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15 Finalists Head to Championship Round of HOTWORX® International Virtual Instructor Competition

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24-Hour Infrared Fitness Studio Franchise to Choose 7 Virtual Instructors to Lead Virtual Workouts at its 650+ Studios Worldwide

Contestants to Conduct Live, Isometric Outdoor Session at HOTWORX Annual Franchise Convention in Nashville, July 21-24Convention to Feature Announcements on Company Growth & InnovationHOTWORX Opens 81 New Studios since January, with 100 More Set to Open by EOY

MARRERO, La., July 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Citing increased awareness around the benefits of exercising in infrared heat, HOTWORX® – a thriving fitness franchise that offers members unlimited, 24-hour access to a variety of virtually instructed infrared sauna workouts – continues to grow at unprecedented rates. Heading into its annual convention this month, the brand has added 81 new studios since the beginning of this year, bringing the total number of open HOTWORX locations to more than 670 worldwide, with an additional 100 studios expected to open by the end of the year. 

A Competition with Purpose

To exceed the expectations of its thousands of existing members – and more joining every day – HOTWORX is gearing up to select its next group of virtual instructors who will resonate with members, inspire and deliver only the most exceptional workouts. The international competition features applicants of varying backgrounds, including athletes, cheerleaders, coaches, fitness instructors, and current HOTWORX members.

After receiving over 160 applicants to compete for the 7 coveted virtual instructor spots, HOTWORX allowed members and the public to cast votes online for their top picks. During that online voting round, each vote cast was matched with a monetary $1 donation to Sacred Mountain Retreat Center (SMRC), a non-profit that offers military veterans, first responders, and their families a peaceful retreat to their facility in South Dakota to heal from trauma and PTSD. The effort raised more than $30,500 for SMRC.

Next in the selection process, a panel of judges narrowed the pool down to 15 finalists to compete at the brand’s annual franchise convention, to be held in Nashville on July 21-24. Each finalist will hold a live, isometric workout session outside under the hot Tennessee sun. With 575+ workout sessions offered daily at each of the 670 HOTWORX studios around the world, 7 virtual instructors will be named the winners to lead the next year of sessions. Two of the instructors will also lead the HOTWORX Virtual Personal Trainer workouts featured in the brand’s Burn Off App and in each studio’s Functional Exercise (FX) Zone.

“Our Virtual Instructors are leading sessions quite literally 24-hours a day,” said HOTWORX Founder and CEO Stephen P. Smith. “This competition isn’t about simply finding someone to teach a workout class, rather it’s about selecting the right group of instructors who will resonate with our members and guide them to improving their health and wellbeing through our infrared sauna workout regimens. That’s why it’s important throughout the competition we hear directly from our members and our franchise owners about who they want to see leading HOTWORX sessions for the next year.”

Smith – a former bodybuilder and arena football player – founded HOTWORX in 2017 as a fitness solution that allows consumers to get a deeper workout in less time through the combination of heat, infrared energy, and exercise. The patented infrared fitness sauna is designed for three people to work out with virtual instruction, offering both 30-minute Isometric workouts – such as yoga, Pilates, and Barre – as well as 15-minute High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) sessions – like cycling and rowing. With a virtual instruction business model, HOTWORX offers members secure access to fitness 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Innovation Takes Center Stage

Alongside the Virtual Instruction Competition, the HOTWORX franchise convention will feature company announcements focused on enhancing the fitness experience for members and offering system improvements and support for franchise owners.

“HOTWORX has revolutionized the fitness industry, redefining what’s needed for a fulfilling workout with benefits such as detoxification, weight loss, calorie burn, as well as stress reduction, pain relief, and muscle recovery,” said Smith. “As our membership continues to grow and we expand globally, we’re excited to advance that same innovation that has been the very foundation of the HOTWORX franchise.”

For more information about HOTWORX and to find a location near you, visit hotworx.net. For more on franchising opportunities with HOTWORX, visit: hotworx.net/franchising.

ABOUT HOTWORX®

HOTWORX introduces a groundbreaking fitness program that utilizes infrared heat absorption to deliver a virtual exercise experience. Participants can engage in a 30-minute Isometric workout or a dynamic 15-minute High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) session, benefitting from the deep, detoxifying sweat induced by the penetrating infrared heat and the muscle contraction associated with isometric postures. Distinguished by its patented sauna, HOTWORX combines heat, infrared energy, and exercise in a unique “3D Training” approach, setting it apart from other fitness programs. Sessions can be conveniently booked through the HOTWORX Burn Off app, offering a secure and accessible way to schedule appointments. With its headquarters in Marrero, LA, HOTWORX boasts a presence in over 670 studios around the world.

