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IBM Study: Fan Engagement and Consumption of Sports Shifting, Reveals New Opportunities for Technology Integrations including AI

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International sports fans surveyed are optimistic about the impact of technologies like AI on their digital sports experiences.Real-time updates and personalized content rank as top priorities for fans when it comes to how generative AI can enhance following and engaging with sports events.Younger sports fans overwhelmingly embrace AI-powered experiences and digital platforms for sports content consumption and engagement.

ARMONK, N.Y., June 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As sports fans worldwide tune in to a myriad of athletic events this summer, new research commissioned by IBM (NYSE: IBM) reveals a growing generational shift and acceptance of technology-driven experiences that will impact the future of sports consumption.

The international study*, conducted by Morning Consult, gathers insights from more than 18,000 sports fans across 10 countries to better understand both how they follow and engage with sports, including live coverage, highlights, and summaries, as well as preferences for future engagement and consumption. The findings confirm that fans are prioritizing more personalized and time-saving digital sports content, with the majority recognizing the positive impact technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) will have on these experiences.

The data also confirms that younger sports fans are more likely to favor AI-enhanced features as they increasingly turn to digital platforms for sports content. Surveyed fans aged 18-29 are using a mobile phone or tablet as their primary device to watch sporting events more often than older fans, with subscription streaming of live sporting events being most popular among the younger age group. More than half (58%) of 18-29 year old respondents also believe AI will have a positive impact on sports.

Alternatively, respondents from older age groups remain loyal to traditional methods of consumption, with linear broadcasting being most popular among fans 45+. Forty percent of surveyed fans over the age of 55 believe AI will have a positive impact on sports.

“Fans worldwide are continuing to embrace platforms and solutions that allow them to feel more connected and informed on their favorite sporting events and athletes, and IBM’s new study confirms this now includes embracing technologies like AI to deliver these experiences,” said Noah Syken, Vice President, Sports and Entertainment Partnerships. “IBM’s longstanding portfolio of Sports and Entertainment partnerships aims to deliver on these expectations from fans by putting in the hands of our partners the most advanced IBM technologies from our AI and data platform watsonx.”

Other key study findings include:

Fans are optimistic about the impact of technology on sports, paving the way for generative AI powered experiences

63% of respondents point to data analytics as having the most positive impact on sports, while 50% of respondents think AI will have a positive impact.When it comes to how generative AI can improve engagement, surveyed sports fans identify real-time updates (34%) and personalized content (29%) as the top priorities.India, UAE and Saudi Arabia rank the highest in countries where fans are prioritizing real-time updates and personalized content powered by generative AI.

Fans now prioritize personalized, bite-sized content when it comes to their consumption of sport content

More than half (56%) of respondents turn to social media for additional sports content; 46% are getting additional content from broadcast/video news while 35% are turning to news articles.64% of those fans engaging in additional sports content are viewing highlight videos of best moments; 48% are consuming post-match recaps and analysis.Among those engaging in additional sports content, respondents rank summarized content (33%) as their top priority followed by personalized content (26%).Sports fans are watching event summaries more often, with 41% of respondents indicating they watch summaries or highlights weekly; 24% report daily engagement.

Younger fans may be reshaping how consumers experience sports content, as they engage with content via multiple screens and are more likely to favor AI-powered enhancements

Younger fans (18-29) are most likely to view sports highlights through social media over other platforms.When it comes to consuming sports content, fans aged between 18-29 are more likely to rank personalized content as their top priority.Fans aged 18-29 are more likely to rate AI improvements as high priority, with real-time updates (40%) and personalized content (36%) topping the list of priorities.While real-time updates (26%) and personalized content (19%) also top the list of AI improvement priorities among older fans (55+), these respondents are much less likely to consider AI improvements a high priority.Younger fans are also more likely to be using multiple devices while engaging with sporting events than older fans (55+). 10% of younger fans surveyed use three or more devices while watching sports compared to only 2% of older fans.

While TV is the most common method for viewing sports, fans are increasingly using multiple devices to follow sporting events

64% of surveyed fans say linear or streaming TV is their top choice for watching sports.31% of respondents say they are most likely to watch a live sporting event on linear broadcast; 28% say they use a subscription streaming service and 23% use a free streaming serviceSubscription streaming of live sporting events is most popular among younger fans aged between 18-29.Mobile devices are a noteworthy alternative for watching sports, with 20% of consumers reporting it is the top way they watch sporting events and 38% saying it is their second most likely options.28% of surveyed sports fans use at least two devices while watching sporting events; 24% report they use at least two devices while listening to sportsFans between 18-44 are more likely to be using three or more devices.Respondents rank multi-tasking as the top reason for using multiple devices when consuming sports, followed by finding more game information while watching or listening to the sport.

