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SIGGRAPH 2024 Cultivates the Minds of Tomorrow as the Educator’s Forum Welcomes a Global Community of Educators

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The Educator’s Forum aims to inspire those who teach, from K–12 through undergraduate and graduate programs, at the 51st annual conference

DENVER, July 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SIGGRAPH 2024 will bring educators from across the world and all teaching levels together to explore innovative ideas to foster the future of computer graphics and interactive techniques from Sunday, 28 July, to Thursday, 1 August 2024 at the 51st annual conference held at the Colorado Convention Center. The Educator’s Forum will allow those who teach, from K–12 through undergraduate and graduate programs, to engage with a diverse, welcoming, and dedicated global community of educators on a mission to cultivate the minds of tomorrow.

“The idea of the Educator’s Forum was to recognize that education was an important factor in the SIGGRAPH universe and needed to have its own track,” William Joel, SIGGRAPH 2024 Education Chair, said. “The Educator’s Forum started more than five years ago and continues to provide an important avenue where educators and businesses can present material that is specifically relevant to other educators.”

The goal of the Educator’s Forum is to allow teaching professionals to connect with a diverse, welcoming, and dedicated global community of educators to elevate their professional development and discover innovative approaches to education in order to teach for tomorrow. Educators across all levels will be enlightened by imaginative outcomes while engaging in the exchange of new ideas.

This year, the Educator’s Forum requested submissions that serve a unique way of teaching complicated subjects or prove groundbreaking curriculums. Those interested in submitting were requested to submit Engaging Education Techniques and Assignments (EETA), peer-reviewed course assignments focusing on computer graphics and interactive techniques. Educators, researchers, and industry professionals were all welcome to submit entries, all of which are designed and tested for classes at any level. After the conference, the accepted submissions will be available for educators to easily search, download, and use in their own classrooms.

An example of panels and sessions in the Educator’s Forum this year includes:

“Inclusive Community: Accessibility and Neurodiversity in Classroom, Industry, and Academia” — Neurodiversity, accessibility, and inclusive classrooms and workplaces are essential for the success of the individuals affected by various challenges and the entire SIGGRAPH community. This panel will discuss the current state of the issue, different types of accommodations, and helpful ideas to make the learning and working environment more inclusive.“Student / Futures: Creative Careers in Animation, Computer Graphics, and Interactive Techniques” — Industry panelists share perspectives and insights for students, educators, and creative professionals who are considering careers in animation, computer graphics, creative technologies, and interactive techniques. Represented industry segments include animation and VFX, computer graphics and information systems, themed entertainment, and interactive educational technologies.“Empowering Creativity With Generative AI in Digital Art Education” — Given the significant impact of artificial intelligence on creative processes across various art disciplines, we are dedicated to exploring AI as a creative tool within educational environments. Beyond mere experimentation, our objective is to delve into the outcomes of this integration and its implications for both education and creativity.“CG Animation, Neurodiversity, and Autistic College Students” — With 40% of our Animation + VFX students registered with the Office of Disability and Accessibility Services, it is often challenging for students to meet the course requirements in the 3D animation courses. How can we as CG artists and educators do a better job of supporting this large population?

“Educators are not just interested in the latest bells and whistles of the software technology. They want to know, ‘How can I use it in the classroom? How can I work with students with these products? What can it do for me as an educator? What can it do for my students in the classroom? Not in their careers later on, but right now in the classroom,'” Joel noted.

This is where the Educator’s Day comes in. Introduced at SIGGRAPH two years ago, this is a day of sessions that serves as an opportunity for companies to present to educators and features talks geared specifically for educators, going beyond what attendees would find on the exhibit floor. This year, Educator’s Day will be held on Monday, 29 July and includes eight sessions featuring companies from Adobe, NVIDIA, Epic Games, Epic ArtStation, PixelLightEffects, Foundry, SideFX, and Electronic Arts. Click here to see the session schedule.

This year will also feature an Educator’s Day Q&A on Tuesday, 30 July at 2 pm MDT, where companies will sit with the educators and answer any questions about the industry. This will serve as a deep-dive session where topics in the sessions can be explored in further detail. After four days of education focused presentations, attendees are invited to join an invigorating, open discussion on such hot topics as generative AI and neurodiversity in an Educator’s Forum Town Hall on Thursday, 1 August at 2 pm MDT.

“Educators get to meet other educators worldwide who are doing the things they’re doing or, better yet, doing what they would like to do in their courses. Educators come and really get immersed in the world of SIGGRAPH as a whole. I say the world of SIGGRAPH because, for me, people would say the industry. SIGGRAPH is way beyond the industry because there’s a huge portion of what SIGGRAPH does that’s all about education and undergraduate-level research. The world is much larger than just industry, but it opens up the eyes for educators to see what is possible,” Joel added.

Learn more about how SIGGRAPH 2024 is cultivating the minds of tomorrow here and view the full Educator’s Forum program here. ACM SIGGRAPH’s In Good Company series features speakers from various organizations having conversations or giving presentations with and specifically for educators.

About ACM, ACM SIGGRAPH, and SIGGRAPH 2024
ACM, the Association for Computing Machinery, is the world’s largest educational and scientific computing society, uniting educators, researchers, and professionals to inspire dialogue, share resources, and address the field’s challenges. ACM SIGGRAPH is a special interest group within ACM that serves as an interdisciplinary community for members in research, technology, and applications in computer graphics and interactive techniques. The SIGGRAPH conference is the world’s leading annual interdisciplinary educational experience showcasing the latest in computer graphics and interactive techniques. SIGGRAPH 2024, the 51st annual conference hosted by ACM SIGGRAPH, will take place live 28 July–1 August at the Colorado Convention Center, along with a Virtual Access option.

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SOURCE SIGGRAPH

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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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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.”

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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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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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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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