53% of American Career Changers Anxious About AI Which Jobs Are
Tue, Oct 13, 2026 10:31 EDT
New research from The TEFL Academy reveals which careers are most resilient to AI, as 53% of US respondents report anxiety about its impact on their future careers. Key Findings: 53% are anxious about AI's impact on their future career opportunities. 61% have questioned whether their chosen career or degree will still be valuable because of AI. 83% say AI has already changed how they think about their future career, including 39% who say it has changed their thinking significantly. Work-life balance is the leading factor when choosing a career, selected by 29% of respondents, followed by job security at 18% and making a positive impact at 17% . 57% say AI resilience is very or extremely important when considering a career. 63% believe human skills will become more valuable as AI becomes more common in the workplace. 78% expect AI literacy to become as important as computer literacy. 81% say they would be likely to participate in AI training or upskilling. 58% believe AI will eliminate more jobs than it creates over the next decade. Teacher/Educator scores 95 out of 100 in The TEFL Academy's AI Resilience Index. NEW YORK, September 2026 -83% of American career changers say artificial intelligence has changed how they think about their future careers, while 61% have questioned whether their career or degree will still be valuable because of AI , according to new research from The TEFL Academy . The findings come as the World Economic Forum estimates that 39% of workers' core skills will change by 2030 , alongside a projected 170 million new jobs and 92 million displaced jobs globally. The findings form part of United States Career Resilience Report 2026 , which examines how artificial intelligence is influencing career anxiety, skills and perceptions of long-term career value among Americans considering their next career move. The research combines an original survey of US-based students, graduates, professionals and career changers with third-party labour market, occupational, education and AI research. The analysis draws on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics , O*NET OnLine , and World Economic Forum , among others. The research found that 83% say AI has changed how they think about their future career , including 39% who say it has changed their thinking significantly . At the same time, 61% have questioned whether their chosen career or degree will still be valuable because of AI . The survey research found that 54% are moderately, very or extremely anxious about AI, although 53% remain confident that their career or degree will provide good job opportunities over the next 10 years. At the same time, 77% expect AI literacy to become as important as computer literacy, while 60% say they would be very likely to take free AI training. AI is changing career decisions For career changers reassessing their options, AI is becoming another factor in deciding whether a qualification or profession will retain its value. The findings suggest that this is not simply a question of whether AI will eliminate jobs. Instead, career changers are having to consider how much of their work could be automated, which skills will remain valuable and how easily they can adapt as technology changes the way jobs are performed. That shift is reflected in the wider labour market. The World Economic Forum forecasts 170 million new jobs and 92 million displaced jobs by 2030, resulting in a net increase of 78 million jobs . Its research also identifies analytical thinking, resilience, flexibility, agility, leadership and social influence among the skills employers expect to remain important. The OECD similarly finds that fewer than 1% of workers need advanced AI-specific skills , while digital skills, data interpretation, problem-solving, creativity and innovation are increasingly important. Around 40% of employers in manufacturing and finance that have not adopted AI cite a lack of skills as a major barrier. Despite concerns about the impact of AI, the research suggests that career changers are not simply waiting for the labour market to change around them. 81% say they would be likely to participate in AI training or upskilling , suggesting a strong willingness to develop new skills as technology changes the workplace. 78% also believe AI literacy will become as important as computer literacy , highlighting how quickly AI skills are becoming part of the wider career conversation. The careers built around human skills Against this backdrop, The TEFL Academy developed its AI-Proof Careers Index , scoring 100 occupations according to factors including human interaction, emotional intelligence, creativity, critical thinking, automation risk, labour-market demand, skills shortages and projected job growth. The survey findings reinforce the importance of skills that allow people to work effectively alongside AI. 63% believe human skills will become more valuable as AI becomes more common in the workplace , suggesting that capabilities such as judgement, communication, adaptability and emotional intelligence could become an increasingly important part of career resilience. The highest-scoring careers in the US index are concentrated in healthcare, skilled trades and emergency services, with roles requiring physical presence, complex judgement, responsibility and human interaction occupying much of the top of the rankings. The top 10 are: Surgeon: 98 Nurse Practitioner: 97 Therapist / Psychologist: 97 Physician / Doctor: 96 Skilled Tradesperson: 96 Teacher / Educator: 95 Emergency Medical Technician: 95 Social Worker: 95 Occupational Therapist: 94 Physical Therapist: 94 The pattern is consistent across the index. Careers that depend heavily on human interaction, physical presence, specialist expertise and high-stakes decision-making score towards the top, while occupations involving more structured and repeatable tasks appear towards the lower end. The report is not intended to suggest that lower-scoring occupations will disappear. Instead, it identifies where the nature of work may face greater pressure to change as AI develops. Teaching ranks among the most resilient careers Teacher / Educator ranks sixth overall, with an AI-Proof Score of 95 , placing teaching among the highest-scoring careers in the US index. The report attributes teaching's resilience to the combination of skills involved in the role, including communication, emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, leadership, adaptability, critical thinking and problem-solving . The wider skills index reinforces this finding. Critical thinking and complex problem-solving both score 99 , followed by emotional intelligence and ethical decision-making at 98. Creativity, strategic thinking, leadership, communication and adaptability also feature among the highest-scoring capabilities. Teaching also provides an example of how AI can change a profession without removing the human role. AI can support lesson planning, content creation and personalized learning, while teachers remain responsible for understanding individual learners, responding to changing needs, building confidence and managing the classroom. The experience of teachers is already changing alongside technology. OECD TALIS data cited in the report shows that 37% of lower-secondary teachers used AI in their work in 2024 , while 57% said AI improves lesson planning . Tiffany Probasco-Francis, an American TEFL instructor and The TEFL Academy alumna , said: " I think more language teaching will be around appropriateness for contexts. Language is a living organism. It moves and changes with the times and instructors need to keep up with it and help students navigate it in order for students to feel confident in making the language their own. " More than half expect AI to eliminate more jobs than it creates Concerns about AI also extend beyond individual career choices. 58% of respondents believe AI will eliminate more jobs than it creates over the next decade , highlighting wider uncertainty about how automation will reshape the US labour market. For career changers, that uncertainty makes the question of where to move next increasingly important, particularly as some occupations become more exposed to automation while others continue to rely heavily on human judgement, interaction and physical expertise. The US labour market is also shifting The report's US analysis identifies healthcare, education and skilled trades among the areas projected to experience the fastest growth, based on US Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This aligns with the World Economic Forum's global outlook, which identifies care roles, educators and other core-economy occupations alongside technology roles among areas expected to grow. For career changers, the implication is that future career resilience may depend less on finding a profession that AI cannot affect and more on developing a combination of technical literacy and skills that allow people to work effectively alongside increasingly capable technology. What does an AI-resilient career look like? The report's findings point towards a labour market in which human skills and AI literacy increasingly need to work together . Rather than treating AI as a binary choice between jobs that survive and jobs that disappear, the research suggests that career changers may benefit from understanding how technology will change the tasks within their profession while building capabilities that remain valuable when situations require judgement, communication, creativity, adaptability or human connection. Rhyan O'Sullivan, Managing Director at The TEFL Academy , said: " AI is creating a new kind of career calculation. People are no longer simply asking which jobs are available today. They're asking whether the career or qualification they invest in now will still be valuable in ten years' time." "What's particularly interesting is that our findings don't suggest people are simply afraid of AI. Instead, they are thinking more carefully about what makes a career resilient and which skills will help them adapt as the world of work changes. " Teaching English provides one example of this model. It combines communication and cultural awareness with emotional intelligence, adaptability, leadership and problem-solving, while offering an accessible route into an internationally oriented career. For the full report, visit United States Career Resilience Report 2026 -Ends- About The TEFL Academy The TEFL Academy is a leading global provider of accredited TEFL, or Teaching English as a Foreign Language, training. With a global community of more than 200,000 graduates, the Academy provides recognised qualifications, career support and access to opportunities to teach English online and around the world. Notes to Editors The United States Career Resilience Report 2026 combines original survey research examining how AI is influencing career confidence and career decision-making, third-party labour market and education data, AI and future-of-work research, and The TEFL Academy's original AI Resilience Index.
