Technology

FASTSIGNS 2025 International Convention: A Landmark of Growth

Published

2 years ago

February 21, 2025

Expert Keynotes and Networking Propel Franchise Success

CARROLLTON, Texas, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — FASTSIGNS®, the leader in the custom signs and visual solutions industry, recently held its 2025 FASTSIGNS International Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. Themed “Be All In,” the multiple-day event celebrated franchisee achievements and the continued growth of the franchise network in sales, profitability and number of locations.

The 2025 convention experienced great attendance, with over 1,000 participants from the worldwide network, including 166 first-time attendees, with a well-attended Vendor Show featuring 156 total vendors.

“Overall, 2024 marked a year of incredible growth for the FASTSIGNS brand. The number of FASTSIGNS centers grew to a record 789 locations in eight countries, and FASTSIGNS has experienced four years of consecutive revenue growth in the U.S., Canada and the UK amid a challenging economic backdrop,” said Andrea Hohermuth, president of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “Our yearly convention honors the outstanding accomplishments of our franchise network while invigorating franchisees through exceptional educational sessions and networking events, acting as a driving force to unlock their potential.”

From the mainstage, Hohermuth emphasized driving success with passion, purpose and perseverance. Keynote speakers included Jay Baer, Best-Selling Author, Customer Experience Expert and Sales Growth Catalyst; Don Yaeger, Award-Winning Speaker and 12-Time New York Times Bestselling Author; and Damon Dunn, Founder and CEO of Lagunita Franchise Operations, a Dunkin Brand Operator. In addition, attendees also had multiple opportunities to gain insight and inspiration from panels of franchisees. Seven different vendor show training sessions were led by ASI, 3M, Mactac, Spike by ikeGPS, Gemini, Arlon and Skidattl.

Highlights from this year’s convention include:

The FASTSIGNS Award recognizes a franchisee who best represents the culture and values of FASTSIGNS, both in the business community and within the FASTSIGNS network. Jolie and Jordan Cypert, multi-unit franchisees of FASTSIGNS of Leander – Cedar Park, Texas; FASTSIGNS of Austin, Texas – Anderson Mill; FASTSIGNS of Austin, Texas – Burnet Rd; and FASTSIGNS of Georgetown, Texas, were honored with this award for excellence in solving visual and marketing communications challenges. They were recognized for helping customers and employees achieve their objectives and reach their full potential, and defining generosity and cooperation by working with other franchisees to increase the strength, size and integrity of the network. They do all they can to build the value of the FASTSIGNS brand and network.WhatTheyThink, the global printing industry’s go-to information source with both print and digital offerings, recognized Todd Taylor, FASTSIGNS of Missoula, Montana, for their team’s work with University of Montana. First Runner Up included Garret and Kim Gifford, FASTSIGNS of Arvada, Colorado, for their team’s work with Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School, and Second Runner Up included Jeff and Kim Chudoff, FASTSIGNS of Maple Shade, New Jersey, for their team’s work with Kool Koala Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry.Grimco was presented with the FASTSIGNS Vendor of the Year Award for the United States, and Spicers was presented with the FASTSIGNS Vendor of the Year Award for Canada.Franchisees and their center teams were recognized for outstanding sign and graphic projects in the 2024 FASTSIGNS Customer Solutions Awards, which included grand prize winner Todd Taylor, FASTSIGNS of Missoula, Montana, for work with University of Montana. Second place winner included Mark and Shawn Glenn, FASTSIGNS of Carrollton, Texas, for work with Fort Worth Christian School, and the third place award was a tie between Jon Blum, FASTSIGNS of Cincinnati, Ohio – Mason, for work with Rivers Crossing Church and Dan and Naomi Stutzman, FASTSIGNS of Erie, Pennsylvania, for work with Erie County Community College.

