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Travelzoo Reports Fourth Quarter 2024 Results

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NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO):

Revenue of $20.7 million, down 2% year-over-yearConsolidated operating profit of $4.9 million, up 8% year-over-yearNon-GAAP consolidated operating profit of $5.3 millionCash flow from operations of $7.7 millionEarnings per share (EPS) of $0.26

Travelzoo, the club for travel enthusiasts, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024. Consolidated revenue was $20.7 million, down 2% year-over-year. In constant currencies, revenue was $20.6 million. Travelzoo’s reported revenue consists of advertising revenues and commissions, derived from and generated in connection with purchases made by Travelzoo members, and membership fees.

Net income attributable to Travelzoo was $3.2 million for Q4 2024, or $0.26 per share, compared with $0.27 in the prior-year period. Net income attributable to Travelzoo from continuing operations was $3.2 million for Q4 2024, or $0.26 per share, compared with $0.24 in the prior-year period.

Non-GAAP operating profit was $5.3 million. Non-GAAP operating profit excludes amortization of intangibles ($93,000), stock option expenses ($0.4 million). Please refer to “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and the tabular reconciliation below.

“We will continue to leverage Travelzoo’s global reach, trusted brand, and strong relationships with top travel suppliers to negotiate more Club Offers for Club Members,” said Holger Bartel, Travelzoo’s Global CEO. “Travelzoo members are affluent, active, and open to new experiences. We inspire travel enthusiasts to travel to places they never imagined they could. Travelzoo is the must-have membership for those who love to travel as much as we do.”

Cash Position
As of December 31, 2024, consolidated cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash were $17.7 million. Net cash provided by operations was $7.7 million.

Travelzoo North America
North America business segment revenue increased 1% year-over-year to $13.9 million. Operating profit for Q4 2024 was $4.6 million, or 33% of revenue, compared to operating profit of $4.0 million in the prior-year period.

Travelzoo Europe
Europe business segment revenue decreased 13% year-over-year to $5.4 million, caused primarily by fluctuations in Germany. In constant currencies, Europe business segment revenue was $5.3 million. Operating profit for Q4 2024 was $159,000, or 3% of revenue, compared to operating profit of $832,000 in the prior-year period.

Jack’s Flight Club
Jack’s Flight Club is a membership subscription service in which Travelzoo has a 60% ownership interest. As the number of premium subscribers continues to grow, revenue increased 19% year-over-year to $1.3 million. Jack’s Flight Club’s revenue from subscriptions is recognized ratably over the subscription period (quarterly, semi-annually, annually). Non-GAAP operating profit for Q4 2024 was $208,000. Non-GAAP operating profit excludes amortization of intangibles ($58,000) related to the acquisition of Travelzoo’s ownership interest in Jack’s Flight Club in 2020.

New Initiatives
New Initiatives business segment revenue, which includes Licensing and Travelzoo META, was $19,000. Operating loss for Q4 2024 was $36,000.

In June 2020, Travelzoo entered into a royalty-bearing licensing agreement with a local licensee in Japan for the exclusive use of Travelzoo’s brand, business model, and members in Japan. In August of 2020, Travelzoo entered into a royalty-bearing licensing agreement with a local licensee in Australia for the exclusive use of Travelzoo’s brand, business models, and members in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. Under these arrangements, Travelzoo’s existing members in Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and Singapore will continue to be owned by Travelzoo as the licensor. Travelzoo recorded $7,000 in licensing revenue from the licensee in Japan in Q4 2024. Travelzoo recorded $12,000 in licensing revenue from the licensee in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore in Q4 2024. Licensing revenue is expected to increase in the future.

Reach
Travelzoo reaches 30 million travelers. This includes Jack’s Flight Club. Comparisons to prior periods are no longer meaningful due to strategic developments of the Travelzoo membership.

Discontinued Operations
In March 2020, Travelzoo decided to exit its Asia Pacific business and operate it as a licensing business going forward. Consequently, the Asia Pacific business has been classified as discontinued operations.

Income Taxes
A provision of $1.5 million for income taxes was recorded for Q4 2024, compared to an income tax expense of $1.6 million in the prior-year period. Travelzoo intends to utilize available net operating losses (NOLs) to largely offset its actual tax liability for 2024.

Share Repurchase Program
During Q4 2024, the Company repurchased 135,792 shares of its outstanding common stock.