New Orleans BioInnovation Center announces six finalists for 2026 BioChallenge
Tue, Oct 13, 2026 10:16 EDT
The New Orleans BioInnovation Center (NOBIC) has selected six finalists for its 2026 BioChallenge pitch competition, showcasing companies developing new approaches to neurological diseases, hearing challenges and early detection of infections that can affect brain health. The annual event will take place Thursday, Oct. 29, at NOBIC, bringing together biotechnology entrepreneurs, investors, economic developers, researchers and industry leaders. The 2026 BioChallenge is presented by Dr. Sid O'Bryant and the Institute for Translational Research at UNT Health Fort Worth, along with lead sponsors Cognito Therapeutics, BioDistrict New Orleans and Answer ALS. The six finalists are: Cenna Biosciences Inc. : Developing Nubytide, an investigational drug for Alzheimer's disease designed to reduce the production of beta-amyloid, a protein associated with the disease. The company has received FDA authorization to proceed with its first human clinical trial. Cleaved Diagnostics : Developing rapid, sensitive and affordable diagnostic tests using CRISPR technology. Its first product targets cytomegalovirus, an infection that can affect brain development and hearing in newborns. Moleculera Biosciences : Offering a blood-testing panel designed to help clinicians identify whether an immune response may contribute to psychiatric, behavioral, cognitive or movement symptoms. The company is also expanding its research into other conditions involving inflammation. Nervosave Therapeutics: Developing treatments for nerve disorders, beginning with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, an inherited condition that affects peripheral nerves. The France-based company is expanding into the United States. Parley Neurotech: Developing a noninvasive treatment for people who struggle to understand speech in noisy environments. The University of Colorado spinoff is evaluating its approach in a clinical trial. PathMaker Neurosystems: Developing MyoRegulator, a noninvasive device that delivers electrical stimulation through surface electrodes to the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. The device received FDA Breakthrough Device designation in December 2025 and is in its second clinical trial as a potential treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. "We had a deep applicant pool this year and these six earned their spot," said Kris Khalil, executive director of the New Orleans BioInnovation Center. "All are past the idea stage and in or near the clinic. Several already have a drug or device in human trials. Companies from California, Boston and France are flying in to pitch in New Orleans. They want to work with our clinical partners and get their technologies to the patients here who need them." Finalists will present their companies to a panel of judges and compete for $100,000 in total cash prizes. Previous BioChallenge winners have gone on to raise millions of dollars in private investment and federal grant funding. The competition highlights New Orleans' role in supporting biotechnology entrepreneurs and connecting emerging companies with resources to advance their work. "The Institute for Translational Research at UNT Health Fort Worth is pleased to continue our partnership with NOBIC in recognizing the groundbreaking innovations shaping the future of brain health," said Sid O'Bryant, Ph.D., executive director of the Institute. "The most important horizon in healthcare is brain health. As we look toward the future, our commitment remains focused on accelerating scientific discovery, advancing innovative solutions and improving brain health for all. The companies participating in the 2026 BioChallenge reflect the creativity, vision and transformative potential needed to turn promising discoveries into meaningful advances that can improve lives." The BioChallenge is open to the public to attend on Thursday, Oct. 29 at the New Orleans BioInnovation Center at 1441 Canal Street. To register for the event visit here . ### About New Orleans BioInnovation Center : The New Orleans BioInnovation Center (NOBIC) is a nonprofit business incubator focused on advancing life science entrepreneurship and technology commercialization in Louisiana. The mission of NOBIC is to create a successful biotech ecosystem by providing emerging companies with customized commercialization services, premier facilities and a comprehensive support network. Through relationships with research institutions, economic development organizations and industry stakeholders, NOBIC helps its clients de-risk novel technologies, attract funding and improve global health outcomes.
Who Wants to Be a CFO?
