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Military Veterans Can Win Free Travel Agency Franchise as Dream Vacations Marks 15 Years of Operation Vetrepreneur Contest During America’s 250th Anniversary

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Dream Vacations travel agency franchise launches 15th annual “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General” contest

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., July 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Dream Vacations, a leading homebased travel agency franchise, is now accepting entries for its “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General” contest, marking 15 years of helping veterans transition to business ownership. The contest will award three military veterans a free travel agency franchise.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, the milestone reflects on the values of independence, service and opportunity that define the nation. For many veterans, those same values carry into civilian life through entrepreneurship. Celebrating 250 years of American independence alongside 15 years of Operation Vetrepreneur, Dream Vacations continues its commitment to helping veterans build their own businesses and achieve the American Dream of ownership.

The contest runs from July 4th through August 31st. Since launching in 2012, Operation Vetrepreneur has awarded 65 franchises to veterans across the country. In addition to receiving a free franchise, winners will also be awarded a ticket to the franchisor’s Land Summit 2027, an exclusive training and networking event designed to help entrepreneurs catapult their businesses.

What is Operation Vetrepreneur?
Operation Vetrepreneur is an annual contest from Dream Vacations that awards military veterans a free travel agency franchise, including training, marketing tools and ongoing support to help them launch and grow a home-based business.

The Dream Vacations franchise contest is open to former members of any of the six branches of the U.S. military (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Space Force and Coast Guard) who are retired, off active duty or honorably discharged prior to the contest start date and are residents of the U.S.

To participate, candidates must complete an online entry form and schedule an introductory phone call with a Franchise Development Manager. Candidates will also submit a profile, business plan and video. Finalists will be invited to participate in follow-up phone interviews before winners are selected. Full contest details can be found at Operation Vetrepreneur website.

“I encourage any veteran who has thought about starting their own business to apply,” said Shane Gray, a past Operation Vetrepreneur winner and Dream Vacations franchise owner. “Winning gave me the opportunity to build a flexible business while doing something I love. You’re in business for yourself, but not by yourself. The training, tools and support system really set you up to succeed, and it truly changed my life.”

Past winners of the contest have gone on to build successful businesses across the country, creating a growing network of veteran entrepreneurs within the Dream Vacations system.

Military veterans and Gold Star families interested in starting a work-from-home business can also purchase a Dream Vacations travel agency franchise at a 30 percent discount, receive an enlistment package valued at no less than $5,000 and have administrative fees waived, valued at $1,800.

In addition to access to the Command Center, an internal portal with veteran-specific training and marketing assets, veterans and Gold Star families receive waived training fees for a business partner and the ability to hire active-duty military spouses and fellow veterans as associates at a discount. Additional benefits include relocation flexibility, travel discounts for military customers and access to veteran networking groups.

“This summer is especially meaningful as Americans take advantage of the 250th anniversary to explore historic destinations across the country,” said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager of Dream Vacations. “It’s also an opportunity to recognize the service and sacrifice of our military community. Their dedication allows us to live the American Dream, and one of its most meaningful expressions is owning your own business. This contest provides a clear pathway for veterans to pursue entrepreneurship and build something of their own.”

The only travel franchise to receive a five-star ranking from the International Franchise Association’s VetFran initiative, Dream Vacations proudly supports military veterans and is consistently recognized by leading industry publications as a top veteran-friendly franchise. The company has ranked first or second out of 150 franchises nationwide in Entrepreneur magazine’s top franchise for veterans since 2017. Additional top rankings include Military Times and Forbes. Dream Vacations has also been recognized by G.I. Jobs, U.S. Veterans Magazine and USA Today, as well as honored by MSC Cruises with its Seaside Salute Award. The Operation Vetrepreneur program has earned gold honors from the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards and recognition from the IFA Franchising Gives Back Awards.

Military veterans with a passion for travel and entrepreneurship who are interested in opening a Dream Vacations franchise and applying for the Operation Vetrepreneur contest can visit Operation Vetrepreneur website or call 888-249-8235.

