Connect with us

Technology

BirchStreet Systems Expands in EMEA With First Annual Conference and Appointment of Mark Haywood as Chief Commercial Officer, EMEA & APAC

Published

on

New leadership and global market growth initiatives showcased at first annual EMEA Conference in Barcelona, accelerating BirchStreet’s presence in key global region

LAS VEGAS, June 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — BirchStreet Systems, a leading global technology provider of enterprise procure-to-pay solutions to the hospitality sector, has announced significant growth momentum and expansion initiatives in the EMEA region, led by Mark Haywood, Chief Commercial Officer, EMEA & APAC. Haywood brings over two decades of diverse and highly relevant industry experience within the hospitality and SaaS technology sectors to his role at BirchStreet. Throughout his successful career, he has capitalized on his experience and expertise, holding several e-commerce and SaaS technology company management, leadership and commercial positions in organizations such as RateGain Technologies, TravelClick (Amadeus), Melia Hotels, The Ascott Group, and First Option Hotel Reservations.

“We continue delivering on our deep commitment to EMEA customers,” said Haywood. “Hospitality businesses in this part of the globe are searching for ways to enhance their operational efficiencies and bottom lines, while building guest satisfaction and loyalty. Our local presence in the EMEA market allows us to maintain on-going dialogue with our customers, understand their long-term business strategies and challenges, adapt our solutions to the specific market needs and ensure we can help them grow.”

BirchStreet has expanded its presence to 57 EMEA countries, currently serving more than 1,800 hospitality properties in the region. EMEA customers leverage BirchStreet’s platform to manage 4.3 billion EUR in annual spend. Since the beginning of 2024, the company has added several new brands across Europe, UAE, and The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to its portfolio, posting triple-digit net new growth YoY.

To support its commitment to delivering value, BirchStreet Systems recently hosted the first annual EMEA Conference in Barcelona, gathering the hospitality industry’s leading and innovative brands to discuss important issues in property operations, exchange fresh ideas and share best practices.

ESG thought leaders Gavin McGee Fraser of Sircle Collection, Bart van den Hoven of Marriott, International, Maribel Esparcia Pérez of RaizUp, and Alvaro Rodríguez, Ph.D. of The Climate Reality Project, discussed the latest developments in hospitality Sustainability efforts, the impact of various European regulations and what actionable steps hospitality brands should take to ensure that they meet their customers’ expectations.

Marcel M. Bruognolo of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Jason Stump of Wynn Al Marjan Island, and Dorothée Bechstädt of Hilton Supply Management provided unique insights into how emerging technologies, financial strategies and innovation help drive operational excellence in hospitality, as well as sharing a thought-provoking outlook on what future trends will drive the next wave in the evolution of hospitality P2P.

Pablo Pérez Gutiérrez of Sircle Collection, Sachin Thomas of Marriott EMEA, & Dorothée Bechstädt of Hilton Supply Management shared their organizations’ remarkable journeys and success in P2P transformation, discussing the importance of the data that drives better decision-making and outlining critical business factors that lead companies to adopt procurement technologies and process.

Keynote speaker Dr. Christina Yan Zhang of The Metaverse Institute talked about the fascinating breakthroughs in Generative AI and other disruptive technologies, and how their proper adoption and utilization can help build a sustainable hospitality industry in the future.

“This forum was an important milestone in forming a unique hospitality community in the EMEA region that collectively will help shape the future of P2P hospitality. We look forward to many more gatherings in the future!” added Haywood.

For more information on BirchStreet Systems and its leading P2P operational platform purpose-built for hospitality, please visit www.birchstreetsystems.com.