Tue, Oct 13, 2026 09:15 EDT
One in three finance professionals shun the top job Work-life balance is the biggest deterrent for aspiring CFOs, while almost half say their current role is not giving them the experience they need United States, October 13th, 2026 - Almost a third (32%) of finance professionals say they do not want to become a CFO, while just 36% definitely do, raising questions about the strength of the future finance leadership pipeline, according to new research from global talent solutions partner Robert Walters . Work-life balance is the biggest deterrent, cited by almost half (49%) of finance professionals. A quarter (25%) point to the skills and experience required, while 21% say it's the pressure and accountability that come with the role. Andrew Powell, Chief Commercial Officer at Robert Walters, says, "The CFO role has become one of the most influential positions in a business. Finance leaders are shaping strategy, leading transformation and taking on greater responsibility for areas such as technology and AI. "That creates exciting career opportunities, but it has also made the job broader and more demanding. If a third of finance professionals already know they don't want the top job, businesses need to understand what is putting people off and whether they are doing enough to develop those who do want it." The future CFO experience gap Almost half (47%) of finance professionals say their current role is not giving them the experience they would need to become a CFO. Meanwhile, just 30% feel they are gaining the experience required, pointing to a potential development gap in the future CFO pipeline. Board-level exposure and experience leading transformation are considered the hardest capabilities to build, cited by 39% of respondents. Commercial strategy follows at 16%, while only 7% point to AI and technology. Powell says, "The skills that finance professionals find hardest to build are also some of the skills businesses expect from a CFO from day one. Board exposure and transformation experience take time to build, and they are difficult to replicate through formal training alone. "Employers need to give promising finance leaders the chance to build that experience before they are considered for the top job." Aspiring CFOs want exposure, not another training course When asked what would best prepare them for a future CFO role, more than a third (36%) point to mentoring from leaders, closely followed by cross-functional career moves (35%). A further 22% want broader responsibilities, while just 7% say formal training. "There is a clear message here for employers. Future CFOs want opportunities to broaden their experience, work with senior leaders and understand more of the business," adds Powell. "Mentoring, cross-functional moves and broader responsibilities can all help finance professionals develop the commercial judgment and leadership confidence they will need at the top." The findings come as traditional routes into the CFO role continue to broaden, with finance leaders increasingly reaching the position from a wider range of backgrounds, including internal finance leadership, investment banking, private equity and broader commercial roles. CFO role gains appeal despite growing demands Despite concerns about the demands of the job, more than half (56%) of finance professionals say the role has become more attractive over the past five years, compared with 42% who believe it has become less attractive. Powell concludes, "The CFO has always been a key role, but what has really changed is the breadth of its remit, with greater ownership of wider business support functions, transformation programs and AI adoption. For ambitious finance professionals, that creates a broader and more exciting career proposition. "The appeal of the role might be growing, but businesses cannot assume that today's finance professionals will naturally become tomorrow's CFOs. Giving future finance leaders the right exposure and support earlier will leave businesses with far more options when the time comes to appoint their next CFO." For more insight into how organizations can identify, develop and hire their next generation of finance leaders, contact Robert Walters' finance recruitment team. ENDS For media enquiries, please contact: Maria Bedoya PR & Marketing Coordinator T: +13322053906 E: MariaAlejandra.Bedoya@robertwalters.com
El 65% De Usuari@s De Apps De Citas Utiliza Inteligencia Artificial Para Mejorar Sus Perfiles
Tue, Oct 13, 2026 08:03 EDT
El último estudio de Gleeden - la plataforma líder en encuentros no monógamos, pensada por y para mujeres - revela que el 70% de usuari@s que emplearon IA para mejorar sus perfiles consiguió más matches Un 45% de hombres adultos usuarios de Gleeden admite haber utilizado inteligencia artificial también para responder chats con temas complejos o difíciles de abordar
Vibe Coding Boom Is Creating Startups That Aren't Ready for Investment, Accountant Warns
Tue, Oct 13, 2026 05:26 EDT
Vibe coding is moving from experimentation to business creation at extraordinary speed. But eAccounts warns that founders are building investable-looking products much faster than they are building investor-ready companies. Tools such as Cursor, Lovable, Replit and Claude have made it possible for founders, technical and non-technical alike, to go from business idea to working product in days rather than months, in a trend now widely known as vibe coding. But eAccounts says the speed at which founders can now move from idea to product is creating a mismatch. Products may be ready to demonstrate to investors within weeks while the company behind them can still have unresolved questions around ownership, founder equity, financial records, tax reliefs and investment schemes. The product is rarely what raises the red flag. The problem sits with the company itself. How shares were issued, whether founder vesting was ever put in place, whether the IP behind the product legally belongs to the company rather than to an individual or a freelancer, and whether there are records to back any of it up. A cap table drawn up informally, or one that does not match Companies House filings, can unravel investor confidence however good the product is. eAccounts founder Kris Corbisiero says the most common and costly mistake the firm sees is incorporating too late. "Any IP built before a company is formally incorporated belongs to the founder personally, not the business. You can fix it with a proper assignment into the company, but it needs doing early and it needs doing right, because investors will find it in due diligence. There is also a tax trap waiting for anyone who simply swaps the IP for shares, as SEIS and EIS shares have to be paid up in full in cash. "Founder shares issued without a vesting schedule create a similar risk. If a co-founder leaves early, they can walk away with a large slice of equity for very little contribution, which leaves a cap table investors treat as toxic." Financial records are another weak spot. Founders who run business and personal money through the same account usually have nothing coherent to show an investor, and rebuilding months or years of transactions after the event rarely inspires confidence. Ownership of the code itself is often just as murky. Copyright in work created by an employee belongs to the company automatically. Copyright in work created by a freelancer or a contractor does not, unless somebody put a written assignment in place at the time. Plenty of founders who used contractors to build an MVP later find that legal ownership of their own product sits with someone else. The deadline founders miss most often is the one for R&D tax relief, and it cannot be recovered. A first-time claimant has to notify HMRC within six months of the end of the accounting period. Miss it and the claim is gone, however real the R&D was. "A founder who spends year one building and only speaks to an accountant when they start fundraising has usually already lost that first claim," says Corbisiero. "There is also a twist people do not expect. R&D relief is there for solving genuinely difficult technical problems, not for putting a product together quickly with tools anyone can buy. The faster you build with AI, the harder that claim tends to be to justify." Getting the company right at incorporation, with founder shares, vesting, clean records and eligibility for schemes such as SEIS, EIS and R&D relief, costs far less than putting it right with investors already at the table. A missed R&D notification, no advance assurance, or a messy cap table found halfway through negotiations can delay a round, shrink it, or end it. Corbisiero adds, "AI has made it possible to go from a spark of an idea to a working product in a couple of weeks, which is a huge change for this generation of entrepreneurs and leaders. But the speed of building has created a new problem. Founders are turning up to fundraising conversations with a product that works and a company structure that does not." For more information, visit https://www.e-accounts.co.uk or read the full vibe coding to venture capital guide: Vibe Coding to Venture -The Founder's Guide to Getting Funded .
