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India’s International AVGC XR festival gets bigger with AVAF joining hands with SAIK and Toonz Media Group

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AniMela, an initiative of the Aniverse & Visual Arts Foundation (AVAF), partners with Animation Masters Summit to bring the industry’s top talent to Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, India, Nov. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In an exciting development for India’s thriving animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and XR (Extended Reality) industries, the Society of AVGC-XR institutions in Kerala (SAIK) has collaborated with AniMela and Animation Masters Summit (AMS) to host the International AVGC XR Festival in Kerala. Scheduled for March 6–9, 2025, the AniMela-AMS Festival 2025 will merge the highlights of these two renowned events, offering a unique and unparalleled experience for professionals and enthusiasts in the sector.

The International AVGC XR Festival will take place in Thiruvananthapuram and feature a strategic partnership with the Annecy International Film Festival, France, one of the world’s leading animation festivals. This collaboration will bring some of the biggest names in animation, VFX, and immersive media to Kerala, offering a unique opportunity for international talent to engage with India’s vibrant animation community.

AniMela, which has been conducted annually by Aniverse and Visual Arts Foundation (AVAF), has become a significant event for the Indian animation and gaming community, since its launch 2 years back. Animation Masters Summit (AMS), which has been held every year since 1999 by Toonz Media Group, is one of the most prestigious platforms for animation professionals, attracting top talent from across the globe. This collaboration will create a comprehensive festival experience that will offer global insights, innovation, and collaboration opportunities for India’s burgeoning creative sector.

P Jayakumar, CEO Toonz Media Group and President of SAIK, said, “This collaboration with AniMela, Animation Masters Summit, and Annecy represents a momentous step forward for the AVGC and XR sectors in India. By joining forces, we aim to create an event that not only highlights the latest developments in animation and immersive media but also provides a unique space for professionals and students to engage with world-class content and technologies. The involvement of Annecy further strengthens the festival’s position as a global platform for creativity and collaboration.”

Mickael Marin, Festival Director, Annecy Festival, shared his enthusiasm, “Annecy is proud to support the second edition of this ambitious festival, marking a new chapter with its move to Thiruvananthapuram. This partnership reflects our commitment to connecting the global animation community with the talents and the animation film industry in India. We warmly thank the AniMela team and all the partners who have made this project possible.” 

The Society of AVGC Institutes in Kerala (SAIK) is actively involved in organizing the festival, ensuring the presence of key policymakers and industry leaders. The three-day festival is expected to draw around 8,000 attendees, offering a comprehensive program that includes knowledge centers, experiential zones, film screenings, and extensive professional networking opportunities. The event will provide valuable exposure to international content, while offering students and animators the chance to explore emerging technologies and trends.

India’s AVGC-XR never stops surprising us with its incredible wave of young talent. It is a great honour to team up with the Animation Master Summit and SAIK to offer them opportunities like the International MIFA Campus and the global stage they deserve. We are thrilled to be in Kerala, the land of art and inspiration, where we aim to make AniMela-AMS a true destination festival that celebrates the future of our industry,” said Anne Doshi, Artistic Director, AniMela.

The AniMela AMS Festival 2025 promises to be a landmark event that will set the stage for the future of the AVGC and XR industries in India, as well as strengthen Kerala’s position as a hub for creative innovation.

About Toonz Media Group

Toonz is a 360-degree media powerhouse, with over two decades of unparalleled experience and one of the world’s most active animation production studios (over 10,000 minutes of 2D and CGI kids and family content per year). Toonz has to its credit several animations and live-action series, as well as feature films, including Wolverine and the X-Men with Marvel, Speed Racer: The Next Generation with Lionsgate, Mostly Ghostly with Universal, Gummy Bear and Friends, and more. Toonz has also ventured into emerging technologies like AR, VR, and Gaming.
https://toonz.co/

About AVAF

The Aniverse and Visual Arts Foundation (AVAF) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering creativity, innovation, and cultural dialogue within the global Animation, Visual Graphics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) industries. AVAF serves as a catalyst for India’s creative renaissance by creating platforms for emerging talent, offering mentorship, and facilitating collaborations with industry stakeholders, such as producers, financiers, broadcasters, and gaming companies. Through transformative events like AniMela, AVAF aims to position India as a world leader in AVGC-XR, showcasing the country’s artistic excellence and establishing it as a hub for cutting-edge content creation and global talent exchange.