FASTSIGNS capped the convention by hosting Breakfast with a Purpose, a community giveback project. This year, FASTSIGNS attendees worked with the nonprofit Las Vegas Rescue Mission to prepare 250 hygiene care packages for individuals and families in the Las Vegas area. Vendor giveback partners included ApplePie Capital, Global Imaging, Howmac, Impact LED, PageDNA, SignAgent, Vanladder, Mimaki, The Wood Veneer Hub, Epson, Grimco, MMP, Ornamental Post and Panel, Howard Industries, Showdown Displays, Retreva and Konica Minolta.

About FASTSIGNS®:

FASTSIGNS® is the leader in the custom signs and visual solutions industry. With nearly 40 years of experience, FASTSIGNS helps customers bring their vision to life and achieve more than they ever thought possible. As the largest service-oriented business within the Propelled Brands® family, FASTSIGNS spans over 785 independently owned and operated centers across the United States, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, Grand Cayman, Malta, the Dominican Republic and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE®).

FASTSIGNS is frequently recognized for franchisee satisfaction and with awards that include being ranked #1 in its category on Entrepreneur’s highly competitive Franchise 500® List in 2024 for the eighth consecutive year, and being named a 2024 Best-in-Category Franchise by Franchise Business Review for the sixth consecutive year.

For more information or to learn about opportunities, visit fastsigns.com or contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com or call 214.346.5679).

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fastsigns-2025-international-convention-a-landmark-of-growth-302381918.html

SOURCE FASTSIGNS International, Inc.

Technology

America’s Largest Political Group Is Getting Its Own Election Night

Published

39 minutes ago

October 26, 2026

A record 45% of Americans identify with neither party. On November 3, they get the first nationally televised Election Night built around the independent voter bloc, presented by United Independents, the organization behind the Independent National Convention, in partnership with DeFiance Media.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Can the country’s largest bloc of voters turn identity into representation? Independents now make up 45% of U.S. adults, a record high in Gallup’s 2025 data, yet partisan coverage continues to dominate mainstream mediums. On November 3, one broadcast will cover the election from the Independent point of view.

Broadcast live from the National Press Club’s television studio in Washington, D.C. Election Night 2026: Independent Edition is an eight-hour program hosted by Christopher Life, founder and CEO of United Independents, and Macy Gunnell, NewsForce’s White House correspondent. DeFiance Media will be producing and streaming the broadcast.

Built on live election data from The Associated Press (AP), the program will call the national races as the returns come in. Then it goes where other broadcasts don’t: race-by-race coverage of independent candidates in consequential congressional contests, and guest conversations with the strategists and organizers behind them.

Built for the Voters Both Parties Are Chasing

Two generations of Americans have come of age as independent voters, and in 74 years of nationally televised Election Night broadcasts, not one has been built around them. This one is: national results and the balance of power, dedicated coverage of the independent candidates who could tip the next Congress, and a live chat with selected viewer questions put to the hosts and guests on air.

Open to Every Newsroom

Television pool feed. U.S. television outlets, including local stations, can carry the program live, in full or in part, separate from DeFiance Media’s full-program streaming.Social streaming. The broadcast streams through participating social media partners. Channels that want to carry it can sign up at Election2026.live.Live clips and excerpts. Newsrooms, commentators, and creators can pull portions of the program for reporting and social distribution while the broadcast is underway.

Request access through the Media & Distribution Access Form at Election2026.live.

Free and Accessible Nationwide

Going live Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026, from 6 PM- 2 AM ET. Updates, guest announcements, and viewing instructions: Election2026.live.

Media Contact

Shaun Saunders
shaun@graffiticreativegroup.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/americas-largest-political-group-is-getting-its-own-election-night-302919753.html

SOURCE DeFiance Media

Technology

Pianist Michael Weinstein Wins Best Social Media Music Collaborations at the 2026 Vega Awards

Published

39 minutes ago

October 26, 2026

With more than a million followers across social media, Weinstein’s piano collaborations bring together vocalists from around the world to create unique musical performances and reach new audiences.

