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IMMERSIVE XR EXPERIENCE EXPANDS THE REACH OF HOLOCAUST EDUCATION

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The Claims Conference Releases A Cutting-Edge Mixed-Reality Experience Detailing The Heartbreaking And Inspiring Story Of Benno Kern, From Anschluss To Auschwitz To Liberation In Buchenwald.

NEW YORK, June 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference) announced the launch of “Benno’s Light,” the heartbreaking and inspiring story of 98-year-old Holocaust survivor Benno Kern brought to life through cutting-edge, mixed-reality technology which allows people to walk through his story while using VR headsets or simply on their computers. Benno’s Light is the latest effort to expand access to Holocaust knowledge, meeting future generations in compelling and engaging ways.

Gideon Taylor, President of the Claims Conference, said, “Mixed reality is the technology of now and of the future. And it is precisely why it is so crucial that we tap into advanced technology to help future generations understand the Holocaust. We cannot let stories like Benno’s fade into the darkness.”

In partnership with the Austrian government, the Claims Conference collaborated with immersive technology company makemepulse to create a sensitive and evocative mixed-reality experience animating Kern’s words into a powerful testimony and educational experience for generations to come.

Christian Stocker, Austrian Federal Chancellor, said, “Holocaust remembrance is not only an obligation to the past, it is our mandate for the future. A vibrant and forward-looking culture of remembrance requires us to meet current and future generations where they are. Projects like Benno’s Light demonstrate how cutting-edge technology can preserve the voices of survivors in ways that are deeply personal, accessible and meaningful for young audiences today and tomorrow. Austria recognizes its historical responsibility to ensure that the truth of the Shoah remains alive through innovative educational tools that strengthen awareness, deepen understanding and sharpen our vigilance against antisemitism, hatred and intolerance in all forms.”

Benno Kern, born in 1927 in Vienna, Austria, recounts his life in the city he remembers for both its music and intellect, but also for the pogroms that scarred the hearts of those who remember. Kern explains to viewers how his joyful and innocent childhood turned to darkness as his relatives – and eventually his own immediate family – ran from the Nazis and were eventually captured by them. The XR project follows him as his family fled Vienna to Czechoslovakia, Belgium and Paris where the Nazis captured Benno and his parents, sending them to Auschwitz.

Benno Kern, Holocaust survivor and featured storyteller, said, “I’ll never forget my mother’s words: ‘You have the opportunity to stay alive. The decision is yours.’ I was the only member of my family to survive the Holocaust. This project has special meaning to me as I carried my family’s story for more than 80 years with uncertainty as to whether it would be remembered. I ask future generations to hear my words and carry them forward in your hearts. Let them light your way. And let them remind you what it means to carry compassion, even in the darkest of times.”

Benno’s Light builds on “Inside Kristallnacht,” the groundbreaking XR project the Claims Conference released in 2024. The inaugural XR project followed Dr. Charlotte Knobloch through the streets of Munich, Germany as she recounts the November Pogrom the night of November 9, 1938, when as a six-year-old she and her father hid from the Nazis terrorizing their Jewish community. Kristallnacht was the historic moment when a growing hatred peaked, catalyzing into acts of violence and rage, when citizens turned on their longtime neighbors, roaming the streets in mobs, breaking the glass of Jewish homes and shops. More than 30,000 Jewish men were arrested and deported to concentration camps during the days of Kristallnacht.

Alexander Pröll, State Secretary for the Austrian Federal Chancellery, said, “Holocaust education must continue to evolve to remain meaningful for future generations. Innovative projects, such as Benno’s Light, show how technology can strengthen remembrance by bringing survivor testimony into new educational and cultural spaces around the world. Remembering the Shoah demands that we actively counter antisemitism and hatred wherever they surface, reinforcing our shared responsibility to defend human dignity, historical truth, and democratic values.”

The launch of Benno’s Light at University of Vienna carries profound historical significance. Following the destruction of Vienna’s medieval synagogue and the murder and expulsion of Jews in 1421, stones from the synagogue were used in the construction of the earliest buildings of what would later become part of the University of Vienna. More than 500 years later, the university now serves as a place to confront that history openly and honestly, transforming a site once connected to the erasure of Jewish life into a space dedicated to remembrance, education and the preservation of survivor testimony for future generations.

Greg Schneider, Executive Vice President of the Claims Conference, said, “New technology allows us to engage younger generations, which is critical to ensure the lessons of the Shoah are never forgotten. Benno was the same age as today’s students when he was torn from his home by the Nazis and forced onto a deportation train to Auschwitz. XR technology allows Benno to once again be a 15-year-old, showing today’s 15-year-olds the result of unchecked hatred.”

