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New Speakers Focused on IT Excellence and Strategic Innovation Announced for Info-Tech LIVE 2024 in Las Vegas

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Info-Tech Research Group has expanded its lineup of expert speakers for the firm’s upcoming Info-Tech LIVE 2024 conference. These industry leaders will share innovative strategies, transformational leadership practices, and advanced technology trends to help technology leaders drive business success over the coming year. Scheduled for September 17-19, 2024, at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, the event will equip IT professionals with the tools and knowledge to excel in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

TORONTO, Aug. 7, 2024 /CNW/ – Info-Tech Research Group, a leading global IT research and advisory firm, has announced the next set of speakers for the upcoming Info-Tech LIVE 2024 conference. Set to take place at the Bellagio in Las Vegas from September 17 to 19, 2024, this year’s event will bring together IT professionals to explore the latest strategies for achieving operational excellence and effective organizational transformation, particularly as it pertains to Exponential IT. The five newly announced speakers will join an already impressive lineup, including the Founder & Executive Director of the Distributed AI Research Institute (DAIR), Dr. Timnit Gebru, President of the Signal Foundation, Meredith Whittaker, bestselling author Daniel Pink, and AWS Director Rory Richardson. Together, these thought leaders will provide valuable insights and strategies to drive innovation and leadership excellence.

“At Info-Tech LIVE 2024, our experts will address critical topics such as data governance, AI integration, IT strategy, and the transformative concept of Exponential IT, which are essential to maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving tech landscape,” says Gord Harrison, chief research officer at Info-Tech Research Group. “These areas are vital for ensuring data integrity, fostering innovation, and enabling rapid adaptation to technological advancements. Our speakers will provide actionable insights and practical strategies, empowering IT leaders to drive operational excellence and achieve strategic goals. This event offers a unique opportunity to learn from industry pioneers and equip themselves with the knowledge needed for sustained success in modern IT.”

The latest featured speakers announced for Info-Tech LIVE 2024 include:

Claudia Mamros, Workshop Director
As a seasoned workshop facilitator and dynamic speaker, Claudia Mamros brings over 35 years of experience to the table. Her passion lies in creating order out of chaos, transforming complex challenges into practical solutions. With impeccable integrity and a tireless work ethic, she’s managed significant change, optimized processes, and delivered high-value services across diverse industries. Whether aligning effective workgroups, standardizing systems, or identifying untapped potential, Mamros thrives on enriching lives through continuous improvement.

Mamros will deliver a technology keynote titled “Give Your Enterprise Content the Retail Experience: Use Retail Marketing Concepts to Design Intuitive ECM.”

Crystal Singh, Research Director, Data & Analytics
Crystal Singh coaches data leaders on building data practices, platforms, and cultures that unlock the value of their data. She brings a diverse and global perspective, drawing from her wealth of professional experience. Singh has led advisory services to a broad client base, both in the public and private sectors. This includes federal and state agencies, clients in the aeronautics, higher education, financial, sporting, and oil and gas industries, as well as non-profit organizations. She has industry experience leading enterprise data services, business intelligence and analytics in various fields, including telecom, financial, retail, and energy. Singh holds an MBA from the Schulich School of Business, York University.

Singh will participate in multiple breakout sessions and expert panels, including:

“Data Strategy: Beyond Insights to Impact” for the Value-Driven IT track.”Data Governance: We Dislike It, but It’s Foundational to Trusted Data” for the Data & Analytics track.

Geoff Nielson, SVP, Brand Reach & Influence
Geoff Nielson brings over 15 years of service to Info-Tech, during which time he has held a number of pivotal roles. He currently leads Info-Tech’s Brand & Content team, which is responsible for crystalizing the organization’s research insights and sharing them with technology leaders. Previously, he led the Executive Services and Consulting organizations responsible for providing strategic guidance to thousands of CIOs and senior technology leaders globally. As Vice President of Strategy and Innovation, he led the organization’s digital transformation. His team brought over a dozen SaaS products to market, mandated to disrupt traditional technology and strategy consulting using data-driven management software. Nielson received his Honours Business Administration from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario.

Nielson will give a featured mainstage keynote entitled “Systematically Improve IT: The Seven Secrets of Successful CIOs.”

