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Cloud Conventions Releases New eBook for Associations Detailing 2021 Virtual & Hybrid Event Outlook

Convey Services

Cloud Conventions today released a new eBook exclusively for event planners of professional associations and trade groups entitled “2021 Virtual & Hybrid Event Outlook for Associations,” available free to download. It offers practical advice for associations to make their next live, hybrid or virtual event deliver the right experience for the organization, its members, and sponsors. The eBooks focuses on the business case for redefining online event experiences backed by research. “Professionals that manage live and virtual conferences for associations struggle with how they should engage their membership now that live events are starting to return,” said Carolyn Bradfield, CEO of Cloud Conventions. “We assembled this eBook to look at research from well-respected sources to see how having virtual event options has impacted how members engage with associations before, during and after the pandemic. We look at how sponsors view their investment in virtual events, and what it tells us about how associations should plan their event strategy moving forward.” In 2020 the pandemic forced associations to cancel in-person gatherings and pivot to everything from webinars to multi-day virtual conferences. Scrambling to offer some sort of online experience to replace the much-anticipated live conferences represented a fundamental change in the way an association and its membership connected historically. The result was a lower revenue producing virtual option that represented a huge decline in the association’s bottom line. However, the upside of virtual events, when effectively done, has been a game changer for many associations leading to increased attendance, greater member engagement and additional sponsorship revenue outside of membership or attendance fees. “Now that live events are starting to return, associations have asked themselves if continuing virtual events are really worth it,” added Bradfield. “ The 2020 study of 1,000 respondents, ‘Association Trends: From Disruption to Opportunity ’ produced by Community Brands reveals that having a virtual option for membership participation has moved from a nice to have, to a must have. Recent cancellations of live events because of renewed COVID concerns scheduled for this fall is an indicator that the pandemic is far from over. Having a virtual or hybrid option still is the best insurance that the show will go on, no matter what.” Although 2020 was disruptive, in the last several years revenue from membership dues has declined for many associations, while revenue from other sources increased, accounting for over half of the funding for a given group. “2021 Virtual & Hybrid Event Outlook for Associations” reviews the value delivered to the membership and key factors behind increased participation when doing virtual or hybrid events. Cloud Conventions is an event management platform that redefines the attendee and exhibitor experience with a strong focus on delivering virtual and hybrid events for association and nonprofit groups. Click here to download: 2021 Virtual & Hybrid Event Outlook for Associations About Cloud Conventions Cloud Conventions from Convey Services is Cloud Conventions is an enterprise virtual/hybrid event management platform that redefines the exhibitor and attendee experience to allow companies to provide easy access to in-depth product information, showcase their brands with graphics and videos, create calls to action and generate immediate sales leads. Used around the world for large managed events and smaller self-directed meetings, conferences and corporate kickoffs, Cloud Conventions automates exhibitors and virtual booths, continuing education, speaker sessions and reminders, invitations and email communication, while at the same time producing detailed analytics on attendee, session and exhibitor activity. Cloud Conventions supports multiple languages and currencies, internal, external and single-sign on registration, and supports all conferencing carriers and platforms. Trade Associations and event managers can explore all of the Cloud Conventions solutions by visiting https://cloudconventions.com or contacting info@cloudconventions.com or call 888-975-1382. Cloud Conventions™, Cloud Conventions Enterprise Event Network™, Community™, SafetyNet™, Cloud Kickoffs™, Conduct™, One-Touch Email Share™, Hub & Spoke™, 360° Virtual Exhibit Hall & Lobby Experience™ and ListLock™ are trademarks of Convey Services LLC Contact Details Bruce Ahern +1 770-580-0810 bahern@conveyservices.com Company Website https://cloudconventions.com

September 14, 2021 03:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Cloud Conventions Announces New Virtual Event Management Platform Capabilities