Looking Ahead
For Q1 2025, we expect revenue to increase at a higher pace. The pro rata portion of membership fee revenue will already add 5% incremental growth this quarter. This percentage is expected to increase over subsequent quarters, as membership fee revenue is recognized ratably over the subscription period, we acquire new members, and more Legacy Members become Club Members. For the whole year, we expect substantially higher revenue growth. Over time, we expect profitability to further increase as recurring membership fee revenue will be recognized.

In 2024, we introduced a membership fee for Travelzoo. Legacy Members, who joined before 2024, were exempt from the fee during 2024. Legacy Members represent more than 95% of Travelzoo’s reach. In 2025, Legacy Members continue to receive certain travel offers. But Club Offers and new benefits are only available to Club Members. We generally see Legacy Members being excited to become Club Members.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Management calculates non-GAAP operating income when evaluating the financial performance of the business. Travelzoo’s calculation of non-GAAP operating income, also called “non-GAAP operating profit” in this press release and today’s earnings conference call, excludes the following items: amortization of intangibles, stock option expenses and severance-related expenses. This press release includes a table which reconciles GAAP operating income to the calculation of non-GAAP operating income. Non-GAAP operating income is not required by, or presented in accordance with, generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). This information should be considered as supplemental in nature and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures may not be the same as similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Conference Call
Travelzoo will host a conference call to discuss fourth quarter 2024 results today at 11:00 a.m. ET. Please visit http://ir.travelzoo.com/events-presentations to

download the management presentation (PDF format) to be discussed in the conference callaccess the webcast

About Travelzoo
We, Travelzoo®, are the club for travel enthusiasts. We reach 30 million travelers. Club Members receive Club Offers personally reviewed by our deal experts around the globe. We have our finger on the pulse of outstanding travel, entertainment, and lifestyle experiences. We work in partnership with thousands of top travel suppliers—our long-standing relationships give us access to irresistible deals.

Certain statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about our plans, objectives, expectations, prospects and intentions, markets in which we participate and other statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts. When used in this press release, the words “expect”, “predict”, “project”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “intend”, “plan”, “seek” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including changes in our plans, objectives, expectations, prospects and intentions and other factors discussed in our filings with the SEC. We cannot guarantee any future levels of activity, performance or achievements. Travelzoo undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.

Travelzoo

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Three months ended

Twelve months ended

December 31,

December 31,

2024

2023

2024

2023

Revenues

$         20,678

$         21,149

$    83,902

$    84,477

Cost of revenues

2,761

2,698

10,469

10,934

Gross profit

17,917

18,451

73,433

73,543

Operating expenses:

Sales and marketing

8,256

8,496

34,466

37,774

Product development

644

580

2,407

2,113

General and administrative

4,183

4,896

18,058

18,084

Total operating expenses

13,083

13,972

54,931

57,971

Operating income

4,834

4,479

18,502

15,572

Other income (expense), net

(86)

398

588

1,541

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

4,748

4,877

19,090

17,113

Income tax expense

1,484

1,618

5,404

5,105

Income from continuing operations

3,264

3,259

13,686

12,008

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

465

460

Net income

3,264

3,724

13,686

12,468

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest

64

5

118

102

Net income attributable to Travelzoo

$           3,200

$           3,719

$    13,568

$    12,366

Net income attributable to Travelzoo—continuing operations

$           3,200

$           3,254

$    13,568

$    11,906

Net income attributable to Travelzoo—discontinued operations

$                —

$              465

$            —

$         460

Income per share—basic

Continuing operations

$             0.27

$             0.24

$        1.08

$        0.80

Discontinued operations

$                —

$             0.03

$            —

$        0.03

Net income per share—basic

$             0.27

$             0.27

$        1.08

$        0.83

Income per share—diluted

Continuing operations

$             0.26

$             0.24

$        1.06

$        0.80

Discontinued operations

$                —

$             0.03

$            —

$        0.03

Net income per share—diluted

$             0.26

$             0.27

$        1.06

$        0.83

Shares used in per share calculation from continuing operations—basic

11,831

13,873

12,594

14,897

Shares used in per share calculation from discontinued operations—basic

11,831

13,873

12,594

14,897

Shares used in per share calculation from continuing operations—diluted

12,358

13,946

12,852

14,964

Shares used in per share calculation from discontinued operations—diluted

12,358

13,946

12,852

14,964

 