SGS Highlights Japan's Food Contact Material Compliance Requirements
Tue, Oct 13, 2026 04:44 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published a Consumer Compact article examining the regulatory landscape for food contact materials (FCMs) in Japan. A new era for FCM compliance in Japan began on June 1, 2025, following a five-year transition for the country's Positive List (PL) system. For synthetic resin FCMs, this means businesses must demonstrate that only authorized substances have been used throughout the supply chain. A shift in global regulatory practice In the article, SGS explores the global trend toward Positive List-based regulatory frameworks, including the EU's Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 for plastic FCMs and similar frameworks in China and the United States. Businesses selling FCMs in Japan must now move beyond finished product testing alone to understand and control the polymers, monomers and additives used in manufacturing, while maintaining robust documentation and traceability systems to verify regulatory compliance. The compliance challenge for global market access Navigating regional and international requirements demands strong regulatory intelligence and compliance processes, and the article examines how organizations can respond to Japan's PL requirements through robust compliance processes, enhanced supplier communication and effective documentation practices. SGS solutions SGS supports the global FCM industry through compliance assessments, documentation reviews, testing and regulatory guidance. These services help organizations build a comprehensive compliance strategy that extends beyond PL requirements, integrating training with technical workshops and consultation services to maintain market access while strengthening internal compliance capabilities. Read the full article, ' Navigating Japan's New Era of Food Contact Material Compliance '. For further information, contact: Kevin Chiu Senior Technical Development and Harmonization Manager Tel: +852 2334 4481 Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
SGS Highlights Risk Management and Material Evaluation for Next-Generation Materials
Tue, Oct 13, 2026 04:31 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published a Consumer Compact article examining how brands can manage risk and build trust when adopting recycled, biobased and next-generation materials. As apparel, footwear and textile brands increasingly seek alternatives to conventional materials, the article explains the importance of evaluating whether new materials are suitable for their intended application, meet performance expectations, comply with regulatory requirements and support sustainability objectives. The article reviews key developments in the EU regulatory landscape, including the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), Digital Product Passports (DPPs) and restrictions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), all of which are increasing expectations for transparency and substantiated product-related claims. Also explored are the critical questions brands face when introducing innovative materials, including assessing sustainability credentials, product performance, regulatory compliance, supplier capability and potential risks. The article outlines how structured material evaluation programs can support informed decision-making and commercialization. SGS solutions SGS supports brands throughout the material evaluation process through integrated testing, verification, certification and technical services. These include material testing and assessment, documentation review, on-site verification of operations and manufacturing processes, technical training and the SGS Performance Mark. IMPACT NOW for sustainability consolidates all SGS's sustainability offerings under four strategic pillars: climate, nature, ESG assurance and circularity. Through these pillars, SGS offers trusted compliance solutions that directly help businesses address the key environmental and social challenges impacting the planet. Find out more at https://www.sgs.com/impactnow Read the full article, ' Managing Risk and Building Trust in Next-Generation Materials '. For further information, contact: Nicole Zhu Technical Manager, Softlines Tel: +86 (21) 6140-2666 Website: www.sgs.com/softlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
Late Blooming Masterpiece By L.S. Lowry On Sale For £3 Million At London's Berkeley Square Fair
Tue, Oct 13, 2026 03:57 EDT
Mayfair's premier art, antiques and design fair from 27 October to 1 November offers pieces from £500 to several million pounds One of the most important cityscapes of L.S. Lowry's (1887-1976) mature career will appear at the LAPADA Berkeley Square Fair from 27 October to 1 November, offered for sale at over £3 million. Pictured here with David Mason, of St James dealer MacConnal-Mason , the 30 x 40in oil on canvas (37 x 47in in its frame) will be the star exhibit on their stand at the six-day event organised by LAPADA , the UK's largest association of art and antiques dealers. Station Approach, Manchester is one of the few compositions in which L.S. Lowry remained almost entirely faithful to the scene he was depicting. It dates to 1960 and belongs to a distinguished group of large-scale paintings depicting distinctive landmarks that he produced around the same period, including Piccadilly Circus . At the centre of the composition is the imposing Victorian facade of the London and North-Western Railway's Exchange Station, completed in 1884. A major northern railway hub, the station connected Manchester with Liverpool, Huddersfield, Leeds, Hull and Newcastle, as well as with London Euston. The station's importance as a major transport hub is conveyed by the dense stream of figures moving past the statue of Oliver Cromwell, presented to the city in 1875, and down Victoria Street, across the River Irwell and towards the station. "The scale and ambition of Station Approach, Manchester place it among the outstanding urban compositions of Lowry's mature career," said Mr Mason. "Its significance to the artist is underscored by his decision to make a smaller version of the subject and present it to the Royal Academy in 1962, the year in which he was elected a Royal Academician." It has not appeared at auction for more than 40 years and has been in a private UK collection ever since before being acquired by MacConnal-Mason. - https://www.macconnal-mason.com About the LAPADA Berkeley Square Fair Discover museum-quality art, antiques, jewellery, design and decorative arts from over 70 leading specialist dealers. Prices range from £500 to several million pounds for individual items and include sought-after pieces that appeal to both the established collector and first-time buyer alike. Founded in 2009, held annually, and also known as the LAPADA Fair, the Berkeley Square Fair is run by LAPADA, the UK's largest association of art and antiques dealers, founded in 1974, with a current membership of more than 550. The Fair provides a unique opportunity to discover exceptional objects in one of London's most prestigious settings. Each year, it attracts collectors, designers, museum professionals and cultural enthusiasts from around the world. Exhibitors present work from across the art, antiques, design and decorative arts spectrum, including jewellery, furniture, carpets, tapestries, antiquities, clocks, ceramics, silver and fine art. Authenticity is assured thanks to an independent 70-member specialist committee pre-vetting everything on sale. This commitment to authenticity, quality and expertise has established the Fair as one of the UK's most trusted destinations for collectors and those new to collecting. Whether acquiring a museum-quality masterpiece or a first piece for a personal collection, visitors benefit from direct access to knowledgeable dealers and specialists across a broad range of collecting categories. The LAPADA Fair attracts collectors, interior designers, museum professionals and art enthusiasts from across the UK and internationally. In 2025, we welcomed more than 20,000 visitors across 6 days. Set for 27 October - 1 November 2026, the Berkeley Square Fair dovetails with major auctions at Christie's and Sotheby's and the grand festival of Indian, Chinese, Japanese and south-east Asian art known as Asian Art in London. Talks and exhibitor-led sessions involve collectors, curators, dealers and cultural experts. For more details, visit https://lapadalondon.com LAPADA Berkeley Square, Mayfair 27 October - 1 November 2026 For further details, please contact info@lucasfieldmedia.com Tel 07968 958250 All images courtesy of the Berkeley Square Fair, London 2026
Historic New Orleans Collection welcomes Tracie Haydel Griffin and Shelby Russ to Board of Directors
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 14:21 EDT