Convey Services

Cloud Conventions today released a suite of new features and additional capabilities to improve the user experience for virtual or hybrid events, trade shows and association conferences. New features include integration with the BlueJeans by Verizon video conferencing platform, a new unique 2D Virtual Showroom and Virtual Booth display, additional exhibitor engagement capabilities and new session registration and notification options. These new capabilities further enhance Cloud Conventions’ position as one of the premier enterprise virtual/hybrid event management platforms that is redefining the exhibitor and attendee experience. “As we learn more about what drives attendee and exhibitor engagement, those insights direct us to add features and capabilities to address and improve the attendee and exhibitor experience,” said Carolyn Bradfield, CEO of Cloud Conventions. “The 2D Virtual Showroom and Exhibit Booth customizes the look and feel of the exhibit hall and offers a more engaging experience. It serves as a central navigation point using a unique image with embedded links, graphics and videos overlaid. We integrated with BlueJeans by Verizon to offer a conferencing platform that delivers high resolution video and Dolby-quality sound while allowing the participant to enter any session or keynote without leaving the platform. We also can cap registration on any session, creating a wait list and automatic notifications when the attendee has been cleared to attend.” The 2D Virtual Showroom and Exhibit Booth provides a self-managed, totally customized experience by adding a library of unique exhibit hall or virtual booth images and then overlaying them with interactive zones that link to embedded videos, navigational buttons, images, badge scan and message icons that link to other locations on the platform. Virtual showrooms can appear on the event site homepage or attendee dashboard to direct the user through the event experience or can become the main virtual exhibit hall. 2D virtual booths can be added to templates providing silver, gold and platinum exhibitors each with a distinctive booth experience based on sponsorship levels. BlueJeans by Verizon has a unique iFrame capability that allows attendees to connect automatically to live or keynote sessions from any location on the Cloud Conventions’ platform. Their attendee information is automatically transferred to BlueJeans, and their activity is recorded and delivered back to Cloud Conventions’ event reports. BlueJeans offers the industry's highest fidelity audio and video performance, as well as suite of comprehensive security features. It can host live events with up to 50,000 attendees and 150 presenters worldwide. BlueJeans streams to Facebook Live for larger audiences to view the session as it happens. About Cloud Conventions Cloud Conventions from Convey Services is Cloud Conventions is an enterprise virtual/hybrid event management platform that redefines the exhibitor and attendee experience to allow companies to provide easy access to in-depth product information, showcase their brands with graphics and videos, create calls to action and generate immediate sales leads. Used around the world for large managed events and smaller self-directed meetings, conferences and corporate kickoffs, Cloud Conventions automates exhibitors and virtual booths, continuing education, speaker sessions and reminders, invitations and email communication, while at the same time producing detailed analytics on attendee, session and exhibitor activity. Cloud Conventions supports multiple languages and currencies, internal, external and single-sign on registration, and supports all conferencing carriers and platforms. Trade Associations and event managers can explore all of the Cloud Conventions solutions by visiting https://cloudconventions.com or contacting info@cloudconventions.com or call 888-975-1382. Cloud Conventions™, Cloud Conventions Enterprise Event Network™, Community™, SafetyNet™, Cloud Kickoffs™, Conduct™, One-Touch Email Share™, Hub & Spoke™, 360° Virtual Exhibit Hall & Lobby Experience™ and ListLock™ are trademarks of Convey Services LLC Contact Details Bruce Ahern +1 770-580-0810 bahern@conveyservices.com Company Website https://cloudconventions.com

September 13, 2021 04:29 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Cloud Conventions Launches Virtual Event Network Solution for Enterprise Business

Convey Services

Cloud Conventions today announced an enterprise virtual event management solution for Fortune 1000 businesses that need to manage both internal and customer facing events on a year-round basis. Cloud Conventions Enterprise Event Network™ is a SaaS platform that manages and delivers multiple virtual or hybrid events with capabilities and engagement features beyond a simple webinar or streaming event. Cloud Conventions Enterprise onboards and manages attendees, controls sessions and content, provides engagement tools and analyzes all attendee interactions. The platform can be administered at a corporate level to support standardized event programming and maintain content libraries and business resources. It can be connected to other internal or external systems for onboarding attendees and data exchange. “Cloud Conventions Enterprise grew out of requirements from large global businesses to needed to control and manage their sales, marketing and technical events on a single virtual event platform or on a series of platforms connected into an event network,” said Carolyn Bradfield, CEO of Cloud Conventions. “Cloud Conventions Enterprise is unique in that it integrates easily with other enterprise platforms that hold contact, digital content assets or learning management resources, managing a two-way dataflow of content and videos while monitoring and reporting on attendee engagement.” Cloud Conventions Enterprise is designed for organizations that need a solution for multiple events versus a single tradeshow or conference. The Cloud Conventions member API connects to internal systems to seamlessly add data records of staff or customer attendees and offers single sign-on from an enterprise application. The platform can be connected to marketing cloud solutions, digital content libraries, learning management systems or data analysis engines to deliver assets and receive transactional data from attendance at a virtual or hybrid event or conference. Groups using Zoom or BlueJeans by Verizon can connect their video accounts for use on the platform or can use other video solutions such as Teams, WebEx, GlobalMeet or GoToMeeting. “As a result of the virtualization of the workforce accelerated during the Pandemic, Cloud Conventions Enterprise is built to satisfy a growing need for virtual event options within an enterprise corporate environment,” added Bradfield. “Company meetings, internal or external trade events, user conferences, sales kickoffs, and even investor relations events or live virtual press conferences are all more streamlined with this platform. Using our proprietary Hub & Spoke™ capability, corporations can create a network of event platforms segmented by business unit or geography while still controlling access and brand identity from a centralized and monitored platform.” About Cloud Conventions Cloud Conventions from Convey Services is Cloud Conventions is an enterprise virtual/hybrid event management platform that redefines the exhibitor and attendee experience to allow companies to provide easy access to in-depth product information, showcase their brands with graphics and videos, create calls to action and generate immediate sales leads. Used around the world for large managed events and smaller self-directed meetings, conferences and corporate kickoffs, Cloud Conventions automates exhibitors and virtual booths, continuing education, speaker sessions and reminders, invitations and email communication, while at the same time producing detailed analytics on attendee, session and exhibitor activity. Cloud Conventions supports multiple languages and currencies, internal, external and single-sign on registration, and supports all conferencing carriers and platforms. Trade Associations and event managers can explore all of the Cloud Conventions solutions by visiting https://cloudconventions.com or contacting info@cloudconventions.com or call 888-975-1382. Cloud Conventions™, Cloud Conventions Enterprise Event Network™, Community™, SafetyNet™, Cloud Kickoffs™, Conduct™, One-Touch Email Share™, Hub & Spoke™, 360° Virtual Exhibit Hall & Lobby Experience™ and ListLock™ are trademarks of Convey Services LLC Contact Details Bruce Ahern +1 770-580-0810 bahern@conveyservices.com Company Website https://cloudconventions.com