Travelzoo

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

December 31,
2024

December 31,
2023

Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$             17,064

$            15,713

Accounts receivable, net

12,825

12,965

Prepaid income taxes

736

629

Prepaid expenses and other

1,148

1,461

Total current assets

31,773

30,768

Deposits and other

374

1,115

Deferred tax assets

3,380

3,196

Restricted cash

675

675

Operating lease right-of-use assets

5,655

6,015

Property and equipment, net

423

578

Intangible assets, net

1,498

2,091

Goodwill

10,944

10,944

Total assets

$             54,722

$            55,382

Liabilities and Equity

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

$               6,134

$              4,546

Merchant payables

16,294

20,622

Accrued expenses and other

3,404

3,658

Deferred revenue

6,545

2,044

Income tax payable

1,619

766

Operating lease liabilities

2,472

2,530

Liabilities from discontinued operations

28

24

Total current liabilities

36,496

34,190

Long-term tax liabilities

7,851

4,681

Long-term operating lease liabilities

5,646

6,717

Other long-term liabilities

376

911

Total liabilities

50,369

46,499

Common stock

118

136

Tax indemnification

(9,537)

(9,537)

Note receivable from shareholder

(1,753)

Additional paid-in capital

439

Retained earnings

14,284

19,508

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(5,327)

(4,607)

Total Travelzoo stockholders’ equity (deficit)

(462)

4,186

Non-controlling interest

4,815

4,697

Total stockholder’s equity

4,353

8,883

Total liabilities and equity

$             54,722

$            55,382

 

Travelzoo

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

Three months ended

Twelve months ended

December 31,

December 31,

2024

2023

2024

2023

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income

$            3,264

$            3,724

$   13,686

$   12,468

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

170

476

907

1,893

Stock-based compensation

405

381

1,645

1,568

Deferred income tax

(476)

159

(515)

48

Loss on long-lived assets

10

Net foreign currency effects

132

(115)

(33)

(62)

Provision of loss (net recoveries) on accounts receivable and refund reserves

(81)

(72)

40

(1,016)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable

113

(2,231)

(145)

1,086

Prepaid income taxes

354

61

(107)

1,189

Prepaid expenses, deposits and other

319

1,603

950

3,835

Accounts payable

1,286

1,181

1,716

(523)

Merchant payables

(709)

(3,338)

(4,057)

(12,095)

Accrued expenses and other

(661)

(665)

(289)

(685)

Deferred revenue

2,767

(785)

4,557

(191)

Income tax payable

264

456

857

749

Other liabilities

507

547

1,888

2,401

Net cash provided by operating activities

7,654

1,382

21,100

10,675

Cash flows from investing activities:

Proceeds from note receivable

103

216

Purchases of property and equipment

(48)

(38)

(177)

(255)

Net cash used in investing activities

(48)

65

(177)

(39)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Repurchase of common stock

(2,324)

(5,015)

(18,929)

(16,781)

Proceeds from note receivable and account receivable from shareholder

1,920

3,000

1,753

3,000

Exercise of stock options and taxes paid for net share settlement of equity awards

(1,195)

(70)

(1,787)

(369)

Net cash used in financing activities

(1,599)

(2,085)

(18,963)

(14,150)

Effect of exchange rate on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

(390)

445

(605)

525

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

5,617

(193)

1,355

(2,989)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

12,106

16,582

16,389

19,378

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

$          17,723

$          16,389

$   17,744

$   16,389

 

Travelzoo

Segment Information from Continuing Operations

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

Three months ended December 31, 2024

Travelzoo North

America

Travelzoo Europe

Jack’s Flight Club

New Initiatives

Consolidated

Revenues from unaffiliated customers

$       13,834

$         5,508

$         1,317

$              19

$          20,678

Intersegment revenues

74

(68)

(6)

Total net revenues

13,908

5,440

1,311

19

20,678

Sales and marketing expenses

4,641

3,110

505

8,256

Other expenses

4,689

2,171

656

55

7,571

Operating profit (loss)

$         4,578

$            159

$            150

$            (36)

4,851

Other loss, net

(86)

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

$            4,765

Three months ended December 31, 2023

Travelzoo North

America

Travelzoo Europe

Jack’s Flight Club

New Initiatives

Consolidated

Revenues from unaffiliated customers

$       13,534

$         6,354

$         1,106

$            155

$          21,149

Intersegment revenues

247

(90)

