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Cloud Conventions Supports ADA Requirements for Virtual Event Accessibility

Convey Services

Cloud Conventions , a full featured virtual tradeshow and event technology solution supports ADA requirements for accessibility to help event operators accommodate people with disabilities and avoid increasing legal action being taken against failure to provide attendees easy access to content and programming. As most tradeshows, conferences and association events transition from live to virtual in response to COVID-19, accessibility is often overlooked when making the switch. Event planners who normally take steps to ensure their in-person events accommodate people with any level of handicap, are often unaware that virtual events must meet the same requirements. “Providing ADA accessibility is usually not top of mind, but it is an important component in your overall virtual event strategy not only to accommodate attendees with visual or hearing disabilities, but also to protect your organization from legal action being directed at non-compliant events,” said Carolyn Bradfield , founder of Convey . “Today, Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is being interpreted to include websites and even virtual events as ‘places of public accommodation.’ Events that operate using online platforms that fail to provide accessibility can be viewed as discriminating against persons with disabilities. In 2020, plaintiffs’ lawyers along with certain states like California and New York are filing a significant number of ADA lawsuits for discrimination.” Cloud Conventions took steps in 2019 to ensure that virtual events on the platform could be ADA compliant. For a virtual event operator this means that Cloud Conventions’ technology supports ADA, enabling the event operator to ensure attendees have unrestricted access to the platform and the event content hosted on it. Visually impaired attendees can use web readers and view images that have “Alt” text to be read aloud on a screen reader. In addition, higher levels of color contrast on buttons or other graphics elements guides individuals through the site. “The phrase most often seen in lawsuits is ‘effective communication,’ in other words, does a virtual event provide effective communication for any and all persons who attend,” added Bradfield. “ADA is a strict liability law which means excuses or defenses for violations, like ignorance of the law or third-party responsibility, do not relieve accountability. Cloud Conventions makes complying with ADA requirements easier, but ultimately virtual tradeshow operators and event planners need to educate themselves on effectively applying Cloud Conventions’ underlying resources to their individual show.” For more ideas on how to make a virtual event both informative and engaging, visit the Online Resource Center at www.CloudConventions.com . About Cloud Conventions Cloud Conventions is a Virtual Trade Show and Conference Platform from Convey Services that brings new capabilities to a marketplace looking for solutions to replace the thousands of live trade shows, annual conferences and association meetings cancelled in the wake of COVID-19. Originally launched as ConveyLive, Cloud Conventions automates exhibitors and virtual booths, attendee registration, speaker sessions and reminders, invitations and email communication, while at the same time producing detailed analytics on attendee, session and exhibitor activity. Trade Associations and event managers can explore all of the Cloud Conventions solutions by visiting https://cloudconventions.com or contacting info@cloudconventions.com or call 888-975-1382. Cloud Conventions™, Conduct™, One-Touch Email Share™, Hub & Spoke™, 360° Virtual Exhibit Hall & Lobby Experience™ and ListLock™ are trademarks of Convey Services LLC Contact Details Bruce Ahern +1 770-580-0810 bahern@conveyservices.com Company Website https://cloudconventions.com

August 11, 2020 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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To meet the demands of modern storytellers, News Direct reimagined a platform purpose-built for the future of news and content distribution

News Direct

Contact Details Ally O'Hara +1 212-404-6609 aohara@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://www.newsdirect.com/

August 11, 2020 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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InterAct LifeLine Addresses Alarming Increase in Overdoses During COVID-19 Pandemic