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SOURCE HOTWORX

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Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center collaborate on cancer research and personalized prevention

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May 13, 2026

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ABU DHABI, UAE, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), regulator of the healthcare sector in the emirate, together with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center (ADPHC), today announced the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (Fred Hutch), one of the world’s leading cancer research institutions and home to three Nobel laureates.

By pairing Abu Dhabi’s unified clinical and genomic data infrastructure, sovereign AI capabilities and governed data environments with Fred Hutch’s globally renowned research engine, the ensuing collaborations will pave the way to shortening the distance between scientific discovery and patient benefit, for Abu Dhabi’s community and beyond.

Among the projected collaborations, the two organizations will consider leveraging Abu Dhabi’s intelligent health system, and layering Fred Hutch’s world-class science onto the secure, high-quality, real-world data foundation Abu Dhabi has built. That foundation includes the emirate’s pioneering liquid biopsy programme launched last year, one of the first national-scale efforts of its kind anywhere in the world. Alongside Abu Dhabi’s AI multi-cancer early detection work, and the world’s largest clinically integrated population-scale genomics programme – with nearly one million genomes sequence.

During his visit to the center, HE Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of DoH commented: “Cancer is one of the defining health challenges of our time, and progress depends on combining world-class science with population-scale data, advanced AI, and research. In Abu Dhabi, we have built an AI-enabled health system that ‘cares before it cures, delivering prevention at population scale. We are already achieving some of the highest early cancer detection rates in the world, and through our partnership with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center we are committed to bringing breakthroughs to people in Abu Dhabi and beyond.”

“This MOU between Fred Hutch Cancer Center and the Abu Dhabi Department of Health underscores the power of working together to prevent and treat cancer,” said Thomas Lynch Jr., MD, president and director of Fred Hutch and holder of the Raisbeck Endowed Chair. “Our organizations share a deep commitment to research and to provide the highest levels of cancer prevention, diagnosis and care to our communities, and we are excited to bring our expertise, tools and datasets together to identify unique approaches to cancer care and research in pursuit of our boldest goals.”

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2979204/DoH_Abu_Dhabi.jpg
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SOURCE The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi

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L’Mychele & Associates Founder LaKessia Hill Completes North Texas FWC Hospitality Program (FIFA World Cup) and Appears on The Jeff Crilley Show

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May 13, 2026

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DALLAS, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — L’Mychele & Associates LLC is proud to announce two significant milestones for the growing strategic meetings and events firm: Founder & CEO LaKessia Hill has successfully completed the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee’s Hospitality Program and was recently featured on The Jeff Crilley Show.

These accomplishments reflect the company’s continued momentum within the hospitality, tourism, and events industries as L’Mychele & Associates expands its presence through strategic partnerships, leadership engagement, and elevated client experiences.

The completion of the North Texas FWC Hospitality Program further strengthens the company’s commitment to delivering intentional, guest-centered experiences rooted in strategy, hospitality, and meaningful connection — values that are central to the L’Mychele & Associates brand.

In addition, Hill recently joined veteran journalist and media personality Jeff Crilley on The Jeff Crilley Show to discuss her entrepreneurial journey, the vision behind L’Mychele & Associates, and the company’s approach to creating experiences as bold as its clients’ goals.

“Both opportunities represent growth, visibility, and the continued evolution of our brand,” said Hill. “Hospitality is more than service — it’s about creating intentional moments that leave lasting impressions. Being recognized through the hospitality program and having the opportunity to share our story on The Jeff Crilley Show were both incredibly meaningful experiences.”

Known for its consultative and strategy-first approach, L’Mychele & Associates specializes in executive summits, conferences, nonprofit galas, incentive experiences, corporate meetings, and curated social gatherings. The firm partners with organizations, brands, and leaders to transform ideas into impactful experiences through strategic planning, management, and execution.

Guided by the company’s signature philosophy — “The Art of Listening. The Science of Execution.” — L’Mychele & Associates continues to position itself as a strategic partner within the meetings, events, and hospitality industries.

The episode of The Jeff Crilley Show featuring LaKessia Hill is now available across multiple platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Transistor.

About L’Mychele & Associates LLC

L’Mychele & Associates LLC is a Dallas-based strategic meetings and events firm specializing in executive summits, corporate meetings, conferences, nonprofit events, incentive experiences, and curated social gatherings. The company is known for blending strategy, hospitality, and execution to create experiences that drive connection and lasting impact.