To view the full study, visit: https://newsroom.ibm.com/image/IBM+Global+Sports+Attitudes+and+Behaviors+Report+June+2024.pdf

*Study Methodology
This survey was conducted in May 2024 among a total sample of 18,082 sports fans 18+ in the US, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, India, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. The interviews for each country were conducted online, and the data is unweighted, with ~2,000 responses per market in the US, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and India and ~1,000 responses per market in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

To qualify for this survey respondents must be at least an average sports fan and follow one or more of the following sports: Soccer, Cricket, Tennis, Basketball, Baseball, Rugby, Golf, American football, F1 racing, Track and field, Swimming, and the Olympics.

About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

Media Contacts:

Sarah Benchaita
IBM Corporate Communications
sarah.benchaita@ibm.com

Marisa Conway
IBM Corporate Communications
conwaym@us.ibm.com

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RedThread Report Reveals 50% Drop in L&D’s Involvement in Strategic Discussions, Offers Framework for Reclaiming Influence

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RedThread Research’s latest report, Hope Isn’t a Plan: Building a Progressive L&D Strategy, highlights a 50% drop in Learning & Development involvement in business strategy discussions over the past two years, signaling a shift from strategic partner to reactive function. The report also provides a comprehensive five-part framework to help L&D leaders articulate their strategy, collaborate effectively across departments, and balance stability with flexibility.

WOODSIDE, Calif., Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — RedThread Research has published its latest report, “Hope Isn’t a Plan: Building a Progressive L&D Strategy,” which underscores the declining strategic role of Learning & Development (L&D) functions and offers a comprehensive framework for leaders seeking to recalibrate their strategies.

“L&D needs to rethink its strategy or risk becoming irrelevant. More than just talking about being strategic, they need to align, act on, and operationalize it. That means doing things differently, thinking more strategically, and embedding learning into the heart of the organization.”

The study reveals a sharp 50% drop in L&D’s involvement in business strategy discussions over the past two years, signaling an alarming shift from strategic partner to reactive supporter. The research also shows that L&D’s involvement in workforce planning discussions similarly declined sharply over this same period.

“L&D needs to reclaim its strategic voice or risk becoming irrelevant,” said Dani Johnson, Co-founder and Principal Analyst at RedThread Research. “More than just talking about being strategic, they need to align, act on, and operationalize it. That means doing things differently, thinking more strategically, and embedding learning into the heart of the organization.”

The report highlights several pressing insights, including:

Declining Strategic Influence: L&D’s diminishing role in strategy discussions has led to a more tactical and reactive function in many organizations.The Importance of Articulating Strategy: Many L&D leaders lack a clearly communicated and well-defined strategy, further compounding their inability to respond effectively to changing business needs.Collaboration as a Cornerstone: Successful employee development requires structured collaboration and cooperation across departments, challenging entrenched mindsets about L&D’s role. L&D functions need a plan for how to best collaborate with other business functions.Balancing Stability with Flexibility: While adaptability is essential, the report argues that stability also forms the foundation for long-term success in L&D efforts.A Five-Part Strategic Framework: The study provides a detailed framework comprising five core elements of an L&D Strategy—Organizational Alignment, Employee Impact, Operations and Governance, Tech and Data, and Stakeholder Engagement.

“Learning and Development can’t afford to play it safe,” added Johnson. “They must be prepared to continually evolve— locking down what works while still flexing to meet what comes next. And they need to double down on strategy to show how that connects back to outcomes — and prove that L&D is not just a cost center but a critical driver of success.”

For access to an infographic of the framework and other exclusive research, navigate to https://members.redthreadresearch.com/spaces/12680089/feed and register for a complimentary Starter Tier membership in the RedThread Research community.

For companies and individuals interested in exploring this research more deeply, RedThread offers exclusive membership opportunities. Join the RedThread research community or the Tech Consortium by visiting the RedThread website (https://www.redthreadresearch.com) or reaching out to RedThread by emailing hello@redthreadresearch.com. 

About RedThread Research

At RedThread Research, we get it.

Sure, we’re experts in performance, people analytics, learning, and D&I – and we’re well-versed in the technologies that support them. But we’re also truth-seekers and storytellers in an industry often short on substance, and too full of #!%. Our mission (indeed, our very reason for existing) is to cut through the noise, and amplify what’s good. We look for the connections (or red threads) between people, data, and ideas – even among seemingly unrelated concepts. The result is high-quality, unbiased, transformative foresight that helps you build a stronger business.

To learn more, visit https://www.redthreadresearch.com.