September 13, 2021 03:38 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Steve Brunk Continues Track Record of Success in Florida, Grows Minuteman Press Franchise in Port St. Lucie

Minuteman Press International Inc

Minuteman Press in Port St. Lucie is the third Minuteman Press franchise that Steve has owned in Florida. He previously owned the Boca Raton location and still owns the Vero Beach location, which were both built into Million-Dollar centers. Minuteman Press in Port St. Lucie, located at 130 SE Entrada Ave., has remained open and operating during the pandemic. Owner Steve Brunk and his family have worked hard to support local businesses with essential printing, marketing, and mailing services, and have been rewarded for their efforts. In fact, Minuteman Press in Port St. Lucie has doubled their sales through the pandemic from 2019 to 2020, and they are on track to have another record-breaking year in 2021. For Steve Brunk, growing sales for his Minuteman Press printing franchises is nothing new. Steve first joined Minuteman Press in 1995 when he bought the location in Boca Raton. He explains, “After I bought Minuteman Press in Boca Raton, we worked hard and built it up before selling the business. I simply said ‘yes’ to my customers instead of ‘no’ and followed the Minuteman Press system.” Prior to franchising, Steve worked in retail. He says, “I was working for a Hallmark card franchisee in their mall stores where you just wait for holidays to drive business. I knew nothing about printing, but it was something in which I could go outside the store and generate more business. I also loved the concept of reprint orders because it kept the customers coming back.” After selling the Boca Raton location, Steve moved to Vero Beach and took over another Minuteman Press location there. He says, “I bought the Vero Beach location in 2007 and we worked hard to build it into a million-dollar center. We now have a 10,000 sq. ft. building in Vero Beach and a fantastic team of employees who are incredible.” In 2017, Steve expanded further by buying the Minuteman Press location in Port St. Lucie, where he is working to continue his track record of success through community outreach, marketing, and providing vital products and services to local businesses. “I’d like to congratulate Steve Brunk and the team of Minuteman Press in Port St. Lucie for their growth and success. It is a fantastic accomplishment for Steve and his family to build yet another successful center in Port St. Lucie, and I look forward to being there to support their continued growth,” adds Larry Trimble, Minuteman Press Regional Vice President, Florida. Asked about his accomplishments in Boca Raton, Vero Beach, and now Port St. Lucie, Steve simply states, “I love the short reorder cycle of print, especially compared to retail,” he says. “In retail, you sit in the store and wait for customers to come to you, and there are no assurances they will come back. With all three Minuteman Press centers I’ve owned, the business model enables me to go out there and build my business while the reorders keep coming in. You can’t beat that.” Minuteman Press in Port St. Lucie is located at 130 SE Entrada Ave.; Port St. Lucie, FL 34952. For more information, call 772-212-7350 or visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/fl/port-st-lucie. Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

September 13, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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ThriveFantasy Partners with NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers for 2021 Season to be Daily Fantasy Sports Partner

