Banyan Software has announced the acquisition of PromoSuite, to be merged with vCreative. Headquartered in White Plains, NY, PromoSuite was founded in 1992 by Rocco Macri and Chris Bungo as the radio industry’s first paperless efficiency tool designed to manage station on-air contests, sales promotions, and events. By combining their unique strengths, Banyan says vCreative and PromoSuite will form one unified entity positioned to reach new heights in broadcast and media industry innovation.
Dark Slope, the Toronto-based virtual production and spatial gaming company, has announced a strategic partnership agreement with SideFX Software, makers of Houdini VFX software. The partnership includes a material investment to be directed towards the launch of an advanced virtual production smart stage in Toronto, set to open this spring.
Mila and Bell have announced an 18-month collaborative project to apply deep learning neural network algorithms to Bell’s systems and data. Mila researchers will work alongside Bell’s Machine Learning and AI teams using cutting-edge deep learning neural network techniques to identify opportunities for improving business performance and customer experience. By advancing its understanding of deep learning AI techniques, Bell says it aims to continue enhancing its customer experience and accelerate its transition from a traditional telecommunications company to a technology services leader. As part of the collaboration, Bell and Mila will write a paper highlighting their findings in support of global AI advancement. Founded by Professor Yoshua Bengio of the University of Montreal, Mila is a research institute in artificial intelligence that now brings together over 1,200 specialized researchers in machine learning.
Rise, the advocacy group for gender diversity in the broadcast media technology sector, has announced its 2024 global mentoring initiative spanning North America, the UK, Europe, ANZ, APAC, and India. Rise is actively seeking both mentees and mentors to expand its community. Interested parties are invited to submit applications until Feb. 29. The program is open for applications from women currently working or aspiring to work in the broadcast and media technology industry. Rise mentors will be senior professionals with significant working experience in a variety of roles across the broadcast and media technology industry, who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to diversity. The program is open to female, male, and non-binary mentors alike.
WABE (Western Association of Broadcast Engineers) has announced dates for its fall conference, set to take place Sept. 23-25 at the JW Marriott Edmonton Ice District. In the meantime, WABE will host a free Monday May Media Mixer in Winnipeg on May 6, an accessible local event bringing professionals working in the industry together at the Canadian Brewhouse. Register to come or sponsor the event. The WABE Scholarship Fund will also be revived at the Edmonton convention as the association approaches its 75th anniversary in 2025.