Mark Roman, Managing Partner, Education
Mark Roman is responsible for the delivery of Info-Tech services to members throughout the higher education and K-12 sectors and for the alignment of research with the education sector’s needs. Prior to Info-Tech, Roman was an accomplished higher education CIO with extensive experience leading large-scale information systems departments and has a consistent record of implementing significant and innovative digital transformations. He is an inspiring leader who has transformed IT departments to deliver leading-edge solutions and elevate the value of IT for the entire organization. Roman has also served as a CEO, worked on several boards in education, and ran an IT strategy consulting firm specializing in education.

Roman will deliver the technology keynote entitled “Exponential IT: Gauge Your Exponential IT Readiness,” as well as the following sessions:

“Local IT: ‘Cylinders of Excellence or Splendid Silos of Isolation’?” lightning talk.”Priorities for Adopting an Exponential IT Mindset in Education,” an industry panel and roundtable for the Exponential IT track.”Should the CIO Be the Only Technology Leader?” client panel for the Value-Driven IT track.

Robert Garmaise, VP, AI Research
Robert Garmaise was most recently the Chief Innovation Officer at Fasken, where he was responsible for transforming firm operations by pinpointing the products, process improvements, and business model changes that would best position Fasken for future success. Garmaise has led major business transformation projects and held senior positions at McKinsey, Microsoft, Workbrain Corporation, Blockbuster Canada, and TheGuarantors. Robert holds an undergraduate degree in Mathematics from Harvard University and an MBA from Northwestern University.

Garmaise will be presenting the technology keynotes “AI Marketplace Insights: Explore the Value of Off-the-Shelf AI” and ” Build or Buy? The AI Vendor Landscape in IT,” along with:

“Build Your AI Strategy and Roadmap” workshop.”How to Select Your AI Vendors” breakout session for the AI Marketplace track.

Vince Mirabelli, Principal Research Director, Applications
Vince Mirabelli brings a background in strategic business analysis and continuous improvement gained over nearly 20 years in the public and private sectors. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®), Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP®), a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, and has certifications in Design Thinking and Innovation, Change Management, Cybersecurity, and Lego Serious Play Methods. A highly sought-after keynote speaker, Mirabelli has been named a top 10 thought leader on culture, change, and business management by Thinkers360 and is an instructor on the LinkedIn Learning platform. Mirabelli has a degree from York University in Law & Society and Political Science, with a focus on International Relations and Political Economies.

Mirabelli will participate in the following roundtables and breakout sessions:

“Ask an Agilist: Share Your Agile Challenges With Our Panel of Experts” roundtable for the Value-Driven IT track.”Get Started With AI in Requirements Management” breakout session for the AI marketplace track.”Leverage Gen AI to Improve Your Test Automation Strategy” breakout session for the AI marketplace track.

For full agenda details and to register for Info-Tech Research Group’s annual IT conference, visit the Info-Tech LIVE 2024 landing page.

Updates and new details about speakers, agendas, and exclusive event experiences can also be found via LinkedIn and X over the coming weeks.

Other Recent Speaker Announcements for Info-Tech LIVE 2024

Info-Tech Research Group Reveals Dr. Timnit Gebru and Meredith Whittaker to Be Keynote Speakers at LIVE 2024 IT ConferenceInfo-Tech LIVE 2024: Featured Experts Announced to Unveil Key 2025 AI, Next-Gen IT, and Tech Trends at September Event in Las VegasBestselling Author Daniel Pink to Keynote at Info-Tech LIVE 2024, Highlighting Behavioral Science and Creativity in IT TransformationInfo-Tech Research Group Announces New Speakers to Share Transformative Strategies and Leadership Insights at Info-Tech LIVE 2024 ConferenceAWS’s Rory Richardson to Explore Generative AI and Cloud Innovations at Info-Tech LIVE 2024

Media Passes for Info-Tech LIVE 2024

Taking place September 17 to 19, 2024, at the iconic Bellagio in Las Vegas, this premier event offers journalists, podcasters, and media influencers access to exclusive content, the latest IT research and trends, and the opportunity to interview industry experts, analysts, and speakers. Media passes are available for both digital and in-person attendance, ensuring broad access to its invaluable sessions and insights. To apply for media passes to cover the insights presented at Info-Tech LIVE or to gain access to research and expert insights on trending topics, please contact pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group

Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software-buying insights.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

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SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

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SPEYSIDE COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF GSC

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Transaction enables Speyside to fuel the company’s next growth phase.