This virtual reality project integrates real-life footage, photographs, music and other audio from the Anschluss to Auschwitz, as well as meticulously researched historical context, into the hand-drawn world of Kern’s story with stunning artwork created by immersive technology company, makemepulse. The mixed-reality project will be displayed in museums and film festivals, and accompanying educational materials are currently under development.

Nicolas Rajabaly, Co-Founder, Chief Creative Officer, makemepulse, said, “Benno’s Light was never about using technology for spectacle. The challenge was finding a way to preserve the intimacy and humanity of Benno’s testimony while creating a format capable of reaching new generations. What moved us most during the process was realizing that Benno’s memories were shaped less by places and more by the people who helped him survive. That insight fundamentally changed the experience we designed. We shifted away from historical reconstruction alone and focused instead on emotional proximity, presence and human connection. Immersive technology gave us the opportunity to transform testimony into something audiences could feel around them rather than simply observe from a distance.”

The Benno’s Light experience can be accessed on the website by clicking here: https://bennos-light.org/

Benno’s Light was developed under the stewardship of the Claims Conference (Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany) and the Committee for Jewish Claims on Austria, with the support of the Austrian Federal Chancellery.

For more information, please visit: www.claimscon.org 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/immersive-xr-experience-expands-the-reach-of-holocaust-education-302788998.html

SOURCE Claims Conference

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Bluehost Brings AI to Life for Small Businesses Worldwide

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November 5, 2026

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From the inaugural ELEVATE Small Business Growth Summit featuring Google, TikTok, Gary Vaynerchuk and Codie Sanchez, to a global AI Builder Tour spanning 10 cities and four continents, Bluehost is bringing together entrepreneurs, technology leaders and AI innovators to turn AI into real business growth.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bluehost, the small business platform for the AI era, today announced a global series of events bringing together entrepreneurs, technology leaders and AI builders to help small businesses move beyond AI hype and put AI to work to build, grow and run their businesses.

The initiative brings together two complementary communities shaping the future of small businesses. On Nov. 10, Bluehost’s inaugural ELEVATE Small Business Growth Summit will help entrepreneurs and small business owners discover practical ways to use AI to build, grow and run their businesses. In parallel, the company’s Small Business AI Builder Tour will connect founders, developers and AI innovators across 10 cities and four continents to showcase new ideas, collaborate with experts and turn AI-powered projects into real-world solutions.

Despite growing awareness of AI, adoption beyond general-purpose chat remains limited. Bluehost’s recent State of Small Business AI Confidence study found that only 16% of surveyed U.S. small business owners had deployed an AI agent. Closing that gap by helping businesses move beyond asking AI questions and transitioning to use AI for marketing, customer discovery, growth and everyday operations is a central focus of Bluehost’s global events and community programs.

“AI is giving small businesses capabilities that once required much larger teams and budgets,” said Sachin Puri, Chief Executive Officer of Newfold Digital, parent company of Bluehost. “But access to AI alone isn’t enough. The real opportunity is helping entrepreneurs put it to work, to build, grow and run their businesses. By bringing together small business owners, technology leaders and AI builders, we’re turning AI’s promise into practical outcomes.”

Bluehost ELEVATE Small Business Growth Summit
Taking place virtually on Nov. 10, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET, ELEVATE is a free global summit focused on helping entrepreneurs apply emerging technology to real business challenges. Bluehost will also host local gatherings in San Francisco, Austin and New York, giving small business communities an opportunity to experience the program and connect in person.

Built around three themes, Build, Grow and Run, the program will explore how small businesses can establish and strengthen their digital presence, get discovered and reach more customers, and use AI and automation to operate more effectively.

ELEVATE will feature entrepreneurs and bestselling authors Gary Vaynerchuk, CEO of VaynerMedia, and Codie Sanchez, founder of Contrarian Thinking. Their perspectives on business ownership, marketing and growth reach millions worldwide, and Vaynerchuk’s fireside conversation with Newfold Digital CEO Sachin Puri, will be the summit’s finale.

The lineup also includes Brendan Jacobsen, Global Head of Channel Sales at TikTok; Farhaz Karmali, Product Director at Google; Sachin Puri, CEO of Newfold Digital; Salim Ali, CMO of Bluehost; and Satish Hemachandran, CPO of Bluehost, along with small business owners and additional industry experts.

The ELEVATE Small Business Growth Summit will combine keynotes, conversations, demonstrations and practical guidance that attendees can apply directly to their businesses.

To register for the online event or attend a watch party in New York City, Austin or San Francisco, visit bluehost.com/elevate.