About BirchStreet Systems

Founded in 2002, BirchStreet is the leading global provider of enterprise procure-to-pay solutions for the hospitality sector. BirchStreet’s software platform provides leading global hospitality brands with a full suite of procurement applications, including eProcurement software, accounts payable automation, invoice management, inventory management, recipe management, supplier payments, and reporting and analytics. BirchStreet’s customers leverage the company’s solutions to access a broad network of suppliers and manage billions of dollars of spend annually across a wide variety of categories, including food and beverage, operating supplies, maintenance services and capital projects. For more information, please visit www.birchstreetsystems.com.

Media Contacts:
Irina Jakovleva
BirchStreet Systems
Chief Marketing Officer
ijakovleva@birchstreet.net

Andrea Mane
ProVision Partners
amane@provision-partners.com

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2354991/BirchStreet_Systems_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/birchstreet-systems-expands-in-emea-with-first-annual-conference-and-appointment-of-mark-haywood-as-chief-commercial-officer-emea–apac-302168909.html

Continue Reading

Technology

HelloNation Article Explains Deferred Maintenance, Featuring Commercial Property Management Expert Courtenay Brack

Published

on

By

The article explains why addressing repairs early helps commercial property owners reduce long-term costs and protect property value.

CHARLESTON, S.C., Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What happens when commercial property owners delay needed repairs? HelloNation answers that question in an article featuring insights from Commercial Property Management Expert Courtenay Brack of Charleston Green Commercial, LLC in Charleston, South Carolina.

The article explains that postponing repairs may appear to reduce expenses in the short term, but deferred maintenance often results in substantially higher costs over time. According to the HelloNation article, delaying repairs can lead to larger construction projects, operational disruptions, and declining property value that consistent upkeep could have avoided.

Commercial buildings depend on numerous systems that are designed to perform reliably for decades when properly maintained. The article notes that roofs, HVAC systems, parking lots, plumbing infrastructure, elevators, and exterior finishes all require routine inspections and scheduled servicing. Small maintenance issues rarely remain isolated when they are left unresolved. Instead, they often spread to surrounding building components, increasing both the complexity and the cost of future repairs.

The HelloNation article highlights roof leaks as one example of how deferred maintenance can escalate. A small leak may initially appear insignificant, but over time it can damage insulation, ceilings, electrical systems, and tenant improvements. Likewise, aging HVAC components that could have been repaired during routine service may eventually fail completely, requiring costly system replacements instead of relatively inexpensive repairs. The article explains that these situations demonstrate why preventive maintenance consistently provides greater value than emergency response.

Commercial Property Management Expert Courtenay Brack’s featured insights also highlight how maintenance affects tenant satisfaction. Businesses rely on safe, comfortable, and dependable spaces to serve customers and operate efficiently. The article explains that recurring equipment failures, poor climate control, water intrusion, or deteriorating common areas can affect tenant confidence and increase the likelihood of lease turnover. Stable occupancy supports reliable income and helps owners avoid the additional costs of vacant space.

Emergency repairs often involve expenses beyond the construction work itself. According to the article, after-hours labor, expedited material delivery, temporary tenant accommodations, and interruptions to business operations all contribute to higher overall costs. The article explains that planning routine maintenance helps commercial property owners avoid many of these unexpected financial burdens while allowing repairs to be completed under more favorable conditions.

The article also discusses the importance of life cycle planning for long-term property performance. Every major building component has an expected service life, and regular condition assessments help owners forecast future replacement needs. Developing reserve funding and budgeting for improvements before systems fail allows owners to spread capital expenses over time instead of responding to emergencies that require immediate funding.

Commercial Property Management Expert Courtenay Brack’s featured article further explains that professional property managers support owners by coordinating inspections, documenting building conditions, prioritizing repairs, and recommending maintenance schedules based on observed performance. This proactive approach gives owners better information for decision-making while helping preserve building systems and manage operating costs more effectively.

The article concludes that building condition also influences insurance considerations, financing opportunities, and marketability. Buyers and lenders often review maintenance history before closing, and well-maintained properties generally perform better operationally with fewer unexpected capital expenses. The article explains that consistent maintenance protects investments by supporting tenant satisfaction, preserving property value, and reducing long-term financial uncertainty for commercial property owners.