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Speyside Equity Advisers (“Speyside”) announced that it has completed the acquisition of GSC Technologies, Inc. (“GSC”). The transaction will allow Speyside’s continued investment in GSC and fuel the company’s next growth phase. GSC is a leading manufacturer of plastic goods in North America.

“We are very excited about the GSC acquisition,” said Eric Wiklendt, Managing Director at Speyside. “GSC is similar to a great deal we did in a prior fund, with similar opportunities. GSC has a great growth and value-creation plan that we look forward to facilitating.”

GSC CEO Dave Barrow noted, “My team and I look forward to working with the Speyside team to execute our strategic plan. Speyside has a strong operational background that clearly differentiates it from other investment groups. The new capitalization structure and value-creation system that Speyside brings will help us achieve our vision and drive results.”

Nick Lardo, Managing Director at Speyside, noted, “GSC is our second closed deal in Speyside Equity Fund II. We are gaining strong momentum in the fund based on increased staff, AUM, and deal activity. We see 2025 as a year full of great opportunity.”

About Speyside
Speyside is a Detroit-based private equity firm. The firm invests in middle-market, buyout transactions in the manufacturing and value-added distribution sectors. Targeted portfolio companies often possess balance sheet, legal, environmental, labor, or transactional complexity. Speyside Equity focuses on creative transaction structures and is comfortable investing in carveouts of large multinational companies, industry consolidations, family-owned businesses, bankruptcies, workouts, and other special situations. Speyside takes an operational approach to creating value in these situations. Speyside has completed 37 investments. For more information, please visit speysideequity.com.

About GSC Technologies, Inc.
Founded in 1982 with a single plastic molding machine, GSC Technologies Inc. is a leading and groundbreaking manufacturer of plastic goods in North America focused on environmentally aware plastic solutions for organizing daily life today and in the future. Based in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu (Quebec/Canada), GSC designs and manufactures attractive, practical storage and organization lifestyle products for better modern living. With manufacturing plants that use contemporary equipment and technology and distribution facilities in the US, Canada, and China, GSC uses global testing and quality standards to ensure the best value, highest quality products. For more information, please visit gsctechnology.com.

Honigman LLP acted as Speyside’s legal advisor.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/speyside-completes-acquisition-of-gsc-302347022.html

SOURCE Speyside Equity

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Batteries Plus’s Strategic Partnerships Drive Nearly 130% Sales Increase

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Transformative Collaborations Fuels Record-Breaking Sales Growth for Batteries Plus FranchiseePartnerships Elevate Customer Experience, Expand Service OfferingsNew Jersey Franchisee’s Store Emerges as Top Repair Destination in Network

SPRINGFIELD, N.J., Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Batteries Plus, the world’s leading specialty battery franchise, has achieved remarkable success through strategic partnerships with industry leaders in device protection and insurance. These collaborations have led to significant growth for franchisees over the last two years, as exemplified by Angel Cartagena’s store in Springfield, NJ.

Enhanced Customer Experience
By combining Batteries Plus’s extensive retail network and repair expertise with advanced mobile device protection programs from industry partners, Batteries Plus stores are equipped to handle subscribers’ phone protection needs, covering lost or damaged devices. This comprehensive approach has paved the way for improved customer satisfaction, ultimately increasing revenue for franchisees and strengthening brand loyalty overall.

“We’re not just fixing phones; we’re creating opportunities for customers to discover additional products and services they didn’t know they needed, from car batteries to key fobs,” Cartagena said. “This has contributed to increased ticket counts and higher margins across our business.”

Growth and Expansion
After serving with the U.S. Air Force for 37 years, Cartagena began franchising with Batteries Plus in 2008. In the 18 years since, his store has grown to become the top-performing location for repairs in the entire Batteries Plus network, with repair volumes nearly 50% higher than other stores.

Since implementing these strategic partnerships, Cartagena’s Batteries Plus location has experienced unprecedented growth:

217.7% increase in device repair sales year-over-year128.6% increase in total business sales year-over-year147.8% increase in average ticket value year-over-year10.6% increase in gross profit year-over-year

The success of these partnerships has led to significant expansion for Cartagena’s store, necessitating the hiring of three additional team members to help manage the increased volume.

“These strategic partnerships have been transformative for our business,” said Cartagena. “We’ve seen a dramatic increase in customer traffic and sales, particularly in our device repair services. These collaborations have not only boosted our bottom line but also enhanced our ability to serve our community with top-notch repair solutions. It’s been great for business, allowing us to expand our team and offer more comprehensive services to our customers.”