(157)

Total net revenues

13,781

6,264

949

155

21,149

Sales and marketing expenses

4,899

3,111

423

63

8,496

Other expenses

4,912

2,321

745

196

8,174

Operating profit (loss)

$         3,970

$            832

$          (219)

$          (104)

4,479

Other income, net

398

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

$            4,877

Twelve months ended December 31, 2024

Travelzoo North

America

Travelzoo Europe

Jack’s Flight Club

New Initiatives

Consolidated

Revenues from unaffiliated customers

$       54,968

$       24,113

$         4,714

$            107

$          83,902

Intersegment revenues

124

(42)

(82)

Total net revenues

55,092

24,071

4,632

107

83,902

Sales and marketing expenses

19,748

12,539

1,898

280

34,465

Other expenses

19,461

8,451

2,690

337

30,939

Operating profit (loss)

$       15,883

$         3,081

$              44

$          (510)

18,498

Other income, net

588

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

$          19,086

Twelve months ended December 31, 2023

Travelzoo North

America

Travelzoo Europe

Jack’s Flight Club

New Initiatives

Consolidated

Revenues from unaffiliated customers

$       54,837

$       25,291

$         4,145

$            204

$          84,477

Intersegment revenues

1,243

(1,270)

27

Total net revenues

56,080

24,021

4,172

204

84,477

Sales and marketing expenses

22,029

13,636

1,788

321

37,774

Other expenses

18,797

9,068

2,407

859

31,131

Operating profit (loss)

$       15,254

$         1,317

$            (23)

$          (976)

15,572

Other income, net

1,541

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

$          17,113

 

Travelzoo

Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Information

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Three months ended

Twelve months ended

December 31,

December 31,

2024

2023

2024

2023

GAAP operating expense

$     13,083

$     13,972

$     54,931

$     57,971

Non-GAAP adjustments:

Amortization of intangibles (A)

93

389

593

1,560

Stock option expenses (B)

405

380

1,644

1,566

Severance-related expenses (C)

360

56

Non-GAAP operating expense

12,585

13,203

52,334

54,789

GAAP operating profit

4,834

4,479

18,502

15,572

Non-GAAP adjustments (A through C)

498

769

2,597

3,182

Non-GAAP operating profit

5,332

5,248

21,099

18,754

Investor Relations:
ir@travelzoo.com

 

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Intesa Communications Group Named ‘Customers First’ Winner in San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce 2026 Small Business Awards

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The award-winning, women-owned San Diego public relations and government affairs firm was recognized for exceptional client service that has fueled 14 years of growth

SAN DIEGO, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Intesa Communications Group, a leading San Diego public relations and government affairs firm, has been named the “Customers First” winner in the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Small Business Awards. Announced July 9 at the Chamber’s annual Small Business Awards event, the recognition honors the small business whose commitment to customer service most clearly sets it apart from the competition.

Founded in 2012, the certified women-owned San Diego firm has grown from a boutique agency into one of the region’s leading public relations and government affairs firms. Intesa has doubled its team over the past two years, sustained three consecutive years of double-digit revenue growth and expanded its client portfolio by 26% last year. Intesa provides public relations, strategic communications, and government affairs services for a wide range of organizations, including San Diego State University, SeaWorld San Diego, Expedia Group, H.G. Fenton Company, San Diego Foundation, San Diego Workforce Partnership, and SBCS.

“This award belongs to every member of our team and to the clients who trust us with their most valuable asset: their reputation,” said Margie Newman Tsay, founding partner of Intesa Communications Group. “Our clients stay with us for years because we show up prepared, fully invested and ready for the moments that matter most. Being recognized for putting customers first is the highest compliment our business community can pay us.”

Intesa’s client-first approach has produced measurable results across public relations and government affairs efforts throughout the region. For example, in its first month working with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, the firm helped reimagine the organization’s summer food drive messaging, generating more than 15 million impressions and helping deliver 489,026 pounds of food and $344,505 in donations — the equivalent of more than one million meals and a 175% increase from the previous year. Similarly, Logan Heights Community Development Corporation credits the firm with an 81:1 return on investment after Intesa parachuted in to help the nonprofit promote the California Mortgage Relief Program.