ThriveFantasy

ThriveFantasy, the leading player prop daily fantasy sports, announced today it has signed on as a proud daily Fantasy Sports partner of the Los Angeles Chargers. The partnership provides Chargers fans with opportunities to participate in Thrive’s customized daily fantasy contests throughout the season. Of equal importance, ThriveFantasy will donate $25,000 to the Chargers Impact Fund to help those within the greater Los Angeles community who are most in need. “The Chargers are a great organization in so many ways,” says Adam Weinstein, founder and CEO of ThriveFantasy. “This partnership allows us to both give back to those who need it most, at a time when so many are hurting, as well as offer creative ways to help the Chargers engage their fanbase.” ThriveFantasy was created to give everyday fans a better chance at winning by challenging them to pick Chargers-only contests within its app to offer Chargers fans the chance to win tickets to Chargers Games at SoFi Stadium. Fans can visit their mobile app store to download the ThriveFantasy app today. “We’re excited to welcome ThriveFantasy into the Chargers family, especially as fantasy sports continues to grow in popularity. We also thank them for this wonderful donation to the Chargers Impact Fund which will truly help so many in the Los Angeles Community,” said A.G. Spanos, Chargers President of Business Operations and the Chargers Impact Fund. “Thrive will give our fans a unique and engaging way to interact with their favorite team and, in this case, win cash prizes and tickets to Chargers Games at SoFi Stadium.” In the coming months, Chargers fans can download the ThriveFantasy app and keep an eye out for: Match first time deposits up to $100 Custom Chargers-only contests throughout the 2021-2022 season About ThriveFantasy ThriveFantasy is a Daily Fantasy Sports and Esports App for Player Props. Thrive eliminates the countless hours of research users have to spend, by only focusing on the top-tier athletes that have the biggest impact on the game. Follow ThriveFantasy on Instagram (@ThriveFantasy), Twitter (@ThriveFantasy) and Facebook (ThriveFantasy). Download the app today via the App Store and Google Play. App Store https://apps.apple.com/us/app/thrivefantasy/id1240062484 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appster.p2f&hl=en_US About the Chargers Impact Fund The Chargers Impact Fund is committed to helping families thrive in and around Southern California. The Fund focuses on four pillars in the community – youth empowerment, supporting families, animal welfare and emergency response – to help families thrive in their community. Over the years, the Fund has awarded more than $12 million in direct community assistance, including more than $6 million to public schools for badly needed physical fitness, nutrition and athletic programs and equipment. Today, in partnership with Chargers fans, volunteers and donors, the Chargers Impact Fund continues to honor Alex and Faye Spanos’ legacy by helping to build strong support structures for youth, families, and their communities across Southern California. For more information on the Chargers Impact Fund, please visit www.chargers.com/community/impact-fund/. Contact Details Hot Paper Lantern for ThriveFantasy Michael Adorno madorno@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://www.thrivefantasy.com/

September 09, 2021 09:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time

SIGMA America Celebrates the Company's 60th Anniversary with Scholarship Contest

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA

SIGMA Corporation of America, the US subsidiary of SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki. Headquarters: Asao-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan) is pleased to announce its 60th Anniversary, which is being commemorated with a scholarship contest to mark this milestone in the company's history. SIGMA America President Mark Amri-Hamzeh explains: "This scholarship contest will award a total of $60,000 and is intended as a tribute to SIGMA's founder and chairman, Michihiro Yamaki and all that he stood for, and the principles upon which the company was founded. Kazuto Yamaki, the founder's son and current CEO, will also be honored for carrying on the tradition of SIGMA, adhering to the founding principles but also infusing creative innovation of the next generation. This will be done through a photography/film scholarship contest centered around creating images and films based on the core principles of SIGMA Corporation. We have chosen to offer this student scholarship contest to both recognize and encourage the next generation of visual artists." A total of $60,000 will be awarded to student photographers and filmmakers in four categories, each aligned with the core principles of the company. The four core principles upon which the contestants will be asked to draw their creative inspiration are: Authenticity, Precision, Inspiration, and Honor. All entries must be captured with SIGMA lenses and/or cameras for prize consideration. The contest is open to students enrolled in college-level filmmaking and photography programs in the United States and District of Columbia. The entry period will run from October 1, 2021 through October 31, 2021. Winners will be announced on or before November 5, 2021. For more information about the contest, official rules and regulations, and entry information, please visit SIGMA60th.com. About SIGMA Corporation Craftsmanship. Precision. Dedication. Since 1961, SIGMA has been devoted to the pursuit of advancing photographic technology. Unique to the industry, the family-owned business produces its high-quality, award-winning still photo and cinema camera lenses, DSLR and mirrorless cameras, flashes, filters and accessories from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Aizu, Japan. In 2012, the company introduced SIGMA Global Vision with three distinct lens lines: Art, Contemporary and Sports. Designed for industry camera mount systems including Canon, Leica, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Sony and SIGMA, each lens is handcrafted and tested in Japan to ensure a high-performance, premium product that is purpose-built to last. In 2016, the SIGMA Cine lens lineup was launched, further cementing SIGMA as an innovator in imaging engineering. Embodying the core optical DNA that has defined the SIGMA benchmark of excellence, SIGMA Cine lenses meet the needs of advanced 6k and 8k cinema production. Forming the landmark L-Mount alliance alongside Leica and Panasonic in 2018, SIGMA continues its storied tradition of imaging excellence through groundbreaking innovations such as the native L-mount SIGMA fp and fp L full-frame mirrorless digital cameras, announced in July 2019 and March 2021 respectively. These products, along with nearly 30 award-winning SIGMA Global Vision lenses available in native L-Mount format, demonstrate SIGMA's continued commitment to the creative community through expanded product offerings. With the fp, fp L and these lenses, even more shooters can now leverage SIGMA's renowned optical formula to achieve their creative vision with ease. As SIGMA reaches its 60th anniversary, the company continues to work diligently to innovate and grow in an ever-changing industry, while adhering to the principles set by its founder, Michihiro Yamaki, and carried on by current CEO Kazuto Yamaki, now and into the future. ### For information about SIGMA America, please visit sigmaphoto.com and SIGMA Blog for helpful information about our products. Follow SIGMA America on social media: SIGMA Photo: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. SIGMA Cine: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Contact Details Jack Howard ext. 1015 +1 631-585-1144 SIGMA.PR@sigmaphoto.com Company Website https://www.sigma-global.com/en/