SOUTH SALEM, N.Y., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Pianist, entrepreneur and social media creator Michael Weinstein has been recognized at the 2026 Vega Digital Awards in the Social Media Collaboration category for his music collaboration series, Piano Sessions: Bringing Voices Together Through Music.

“I love collaborating with talented singers including building friendships that have become just as meaningful as the music itself.”

Weinstein has built a social media audience of more than a million followers across TikTok, Instagram and other platforms by sharing piano performances and collaborations with singers from around the world. His videos feature vocalists performing alongside his piano accompaniment, creating intimate musical performances that showcase each artist’s individual talent and style.

While Weinstein has spent much of his professional career building businesses and marketing consumer brands, music has always remained one of his greatest passions.

“Music has always been a huge part of my life and one of the things I enjoy most is collaborating with other musicians,” said Weinstein. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many incredibly talented singers and I love being able to play alongside them and create something special together. It’s also rewarding to introduce these artists to new audiences while building relationships and friendships that have become just as meaningful as the music itself.”

An accomplished pianist and keyboardist, Weinstein has collaborated with an impressive range of vocalists, including artists who have performed and recorded with Maroon 5, Sting, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Usher, Lauryn Hill and Jill Scott. He has also collaborated with standout performers from American Idol, America’s Got Talent and The Voice.

Weinstein is also planning a live concert in New York City in 2027, bringing together several of the talented vocalists featured on his social media channels for a special collaborative performance. Additional details will be announced in the coming months.

Outside of music, Weinstein is the Founder and CEO of JAM Direct, a marketing and advertising agency, and former Chief Marketing Officer of Allstar Products Group, where he was responsible for marketing some of the most successful products in “As Seen On TV” history, including the Snuggie, ShamWow and Shake Weight.

Watch Michael Weinstein’s performances here:

https://linktr.ee/mweinsteinmusic

About the Vega Digital Awards

The Vega Digital Awards is an international competition recognizing excellence in social media, digital marketing and brand strategy. Judged by the International Awards Associate (IAA), the competition honors work that demonstrates innovation, effectiveness and measurable impact across the global marketing landscape.

Media Contact

Michael Weinstein, JAM Direct, 1 9146610053, mw@jamdirect.com, https://michaelweinstein.me/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/pianist-michael-weinstein-wins-best-social-media-music-collaborations-at-the-2026-vega-awards-302919551.html

SOURCE JAM Direct

Technology

Landis+Gyr Secures Major Contract with Leading US Utility

Published

2 hours ago

October 26, 2026

CHAM, Switzerland and ALPHARETTA, Ga., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Landis+Gyr Group AG (SIX: LAND), a global energy technology leader driving intelligent innovation across the grid, today announced that it has secured a major contract with a leading US investor-owned electric utility. The agreement covers more than 3 million advanced metering endpoints.

Under the agreement, Landis+Gyr will provide Revelo meters and associated network and head-end system technologies, complemented by advanced security solutions, premium support, and software maintenance and services. The deployment is expected to advance the utility’s grid modernization objectives by enhancing security, grid visibility and operational performance.

“This important win reflects the strong momentum of our Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio and the trust customers place in Landis+Gyr to support large-scale grid modernization programs. By combining advanced metering, integrated technology, security and support capabilities, we look forward to helping this utility enhance grid visibility, reliability and operational performance,” said Peter Mainz, Chief Executive Officer of Landis+Gyr.

About Landis+Gyr

Landis+Gyr is a global energy technology leader, delivering intelligent solutions that connect devices, data, and decisions across the grid. Trusted by more than 2,000 utilities worldwide, we transform traditional devices into intelligent, networked sensors, giving utilities real-time grid visibility and system control. With these combined insights, electric, gas, and water companies can anticipate demand, optimize operations, and deliver energy that’s more reliable, resilient, accessible, safe, and sustainable for everyone. For more information, please visit our website www.landisgyr.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/landisgyr-secures-major-contract-with-leading-us-utility-302919687.html