Convey Services

InterAct LifeLine , a telehealth platform delivering education and content on addiction and wellness, has moved from a beta program to full release offering addiction treatment programs as well as state and local community groups the ability to use technology for remote patient monitoring and keeping individuals connected virtually after they have completed an addiction rehab program. InterAct LifeLine offers structure and accountability, virtual connections to support groups and treatment professionals, along with education about how to maintain recovery and individual monitoring when needed. InterAct is a sister company of Convey Services . “Every day, news reports are hyper focused on COVID-19, but they fail to see the devastation experienced by those struggling with addiction and mental health issues during the pandemic,” said Carolyn Bradfield CEO of InterAct LifeLine. “Addiction is a chronic disease requiring individuals to stay connected to longer term treatment, to implement healthy lifestyle changes, and to create a support system to help them stay in recovery. The pandemic has disrupted the ability for people with addiction to stay connected. This makes InterAct LifeLine’s capabilities all the more essential.” In a July 1, 2020 article, the Washington Post reports that drug overdoses are soaring during the pandemic.According to the article, “Suspected overdoses nationally jumped 18% in March, 29 % in April and 42 % in May, data from ambulance teams, hospitals and police shows.” According to research conducted by the Post, individuals who are suffering from the disease of addiction have felt an increasing sense of isolation, suffer from the disruption in the economy, are disconnected from treatment , accelerating the on-going pandemic of drug addiction and overdose. “I lost my first husband to suicide after a decades long battle with alcoholism and my daughter Laura to overdose a month before her thirtieth birthday,” added Bradfield. “The country cannot afford to ignore the addiction pandemic that takes more American lives annually than both the two Gulf wars and Vietnam War combined. The effects of addiction devastate families. InterAct has had a successful beta program this year and now we’re ready to expand our offering nationwide.” InterAct Lifeline operates on Convey’s portal network using its proprietary Hub & Spoke™ technology to deliver education and content to customized portals used by addiction treatment programs, as well as state and local community groups. The technology offers personalized calendars with reminders for individuals to attend support meetings, therapy appointments, or work commitments. Outbound messaging and short surveys help case workers monitor patient progress and alert staff if there are issues. The program offers additional telehealth connections to therapists and psychiatrists for medication management, as well as providing families with a support and family therapy program. About InterAct LifeLine Founded in 2019 by Carolyn Bradfield following the overdose death of her daughter, InterAct is a telehealth platform delivering education and content on addiction and wellness strategies to promote recovery, connections to community through discussion forums and virtual support groups, and continuous outreach to its members. InterAct’s portal technology is integrated with a HIPAA compliant mobile platform offering applications to families to engage individuals, organize their schedule with reminders and check ins, send secure messages and monitors vital signs through wearables to detect risk for overdose. InterAct’s technology produces detailed data used for treatment program outcomes studies. For information visit www.interactlifeline.com , info@interactlifeline.com or call 866-274-7539. Contact Details Bruce Ahern +1 770-580-0810 bahern@conveyservices.com Company Website https://interactlifeline.com

August 11, 2020 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Cloud Conventions Virtual Event Platform Launches Channel Sales Program