NEW ORLEANS (Oct. 12, 2026) - The Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) has welcomed Tracie Haydel Griffin and Shelby Russ to its Board of Directors. Their appointments strengthen HNOC's commitment to preserving, interpreting and sharing the complex history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South while bringing additional expertise to the institution's leadership. Griffin, a fourth-generation member of the Chase family, serves as restaurant manager at Dooky Chase's Restaurant, where she helps carry forward one of New Orleans' most significant culinary and cultural legacies. Her work reflects a longstanding commitment to preserving the culinary culture and traditions that have shaped New Orleans' identity. Her community leadership extends to Second Harvest Food Bank, the American Heart Association and the Alabama Department for Public Health. Russ is president and CEO of AOS Interior Environments, the Gulf South's leading provider of commercial interior furnishings and manufactured interior construction. During more than four decades with AOS, he has held numerous leadership positions and guided the company through significant periods of change, including Hurricane Katrina, the COVID-19 pandemic and shifts in the regional marketplace. A longtime civic leader, Russ has served in leadership roles with organizations spanning economic development, arts and culture, education, architecture, historic preservation and regional public policy. "I am thrilled to welcome Tracie Haydel Griffin and Shelby Russ to the board of directors of the Historic New Orleans Collection," said Daniel Hammer, HNOC president and CEO. "As highly accomplished professionals and respected community leaders, Tracie and Shelby's insight and guidance will contribute immeasurably to growing the impact of HNOC's work to steward the history and culture of New Orleans and the region." As the world's largest holder of materials related to the history of New Orleans and the Gulf South, HNOC brings together research, stories, objects, documents and works of art to deepen understanding of the region's past and its continuing influence on the present and future. Griffin and Russ join HNOC's Board of Directors at a time of continued growth as the institution undertakes an effort to restore, renew and reimagine its original campus at 533 Royal Street. To learn more about HNOC and its Board of Directors visit hnoc.org . ### *Editor's Notes: Click here for images. About the Historic New Orleans Collection The Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) is a nonprofit institution dedicated to preserving the distinctive history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South. Founded in 1966 through the Kemper and Leila Williams Foundation, HNOC operates as a free museum, research center and publisher spanning more than 14 historic buildings in the heart of the French Quarter. For more information visit hnoc.org .
TotaLite Deformation Monitoring System Achieves CE, UKCA, FCC, and IC Certification, Clearing it for Worldwide Deployment
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 11:16 EDT
Independent third-party testing confirms TotaLite's radio and safety compliance across the EU, UK, US, and Canada. This ensures a stronger standard of assurance than the manufacturer self-declarations the industry has relied on to date. TotaLite, a spin off from Fugro, is the provider of continuous, sub-millimetre structural deformation monitoring. By using a camera and cloud platform, TotaLite delivers continuous, automated displacement monitoring, at millimeter accuracy, for tunnels, bridges, embankments, buildings, and industrial assets. Because the IoT-camera connects independently over integrated cellular and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth links, TotaLite's radio components were required to meet the full scope of testing reflected in these new certifications. Today it announced that its camera has been independently certified for CE (Radio Equipment Directive), UKCA, FCC, and Industry Canada (IC) compliance. The certifications clear the way for TotaLite to deploy its sensor without regulatory barriers across Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. All four certifications were issued following independent type-examination and equipment testing carried out by Kiwa, an accredited international testing and certification body, acting in its capacity as EU Notified Body, UK Approved Body, FCC-recognized Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB), and ISED-recognized certification body for Canada. That distinction matters: unlike a manufacturer's own Declaration of Conformity (DoC), these certificates represent conformity verified by an accredited third party, giving customers and regulators a higher level of compliance assurance. LEARN MORE Who We Are TotaLite, a spin off from Fugro, provides a camera and cloud-based platform for automated, continuous deformation monitoring of civil infrastructure, buildings and other assets. It delivers real-time, sub-millimetre displacement data at a fraction of the cost of traditional manual monitoring methods, with typical customer setup times of around one hour, operational reductions up to 70% and monitoring project cost reductions of up to 65% versus manual site visits.
Media Advisory: AMA 2026 Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 09:32 EDT
Media Advisory AMA 2026 Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education Chicago, IL - The American Marketing Association's (AMA) Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education is a space where strategy meets execution. As colleges and universities face shifting demographics, rapidly advancing technology and evolving student expectations, this conference equips marketing educators with actionable techniques, peer-backed insights, and forward-looking solutions. What : The AMA 2026 Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education is a premier conference focused on higher education marketing, communications, enrollment management, branding and student engagement. Who : Higher education marketing and communications professionals, enrollment leaders, university administrators, agency partners, industry experts and featured speakers from colleges and universities across North America. When : November 8-11, 2026 Where : Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center 6700 N Gaylord Rockies Blvd Aurora, CO 80019 Why : As colleges and universities face enrollment challenges, evolving student expectations, demographic shifts and rapid technological advancement, the Symposium provides attendees with actionable insights, proven strategies and valuable peer connections to help institutions strengthen their brands, engage prospective students and drive organizational success. More information, full agenda, and a list of featured speakers is available here: Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education If you are interested in attending this event, please contact Amy Gwiazdowski for media credentials. ###
SGS Consumer Compact Highlights the Role of Independent Verification in Electronics
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 08:29 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published a new Consumer Compact article exploring how independent verification can help electrical and electronic (E&E) manufacturers substantiate product attributes and support transparent product information. As consumer and regulatory scrutiny increases, manufacturers face growing pressure to support claims relating to material composition, substances of concern, recycled content and other product characteristics with credible evidence. The article examines the challenges of communicating sustainability-related information, particularly for materials and components that are not visible to end users. It highlights the importance of focusing on specific, verifiable product attributes supported through testing, assessment and independent verification. The article also outlines how SGS Green Marks help manufacturers communicate defined product characteristics through independent assessment, verification and certification of specific product attributes against established criteria. As expectations around product transparency continue to evolve, the ability to substantiate product attributes with credible evidence is becoming an increasingly important competitive advantage. Stakeholders are encouraged to read the full Consumer Compact article to learn more about materials transparency, substantiated product attributes and independent verification in the E&E sector. For further information, please contact: Litto Tam Senior Technical Services Manager Connectivity & Products (C&P) - Electrical and Electronics Technology Tel: +852 2774 7187
Back Care Awareness Week: Why the Right Equipment Is the Quickest Fix Most Sites Overlook
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 06:41 EDT
This week marks Back Care Awareness Week, the annual campaign run by the charity BackCare to bring focus on the scale of back pain across the UK - and the practical steps workplaces can take to reduce it. Midland Pallet Trucks says that for manufacturers and warehouses across the Midlands, one of the most immediate and achievable actions doesn't involve a training course or a change in culture - it simply means looking properly at the equipment staff are using every day. Back pain remains one of the most common reasons people miss work, and manual handling is consistently one of its biggest contributing factors in industrial and warehouse settings. Midland Pallet Trucks sees the same pattern time and again: businesses investing heavily in training and risk assessments, while the equipment actually doing the lifting, pushing and moving stays unreviewed for years, working against everything the training is trying to achieve. Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Midland Pallet Trucks, said, "Awareness weeks like this are genuinely useful because they give businesses a reason to stop and look at something they'd normally put off. Back pain isn't seen as an emergency the way a single injury is: it builds up slowly, and that makes it easy to overlook until someone's already struggling. "Before anything else, look at the pallet trucks , stacker trucks and lift tables your team are using. Are the handles at a reasonable height? Does it roll smoothly, or does it need a shove to get moving? Is it rated properly for what's being loaded onto it? None of that needs a big budget to fix, but it makes a genuine difference to the physical toll on whoever's using it, shift after shift. "We're not saying equipment solves everything on its own: training and good practice matter too. But if a business hasn't properly reviewed its handling equipment in a while, this week is as good a prompt as any to do it, rather than waiting until someone's already dealing with a bad back." For more information, visit https://www.midlandpallettrucks.com .