“Small businesses are the heart of our economy: fueling innovation, creating jobs and defining the character of communities across the San Diego region,” said Chris Cate, president and CEO of the Chamber. “We celebrate the resilience, ingenuity and community impact of our small business leaders. They are the very spirit behind our purpose to champion business and empower leaders.”

The Chamber award is as much a reflection of Intesa’s clients as it is the firm itself. The opportunity to partner with organizations doing meaningful work across the region is what makes recognition like this possible. True to form, the Intesa team plans to mark the win by thanking the clients behind the work.

“We call ourselves dot connectors, and this award is what that looks like in practice,” said Maddy Kilkenny, partner at Intesa Communications Group, who leads the firm’s government affairs practice. “Whether our team of 10 people is helping a client navigate a policy decision at City Hall or a story on the front page of the newspaper, we aim to leave them stronger and more confident than before. Hearing our clients say we deliver on that is the best win of all.”

According to the Chamber’s award requirements, businesses with 100 or fewer employees were eligible for nomination. They were voted on by a panel of chamber members, who reviewed the nominations and selected the winners of all four categories.

The recognition adds to more than 60 awards Intesa has earned for excellence in public relations, strategic communications, and public affairs, including honors from PR News, the Public Relations Society of America, PR Daily, the International Association of Business Communicators, the San Diego Business Journal (SDBJ), MARCOM, and the American Marketing Association, among others. It also comes on the heels of two Intesa team members, Emily Alvarenga and Margaret Lutz Chantung, recently receiving SDBJ’s “40 Under 40” and “Indispensable” awards, respectively.

For more information about Intesa Communications Group, visit www.intesacom.com.

About Intesa Communications Group
Intesa Communications Group is a certified women-owned San Diego public relations and government affairs firm that helps leaders communicate and advocate with confidence. Since 2012, Intesa has partnered with the region’s trusted leaders and organizations, providing strategic communications and public affairs counsel on high-stakes issues at the intersection of reputation, policy and public perception. The firm’s work has earned more than 60 industry awards across 53 recognized client campaigns, including the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce “Customers First” 2026 award. Learn more at www.intesacom.com.

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SOURCE Intesa Communications Group

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The Inner Circle acknowledges Shankari Thiagarajan as Pinnacle Professional of The Year

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HOUSTON, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Shankari Thiagarajan is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional of The Year for her contributions to Information Technology and Agile Delivery.     

Shankari Thiagarajan has established a distinguished career in information technology project and program management, recognized for her expertise in agile delivery, digital transformation, and cross functional leadership across multiple industries. Currently serving as project manager and scrum master at Astellas Pharma Inc., she oversees agile delivery initiatives supporting global life science programs.

With more than 15 years of experience spanning technology and pharmaceutical sectors, Ms. Thiagarajan has developed a reputation for leading complex implementations and driving operational efficiency. Her expertise includes agile methodologies, project and delivery management, product ownership, healthcare IT, telecom and network optimization, financial services modernization, retail technology upgrades, and GIS and digital mapping solutions.

Ms. Thiagarajan earned a Master of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership from Campbellsville University, a Master of Science in Information Systems from Virginia Tech, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University College of Engineering Hyderabad.

Throughout her career, she has contributed to major organizations across a wide range of industries. Her accomplishments include leading agile transformations at Cigna, overseeing retail technology upgrades at Walmart, managing large scale telecom transformation initiatives at T Mobile and Verizon, and modernizing financial platforms at Security Finance. She also contributed to the early development of Google Maps during her tenure at Google India, advancing to team lead within a year.

In addition to her corporate achievements, Ms. Thiagarajan is the creator of the YouTube channel My Experiments with Life – #Positivity #Learning, launched in 2023. Through this platform, she shares motivational content and insights focused on personal growth, technology, spirituality, and lifelong learning.

Her professional accomplishments have been recognized through honors including Marquis Who’s Who 2026, a featured podcast interview with Jim Masters on Close Up TV hosted across Apple Radio, Spotify, and iHeart., recognition in The National Law Review & EIN Presswire, and a certificate of appreciation from Virginia Tech for academic excellence and community involvement.

Outside of her professional work, Ms. Thiagarajan enjoys creating motivational YouTube content, exploring technology and spirituality, listening to contemporary music, and pursuing philanthropic and educational interests. She credits her strong work ethic and determination to the example set by her parents.

Looking ahead, she plans to continue advancing her leadership capabilities and pursue executive level opportunities that allow her to make significant contributions within the information technology sector.