Photo Cutline: (From Left to Right) Shane and Jessica Gray, Dream Vacations Franchise Owners

About Dream Vacations
Dream Vacations is a home-based travel agency franchise that gives its advisors everything they need to plan smooth and memorable vacations for their clients— all while delivering great value. As part of World Travel Holdings and a proud member of the International Franchise Association, Dream Vacations has earned top honors, including franchise partner of the year from major cruise lines. The franchise is also nationally recognized for its strong commitment to supporting military veterans. For more details, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. You can also connect with Dream Vacations on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Open only legal residents of 50 US/DC, 18 years of age and older, and are former members in good standing of any of the six (6) branches of the U.S. military (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard) who are retired, off active duty and/or were honorably discharged prior to 7/1/26. Void in PR, USVI, U.S. Military installations in foreign countries, all other U.S. territories & possessions, and where prohibited by law. Contest entry period starts at 12:01 a.m. on 7/1/26 and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. ET on 8/31/26. Contest includes 2 rounds of phone interviews, the submission of a candidate profile & business plan and a video. Subject to Official Rules, including how to enter, judging criteria, prize details, and restrictions, see https://www.operationvetrepreneur.com/contest-rules/. Sponsor: CruiseOne, Inc., 1201 W. Cypress Creek Rd. Ste. 100, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309.

Media Contact:
Michael Cadigan
Manager, Public Relations & Corporate Communications
1-877-958-7447
media@wth.com

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SOURCE Dream Vacations

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Hexaware and Ashoka Innovators Partner to Support Social Entrepreneurs in India

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Empowering two Ashoka Fellows with financial support, leadership training, and global exposure

MUMBAI, India, Aug. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hexaware Technologies (NSE: HEXT), an AI-first digital and IT services company, today announced a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnership with Ashoka Innovators for the Public (India), a non-profit organization that supports leading social entrepreneurs addressing complex societal challenges.

Through the partnership, Hexaware will provide grant support to Ashoka for two social entrepreneurs selected through Ashoka’s Fellowship process in India. The fellowship stipends will allow selected Fellows to dedicate their time to developing and expanding sustainable solutions for long-term social change.

Ashoka identifies social entrepreneurs through a rigorous selection process that evaluates the originality of their ideas, entrepreneurial qualities, and potential to address systemic challenges. The Fellowship offers selected Fellows with leadership development, strategic guidance, peer-learning opportunities, and access to a global network of social entrepreneurs and collaborators.

“At Hexaware, we believe businesses have a role to play in contributing to society beyond technology and operations,” said Dr. Ramya Kannan, Vice President & Head – CSR, Hexaware. “Through our CSR initiatives, we support efforts that create opportunities and help strengthen communities. Our partnership with Ashoka allows us to stand behind social entrepreneurs who are working to build solutions that benefit people and society.”

Dr. Shruti Nair, Leader, Ashoka Innovators for the Public, India, said, “We are delighted to partner with Hexaware in supporting social entrepreneurs at pivotal moments in their journeys. The Ashoka Fellowship provides leaders with the freedom, network, and strategic support they need to scale their ideas and create lasting change. Along with these Ashoka Fellows, we hope to strengthen a new generation of changemakers working to build an ‘Everyone a Changemaker’ world.”

The collaboration brings together Hexaware’s commitment to responsible business practices and Ashoka’s experience in advancing social innovation.

About Hexaware

Hexaware is a global technology and business process services company. Every day, Hexawarians wake up with a singular purpose; to create smiles through great people and technology. With offices across the world, we empower enterprises worldwide to realize digital transformation at scale and speed by partnering with them to build, transform, run, and optimize their technology and business processes. Learn more about Hexaware at https://hexaware.com.