SGS Reports on California's Ban on Bisphenols in Paper Receipts
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 04:54 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 137.26 on new California legislation that restricts the use of bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenols in paper receipts. On September 30, 2026, the Governor of California signed AB 1604 (Chapter 882, 2026) into law. The legislation prohibits the intentional addition of BPA and other bisphenols in paper proofs of purchase, commonly known as paper receipts, under a phased implementation schedule. The law defines proof of purchase as a receipt issued at the point of sale for the retail purchase of food, alcohol, other tangible personal property or for the provision of services. It also establishes a broad definition of bisphenols and authorizes the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) to adopt rules to implement and interpret the legislation. Under the new requirements, BPA will be prohibited in paper receipts from January 1, 2028, while all intentionally added bisphenols will be prohibited from January 1, 2029. The legislation affects stakeholders throughout the paper receipt supply chain, including manufacturers, importers, retailers and other intermediaries operating in California. California now joins several other US jurisdictions that have adopted restrictions on BPA or bisphenols in receipt and thermal paper. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 137.26 provides additional information on the scope, key requirements and implementation timeline of California's new law. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to SafeGuardS 137.26 for more information. SGS chemical testing SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS chemical testing services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full California, USA, Bans Bisphenols in Paper Receipts SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information contact: Dr. HingWo Tsang Global Information and Innovation Manager Tel: +852 2774 7420 Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
When Hurricanes Reach the Mountains: Debris Lessons from Hurricane Helene
Sun, Oct 11, 2026 08:01 EDT
By Matt Gierden, Senior Vice President, AshBritt, Inc. Every hurricane season sharpens the industry's focus on debris planning. Hurricane Helene in 2024 did something more: it forced us to rethink what a hurricane response looks like when the storm keeps going past the coast. Helene's track into the southern Appalachians produced one of the most complex and technical major disaster debris missions in recent U.S. history. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-led operation in Buncombe County, North Carolina, which continued through 2025, demanded specialized crews, disciplined documentation, and a level of coordinated public communication that most coastal playbooks don't anticipate. AshBritt served as the USACE contractor on that mission, and the experience made one thing clear for every community with mountainous or heavily forested terrain: the coastal template does not transfer. Here is what did. The trees are a different problem Tree debris in mountain terrain is a different animal from what crews see after a typical Gulf or Atlantic event. Instead of scattered fallen trees, crews encounter a far higher share of leaners, hangers, and intertwined canopy systems, often several trees tangled together and holding one another under tension. How that stored energy will move once a cut is made is difficult to judge from the ground. Getting it wrong is dangerous. Access compounds the challenge. Mountain road networks are narrow, winding, and frequently single lane. After a major storm, they are further constrained by washed-out roadbeds, damaged bridges and culverts, landslides, and downed trees. Steep private drives and limited turnaround space can keep standard equipment from reaching a work site at all; some locations are only reachable on foot or with small machines. Add steep slopes and root systems compromised by saturated soil, and every decision about how to stage and sequence work changes. The planning implication is simple to state and harder to execute: contracts, cost estimates, resource plans, and public messaging need to reflect mountain conditions from the outset, not be adapted to them mid-response. This is specialist work, and the specialists are scarce Standard hurricane debris crews are not equipped for highly technical tree operations on unstable slopes. The work calls for certified arborists, climbers, rigging capability, and smaller, more maneuverable equipment that can operate safely in tight access and on steep ground. In a post-disaster mountain environment, an arborist is assessing dynamic load conditions, identifying failure points in compromised trees, and making rapid decisions about rigging angles and cut sequencing in terrain that is actively shifting. The pool of contractors who hold both the certifications and the disaster operations experience to do this safely and at scale is limited nationally. Surge capacity for this kind of work has to be arranged well before a storm forms, and jurisdictions in mountainous regions should be pre-qualifying specialized tree contractors now. Public right-of-way and private property are tangled together On the coast, the line between right-of-way debris work and private property debris removal is usually clear. In the mountains, it often isn't. Terrain, public infrastructure, and private parcels interlock so tightly that a meaningful share of hazardous trees in western North Carolina sat just outside the public right-of-way while still posing a documented, immediate threat to public property, public-use areas, or ingress and egress. That is the eligibility standard under FEMA's Public Assistance program, and every determination had to be made by the government applicant and supported by photo or video evidence of the specific threat, location, and post-storm condition of each tree. The conditions that trigger both hazardous tree eligibility and full private property debris removal programs, including rights of entry, legal authority, and public-interest determinations, arise far more often in mountain terrain. The coordination framework for handling them should exist before landfall, not be built during response. Documentation belongs in the field, not the back office The technical nature of the mission reinforced a lesson the industry keeps relearning: documentation cannot be a reconciliation task completed after the fact. Under current FEMA guidance, the record for each hazardous tree, limb, or stump must establish the immediate threat it posed, supported by location and photo or video evidence. Capturing those photos, GPS tags, and scope notes at the point of work is what keeps every scope tied to a complete, defensible record. That requires operators trained in disciplined documentation as part of the job, not as a separate step. Safety sets the pace Tensioned wood, unstable ground, and overhead hazards create an elevated risk profile compared to a typical coastal mission, and safety considerations shaped operational tempo throughout the Helene response. The