September 09, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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SIGMA Announces 90mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary I series lens

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA

SIGMA Corporation of America, in conjunction with SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki), announces the release of the SIGMA 90mm F2.8 DG DN | Contempary “I series” lens in the US market. The new premium compact prime lens for full-frame mirrorless camera systems will be available for $639.00 through authorized US retailers in late September 2021. Exclusively for mirrorless cameras | Compatible with full-frame cameras Capture every inspiring moment. I series | Premium Compact Primes for mirrorless users New standards of optical performance for the Contemporary line Exceptional I series build quality with a compact form-factor Supplied accessories: Magnetic metal lens cap (LCF55-01M), Hood (LH576-02), Front Cap (LCF-55III), Rear Cap (LCRII) Available mount: L-Mount, Sony E-mount * The appearance and specifications of the product are subject to change. * This product is developed, manufactured and sold based on the specifications of E-mount which was disclosed by Sony Corporation under the license agreement with Sony Corporation. * L-Mount is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG. #SIGMA #SIGMA90mmF28Contemporary #SIGMAContemporary #SIGMAContemporaryPrime #SIGMADGDN #Iseries #SIGMAIseries Introducing SIGMA's all-new, mid-telephoto I series prime for mirrorless systems. This compact 90mm F2.8 optic is versatile, well-built and offers stunning optical performance, making it perfect for portraits, close-ups, weddings and events. A brand new 90mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary premium compact prime has been added to SIGMA's growing I series range. It joins four existing I series primes as well as the all-new 24mm F2, offering superb optical performance, a bright F2.8 aperture, an all-metal build and a manual aperture ring. Designed especially for mirrorless systems it feels well-balanced on modern full-frame bodies, and boasts exceptional resolving power that can keep up with the latest ultra-high-resolution cameras. With its versatile mid-telephoto focal length, the lens is the longest I series lens yet, but still remains remarkably compact and light so is ideal for day-to-day use. It is fully-optimized for mirrorless systems with ultra-fast and accurate AF performance, and it boasts outstanding optical capabilities. The rich, smooth bokeh makes for attractive backgrounds, which is perfect for portraits, and the minimum focusing distance of 50cm allows photographers to get closer to their subject. With its versatile mid-telephoto focal length, the lens is the longest I series lens yet, but still remains remarkably compact and light so is ideal for day-to-day use. It is fully-optimized for mirrorless systems with ultra-fast and accurate AF performance, and it boasts outstanding optical capabilities. The rich, smooth bokeh makes for attractive backgrounds, which is perfect for portraits, and the minimum focusing distance of 50cm allows photographers to get closer to their subject. This high-quality, everyday lens is able to bring scenes to life with its beautiful rendering and ultra-sharp optics, all in a portable, robust and tactile lens body. [Key features] 1. I series | Premium Compact Primes for mirrorless users The SIGMA I series features full-frame-compatible lenses that offer mirrorless users a new and better alternative, both in the experience of shooting with the lens and in the impressive results it is able to achieve. One of the key advantages of mirrorless cameras is their smaller form-factor, and this new 90mm optic is designed to be perfectly matched to these more compact systems without sacrificing performance. This combination of superb optical quality with exceptional portability, not previously possible with DSLR systems, will bring new opportunities to this and future generations of photographers. Simultaneously, SIGMA is aware that, in this day and age when we have such huge diversity when it comes to what we use to photograph, as represented by smartphones, people look for something more than a mere act of "taking pictures" when they choose to own a camera and lenses. SIGMA's excellence in development and processing technologies has been built up since it was founded in 1961, and has become further sophisticated with the introduction of the SIGMA Global Vision in 2012. With this as a base SIGMA has given careful thought to how photographers use and enjoy their lenses, including optical design, advanced functionality, build quality and the experience of picking up and using the lens, and with all of this carefully considered the I series was born. 2. New standards of optical performance for the Contemporary line The SIGMA 90mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary boasts exceptional optical performance with a ultra-high resolving power to match the latest high-resolution mirrorless cameras. The lens is built using the very latest optical technology, and includes five SLD glass elements. This helps to