Bluehost AI Builder Tour: Connecting Global AI Communities to Advance Small Business Innovation
Bluehost is bringing together AI builders, developers, founders and engineers across 10 cities and four continents through its Small Business AI Builder Tour, supporting a growing global community of innovators building AI-powered websites, applications, agents and automations.

Partnering with established global AI communities, including AI Tinkerers and AI Camp, Bluehost is collaborating with local builders and community leaders to deliver hands-on experiences that foster knowledge-sharing, collaboration and innovation. Community experts will lead breakout discussions and “Unblock Your Build” sessions, offering participants practical guidance on technical challenges to help advance their projects.

Each event will feature live project showcases, interactive build sessions and expert feedback to help participants take ideas and prototypes closer to launch. The tour also creates opportunities for builders to develop relationships with fellow innovators and the broader AI ecosystem.

The tour kicked off in Florianópolis, Brazil, on Oct. 30, 2026 with additional events scheduled through January 2027.

AI Builder Tour Dates and Locations:

Date                     

City                                         

Venue 

Oct. 30, 2026         

Florianópolis, Brazil            

Square SC

Nov. 5, 2026          

Austin, Texas                      

Distribution Hall

Nov. 17, 2026          

San Francisco, California    

The Avalon

Nov. 18, 2026          

Santiago, Chile                    

Cenco Costanera

Nov. 24, 2026        

Bangalore, India                  

TBD

Nov. 27, 2026          

São Paulo, Brazil                

Cubo Itaú

Dec. 1, 2026          

London, United Kingdom    

Plexal

Dec. 3, 2026          

New York, New York            

TBD

Dec. 11, 2026          

Guadalajara, Mexico            

Tecnológico de Monterrey

Jan. 12, 2027          

Chicago, Illinois                    

TBD

To view upcoming Bluehost Small Business AI Builder Tour locations, learn about planned local programs and register, visit bluehost.com/smb-ai-builder-tour.

About Bluehost
Trusted by over 3 million customers worldwide, Bluehost is the small business platform for the AI era. Bluehost makes it easy for small businesses to build, host, and run online with confidence. From creating sites, stores, logos, apps and campaigns to managing business operations, building and deploying AI agents and apps, Bluehost combines purpose-built AI with high-performance hosting and human expert support available 24/7. Bluehost has been recommended by WordPress.org since 2005. For more information on Bluehost, visit Bluehost.com.

About Newfold Digital
Newfold Digital is a leading web and commerce technology company serving nearly 7 million customers globally through our portfolio of brands including Bluehost, Crazy Domains, HostGator, Network Solutions, Yoast, YITH, and many others. We help customers of all sizes build a digital presence that delivers results. With our extensive product offerings and personalized support, we take pride in collaborating with our customers to serve their online presence needs. Learn more about Newfold Digital at Newfold.com.

Media Contact:
Paola Lorenzo
press@bluehost.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bluehost-brings-ai-to-life-for-small-businesses-worldwide-302930941.html

SOURCE Bluehost

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Cashman Preload Cryogenics Selected by Power LNG as LNG Tank Partner for Project Seawolf

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November 5, 2026

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QUINCY, Mass., Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Power LNG Ventures has selected Cashman Preload Cryogenics (CPC), an affiliate of Jay Cashman, Inc., as its LNG tank partner for Project Seawolf, a marine LNG fueling facility on Pelican Island in Galveston, Texas. CPC will engineer the project’s 3-million-gallon full-containment LNG storage tank through development, permitting and financing.

CPC’s expertise in LNG tank design, permitting and construction reinforces its commitment to project success, safety and excellence

The tank combines a precast, prestressed concrete outer wall with a 9% nickel steel inner tank and a steel dome roof. CPC’s concrete design delivers proven reliability and safety while optimizing cost and schedule. CPC will work with the Project Seawolf team to integrate the tank into the full facility design.

“Power LNG is building critical marine fueling infrastructure at the Port of Galveston,” said Eric Reaman, President & CEO of CPC. “We know what it takes to develop these assets. We’re glad to be on the team at this stage, and we’ll be ready when the project moves to construction.”

Project Seawolf is being developed on approximately 30 acres of port-owned property. Initial production is 400,000 gallons per day, scalable to 800,000 gallons per day as demand grows. The facility will supply LNG to cruise ships and cargo vessels in the Port of Galveston and the Houston Ship Channel, meeting growing demand for lower-emission marine fuel. The project is targeted to enter service by the end of 2028.

“We reviewed the tank technology options for full-containment storage and selected CPC as our tank partner,” said Austin Terry, CEO of Power LNG Ventures. “CPC brings deep experience designing, permitting and building LNG tanks of this size. This selection reflects our commitment to the project, to operational safety and to best-in-class partners.”