right answer was not to push harder against the terrain but to adjust to it: enhanced safety protocols, additional crews where needed, and work sequencing adapted to conditions. Disciplined, safety-led execution is what protected people and sustained steady progress at the same time. Communication is an operational tool Public messaging directly affected efficiency on the ground. Early in the event, residents often expected full property cleanup while the mission was focused on right-of-way operations and documented public safety threats. As strong, consistent, terrain-specific messaging from local leadership and federal partners took hold, cooperation and access improved with it. Clear, frequent communication functioned as an accelerator. The lesson is to establish that footing before activation: policy alignment grounded in operational realities, authorization workflows, and resident communication protocols all set in advance. The takeaway Western and mountain communities across the Southeast need to plan for hurricanes and tropical storms differently than their coastal neighbors. In these areas, terrain runs the show. Saturated ground, steep slopes, narrow valleys, compromised root systems, and limited access change how water moves, where debris accumulates, and how safely crews can operate. Helene was a brutal teacher, but its lessons are transferable: plan for realistic timelines and specialized resources, pre-qualify experienced tree contractors, build documentation and private property protocols into operations from the start, maintain clear public communication, and let safety and terrain set the tempo. Planning for the terrain before the storm makes recovery safer, faster, and more effective. Special recognition goes to the USACE team that led the Buncombe County mission and to the Buncombe County and City of Asheville teams who, together, completed one of the most demanding debris operations the industry has seen. About the Author Matt Gierden is a Senior Vice President at AshBritt, Inc. With more than two decades of leadership experience in emergency management and disaster recovery, he has led over 100 disaster recovery operations across 22 states. A Six Sigma Black Belt with FEMA and antiterrorism certifications, he is known for building long-term client relationships and guiding complex, high-stakes missions from activation through closeout. About AshBritt The AshBritt Companies are a family of specialized firms united by more than 30 years of excellence in turn-key government contracting, emergency management, logistics, disaster recovery, and critical infrastructure. Founded in 1992, AshBritt, Inc. is a rapid-response contractor that has executed over 500 disaster recovery missions across 22 states and the Caribbean, serving federal, state, and local clients under FEMA and USACE authorities. ABML (AshBritt Management and Logistics) continues that legacy as a trusted government solutions provider, delivering agile logistics, emergency base camps, medical field operations, and specialized infrastructure support for complex, large-scale missions nationwide. AshBritt Companies' reach includes professional services, staffing, and power and energy generation. Learn more at AshBritt.com.
ABS Consulting Honors University of Michigan Health with Project Excellence Recognition for Maximo Implementation
Sat, Oct 10, 2026 08:45 EDT
Recognition reflects collaboration to strengthen asset management and support critical medical services ABSG Consulting Inc. (ABS Consulting) has recognized University of Michigan Health with the Project Excellence designation for its implementation of the IBM Maximo Application Suite to strengthen its maintenance, inspection and reliability processes across its facilities and critical equipment. University of Michigan Health, one of the nation's leading academic medical centers, worked with ABS Consulting to bring its asset and facilities management functions onto a single, centralized platform. The result is a more connected approach that gives operations, maintenance and facility teams a consistent view of the equipment and infrastructure that support patient care. Built for the demands of complex, asset-intensive environments, Maximo Application Suite is designed to help teams track asset condition, prioritize maintenance and reduce the operational blind spots that come from managing critical systems across multiple platforms. "Reliable equipment and infrastructure are key to consistent patient care. By bringing asset management onto one connected platform, University of Michigan Health's teams can better maintain the critical systems they rely on every day. We're proud to support the people and facilities behind University of Michigan Health's mission to advance healthcare through innovation and collaboration," said Jason Smith, ABS Consulting Director of Business Development, Life Sciences. "Working with ABS Consulting has been a highly positive experience. We've built a strong, collaborative relationship grounded in open communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to achieving excellent results," said Luiz Mello, University of Michigan Health Facilities Applications Manager. ENDS For more information Learn more about how ABS Consulting is helping organizations strengthen the systems and processes that enable long-term operational success here .
Melissa Martin Joins Steptoe & Johnson's Growing Oklahoma City Office
Fri, Oct 09, 2026 11:06 EDT
Steptoe & Johnson PLLC continues to grow its Oklahoma City office with the addition of Melissa P. Martin as Of Counsel in the Energy and Natural Resources Department. Martin advises energy clients on mineral title, division order, curative, and transactional matters and provides legal support for land administration operations. "Melissa understands how legal issues affect the day-to-day work of managing energy assets," said Christopher L. Slaughter, CEO of Steptoe & Johnson. "As we grow our Oklahoma City office, her work in mineral title, division orders, and land administration adds important depth to our team." Martin advises oil and gas producers, royalty owners, and land administration teams on mineral title, division order, curative, and transactional matters. She provides strategic oversight and legal support for land administration, including lease and land records management, division order administration, ownership calculations, acquisitions and divestitures, and contract administration. Before joining the firm, Martin held legal, title, division order, and management roles with a Fortune 500 energy exploration and production company. She also advises individuals and families on estate planning and probate matters. Martin earned her law degree from Pennsylvania State University Dickinson Law, her MBA from the University of Oklahoma, her M.S. from American University, and her B.A. from the University of Delaware. She is licensed to practice in Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Since opening in 2022, the Oklahoma City office has grown to 20 attorneys and other professionals offering services in a broad range of business transactions, energy matters, labor and employment law, and litigation throughout Oklahoma and beyond.