Guided by a philosophy rooted in courage, persistence, and continuous learning, Ms. Thiagarajan remains committed to professional growth while inspiring others to pursue excellence and self-improvement.

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

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SOURCE The Inner Circle

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University of Phoenix Leaders Present at Building Blackboard Together 2026

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Presentations explored learning technology, accessibility and online pedagogy as higher education adapts to an AI-enabled future

PHOENIX, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — University of Phoenix leaders shared insights on artificial intelligence, accessibility, online learning and student support at Building Blackboard Together 2026, Blackboard’s flagship user conference, held July 13-15 in Dallas, Texas. The conference brought together educators, institutional leaders and industry experts to explore innovations, technologies and emerging practices shaping the future of teaching and learning.

Representing University of Phoenix were Marc Booker, Ph.D., vice provost of strategy; Kelly Hermann, vice president of Accessibility and Student Affairs; and Erin Amsden, group product manager. Through presentations and panel discussions, the leaders shared perspectives on responsible AI adoption, accessibility leadership, student engagement and the evolving role of learning technologies in supporting institutional goals and student success.

“Building Blackboard Together provides an opportunity to engage with peers across higher education who are navigating many of the same opportunities and challenges around technology, accessibility and learning mobility,” said Dr. Booker. “These conversations help advance practical approaches for supporting learners while thoughtfully integrating innovation into the educational experience.”

During the conference, University of Phoenix was also recognized with the 2026 Blackboard Catalyst Award for Ethical AI Leadership, which honors institutions advancing responsible, transparent and inclusive approaches to artificial intelligence that promote trust and equitable outcomes for learners and educators. The recognition follows the University’s ongoing efforts to support AI literacy, responsible use and AI-enabled learning experiences.

Exploring the Expanding Role of the Learning Management System

As part of the Strategic Leadership Summit, Booker served as a panelist for “The LMS as Mission-Critical: Connecting Learning, Experience & Evidence.” The session examined how learning management systems are evolving beyond course management to support learning, engagement and institutional insight across the student lifecycle.

Panelists discussed how institutions are leveraging learning technologies alongside student information systems to support teaching and learning, advising, co-curricular engagement and data-informed decision-making while addressing increasing expectations surrounding artificial intelligence, student success and accountability.

Sharing Lessons from AI-Powered Student Support

Booker also presented “Scaling AI-Powered Support Across the Student Experience at University of Phoenix,” a session focused on the University’s process for expanding its AI support assistant across the online classroom environment, moving from proof of concept to full-scale deployment over a six-month period.

In addition, Booker participated in “Online Pedagogy to Drive Institutional Growth: Best Practices and Success Stories,” a panel discussion exploring how institutions are designing engaging online learning experiences and leveraging Blackboard technologies to support quality course delivery and student engagement.

Advancing Accessibility Leadership

Hermann joined the session “Communicating Up: Turning Accessibility Work into Leadership-Ready Stories.” The presentation focused on strategies for translating accessibility initiatives into narratives, evidence and visualizations that resonate with institutional leaders.

The discussion explored ways to connect accessibility efforts to broader institutional priorities, demonstrate impact through data and support informed decision-making that advances accessibility and learner success.

Examining Emerging Challenges in Artificial Intelligence

Amsden served as a panelist for “Agentic AI in Pedagogy: Threats and Opportunities.” The session addressed the growing influence of agentic AI and its implications for academic integrity, assessment design and learner engagement.

Panelists explored how technology, pedagogy and security practices can work together to promote authentic student work while helping institutions balance innovation with responsible AI implementation.

Contributing to the Future of Teaching and Learning

Amsden, Booker and Hermann are key members of University of Phoenix’s dynamic leadership team, frequently invited to share their expertise at prestigious national conferences and events. In 2026, University leaders will participate in the ASU + GSV Summit, 1EdTech Learning Impact Conference, SXSW EDU Conference, and PESC Data Summit. These engagements underscore the University’s commitment to innovation and thought leadership in higher education, providing valuable insights and fostering collaborations that drive the future of learning.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is Built for Real Life. 50 Years Strong. The University innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world through flexible online learning, relevant courses, academic AI pillars, and skills-mapped curriculum for associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Active students and alumni have access to Career Services for Life® resources including career guidance and tools. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

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SOURCE University of Phoenix

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