Heather Gilmartin
RedThread Research
646-275-0742
heathergilmartin@redthreadresearch.com

Media Contact

Heather Gilmartin Adams, RedThreadResearch, 6462750742, heathergilmartin@redthreadresearch.com, https://redthreadresearch.com/

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/redthread-report-reveals-50-drop-in-lds-involvement-in-strategic-discussions-offers-framework-for-reclaiming-influence-302306028.html

SOURCE RedThreadResearch; RedThreadResearch

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SONOR INVESTMENTS LIMITED APPOINTS NEW INTERIM CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND TREASURER

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TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2024 /CNW/ – Sonor Investments Limited (“Sonor”) announced today that Fanny Chantal Grenier was appointed Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Sonor effective November 12, 2024 to replace Rosabell Chung Hun who resigned from this position as of such date.

Michael Gardiner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sonor, stated “we would like to express our gratitude for Rosabell Chung Hun’s significant contributions and dedication to our company”. He went on to say “for the immediate future, Fanny Chantal Grenier is to be appointed as the interim Chief Financial Officer  and Treasurer of the company until we have a permanent replacement. We are in the process of examining our human resources plan that will be discussed and presented at our next board meeting”.

Ms. Grenier presently holds the position of President of Fairwater Capital Corporation, is a qualified CA CPA and brings extensive experience in financial leadership. She has a proven track record in advancing fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Sonor Investments Limited

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Odyssey Impact’s New Grant Opportunity: $2,500 – $25,000 for Local Nonprofits — But Don’t Bother If You JUST Want to Raise Awareness

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Odyssey Impact is awarding grants ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 to nonprofits (or those with a verified nonprofit fiscal sponsor) with creative and unique ideas for tackling local challenges and bringing people together in person. The Connected Communities Grants are simple and streamlined… no epic application process and no weeks-long recap reports. The grants were created to help bring about impactful and meaningful change that connects and strengthens local communities. The deadline to apply is December 11, 2024 and winners will be announced in January 2025.

NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — If you’re tired of JUST TALKING ABOUT A PROBLEM, WE’RE WITH YOU. WE WANT TO FIND SOLUTIONS. And if you’re also tired of filling out long applications, running “awareness” campaigns, or spending weeks cobbling together post-grant reports, Odyssey Impact® has some great news for you.

Through the simple and streamlined Connected Communities Grants, Odyssey Impact® is offering up to $25,000 to nonprofits (or those with a verified nonprofit fiscal sponsor) who want to help solve problems in their communities and bring people together in person.

We’re ditching all that in our new SIMPLE AND STREAMLINED Connected Communities Grants, offering up to $25,000 to nonprofits (or those with a verified nonprofit fiscal sponsor) who want to help SOLVE PROBLEMS in their communities.

Grants will range from $2,500 to $25,000 for applicants with CREATIVE and UNIQUE ideas for tackling local challenges and bringing people together IN PERSON. You know what your town needs and we want to help you make it happen.

Our Mandate is Simple: We want creative ways to help connect people in real-time, in meaningful ways.

Odyssey Impact Board President, Riaz Patel, and co-founder of ConnectEffect, underscores the critical importance of real, in-person connection:

“We’re facing an unprecedented epidemic of isolation, alienation, and loneliness. We don’t need more awareness or research to know it’s a massive problem. We need bold, innovative solutions from creative thinkers to reignite a sense of community across America.”

Interested in applying? Awesome! But here’s what we don’t want:

We’re not looking for “scalable” projects. We ARE looking for local and connected.No “awareness campaigns.” We want to help you take real action instead.No “virtual” events. We are funding in-person, live human stuff.Skip the epic applications. We don’t have the time for those either.No weeks-long recap reports. We’d rather see your great pics and videos.No galas, golf tournaments, or fundraisers. We want project- and program-focused ideas.

Got something cool and community-focused in mind? Perfect! We want unique ideas that make sense for your community, and we want you to spell it out clearly (without all the fluff) — how your project will connect people, foster innovation, and bring the community together.

We need this now more than ever, and if you agree, you are our kind of grantee applicant.

You can apply now through December 11th at odyssey-impact.org,

Winners will be announced in January 2025.

Together, we can truly create impactful and meaningful change that connects and strengthens our local communities.

About Odyssey Impact®

Odyssey Impact® ignites creative, actionable solutions that drive real transformation and connection at the local level. By teaming up with innovative community leaders and those who care about their communities, we’re funding projects that are not only visionary, but also perfectly tailored to meet each community’s unique needs.

Through these efforts, Odyssey Impact is laying the groundwork for a future where real community-driven initiatives create much-needed impact & change and bring us all closer together.

Media Contact

Erin Carenzo, Odyssey Impact, 1 8183817336, erin@carenzoagency.com, https://odyssey-impact.org/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/odyssey-impacts-new-grant-opportunity-2-500—25-000-for-local-nonprofits–but-dont-bother-if-you-just-want-to-raise-awareness-302305983.html

SOURCE Odyssey Impact; Odyssey Impact

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