About Ashoka

Ashoka is one of the largest networks of social entrepreneurs, founded on the belief that the most powerful force for change is an idea in the hands of the right person. Through its Young Changemakers program, Ashoka nurtures a generation of youth who are solving social problems with empathy, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/hexaware-and-ashoka-innovators-partner-to-support-social-entrepreneurs-in-india-302859191.html

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Singapore Prepares to Host a Major Week for Offshore Energy as World Offshore Week 2026 Approaches

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SINGAPORE, Aug. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In just over four weeks, World Offshore Week 2026, part of the FPSO Network, will bring the offshore oil, energy and marine industries together at Singapore EXPO on 23–24 September 2026.

Free to register for industry professionals, the event will welcome 3,000+ participants, 100+ exhibitors and 70+ speakers, with eight free-to-attend exhibition-floor theatres covering offshore oil and gas, marine, renewables, digitalisation and decarbonisation.

With capacity becoming increasingly limited, industry professionals are encouraged to secure their free visitor pass today.

Register for your free World Offshore Week visitor pass

Across two days, discussions will explore vessel demand, shipyard capacity, offshore wind, decommissioning, asset integrity, cybersecurity, AI and decarbonisation.

The programme includes organisations such as PETRONAS, Woodside Energy, Eni, Hibiscus Petroleum, PT PLN, Seatrium, Noble, Hafnia, Cyan Renewables, Cadeler and Wood Mackenzie.

Three Major Industry Events in Singapore

World Offshore Week will be co-located with the 27th Annual FPSO World Congress and Energy 2040, bringing senior energy decision-makers to Singapore EXPO.

The FPSO World Congress will feature leaders from Petrobras, BW Offshore, Yinson Production, SBM Offshore, Hanwha Offshore and PTTEP, including Philip Huizenga, CEO, Carnarvon Energy; Mike McAreavey, CTO, BW Offshore; Bai Li Guo, CEO, Hanwha Offshore; and Markus Wenker, CFO, Yinson Production.

Energy 2040 will convene government, energy, regulatory, utility and LNG leaders to examine Asia’s energy security, affordability and transition.

Joining the programme is Josephine Moh, Senior Vice President and Head of Energy & Renewables, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), alongside Peter Govindasamy, Executive Director, Energy Studies Institute; Eugene Toh, Chief Commercial Officer & Assistant Chief Executive (Energy Technologies), Energy Market Authority; Andy R. Elliott, President, ExxonMobil LNG Asia Pacific; and Leong Wei Hung, CEO, Singapore LNG Corporation.

Organisations represented include EDB, Energy Market Authority, Chevron, ExxonMobil LNG Asia Pacific, Singapore GasCo, Singapore LNG Corporation, Cheniere Energy and JERA.

Together, the three events will bring the offshore and energy value chain to Singapore this September.

Secure your free visitor pass today

Find out more about World Offshore Week 2026

About World Offshore Week

World Offshore Week is Asia’s leading platform for the offshore oil, energy and marine sectors, connecting operators, EPCs, shipowners and technology providers.

The 2026 edition features eight exhibition-floor theatres and is co-located with Energy 2040 and FPSO World Congress.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/singapore-prepares-to-host-a-major-week-for-offshore-energy-as-world-offshore-week-2026-approaches-302859219.html

SOURCE FPSO Network

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Hollyland to Unveil New Solutions for Live Production and Content Creation at IBC 2026

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Highlights

Hollyland to showcase new solutions for professional live production and content creation at IBC 2026 Booth 11.C28.Pyro 7 Ultra combines professional monitoring and wireless video transmission in one monitor.Argus X1 brings switching, recording, monitoring, and streaming into one live production system.Solidcom C1 Air and Solidcom SE 2 expand Hollyland’s wireless intercom lineup.New creator solutions include the LARK A2 and LARK M3 wireless microphones and the VenusLiv Air 2 streaming camera.

AMSTERDAM, Aug. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hollyland, a global provider of professional wireless audio and video solutions, is set to introduce new solutions for professional live production and modern content creation at IBC 2026. From September 11 to 14, 2026, the company will showcase its expanded ecosystem at Booth 11.C28 in the RAI Amsterdam convention center, where visitors can explore its newest technologies and products scheduled for release later in 2026.