Media Contact

LaKessia Hill
Founder & CEO, L’Mychele & Associates LLC
469-402-7825

LaKessia@LMychele.com
www.LMychele.com  

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SOURCE L’Mychele & Associates LLC

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HBX GROUP ANNOUNCES HALF YEAR 2026 FINANCIAL RESULTS

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May 13, 2026

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LONDON, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HBX Group International plc (HBX Group, the Company, the Group, HBX.SM) announces its Half Year 2026 results for the six months ended 31 March 2026.  

TTV up +17% to €3.8bn, and Revenue of €309m, up +1% YoY at constant currency, reflecting targeted commercial and strategic actions to prioritise growth and capture market share, partly offset by disruption from the Middle East conflictAdjusted EBITDA up +9% at constant currency to €163m, with margin of 53% expanding +4ppts in constant currency. Profit after tax was €28m (H1 25: €(227)m).Strong cash generation with 103% cash conversion and leverage at 1.7x Adjusted Net Debt / Adjusted EBITDA. S €100m share buyback programme and a 7.5 cents per share (c.€18m) interim dividend.Executing the strategic building blocks, including the acquisition of Bridgify announced today.FY26E guidance revised to reflect the impact of Middle East conflict and macroeconomic uncertainty. New FY26 guidance is for constant currency TTV growth +11% to +15%, Revenue growth -4% to +1% and Adjusted EBITDA growth -5% to -2%, and Operating Free Cash Flow conversion between 90% and 100%. Medium-term guidance is unchanged.

First half 2026 Financial Performance Summary1

6 months
ended 31
March 2026

6 months
ended 31
March 2025

Change
constant
currency2

Change 

Total Transaction Value (TTV) (€m)

3,770

3,370

+17 %

+12 %

Revenue (€m)

309

319

+1 %

-3 %

Adjusted EBITDA (€m)

163

159

+9 %

+3 %

Delivering profitable growth

Group TTV increased to €3.8bn in the first half, up +17% at constant currency. TTV contribution increased from shorter lead-time bookings, Third Party Supply and Online Travel Agents.

Revenue of €309m, increased +1% in constant currency. Take rate was 8.2%, down 1.3ppts year‑on‑year.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 9%, with margin +4ppts.

Net finance costs were €35m, 77% lower than the prior year. The tax charge was €16m. Adjusted Earnings were €83m, up +44% at constant currency.

Delivering commercial milestones in line with strategy

Commercial progress in H1 2026 reflected HBX Group’s strategy to expand its global travel ecosystem and drive profitability through AI-driven operational efficiency and commercial performance. Key developments included new distribution partnerships in Asia-Pacific, acquisitions such as Bridgify and PerfectStay to strengthen experiences and dynamic capabilities, and new platform and fintech initiatives.

HBX group also continued embedding AI across products and operations, including AI-powered solutions for Bedsonline and HotelTech, while scaling internal AI agents already delivering measurable savings and supporting more than 120 identified use cases, reinforcing the Group’s connected B2B travel ecosystem strategy.

Regional performance and trading dynamics

TTV grew in double-digits in all three regions, up +18% in the Americas and +16% in both MEAPAC and Europe, at constant currency.

In Europe, TTV growth was supported by strong intra‑regional and domestic travel. Asia Pacific up +18%, partly offset by slower growth in the Middle East and disruption on some Europe-Asia corridors. In the Americas, TTV was predominantly driven by domestic demand.

Middle East impact and near‑term outlook

Since late February, the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East has impacted travel demand across affected destinations and selected international corridors, resulting in increased volatility, shorter booking windows and reduced near‑term visibility. The impact of this on H1 Group TTV growth was approximately 1ppt.

HBX Group implemented dynamic pricing, inventory reallocation and active partner support. Demand outside affected corridors has been more resilient.

Cost discipline, cash generation and capital allocation

Underlying operating costs fell by 5%. Performance was supported by productivity initiatives, automation and AI.

On a last 12-month basis, Operating Free Cash Flow was €447m, with cash conversion of 103% over the last 12 months. Adjusted Net Debt at 31 March 2026 stood at €741m.

Outlook

The Group started FY26 with strong performance. Since late February, trading conditions have been adversely impacted by the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East and broader geopolitical uncertainty.

The Group has revised its FY26 guidance. Updated outlook reflects a -4ppt effect of the Middle East conflict on TTV growth. Assumes four months of disruption with gradual stabilisation.

For the complete press release and disclaimer applicable to this information, please visit www.investors.hbxgroup.com

1 See financial statements for definitions of specific financial terms and KPIs, including any Alternative Performance Measures (APMs)
2 Constant currency changes exclude the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations by translating current year results at the exchange rates used in the prior year.

Contact: 
Clara Truyols
clatruyols@hbxgroup.com 

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SOURCE HBX Group

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