Convey Services

Cloud Conventions , a full featured virtual tradeshow and event technology solution today launched a channel reseller program to allow telecommunications and cloud sales partners, event managers and marketing groups to represent and sell the platform to their customers and prospects. The new channel program pays commissions for direct referrals or offers a wholesale rate for white-label resellers. “ Convey Services , the parent company for Cloud Conventions has a long history serving channel partners, particularly in the telecom and cloud marketplace,” said Carolyn Bradfield , founder of Convey. “The pandemic has created a huge demand for platforms like Cloud Conventions that deliver virtual tradeshows, association meetings, sales conferences, expositions and other events. COVID-19 forced the cancellation of thousands of in-person events, generating increasing demand for virtual solutions. The Cloud Conventions platform engages attendees, drawing a larger audience of people who don’t need or want to travel to attend. It delivers more revenue to the event operator and better ROI to exhibitors and sponsors.” Cloud Conventions is a content-rich environment with enhanced views of marketing materials, educational programs and product literature. It automates every aspect of delivering a tradeshow, conference or event. It can also be used for internal sales conferences or large corporate events. Cloud Conventions is easily custom-branded and directed to any URL. The platform automates registering and attendee onboarding, offers virtual booths and sponsorship programs and delivers online educational and social interaction opportunities, including continuing education credit. Every attendee contact is analyzed and detailed in reports for the event host and exhibitors. “There is an explosion of interest and demand for Cloud Conventions and its ability to translate a live event into an engaging virtual experience in almost any market,” added Bradfield. “Cloud Conventions can replace a single live event or can be used year-round for multiple events to support sales, education or information outreach. Cloud Conventions offers a strong recurring revenue opportunity for channel partners who can augment that income by adding conferencing technology from their suite of services to host online sessions.” Agents, master agents or sales partners that want to include Cloud Conventions in their portfolio should contact agent@cloudconventions.com to explore the revenue opportunities and technology. For ideas on how organizations are using Cloud Conventions to make their virtual event informative and engaging, visit the Online Resource Center at www.CloudConventions.com . About Cloud Conventions Cloud Conventions is a Virtual Trade Show and Conference Platform from Convey Services that brings new capabilities to a marketplace looking for solutions to replace the thousands of live trade shows, annual conferences and association meetings cancelled in the wake of COVID-19. Originally launched as ConveyLive, Cloud Conventions automates exhibitors and virtual booths, attendee registration, speaker sessions and reminders, invitations and email communication, while at the same time producing detailed analytics on attendee, session and exhibitor activity. Trade Associations and event managers can explore all of the Cloud Conventions solutions by visiting https://cloudconventions.com or contacting info@cloudconventions.com or call 888-975-1382. Cloud Conventions™, Conduct™, One-Touch Email Share™, Hub & Spoke™, 360° Virtual Exhibit Hall & Lobby Experience™ and ListLock™ are trademarks of Convey Services LLC Contact Details Bruce Ahern +1 770-580-0810 bahern@conveyservices.com Company Website https://cloudconventions.com

August 10, 2020 01:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Cloud Conventions Virtual Events Sets New Standards for Content Delivery

Convey Services

Cloud Conventions , a full-featured virtual tradeshow and event technology solution is establishing itself as the new standard for delivering content, audio and video presentations, PDFs, PowerPoint files, blogs, brochures, flip catalogs and live events to virtual audiences around the world. Cloud Conventions has a long history of content delivery to industry networks connecting indirect sellers in channel organizations to suppliers and vendors. At the core of Cloud Conventions is a sophisticated SaaS delivery engine that manages and graphically showcases content to create a powerful digital experience. “Many virtual event solutions being marketed today started life as webinar registration or webinar delivery platforms, but fall way short in presenting content effectively,” said Carolyn Bradfield , founder of Convey Services . “Some just offer links to downloadable PDFs when you click a generic icon. Specialized features within Cloud Conventions allow attendees to view or download content from an exhibitor or sponsor, share it on social media or email it to customers or colleagues. Our exclusive One-Touch Email Share ™ simplifies the distribution of product or educational material, as well as training and promotions. This ensures the exhibitor achieves a better ROI, increasing leads and ultimately sales.” One-Touch Email Share automatically launches the attendee’s email client, such as Outlook or Gmail. The attendee selects one or more recipient email addresses and includes their own message. The email contains a custom generated URL that directs the recipient to a unique landing page that displays only that item’s information, video, catalog or other type of content so it can be viewed or downloaded. Attendees can also bookmark content and return to it from their personal dashboard. “A virtual tradeshow or conference has to offer a content-rich experience to all attendees to keep them engaged,” added Bradfield. “Product companies need to showcase new merchandise and catalogs, associations have to deliver continuing education, technology businesses have video demos of their services that will sell their solutions. Cloud Conventions automates content delivery and offers a means for exhibitors, as well as attendees to consume content online and on-demand.” Every feature of content sharing is managed by the exhibitor inside their virtual booth. Access to content can be restricted to viewing online only or allowed to be shared or downloaded. Detailed reporting tracks viewings, including who saw it, for how long and if they downloaded or shared it. Cloud Conventions provides a personalized content experience with customized attendee dashboards, segmented email communication or the ability to restrict access to exhibit booths based on attendee type. Cloud Conventions is a virtual event SaaS platform from Convey Services. To learn more about the options available for a virtual conference, tradeshow or event, visit the Online Resource Center at www.CloudConventions.com . About Cloud Conventions Cloud Conventions is a Virtual Trade Show and Conference Platform from Convey Services that brings new capabilities to a marketplace looking for solutions to replace the thousands of live trade shows, annual conferences and association meetings cancelled in the wake of COVID-19. Originally launched as ConveyLive, Cloud Conventions automates exhibitors and virtual booths, attendee registration, speaker sessions and reminders, invitations and email communication, while at the same time producing detailed analytics on attendee, session and exhibitor activity. Trade Associations and event managers can explore all of the Cloud Conventions solutions by visiting https://cloudconventions.com or contacting info@cloudconventions.com or call 888-975-1382. Cloud Conventions™, Conduct™, One-Touch Email Share™, Hub & Spoke™, 360° Virtual Exhibit Hall & Lobby Experience™ and ListLock™ are trademarks of Convey Services LLC Contact Details Bruce Ahern +1 770-580-0810 bahern@conveyservices.com Company Website https://cloudconventions.com