Why Delaying Commercial Property Repairs Costs More features insights from Courtenay Brack, a commercial property management expert in Charleston, South Carolina, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

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

www.hellonation.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hellonation-article-explains-deferred-maintenance-featuring-commercial-property-management-expert-courtenay-brack-302910880.html

SOURCE HelloNation

Continue Reading

Technology

Drone Nerds Expands Drone Detection Portfolio Through AirSight Partnership

Published

on

By

AirGuard software and compatible detection systems support airspace awareness for public safety agencies, critical infrastructure operators, and enterprise security teams

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — XTI Aerospace, Inc. (Nasdaq: XTIA) (“XTI Aerospace,” “XTI,” or the “Company”), an aerospace and advanced technology platform and parent company of Drone Nerds, LLC (“Drone Nerds”), a drone solutions platform serving commercial, enterprise, and government customers, today announced a partnership with AirSight, a drone detection and airspace security software solutions provider, to expand Drone Nerds’ drone detection offerings within its enterprise solutions portfolio.

The partnership broadens the options available to customers seeking greater visibility into drone activity around their facilities and operations. AirSight’s solutions combine compatible detection systems with its AirGuard software platform. Intended applications include law enforcement, critical infrastructure, correctional facilities, higher education campuses, and sports and entertainment venues.

AirGuard brings data from compatible detection sensors into a unified interface, providing security teams with real-time alerts and information to assess detected drone activity. Solutions can be configured for individual facilities, campuses, or multiple locations based on customer requirements.

“AirSight strengthens our drone detection portfolio and enhances our ability to serve the security needs of enterprise and government organizations,” said Jeremy Schneiderman, Interim CEO of XTI Aerospace. “This partnership supports our growth strategy by opening doors to new customers and broadening our role across drone operations and airspace security.”

Expanding Security Awareness into the Airspace

AirSight’s approach allows organizations to add drone detection capabilities alongside their existing security infrastructure. Its hardware-agnostic AirGuard platform integrates compatible detection technologies and can support connections with existing security and command systems, subject to technical compatibility.

The partnership will focus on helping customers evaluate their airspace monitoring needs and identify appropriate solutions, including:

Drone Detection and Alerts: Detection of drone activity within system coverage, with real-time notifications to designated security personnel.

Centralized Monitoring: A unified software interface that brings together information from compatible detection sensors.

Scalable Configurations: Solutions tailored to individual sites or multiple locations, with the ability to expand as requirements evolve.

Integration Support: Evaluation of compatible connections with existing security systems to incorporate drone detection information into operational workflows.

Available information and detection performance depend on the selected sensors, drone characteristics, site conditions, and system configuration.

“Drone detection gives security teams an additional layer of awareness beyond their ground-based perimeter,” said Robert Tabbara, CEO and Founder of AirSight. “Working with Drone Nerds allows us to introduce these capabilities to more enterprise and public safety organizations and help them evaluate solutions suited to their facilities, existing systems, and operational priorities.”

Availability

Customers can contact Drone Nerds’ enterprise team to discuss AirSight drone detection solutions, available configurations, and pricing. Drone Nerds’ team will work with AirSight specialists to evaluate customer requirements and discuss deployment options.

For more information, visit enterprise.dronenerds.com.

About XTI Aerospace, Inc.

XTI Aerospace, Inc. (“XTI”) (Nasdaq: XTIA) is focused on building a leading platform for commercial and government drone adoption in the growing unmanned aircraft systems (“UAS”) industry. Through its subsidiary, Drone Nerds, LLC, XTI supports enterprise and government customers in sectors including public safety, agriculture, construction, and energy across the drone program lifecycle, from hardware sourcing and deployment to training, service, repair, and the proprietary Always Flying™ program. Its established U.S. customer base and reputation as a trusted solutions provider position the company as a go-to-market partner for drone manufacturers and software developers seeking to scale in the domestic market.