About SAIK

Society of AVGC-XR Institutions in Kerala (SAIK) is a pioneering organisation committed to the advancement and development of the animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality (AVGC-XR) sectors in Kerala, India. Established under the Travancore-Cochin Literary, Scientific, and Charitable Societies Act of 1955 as a Not-for-Profit Organisation, SAIK is a business collective of small, medium, and big sized studios engaged in AVGC-XR across Kerala.

The objective of the SAIK is to be a one-stop-shop for all information and needs related to AVGC-XR sector of Kerala State, and to make Kerala an AVGC-XR powerhouse in India and to promote Kerala as an important hub-destination on the global map.

 

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CAS Holdings Appoints Patrick McDermott as Chief Executive Officer

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Leadership Transition Positions CAS Holdings for Continued Growth and Customer-Focused Innovation

FRANKLIN, Mass., April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CAS Holdings, a leader in industrial automation distribution, engineering, and integration, is pleased to announce that Patrick McDermott has been named Chief Executive Officer.

McDermott previously served as President and Chief Revenue Officer, where he played a key role in driving growth across the organization, strengthening customer relationships, and leading teams with a clear focus on execution and results.

In his new role as CEO, McDermott will lead CAS Holdings into its next phase of growth, building on the company’s strong foundation and continued commitment to delivering value to customers, partners, and employees.

“I’m honored to step into the role of CEO at CAS Holdings,” said McDermott. “Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside an incredible team, support our customers, and help drive the growth of our organization. I’m excited to build on that momentum as we move into our next chapter.”

CAS Holdings, through its divisions including iAutomation and RND Automation, delivers a full spectrum of industrial automation solutions – from product distribution and technical support to custom machine building and system integration. Serving OEM machine builders and end-users, the company brings deep expertise in motion control, robotics, and vision, along with value-added capabilities such as kitting, sub-assembly, panel building, and turnkey automation systems, acting as an extension of its customers’ engineering and production teams.

McDermott’s leadership will focus on advancing CAS Holdings’ strategic initiatives, strengthening its market position, and continuing to deliver innovative automation solutions that support customers across a wide range of industries.

“We have a strong foundation, a talented team, and a clear direction. I’m looking forward to what we’ll accomplish together,” McDermott said. “Our focus remains on supporting our customers with responsive, local expertise, strong supplier partnerships, and the engineering and production capabilities they rely on to keep their operations running and growing.”

About Complete Automation Solutions Holdings

Complete Automation Solutions Holdings (CAS Holdings) is dedicated to empowering industrial automation companies, including those in the packaging industry, to achieve optimal efficiency and success. With a diverse portfolio encompassing industrial distribution, panel building and assembly, system integration, and robotics, CAS Holdings provides comprehensive packaging machines and solutions tailored to meet industry needs. The company prioritizes strong partnerships, expert engineering, and innovative solutions, ensuring sustainable practices and continuous improvement. CAS Holdings envisions a future where its transformative automation solutions redefine industry standards and drive growth. Committed to transparency and collaboration, CAS Holdings aims to be the most trusted partner in the automation sector.

Press Contact:

Erika Jacques
508-838-8012
http://www.iautomation.com/

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SOURCE CAS Holdings, Inc.

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Vipboss Marks Earth Day with Renewed Commitment to Green Energy Solutions

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NEW YORK, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As Earth Day draws global attention to environmental responsibility, Vipboss, a specialist manufacturer and developer of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs for energy storage and mobility applications, is underscoring its long‑term commitment to sustainable energy practices through its Environmental Advocacy. This advocacy is devoid of ornate language; its inspiration stems from the brand’s unwavering conviction in LiFePO4 batteries as a green energy solution. To align this message with practical action, the brand is also running a themed sales campaign on its official website during April 18th to 30th. It highlights how practical product solutions, rather than abstract concepts, can support cleaner energy use in everyday life.

Across the world, energy consumption patterns are undergoing rapid change. Households, outdoor users, and light‑mobility sectors are increasingly seeking energy systems that are safe, sustainable, and low‑emission. Within this shift, LiFePO4 batteries have emerged as a preferred technology for clean‑energy applications. Their long service life, high safety profile, and absence of cobalt, which is an element associated with higher environmental and ethical risks, position them as a responsible choice in the global transition toward greener power.