August 10, 2020 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Cloud Conventions Virtual Events Can be More Effective at Connecting Buyers & Sellers

Convey Services

Cloud Conventions , a full-featured virtual tradeshow and event technology solution delivers an effective means for suppliers to continue to move merchandise by providing better connection to buyers in a content rich virtual environment. Annual or regional tradeshows and industry conferences have traditionally been the primary way suppliers connect to their wholesale marketplace, educating buyers on new products, introducing the latest trends and receiving orders for merchandise for upcoming selling seasons. In a digital environment, Cloud Conventions is improving the overall sales process by better showcasing suppliers and their products, providing increased promotional opportunities and stronger connections with buyers, brokers and distributers in thousands of vertical markets in the U.S. and internationally. “People often perceive that tradeshows are just a getaway to visit a fun venue, connect socially and have a good time,” said Carolyn Bradfield , founder of Convey Services . “In some ways that can be true, however tradeshows are mission-critical in connecting buyers with suppliers and resellers in a single venue so they can keep their shelves, warehouses and online stores stocked with the latest merchandise. To keep product moving so suppliers can survive and grow in the face of COVID-19, Cloud Conventions offers a more enhanced digital experience delivering higher levels of product information, more interaction and a longer opportunity to connect.” A Cloud Conventions virtual tradeshow gives exhibitors a booth experience filled with opportunities to capture sales leads, attract and reward attendees, interact with live chat or video meetings and offer live or recorded in-booth sessions to showcase their products. Buyers can view new product lines, flip through digital catalogs, meet with designers, fill out requests for pricing, order product samples and receive show promotions and discounts. “Virtual tradeshows can offer significant advantages over live events,” added Bradfield. “The virtual exhibit hall is not restricted to specific hours, allowing attendees to view a booth online and on-demand 24/7. The attendee audience is often much larger because they can attend without the risk and expense of travel or taking time away from the business of selling. This can dramatically increase the number of sales leads from an event. In one of our recent tradeshows, there were 100 virtual booths. During the 3 days of the live show there were over 40,000 attendee interactions with exhibits and sales content. With a virtual event, those interactions can continue for days, weeks or a month or more afterward.” Cloud Conventions virtual booths offer varying levels of features with specialized sponsorship and advertising placements. Exhibitors can purchase banner ads on the homepage, inside the attendee dashboard and on directory pages. Sponsors can showcase themselves with session presentations, host social events like virtual wine tastings and be featured in email communication sent from the event platform. Analytics on Cloud Conventions detail every attendee interaction to validates the ROI for the exhibitor or sponsor. Cloud Conventions is a virtual event SaaS solution from Convey Services . To learn more about options available for a virtual conference, tradeshow or event, visit the Online Resource Center at www. CloudConventions.com. About Cloud Conventions Cloud Conventions is a Virtual Trade Show and Conference Platform from Convey Services that brings new capabilities to a marketplace looking for solutions to replace the thousands of live trade shows, annual conferences and association meetings cancelled in the wake of COVID-19. Originally launched as ConveyLive, Cloud Conventions automates exhibitors and virtual booths, attendee registration, speaker sessions and reminders, invitations and email communication, while at the same time producing detailed analytics on attendee, session and exhibitor activity. Trade Associations and event managers can explore all of the Cloud Conventions solutions by visiting https://cloudconventions.com or contacting info@cloudconventions.com or call 888-975-1382. Cloud Conventions™, Conduct™, One-Touch Email Share™, Hub & Spoke™, 360° Virtual Exhibit Hall & Lobby Experience™ and ListLock™ are trademarks of Convey Services LLC Contact Details Bruce Ahern +1 770-580-0810 bahern@conveyservices.com Company Website https://cloudconventions.com