Cimarron Firearms Showcases 250th Commemorative Frontier Rifle at NASGW
Fri, Oct 09, 2026 11:01 EDT
Distributors can see the limited-edition flintlock at Booth 630 in Phoenix, Arizona, Oct. 13 - 15, 2026. Cimarron Firearms , the premier name in authentic Old West firearm replicas, will showcase its limited-edition 250 th Commemorative Frontier Rifle at the 2026 NASGW Annual Meeting & Expo , Oct. 13 - 15, 2026, at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Distributors can find the company in Booth 630, Halls A - D. The 250 th Commemorative Frontier Rifle marks America's 250 th anniversary and honors the Overmountain Men, frontier militiamen from what would become Tennessee, Virginia, and the Carolinas. Their victory over Loyalist forces at the Battle of Kings Mountain on Oct. 7, 1789, turned the tide of the Revolutionary War's Southern campaign. The flintlock muzzleloader is built on a figured maple stock with brass furniture. The left side carries a brass Liberty Bell plate inscribed "Let Freedom Ring," and the brass patch box features a Betsy Ross flag, crossed sabers, a pair of galloper cannons, and the dates "1776 - 2026." The rifle is offered in .45 and .50 caliber. "The frontier rifle was what farmers, hunters, and militiamen carried when this country fought for its independence," said Mike Harvey, founder and president of Cimarron Firearms. "America only turns 250 once. This rifle gives our distribution partners a true once-in-a-lifetime piece to put in front of collectors and black powder shooters, and we look forward to showing it to them in Phoenix." 250 th Commemorative Frontier Rifle Specifications: Action: Flintlock Caliber: .45 (also available in .50 caliber, SH3268) Barrel Length: 39 inches Overall Length: 54 ¾ inches Weight: 7.05 pounds Rifling: Eight grooves, 1-in-48-inch twist Stock: Figured maple with brass furniture MSRP: $2,592 The NASGW Expo is the shooting sports industry's premier event for connecting manufacturers with wholesalers. Unlike larger trade shows, the expo's buyers are exclusively distributors who supply dealers and retailers, giving manufacturers focused time to discuss products, sales programs, and pricing. In addition to the commemorative rifle, the Cimarron team will be on hand to discuss its full line of authentic Old West revolvers, rifles, shotguns, and gun leather, along with distribution programs. For more information on Cimarron Firearms and accessories, visit www.cimarron-firearms.com. Keep up with the history and happenings at Cimarron on YouTube .
eXp Realty Launches "MCP First, AI of Choice," Connecting Agents' Preferred AI Tools Directly to Their eXp Business Data
Fri, Oct 09, 2026 06:36 EDT
Unveiled at eXpcon Salt Lake City 2026, the initiative is the first visible piece of AGNT OS, a ground-up modernization of how eXp runs, targeted for early 2027. eXp Realty®, the core operating subsidiary of AGNT, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGNT), today announced "MCP First, AI of Choice," an initiative that lets agents connect Claude, ChatGPT or any AI tool they already use directly to their eXp business data. Unveiled at eXpcon 2026 in Salt Lake City, the initiative led a four-part announcement slate that also included a mortgage joint venture with Newrez, a pay-at-close home prep program offering up to $50,000, and a new marketplace for agent-to-agent showing coverage. Rather than building a proprietary AI assistant, eXp is publishing Model Context Protocol (MCP) connections to its own systems. MCP is the open standard that lets AI assistants securely pull from outside tools and data. Once an agent authorizes the connection, they can ask their AI about production numbers, leads, transactions or training progress without leaving the chat window. "Every company in this industry is racing to build the best AI assistant," said Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty. "We asked a different question: Why should agents have to change how they work at all? 'MCP First, AI of Choice' means agents keep using the AI they already trust. We're making sure it can hear from eXp." Connected systems At launch, MCP connections cover: eXp systems: the Hub, My eXp (production and compensation data), eXp University and eXp Divisions Partner platforms: Canva and CRMs including Lofty, BoldTrail and Cloze Coming soon: Follow Up Boss and Sisu Because agents work inside the AI tools they choose, the experience improves each time a frontier AI lab releases a new model, without agents waiting on brokerage platform updates. The front door to AGNT OS "MCP First, AI of Choice" is the first visible piece of AGNT OS, a larger rebuild that modernizes the systems that manage how agents close deals and get paid. AGNT OS is built on the Nexus platform, developed by eXp International, and is targeted for early 2027. "MCP is the front door, and AGNT OS is the whole house," Pareja said. "This isn't a patch on our existing systems - it's a full modernization of how eXp runs, built agent-first from the ground up. MCP is how we prove that vision starts now." About Nexus Nexus puts CRM, transaction management, listing management, e-signature, marketing and agent recruitment behind a single login. It runs on one shared codebase that adapts to each country's currency, regulations and transaction structure. eXp International, which operates in 26 countries outside the U.S. and Canada, says Nexus can cut a market's software costs by up to 70 percent by replacing per-country CRM subscriptions and separate tool licenses with a single platform. Nexus began with a challenge from eXp founder Glenn Sanford, who asked executives at an event in Montreal to vibe-code their ideal system for an agent. "What I built looked like Frankenstein and didn't work at all. But it was the origin story of Nexus," said Felix Bravo, Managing Director of eXp International. Following an alpha phase in Latin America, Nexus is now in beta, and agents access it through eXp's existing Hub. eXp is rolling it out in three phases: pilot markets, then multi-country adoption, then a tiered subscription model opening Nexus to non-eXp agents and brokerages. eXp is also opening Nexus's APIs to its agents, so those building their own AI tools on third-party platforms can pull in their Nexus data. ###
SGS Reports on Three POP Chemicals Banned in New Zealand
Fri, Oct 09, 2026 04:40 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 130.26 on the prohibition of three persistent organic pollutant (POP) chemicals in New Zealand. In March 2026, New Zealand consulted on a proposal to restrict or prohibit three POP chemicals by amending the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO Act). On September 10, 2026, New Zealand issued the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Schedules 1AA and 2A) Order 2026 (the Order), amending the HSNO Act. The three POP chemicals added to Schedules 1AA and 2A of the HSNO Act are chlorpyrifos, long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs), their salts and related compounds, and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs). Under the Order, the time-limited permitted uses or storage provisions for UV-328 in Schedule 2A of the HSNO Act were also updated to include water-seal tape for insulation blankets and decking on aircraft and polyurethane (PU) and polyamide adhesives and PU coatings for specified aircraft applications. Manufacturers, users, importers and exporters of the three POP substances, as well as products containing or contaminated by them, are affected. The Order will be implemented in phases, starting October 9, 2026. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 130.26 includes further information about the Order, including time-limited permitted uses and storage provisions. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to SafeGuardS 130.26 for more details. SGS chemical testing SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS chemical testing services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full New Zealand Bans Three POP Chemicals SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information, contact Media Inquiries or: Dr. HingWo Tsang Global Information and Innovation Manager Tel: +852 2774 7420 Website: www.sgs.com/cgnr LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