For more information about XTI, please visit xtiaerospace.com and follow XTI on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

About Drone Nerds

Drone Nerds, LLC, a subsidiary of XTI Aerospace, Inc. (Nasdaq: XTIA), provides comprehensive drone solutions for enterprise, private and recreational needs. Established in 2014, Drone Nerds focuses on helping customers deploy the right UAS solutions for their unique operational requirements. Through its proprietary Always Flying™ program, Drone Nerds focuses on delivering enhanced reliability and assurance for enterprise implementations across industry verticals, including public safety, government, agriculture, construction, insurance, energy, inspection, and more.

For more information, visit enterprise.dronenerds.com.

About AirSight

AirSight provides drone detection and airspace security software solutions. Its AirGuard platform integrates data from compatible detection sensors to provide real-time alerts and visibility into drone activity. Depending on sensor configuration and available data, the platform can provide drone and pilot location information to help security teams assess activity and inform their response.

For more information, visit airsight.com.

Contacts:

General inquiries:
Email: contact@xtiaerospace.com
Web: https://xtiaerospace.com/contact

Investor Relations:
IR@xtiaerospace.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/drone-nerds-expands-drone-detection-portfolio-through-airsight-partnership-302926752.html

SOURCE XTI Aerospace, Inc.

Continue Reading

Technology

The Inner Circle acknowledges Andrea E. Neal as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence

Published

on

By

TITUSVILLE, Fla., Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Andrea E. Neal is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for her contributions to Reading Education and Literacy Development.

Andrea E. Neal has dedicated her career to helping students overcome reading challenges and achieve academic success through individualized instruction and evidence based literacy interventions. As an intensive reading teacher at Einstein Academy in Cocoa, Florida, she is recognized for her commitment to supporting students with dyslexia, learning disabilities, and other educational needs through targeted reading instruction that builds confidence and long term success.

Since joining Einstein Academy in 2020 and serving as an intensive reading teacher since 2022, Ms. Neal has provided specialized support for students with Individualized Education Programs and 504 plans. Her expertise includes intensive reading instruction, dyslexia support, phonics development, word decoding, and therapeutic literacy interventions designed to meet the unique needs of each student.

Certified in the Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing Program for Reading, Spelling and Speech, Ms. Neal utilizes evidence based strategies and manipulative based activities to strengthen phonemic awareness, decoding skills, and reading comprehension. Through small group instruction, she helps students deepen their understanding of language by exploring idioms, vocabulary, and contextual reading strategies.

Ms. Neal earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fine and Studio Arts from Linfield University in 2000. She also completed the New World of Work externship program for teachers and paraprofessionals, further enhancing her ability to support student growth and development.

Among her most rewarding accomplishments is helping students achieve significant literacy gains. One notable success involved guiding a ninth grade student from a fourth grade reading level to grade level proficiency while fostering a genuine love of reading. Her dedication has helped countless students overcome barriers and develop the skills necessary for academic achievement.

Beyond the classroom, Ms. Neal remains active in volunteer service through tutoring, soup kitchens, Habitat for Humanity International, and church Bible conferences. She is also honored to have been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for her dedication, achievements, and leadership in reading education.

Ms. Neal credits much of her success to the support of her husband, Troy Neal, and the inspiration she draws from her daughter on the autism spectrum. Their experiences have strengthened her commitment to helping students with diverse learning needs reach their full potential.

Looking ahead, she hopes to expand her impact through programs with increased funding and resources that will allow more students to receive the specialized literacy support they need. Guided by a philosophy centered on individualized instruction and student success, Ms. Neal remains dedicated to helping every learner overcome reading obstacles and thrive academically.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-inner-circle-acknowledges-andrea-e-neal-as-a-pinnacle-professional-member-inner-circle-of-excellence-302926676.html

SOURCE The Inner Circle

Continue Reading

Trending