Institute Gala

WASHINGTON, D.C. – NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt was the featured speaker at The Media Institute's "Free Speech America" Gala last night. The event corresponded with Free Speech Week, the nationwide annual celebration of America’s constitutional guarantees of free speech and freedom of the press that runs October 16-22.




ag

NAB Statement on House Passage of PRESS Act

Washington, D.C. – In response to today’s passage in the U.S. House of Representatives of H.R. 4250 – Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act (PRESS Act), the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt: 




ag

The Creator Economy Takes Center Stage as Creators, Influencers and Brands Meet at NAB Show

Washington, D.C. - In a world where digital innovation is rapidly transforming traditional broadcast, media and entertainment industries, the creator economy has emerged as a driving force, reshaping the landscape and redefining how content is created, distributed and monetized. The Creator Lab is an exciting new addition to the 2024 NAB Show scheduled for April 13-17 (Exhibits April 14-17), at the Las Vegas Convention Center. This groundbreaking show floor experience includes interactive exhibits, expert panels, hands-on workshops and networking events that focus on creators, equipment, distribution channels and monetization techniques.




ag

NAB Show Spotlights Innovation Featuring 'Product of the Year' Awards on the Main Stage

Washington, D.C.— NAB Show will present the sixth annual Product of the Year Awards at the 2024 NAB Show. The awards recognize some of the most significant and promising new products and technologies exhibited at NAB Show in the categories Create, Connect and Capitalize, which are the workflow pillars of the Show. For the first time, the winners will be announced on the Main Stage at a live awards ceremony at the Las Vegas Convention Center on April 16. Nominations open Jan. 22 at 11 a.m. EST and close April 3 at 11:59 p.m.




ag

Renowned Creator and Innovator Shira Lazar to Host NAB Show Main Stage

Washington, D.C.— Shira Lazar, an Emmy-nominated leading voice around digital culture and emerging trends, will take center stage as the first host of NAB Show’s Main Stage, amplifying the experience for participants and the audience. The world's leading event for the broadcasting, media and entertainment industries, NAB Show brings together cutting-edge technology, creators and innovators in Las Vegas this April.