August 07, 2020 03:45 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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OpenSeed Introduces SpaceTime Meditation Pod Prior to Futuristic Chamber’s Debut on the Silver Screen

OpenSeed

Today OpenSeed announced the launch of its new SpaceTime meditation pod, which will be available in time for its debut on the silver screen in the latest Bill & Ted trilogy, Bill and Ted Face the Music , premiering September 1, 2020. The immersive meditation chamber facilitates access to higher states of consciousness, beyond the social constructs of time and space. The SpaceTime model boasts a lighter finish and will include features such as sanitizing ultraviolet lights, time travel-inspired soundscapes and meditation content, and aromatherapy blends designed to support an experience of weightlessness. While the comedic sci-fi film series characterizes time travel as hypothetical and fictional, mindfulness and meditation are widely accepted as methods to fully access and journey beyond the present. The practice of meditation is not only scientifically substantiated but is also critical to surviving—and thriving—in today’s unpredictable, fast-paced and high-stress world. Case in point: meditation app usage has surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Downloads for “mindfulness” apps reached 750,000 the week of March 29—a 25 percent increase from the weekly average in January and February—according to mobile insights and analytics platform App Annie. Android users also spent nearly 85 percent more time using those apps that same week. In April, the top ten mental health and wellness mobile apps experienced two million downloads. Recent studies have linked meditation to lower cardiovascular risk and anti-inflammatory effects. In a study published on June 30 in the American Journal of Cardiology , data analysis conducted by Veterans Affairs researchers and colleagues linked meditation to lower cardiovascular risk. In another recent study, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, researchers outlined the anti-inflammatory effects of yoga and meditation; the study was a collaboration between Deepak Chopra, Harvard University, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the University of California, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Research has also shown that meditating in OpenSeed pods significantly increases the effectiveness of meditation, and amplifies its benefits. A study conducted in Japan, supervised by Dr. Michihito Sugawara, neurosurgeon and director of Sugawara Neurosurgery Clinic, tested 30 subjects over a period of three weeks and found that isolated and controlled environments have great potential to quickly and effectively quiet the mind, reduce stress and enhance peak performance. “The allure of time travel is something human beings are fascinated with—the journey into our past and our future—there’s a certain mystique about it. Many who practice meditation know this journey is actually possible, at least in a mental and spiritual sense,” said OpenSeed Founder & CEO Jonathan Marcoschamer. “Being present in the now pulls your past and future self together. It empowers you to connect with your higher self and, from there, to explore higher planes of consciousness, where you are no longer constrained by time and space. This is the inspiration behind the SpaceTime meditation pod model.” OpenSeed meditation pods are designed to provide moments of calm at home, in the workplace and other high-traffic locations, and create environments that are supportive of mindfulness and meditation practices. By integrating sound, guided meditations, essential oils, and calming lights, these tech-powered capsules facilitate access to higher states of awareness, where creativity flows and productivity peaks. “We believe as employees worldwide return to the office slowly, after the COVID-19 pandemic, it will be more important than ever before to offer them restful, safe spaces to reduce stress and increase productivity,” Marcoschamer said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified—and created—mass anxiety among the collective consciousness. The practice of meditation is more important now than ever before, for those of us who want to maintain our center and sense of peace. We must go within to connect with our inner self and higher realms, and then hang onto that calm while navigating a world that often feels as if it’s falling apart around us.” OPENSEED MEDITATION POD FEATURES: All OpenSeed meditation pods include the following state-of-the-art features: Built-in Touchscreen Light Therapy Aromatherapy Immersive Audio Noise-Cancelling Headphones Ergonomic and Adjustable Seating Air Circulation Sound Isolating Shell Group Sessions The new SpaceTime model will boast: A Lighter Exterior Finish Ultraviolet Lights with Sanitizing Properties Time Travel-Inspired Soundscapes Time Travel-Inspired Meditation Content Time Travel-Inspired Light Therapy Unique Aromatherapy Blends For more information, visit https://openseed.co/ For images of the new SpaceTime model, click here . OpenSeed meditation pods, first launched in 2017, are designed to provide moments of calm anywhere, from homes, offices, hotels, and spas to airport lounges, co-working spaces, universities, and retail locations. By integrating sound, guided meditations, essential oils, lighting, and state-of-the-art technology, the pods facilitate access to higher states of awareness, where creativity flows and productivity peaks. In this isolated environment, uninterrupted by distractions, an individual has a much greater potential to quiet the mind and restore calm, focus, clarity, and positive energy. OpenSeed creates original content in collaboration with meditation teachers, neuroscientists, healing artists, sound therapists, and audio engineers, to provide immersive sound experiences and science-based meditation content. For more information, visit https://openseed.co/. Contact Details April White +1 347-870-9402 april@trustrelations.agency Company Website https://openseed.co/