reduce axial chromatic aberration that cannot be corrected in-camera, allowing the lens to achieve high resolution and clear image quality with no color bleeding. A high-precision glass molded aspherical lens provides both high resolution and beautiful bokeh. Photographers can enjoy shooting with soft, large bokeh without coloration and this is something that only a full-frame lens is able to deliver. The lens also utilizes the camera's optical correction functionality, which is an advantage of mirrorless systems, SIGMA's optical designers were therefore able to concentrate on correcting aberrations that can only be corrected by the optical design, thereby improving rendering performance and reducing the size and weight of the lens. With a minimum focusing distance of 50cm and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:5, close-up macro-style photography is possible. The lens highlights the subject, allowing photographers to focus in on fine details or create more abstract compositions. The AF drive system incorporates a quiet, high-speed stepping motor, making it suitable for still images as well as video recording. 3. Exceptional I series build quality with a compact form-factor All I series lenses have an all-metal construction. The precision-cut aluminum parts not only give the barrel a sleek, stylish finish, but provide superb durability that improves the quality of the entire product. Metal materials are also used in internal structures that slide with the operation ring for added robustness. These high-precision components crafted with SIGMA's cutting-edge metalworking technology are also used in SIGMA's cine lens line-up for professional cinematographers and provide a tactile, ergonomic feel that make the lens a pleasure to use. The 90mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary shares the same φ64mm maximum diameter and 55mm filter size as the 24mm F3.5 DG DN | Contemporary and the 45mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary, making them a natural trio, especially for filmmakers who use filters more regularly. With a combined weight of only 735 grams / 25.9 oz.*, these three lenses (wide-angle, standard, mid-telephoto) can be used in tandem as part of a high-spec and compact camera system that covers a wide range of shooting situations. * The figures are for L-Mount. [Additional features] Lens construction: 11 elements in 10 groups, with 5 SLD and 1 aspherical lens elements Inner focus system Compatible with high-speed autofocus Stepping motor Compatible with lens aberration correction * Function available on supported cameras only. Available corrections may vary depending on the camera model. Support DMF and AF+MF Super Multi-Layer Coating Aperture ring Focus Mode switch Round-type lens hood (LH576-02) Magnetic metal lens cap (LCF55-01M) Mount with dust and splash resistant structure Compatible with SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 (sold separately / for L-Mount only) Designed to minimize flare and ghosting Every single lens undergoes SIGMA's proprietary MTF measuring system 9-blade rounded diaphragm High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount “Made in Japan” craftsmanship To learn more about SIGMA's craftsmanship, please visit SIGMA website at: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/about/craftsmanship/ [Key specifications] The figures below are for L-Mount: Lens construction: 10 groups, 11 elements (5 SLD and 1 aspherical lens) | Angle of view: 27.0° | Number of diaphragm blades: 9 (rounded diaphragm) | Minimum aperture: F22 | Minimum focusing distance: 50cm / 19.7 in. | Maximum magnification ratio: 1:5 | Filter size: φ55mm | Dimensions (Maximum Diameter x Length): φ64mm x 59.7mm / φ2.5 in. x 2.4 in. | Weight: 295g / 10.4 oz. [Barcode] L-Mount: 0085126 261696 Sony E-mount: 0085126 261658 [Accessories: Supplied] Name of product / barcode Magnetic metal lens cap FRONT CAP LCF55-01M: 0085126 938680 FRONT CAP LCFIII 55mm: 0085126 930066 LENS HOOD LH576-02: 0085126 939526 REAR CAP LCR II (L-Mount): 0085126 937256 REAR CAP LCR II (Sony E-mount): 0085126 929879 [Accessories: Optional] Name of product / barcode SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 for L-Mount: 0085126 878696 SIGMA WR PROTECTOR 55mm: 0085126 930912 SIGMA PROTECTOR 55mm: 0085126 931049 SIGMA WR UV FILTER 55mm: 0085126 930653 SIGMA WR CIRCULAR PL FILTER 55mm: 0085126 930783 Magnetic metal lens cap holder SIGMA LENS CAP HOLDER CH-11: 0085126 938666 [Contact] For further information, please contact your local authorized SIGMA Service Station listed at the link below: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/world-network/ [Information] SIGMA Corporation | https://www.sigma-global.com/en/ Product information | https://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/c021_90_28/ Contact Details SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA Jack Howard +1 631-585-1144 SIGMA.PR@sigmaphoto.com Company Website https://www.sigma-global.com/en/

September 09, 2021 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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SIGMA Announces 24mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary I series lens