Expanding Live Production Portfolio

Hollyland continues to expand its product range with new solutions for professional production and content creation. At IBC 2026, the company will introduce new solutions for professional live production, designed to help production teams work more efficiently, reliably, and seamlessly in demanding environments. The new lineup includes the Pyro 7 Ultra professional wireless monitor, Argus X1 all-in-one live production switcher, and Solidcom C1 Air and Solidcom SE 2 intercom systems.

The Pyro 7 Ultra, launching on September 3, brings professional monitoring and wireless video transmission together in one 7-inch monitor. Professional productions have traditionally relied on separate wireless transmission systems and standalone field monitors, with additional cables between devices and separate power sources for each device. The Pyro 7 Ultra can serve as an on-camera monitor and transmitter, or as a handheld monitor and receiver for mobile viewing. Its QD-LCD display delivers exceptional color accuracy, with each unit factory-calibrated via Calman® to achieve a ΔE <1.5. Users can also recalibrate the display with the Hollyland Color Calibrator to maintain color accuracy over time. The system also offers 20ms latency, 1km transmission, unlimited receivers, 4K60 video transmission, and TWiFi technology.

Also debuting is Argus X1, an all‑in‑one live production switcher slated for release in December. Argus X1 consolidates switching, monitoring, recording, streaming, and content delivery into a single device. A 10.1‑inch FHD touchscreen provides intuitive control, while 4K60 video I/O and support for three Hollyland wireless transmitters expand its flexibility across multi‑camera workflows. Built‑in streaming, ISO recording, MultiView, and connectivity options including Wi‑Fi 6, 4G, and Gigabit Ethernet make Argus X1 a central hub within the Hollyland production ecosystem.

Two new intercom systems will also be introduced during the event. Solidcom C1 Air features an open‑ear design, a 42g headset, 300m wireless range, and dual‑microphone ENC for clean dialogue. Solidcom SE 2 adds intelligent frequency hopping, a 123g build, 20 dB ENC, 3.5mm audio I/O, and up to 10 hours of runtime, delivering stable performance for field and studio teams.

Empowering Modern Content Creation

Hollyland is also expanding its creator‑focused audio lineup with several new tools designed for modern podcasting and production. LARK A2, arriving in early September, offers 48 kHz/24‑bit recording, three‑level AI noise cancellation, a 200m range, and an 8.5g transmitter. Quick charging, AI power saving, intuitive controls, and a –6 dB safety track support dependable on‑the‑go capture.

Launching on September 22, the LARK M3 introduces flexible multi‑person recording with support for four transmitters and four receivers. It provides four‑track independent recording, 48 kHz/32‑bit float audio, vocal presets, 300m transmission and up to eight hours of use on a single charge. The LARK M3 is well suited for podcasts, interviews, video conversations, and multi-person content creation.

Rounding out the lineup, the VenusLiv Air 2 will arrive in November with 4K60 UVC streaming and SAR AI Tuning 2.0, while maintaining the core performance of the VenusLiv Air.

During IBC 2026, Hollyland will host Roll & Win giveaways from September 11–14. Visitors can participate for a chance to win Hollyland’s products and other prizes. On September 11, the company will unveil its new products, followed by an anniversary celebration that evening. Meanwhile, all showcased solutions will be available for hands‑on experience at Booth 11.C28 throughout the exhibition.

About Hollyland

Hollyland is a leading provider of wireless products, specializing in wireless intercom systems, video transmission systems, monitors, wireless microphones, and live streaming cameras. Since 2013, Hollyland has been serving millions of users around the world in various fields, including filmmaking, telecasting, video production, live events, exhibitions, theaters, houses of worship, and content creation. It has built a sales network covering approximately 160 countries and regions, supported by regional teams and offices worldwide. For more information, please visit https://www.hollyland.com/, Hollyland Facebook, and Hollyland Instagram.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hollyland-to-unveil-new-solutions-for-live-production-and-content-creation-at-ibc-2026-302857874.html

SOURCE Hollyland

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