August 07, 2020 08:08 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Cloud Conventions Integrates Virtual Event Platform with Zoom Video Webinar

Convey Services

Cloud Conventions , a full featured virtual tradeshow and event technology solution today announced the integration of Zoom Video Webinar to automate scheduling, participant entry into sessions and delivery of meeting data into the platform’s reporting engine. Zoom Video Webinar has become a preference for tradeshow and conference organizers that need to engage a larger audience, deliver more formal presentations or have to validate attendance for continuing education credit (CE, CLE, or CME). Cloud Conventions is a new virtual event SaaS platform from Convey Services. “We have seen a steady demand for video broadcasting solutions that allow greater control than a casual meeting when all cameras and microphones are turned on,” said Carolyn Bradfield , founder of Convey. “Integration with Zoom Video Webinar enriches the delivery of keynotes, programs with a larger audience or sessions that require the event host to confirm attendance.” Cloud Conventions connects to Zoom Video Webinar through Zoom’s application program interface (API). The event host schedules a session on Cloud Conventions which then automates scheduling on Zoom. When attendees register for a Zoom Video Webinar program, they are automatically registered on Zoom with a meeting link added to their personal calendars on Cloud Conventions. “Associations and trade groups that offer continuing education must adhere to a higher-level of compliance before they can issue certificates for virtual sessions,” added Bradfield. “Because each attendee is given an individual link to attend the session, their identity is confirmed when they enter and exit. After the session is finished, attendees are directed to a speaker evaluation survey on Cloud Conventions to complete CE requirements.” Tradeshow, conference or association meeting organizers are free to select any brand of conferencing to deliver sessions on Cloud Conventions. With the Zoom Video Webinar integration, the experience is seamless and automated for conferencing set up, attendee registration and meeting reports. For more ideas on how to make a virtual event both informative and engaging, visit the Online Resource Center at www.CloudConventions.com . Zoom Video Webinar is a product of Zoom Video Communications Inc. About Cloud Conventions Cloud Conventions is a Virtual Trade Show and Conference Platform from Convey Services that brings new capabilities to a marketplace looking for solutions to replace the thousands of live trade shows, annual conferences and association meetings cancelled in the wake of COVID-19. Originally launched as ConveyLive, Cloud Conventions automates exhibitors and virtual booths, attendee registration, speaker sessions and reminders, invitations and email communication, while at the same time producing detailed analytics on attendee, session and exhibitor activity. Trade Associations and event managers can explore all of the Cloud Conventions solutions by visiting https://cloudconventions.com or contacting info@cloudconventions.com or call 888-975-1382. Cloud Conventions™, Conduct™, One-Touch Email Share™, Hub & Spoke™, 360° Virtual Exhibit Hall & Lobby Experience™ and ListLock™ are trademarks of Convey Services LLC Contact Details Bruce Ahern +1 770-580-0810 bahern@conveyservices.com Company Website https://cloudconventions.com