Batteries Plus has become a global leader in supplying the battery needs of its customers for cars, boats, phones, key fobs and more. With over 800 store locations in operation and development nationwide, Batteries Plus has also carved out a unique niche in the industry with its ‘plus’ services – including cell phone repair and key fob replacement. Positioned for the battery-powered future, Batteries Plus was ranked on Franchise Times Top 400 list, coming in at #130. Plus, for the 30th year in a row, the brand ranked on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list, climbing 53 spots over last year’s rank and even becoming one of only 49 franchise brands to be inducted into Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 Hall of Fame.

To learn more about Batteries Plus, visit batteriesplusfranchise.com.

ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS: Batteries Plus, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Hartland, WI, is a leading omnichannel retailer of batteries, specialty light bulbs and phone repair services for the direct-to-consumer and commercial channels. The retailer also offers key programming, replacement and cutting services. Through a nationwide network of stores, the company offers a differentiated value proposition of unrivaled product selection, in-stock availability and customer service. Batteries Plus is owned by Freeman Spogli, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles and New York City. To learn more about one of Forbes®’ Best Franchises to Buy in America, visit https://www.batteriesplusfranchise.com.  

MEDIA CONTACT: Cole Koretos, Fishman Public Relations, ckoretos@fishmanpr.com or 847-331-1190

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SOURCE Batteries Plus

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MobileX Partners with Ethika to Launch ‘ethikaX,’ Merging Style with Mobile Connectivity

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 LAS VEGAS, Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today at CES, MobileX, the most customizable wireless service designed to save consumers money, and Ethika, a leading lifestyle brand driven by personal identity, announced an exciting new collaboration. Together, the two companies will be launching “ethikaX” – a collection that seamlessly merges mobile-friendly design with bold self-expression and dynamic style. This partnership represents a groundbreaking moment where mobile meets fashion, blending cutting-edge technology with style and originality.

The ethikaX line will debut in Q1 2025, featuring a range of apparel and accessories tailored for the modern, mobile lifestyle. The initial collection will include hoodies and t-shirts with phone-friendly pockets, phone cases, and even a limited-edition set of ethikaX-branded headphones.

“At MobileX, we’re passionate about empowering our customers to live untethered, connected lives,” said Peter Adderton, CEO of MobileX. “By partnering with Ethika, we’re able to bring that vision to life through thoughtfully designed apparel that embraces uniqueness and creativity while seamlessly integrating with our mobile services.”

Ethika’s commitment to celebrating individuality and self-expression across diverse cultures including motorsports, BMX, music, art and fashion aligns perfectly with MobileX’s mission to empower consumers through customizable, user-focused mobile service that ensures they only pay for what they use. The ethikaX collection will be available for purchase through the MobileX app and website, as well as select Ethika retail partners. Customers can also sign up for MobileX at these retail locations by purchasing a SIM Kit or scanning a QR code and activating with eSIM.

“We’re thrilled to be working with the innovative team at MobileX to redefine the intersection of mobile and fashion,” said Matt Cook, CEO of Ethika. “This collaboration allows us to extend the Ethika brand into new territories while continuing to celebrate those who stand out from the crowd and share our core values of quality, style and originality.”

Stay tuned for updates on ethikaX’s launch in Q1 2025 here.

 About MobileX
Headquartered in Orange County, California, MobileX is the world’s most customizable mobile carrier delivering the ultimate in choice and cost control. MobileX is a unique service that uses artificial intelligence to predict how much data customers need, dramatically reducing costs while ensuring reliable speed and service. MobileX was founded by Peter Adderton, who also founded both Boost Mobile and Digital Turbine. For more information, please visit mymobilex.com.

 About Ethika
Ethika is a leading lifestyle brand which started in San Clemente, CA and is now based in Lake Forest. Since the inception of the brand, Ethika and its team have been determined to live life, innovate, and deliver quality products, while staying true to the brand’s biggest asset – the FAMILIE. Ethika employees, friends, athletes, artists and customers are the core of the brand and the reason Ethika exists. More Ethika news, photos, and videos can be found on X (@ethika), Instagram (@ethika), and online at www.ethika.com.

Press contact:
Illume PR for MobileX
mobilex@illumepr.com

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SOURCE Mobile X Global, Inc.

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