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA

SIGMA Corporation of America, in conjunction with SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki), announces the release of the SIGMA 24mm F2 DG DN | Contempary “I series” lens in the US market. The new premium compact prime lens for full-frame mirrorless camera systems will be available for $639.00 through authorized US retailers in late September 2021. See the bigger picture. I series | Premium Compact Primes for mirrorless users New standards of optical performance for the Contemporary line Exceptional I series build quality with a compact form-factor Available mount: L-Mount, Sony E-mount * The appearance and specifications of the product are subject to change. * This product is developed, manufactured and sold based on the specifications of E-mount which was disclosed by Sony Corporation under the license agreement with Sony Corporation. * L-Mount is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG. #SIGMA #SIGMA24mmF2Contemporary #SIGMAContemporary #SIGMAContemporaryPrime #SIGMADGDN #Iseries #SIGMAIseries The all-new 24mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary delivers exceptional edge-to-edge rendering power in an ultra-compact, all-metal body. This impressive, wide-angle, I series prime is now available for L-Mount and Sony E-mount systems. The 24mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary premium compact prime is the latest prime lens to be added to SIGMA's growing I series range. It joins four existing I series lenses as well as the new 90mm F2.8, offering superb optical performance, a bright F2 aperture, an all-metal build and a manual aperture ring. Designed from the ground up for mirrorless systems it feels perfectly-balanced on modern full-frame bodies, and boasts exceptional resolving power that can keep up with the latest ultra-high-resolution cameras. The lens' advanced optical design produces sharp, high-contrast results from the center of the frame to the far corners, and together with its F2 aperture and wide angle-of-view it's an excellent choice for night sky photography, events and interiors. Owing to its compact size the lens can be carried around effortlessly, which makes it perfect for day-to-day use. The high quality, all-metal construction, which is found on all of SIGMA's I series models, makes the experience of owning and operating this lens extremely satisfying. This new full-frame 24mm F2 prime is designed for photographers who need a sharp, fast, robust, wide-angle optic that will not weigh them down. It is available for L-Mount and Sony E-mount systems. [Key features] 1. I series | Premium Compact Primes for mirrorless users The SIGMA I series features full-frame-compatible lenses that offer mirrorless users a new and better alternative, both in the experience of shooting with the lens and in the impressive results it is able to achieve. One of the key advantages of mirrorless cameras is their smaller form-factor, and this new 24mm optic is designed to be perfectly matched to these more compact systems without sacrificing performance. This combination of superb optical quality with exceptional portability, not previously possible with DSLR systems, will bring new opportunities to this and future generations of photographers. Simultaneously, SIGMA is aware that, in this day and age when we have such huge diversity when it comes to what we use to photograph, as represented by smartphones, people look for something more than a mere act of "taking pictures" when they choose to own a camera and lenses. SIGMA's excellence in development and processing technologies has been built up since it was founded in 1961, and has become further sophisticated with the introduction of the SIGMA Global Vision in 2012. With this as a base SIGMA has given careful thought to how photographers use and enjoy their lenses, including optical design, advanced functionality, build quality and the experience of picking up and using the lens, and with all of this carefully considered the I series was born. 24mm, 35mm and 65mm - three lenses with F2 brightness in the lineup 2. New standards of optical performance for the Contemporary line The SIGMA 24mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary, like the SIGMA 35mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary and the SIGMA 65mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary, combines the highest level of optical performance even at its maximum aperture of F2 and a well-balanced body. The lens uses two SLD glass elements and one FLD glass element to correct axial chromatic aberration, which is a particular concern with bright lenses. It also incorporates two high-precision glass-molded aspherical elements, made possible by the processing technology of SIGMA's sole production facility in Aizu. This has enabled the total number of lens elements to be kept down and the size and weight of the lens to be reduced, while providing excellent correction of various aberrations. In anticipation of wide-angle lens applications, SIGMA's optical designers have ensured the lens resolution is extremely high, and is uniform from the center to the periphery of the image. Sagittal coma flare is also well suppressed, giving the lens a high degree of rendering power that makes it ideal for night sky photography. The AF drive system incorporates a quiet, high-speed stepping motor. This allows photographers to capture every detail of the spacious 24mm scene with light AF. 3. Exceptional I series build quality with a compact form-factor All I series lenses have an all-metal construction. The precision-cut aluminum parts not only give the barrel a sleek, stylish finish, but provide superb durability that improves the quality of the entire product. Metal materials are also used in internal structures that slide with the operation ring for added robustness. These high-precision components crafted with SIGMA's cutting-edge metalworking technology are also used in SIGMA's cine lens line-up for professional cinematographers and provide a tactile, ergonomic feel that make the lens a pleasure to use. The cover ring between the focus ring and the aperture ring has hairline processing that is also used for the rear cylinder of the Art line. This covering functions as a finger hold when attaching or detaching the lens. [Additional features] Lens construction: 13 elements in 11 groups, with 1 FLD, 2 SLD and 2 aspherical lens elements Inner focus system Compatible with high-speed autofocus Stepping motor Compatible with lens aberration correction * Function available on supported cameras only. Available corrections may vary depending on the camera model. Support DMF and AF+MF Super Multi-Layer Coating Aperture ring Focus Mode switch Petal-type lens hood (LH656-02) Magnetic metal lens cap (LCF62-01M) Mount with dust and splash resistant structure Compatible with SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 (sold separately / for L-Mount only) Designed to minimize flare and ghosting Every single lens undergoes SIGMA's proprietary MTF measuring system 9-blade rounded diaphragm High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount “Made in Japan” craftsmanship To learn more about SIGMA's craftsmanship, please visit SIGMA website at: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/about/craftsmanship/ [Key specifications] The figures below are for L-Mount: Lens construction: 11 groups, 13 elements (1 FLD, 2 SLD, and 2 aspherical lenses) | Angle of view: 84.1° | Number of diaphragm blades: 9 (rounded diaphragm) | Minimum aperture: F22 | Minimum focusing distance: 24.5cm / 9.7 in. | Maximum magnification ratio: 1:6.7 | Filter size: φ62mm | Dimensions (Max. Diameter x Length): φ70mmx72mm / φ 2.8 in. x 2.8 in. | Weight: 365g / 12.9 oz. [Barcode] L-Mount: 0085126 403690 Sony E-mount: 0085126 403652 [Accessories: Supplied] Name of product / barcode: Magnetic metal lens cap SIGMA FRONT CAP LCF62-01M: 0085126 938659 FRONT CAP LCFIII 62mm: 0085126 929817 PETAL-TYPE LENS HOOD LH656-02: 0085126 939533 REAR CAP LCR II (L-Mount): 0085126 937256 REAR CAP LCR II (Sony E-mount): 0085126 929879 [Accessories: Optional] Name of product / barcode: SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 for L-Mount: 0085126 878696 SIGMA WR PROTECTOR 62mm: 0085126 930936 SIGMA PROTECTOR 62mm: 0085126 931063 SIGMA WR UV FILTER 62mm: 0085126 930677 SIGMA WR CIRCULAR PL FILTER 62mm: 0085126 930806 Magnetic metal lens cap holder SIGMA LENS CAP HOLDER CH-11: 0085126 938666 [Contact] For further information, please contact your local authorized SIGMA Service Station listed at the link below: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/world-network/ [Information] SIGMA Corporation | https://www.sigma-global.com/en/ Product information | https://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/c021_24_2/ Contact Details SIGMA Corporation Jack Howard ext. 1015 +1 631-585-1144 SIGMA.PR@sigmaphoto.com Company Website https://www.sigma-global.com/en/