LiFePO4 technology forms the foundation of Vipboss’s approach to sustainable energy. Its extended cycle life reduces the frequency of battery replacement, lowering resource consumption and easing the environmental burden associated with disposal. The material’s inherent stability also minimizes the risk of thermal runaway, offering a safer experience in homes, recreational vehicles, and public environments. In practical use cases such as home backup systems, RV travel, and golf‑course operations, LiFePO4 batteries deliver efficient storage and stable output, helping reduce reliance on fossil‑fuel‑based energy sources and supporting lower‑carbon lifestyles.

Vipboss’s environmental advocacy extends beyond the technical advantages of its products. The brand promotes responsible energy use as an integral part of sustainable living, emphasizing that product design and informed application must work together to achieve meaningful environmental outcomes. As a provider of energy solutions for home, travel, and leisure scenarios, Vipboss continues to participate in the long‑term process of green transformation through ongoing technological refinement and product evolution.

Earth Day serves as a reminder that lasting environmental impact is built through small, consistent actions. Looking ahead, Vipboss will continue advancing safer, more durable, and more efficient energy products that support individuals and families in adopting more sustainable energy habits. Through these efforts, the brand aims to contribute enduring value to the wider adoption of clean energy and the collective pursuit of a more sustainable future.

About Vipboss

Vipboss is a specialist in the lithium battery industry, focusing on the research, production, and manufacturing of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs. The company is committed to advancing battery technology with an emphasis on reliable performance, safety, and extended service life. Its mission is to deliver safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible energy solutions that contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

For more information, please visit: https://vipbosspower.com/.

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SOURCE Vipboss

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Pastor Dino Rizzo Marks 100 Days to Serve Day Ahead of Global Outreach Initiative

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Pastor Dino Rizzo highlighted the milestone of 100 days until Serve Day 2026, as thousands of churches prepare to serve their communities through coordinated acts of kindness on July 11.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pastor Dino Rizzo joined church leaders and teams on April 2 to mark 100 days until Serve Day 2026, a global outreach initiative set for July 11. The milestone brings together more than 2,900 churches preparing to serve their local communities through practical acts of kindness and outreach.

Serve Day, led by many churches within the Association of Related Churches, provides a coordinated opportunity for churches worldwide to engage their cities and demonstrate their faith through service. Pastor Dino Rizzo, who serves as Executive Director of ARC, emphasized the significance of the initiative as both a single-day event and a broader movement.

“Serve Day provides churches across the world with opportunities to serve their local communities and share the love of God through practical acts of kindness,” Rizzo said. “Our hope is that serving others becomes our focus throughout the year.”

The April 2 milestone reflects growing participation and anticipation among churches globally. Leaders are currently equipping teams, organizing projects, and connecting with local communities in preparation for July. Churches that join the initiative gain access to resources, including the Serve Day playbook, monthly leadership calls, and a private online community designed to support collaboration and planning.

Pastor Dino Rizzo has long championed the role of service within the church through the Servolution movement. Introduced through his 2009 book Servolution: Starting a Church Revolution Through Serving, the concept calls churches to embed serving into their culture rather than limit it to occasional events. The message has since influenced hundreds of churches across multiple countries, including the United States, Peru, New Zealand, and Poland.

“Serving is not just about an event. It is about building a culture where meeting needs and reaching people becomes part of who we are,” Rizzo has shared in previous teachings, reinforcing the long-term vision behind initiatives like Serve Day.

In addition to leading Serve Day, Pastor Dino Rizzo continues his work with ARC, which has planted over 1200 churches and continues to train and equip new church leaders. His involvement in conferences, leadership development, and global outreach initiatives reflects a consistent focus on sustainable church growth and community impact.

Churches interested in participating in Serve Day 2026 can learn more through ARC’s official website and access resources designed to support local outreach efforts.

About Pastor Dino Rizzo

Pastor Dino Rizzo is a pastor, author, and church leader known for his emphasis on service, leadership, and healthy church culture. He serves as Executive Director of the Association of Related Churches, an organization that has helped launch hundreds of churches worldwide. Rizzo is also the author of Servolution, a book that has inspired a global movement centered on serving others as a core expression of faith.

Media Contact
Organization: Mercury News Media
Email: info@mercurynewsmedia.com
Phone: 303 800 6186
Website:
https://www.mercurynewsmedia.com/
Contact Name: Jessica Brown

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SOURCE Dino Rizzo

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