About Cashman Preload Cryogenics
Cashman Preload Cryogenics (CPC), part of the Preload International family of companies and an affiliate of Jay Cashman, Inc., designs and builds prestressed concrete tanks for liquid storage. Preload built its first water storage tank in 1930. Since 1952, Preload has designed and built more than 40 low-temperature and cryogenic storage tanks, and many more dike walls, for LNG, LPG, LN/LOX and ammonia. Preload is recognized as the pioneer of circular prestressed concrete liquid storage structures.

About Power LNG Ventures
Power LNG Ventures is a Houston-area developer of small-scale, modular LNG projects. Founded in 2022, the company is developing Project Seawolf, a fully integrated LNG liquefaction, storage, marine bunkering and export facility on Pelican Island at the Port of Galveston. With its strategic partner Énestas, Power LNG is also developing the Harborside Terminal to begin LNG supply by truck while Project Seawolf is built.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cashman-preload-cryogenics-selected-by-power-lng-as-lng-tank-partner-for-project-seawolf-302929803.html

SOURCE Cashman Preload Cryogenics

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E Tech Group to Present on GMP-Critical Building Management at Automation Fair 2026

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30 minutes ago

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November 5, 2026

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On November 17 and 19, Michael Roy will discuss E Tech Group’s work to modernize a GMP-critical building management control system at a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in the Greater Boston area utilizing Rockwell’s PlantPAx. E Tech Group will exhibit at Booth #745.

WEST CHESTER, Ohio, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — E Tech Group, a leading provider of industrial automation and systems integration, 2025 System Integrator of the Year, and Platinum-certified Rockwell Automation Partner, today announced that Michael Roy of E Tech Group will present on modernization of building management systems in GMP-critical environments at Automation Fair 2026 by Rockwell Automation, taking place November 16–19 at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center in Boston, Massachusetts.

Roy’s Partner Solutions session, “PS21 – Modernizing GMP-Critical Building Management in Pharmaceutical Facilities,” will take place Tuesday, November 17, at 1:00 p.m. ET and Thursday, November 19, at 10:00 a.m. ET in 253C.

The presentation will examine E Tech Group’s work to modernize aging air handler controls across validated production areas at a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in the Greater Boston area. Because the building management system (BMS) supports GMP-critical environments, the project required careful planning to update the control architecture while maintaining facility operations and meeting stringent reliability, data integrity and compliance requirements.

E Tech Group implemented a fully redundant PlantPAx-based BMS architecture that addressed the immediate modernization need while establishing a scalable framework that could be applied to future system upgrades across the facility. During the session, Roy will discuss the engineering considerations behind the approach, including redundancy, network design, validation and cutover planning, and how the initial implementation established a foundation for subsequent BMS modernization.

“Modernizing a GMP-critical system requires careful planning to protect the conditions the facility depends on every day,” said Roy. “For this project, we wanted to address the immediate need while creating an approach that could be expanded as additional systems are upgraded across the facility.”

Roy is a Principal Engineering Manager at E Tech Group with nearly a decade of experience in automation and electrical engineering. He brings extensive expertise in technical project leadership, business development, and delivering innovative automation solutions.

At Booth #745, attendees can meet with Roy and E Tech Group engineers and life sciences specialists to discuss validated automation, controls modernization and scalable system architectures for regulated manufacturing environments. Visitors can also stop by the booth for a demonstration of SecureOT™, Rockwell Automation’s industrial cybersecurity solution suite, and see how greater visibility into OT assets and network activity can help uncover potential areas of concern and support a more proactive cybersecurity strategy.

E Tech Group supports pharmaceutical, biotechnology and other regulated manufacturers with automation and system integration expertise spanning building management and process control systems, manufacturing execution systems (MES), compliance services and digital transformation. Its engineers help organizations modernize validated systems while addressing integration, reliability and long-term scalability requirements.

For more information about Automation Fair 2026 and to register for the November 16–19 event in Boston, visit the Automation Fair 2026 registration page.

About E Tech Group

E Tech Group is a global CSIA Enterprise Certified automation engineering and system integration firm with locations spanning 8 countries across three continents. Backed by a team of over 900 professionals, the company delivers cutting-edge automation, control, and information solutions to clients in the Life Sciences, Data Centers, Consumer Products, Food & Beverage, and Industrial sectors. In addition to its organic growth, E Tech Group has expanded through several acquisitions, including the most recent additions of E-Volve Systems, Automation Group, and JSat Automation. To learn more, visit E Tech Group’s website, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/e-tech-group-to-present-on-gmp-critical-building-management-at-automation-fair-2026-302930310.html

SOURCE E Tech Group

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