August 06, 2020 01:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Nonpartisan Mobile Game, Pigeon POOlitics, Launches to Unite Young Voters Ahead of 2020 Election

Pigeon POOlitics

Pigeon POOlitics , a zany mobile game featuring pigeons who poop on users' political adversaries, today announced its official launch on the Apple App Store and upcoming debut on the Android App Store Monday, August 10. The game is geared towards the 2020 U.S. presidential election, and designed to connect young voters from both sides of the political spectrum by sharing unbiased political information to help them make better informed choices when voting in the polls this fall. The vision of the video-game startup is to sprinkle a bit of playful humor into the tense political arena, helping unite the nation’s youth to increase voter turnout among first-timer voters, millennials and Gen Z gamers. With one of the lowest voter turnout rates among the youth, only 43% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 voted in the 2016 U.S. presidential election . The game is intended to make the sharing of political news more light-hearted and interactive via the use of animation. To begin, players can select to represent either the Democratic or Republican party, with the option to change parties as they continue on each new level. Currently, there are six levels available in Pigeon POOlitic’s beta version, with additional levels in production. Prior to completing each level, players must face and conquer a “political boss,” which can take on the form of a news anchor, senator or even president. The app’s main feature, referred to as “poop tracking,” has users control a flock of pigeons to poop on whoever opposes their views, providing real-time insights and opinion polling into which presidential party is least-preferred in each state. “My whole life changed the day I won the Diversity Visa Lottery (AKA the green card lottery). I grew up in Iran, witnessing a great deal of political unrest,” said Sassan Yousefi, co-founder and CEO of POOlitics. “Coincidentally, I arrived in the United States on November 9th, 2016 – the day Republican nominee Donald Trump became the president-elect, after winning the electoral college. Just a few short years later, I found myself designing an unbiased political video game surrounding the upcoming presidential election.” In 2019 during Yousefi’s USC graduate program, a mutual friend connected him with Hossein Shahbazi, a seasoned software engineer with blue-chip brand experience under his belt, who had decided to pursue a career in video game development. The two creatives embarked on a nine-month journey to produce a game that would replace misinformation, propaganda and anger with satirical political commentary and news delivery. “While growing up in a socially isolated, poverty-stricken country run by a corrupt government, video games became my lifeline to sanity, socialization and a creative atmosphere to learn about other worlds,” said Hossein Shahbazi, co-founder and CTO of POOlitics. “So when I came to North America at the age of 22 to become a software engineer, I was fascinated to see freedom of thought and expression. I had never lived in a country where citizens could openly criticize political leaders without being physically harmed or thrown in jail.” About Pigeon POOlitics: POOlitics is a zany 2020 nonpartisan mobile gaming app developed as an interactive platform for sharing unbiased political news and real-time polling views. Inspired by the idea to unite the youth of America and provide them with a safe and fun medium to express political interest and healthy debate, ahead of the 2020 U.S. presidential election. The game was first released for iOS and Android devices in August 2020. About Sassan Yousefi: Sassan Yousefi is co-founder and CEO of Pigeon POOlitics, a mobile gaming app established in anticipation of the 2020 U.S. presidential election. After earning a Bachelor of Architecture at Shahid Beheshti University, he received his Masters of Business Administration at Tehran University and completed a Masters in Construction Management at the University of Southern California. About Hossein Shahbazi: Hossein Shahbazi is co-founder and CTO of Pigeon POOlitics, a mobile gaming app established in anticipation of the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Shahbazi received a Bachelor of Engineering at Sharif University, and earned a Masters in Computer Science from the University of Alberta. Before making the leap to video-game development, Shahbazi worked as an engineer for blue-chip brands such as Google, and Microsoft, as well as several Silicon Valley startups. Contact Details Kelsey Nover +1 989-277-5089 kelsey@trustrelations.agency Company Website https://www.pigeonpoolitics.com/

August 06, 2020 08:08 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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