September 09, 2021 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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The Way We Travel Now: Airbnb Looking Ahead, Looking Back

YourUpdateTV

As summer winds down and the seasons begin to change, now is the time to look back at how Americans spent their summer traveling and what they are looking forward to experiencing in the fall. Recently, Communications Leads for North America at Airbnb, Liz DeBold Fusco, teamed with YourUpdateTV on a satellite media tour to share the most recent travel trends. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/aBehaUcamIE Not surprisingly, outdoor escapes with the family were the top summer travel trend, and as we come to the end of the summer, longer trips and reunions have become a go to. One of the biggest trends was the great escape to rural, with destinations near national and state parks among the top places to stay. Few weeks ago, Airbnb reached their biggest night ever in the US with more than 4 million guests using the platform. This has created a lot of opportunities for the Airbnb host community. This past summer, US Hosts on Airbnb collectively earned more than $1.3 billion – with some hosting while they were away to pay for their vacation to some offering one-of-a-kind unique stays, like treehouses and yurts. With the remote work trend continuing into fall, so does the increase in trips extending beyond just a weekend. Longer weekend trips with families lasting three to four days are up 70 percent, with weekday stays increasing from 63 to 65 percent. Guests’ rising and diversified interest in mid-sized cities extends beyond the weekend and is focused on fall scenery. Searches for stays in large and mid-sized cities make up about a third of searches each for fall, compared to more than half for stays in just large cities in fall 2019. Big events are also coming back, and more guests are eager to head back to stands and seats once again. In fact, a number of those top trending destinations for Labor Day Weekend and beyond are large and mid-sized cities. This is due to welcome-back iconic competitions and major music festivals, like the Made in America Festival in Philadelphia and Astroworld in Houston. You can always go to airbnb.com to find places to stay, Online Experiences to try. Or, if you are looking to share your space this fall or ahead of a big event, you can become a host at Airbnb.com/host. About Liz DeBold Fusco: Liz DeBold Fusco is a Communications Leads for North America for Airbnb. Prior to that, she was a Vice President at SKDKnickerbocker, a national public affairs firm, where she provided strategic communications guidance to organizations ranging from the NAACP and Demos to The Rockefeller Foundation and AT&T. Liz has also worked for Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City and New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray as well as the New York State Attorney General. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

September 08, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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