All Activity

Some Google Ads advertisers are seeing a bug that causes the option to add notes to disappear from the account change popup, making it harder to document optimizations and performance shifts. The issue was flagged by paid search consultant Odi Caspi, who says the problem has appeared intermittently over the past couple of weeks. What advertisers should be seeing: Caspi shares his view below: Why we care. Account notes are a key workflow tool for agencies and in-house teams tracking changes over time. Losing easy access to notes makes troubleshooting performance swings harder and weakens institutional memory across teams. What users are seeing. In affected accounts, the “Add note” option no longer appears in the standard popup where advertisers typically annotate changes. The issue appears to be sporadic, working normally at times and disappearing at others. Workarounds, for now. Caspi says one workaround is clicking on an existing note, which then reveals the option to add a new one. The downside: this only works if a note exists in the current date range. Another option, shared by Paid Media Specialist, Dids Reeve, is to open the Notes panel from the “More” (burger) menu, where the add-note function may still be accessible. What’s next. Google has not publicly acknowledged the bug or shared a timeline for a fix. Until then, advertisers relying on notes may need to use alternative entry points — and double-check that important changes are being properly documented. First seen. This error was first spotted by Caspi who shared his view of camapign reports on LinkedIn View the full article

The U.S. is no longer part of the World Health Organization. After the The President administration declared its intention to pull the country out of the global public health agency one year ago, on Thursday it formally followed through, ending its commitment to the organization after 78 years. Withdrawing the U.S. from the WHO was one of The President’s day one priorities. The president signed an executive order on January 20, 2025 declaring that the U.S. would pull out of the organization over its criticisms of the agency’s response to the pandemic. Now, after the required one year notice period, the deed is done. “Following its withdrawal from the WHO, the United States will continue to lead global health efforts independently—engaging partners directly, deploying resources efficiently, and ensuring accountability to the American people outside of WHO structures,” a fact sheet on the U.S. Health and Human Services website reads. In an unusual joint statement issued by Secretary of State Rubio and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. government aired a series of grievances about the agency, which it accused of working against American interests. “From our days as its primary founder, primary financial backer, and primary champion until now, our final day, the insults to America continue,” Kennedy and Rubio wrote. On a practical level, the U.S. will no longer send any funding or staff for WHO initiatives. All federal employees working at its main Geneva location or in other global offices have been recalled. Next month, the WHO will meet to determine which strain of the flu virus to target in the next flu vaccine – a consequential public health decision the U.S. looks ready to sit out. Nearly all of the countries in the world are members of the WHO, but the U.S.has been one of the agency’s most prominent members and its largest financial backer for decades. A board session scheduled for early February will be the organization’s first without the U.S. since its founding. Fear for the future of global health The The President administration’s decision to walk away from the WHO has had a year to sink in, but its impact is still resonating. When the decision to withdraw was first announced, the American Academy of Pediatrics called on Congress to intervene, warning that WHO membership provides the U.S. a vital perspective into the global health landscape. “For more than 70 years, the WHO has played a leading role in protecting, supporting and promoting public health in the United States and around the world,” the professional organization of pediatricians wrote. “Withdrawing from the WHO will hamper our country’s ability to predict and respond to major public health emergencies and limit access, communication and information sharing to a global network of health professionals.” President of the Infectious Diseases Society of America Ronald G. Nahass M.D. called the decision “scientifically reckless” and warned that the U.S. will be less equipped to fight illnesses like the flu moving forward. “The U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization is a shortsighted and misguided abandonment of our global health commitments,” Nahass said. “Global cooperation and communication are critical to keep our own citizens protected because germs do not respect borders.” Former CDC Director Thomas Frieden, who served under the Obama administration, issued his own dire warning about the U.S. withdrawal on X. “We’ll look back on this as a grave error. Health threats do not respect borders, and weakening global cooperation makes Americans less safe,” Frieden said. “WHO isn’t perfect, but it is irreplaceable to detect outbreaks early and coordinate emergency responses before they become global crises.” The President has openly expressed his contempt for longstanding alliances that have shaped the modern global order – and he hasn’t been shy to end them. The President capped a tense week defined by global worries over his threat to invade Greenland with one more insult for U.S. allies, claiming that NATO soldiers stayed “a little off the front lines” during the war in Afghanistan. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the remarks “frankly appalling.” View the full article

Software teams often stretch their tools beyond their original purpose, especially when delivery pressure meets organizational complexity. This article explores Azure DevOps for project management, examining where it fits, where it struggles and why teams debate using it beyond workflows. What Is Azure DevOps? Azure DevOps is a Microsoft platform that provides a set of services for software development teams to plan work, manage source code, automate build and release pipelines and collaborate throughout the application lifecycle. It brings together tools for version control, continuous integration, testing, deployment and work item tracking within a single cloud-based environment used by organizations across many industries. Is Azure DevOps Project Management Software? While Azure DevOps supports planning and tracking work within software teams, it does not fully align with what is typically considered project management software. Its tools help coordinate tasks, iterations and delivery workflows, but the platform lacks core capabilities such as native Gantt charts, project portfolio-level roadmaps, comprehensive resource management and financial tracking. As a result, Azure DevOps can assist with managing development work, yet it falls short of providing the broader project oversight found in dedicated project management solutions. Try ProjectManager if you’re looking for project management software that includes the traditional yet powerful features that project teams want. Our software is built for project management, not just software delivery. Our features include Gantt charts, budget tracking, resource planning, dashboards, reports and so much more. Traditional project managers get tools that match their preferred methodology. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. /wp-content/uploads/2023/02/operations-implementation-gantt-chart-150-cta.jpgLearn more Can Azure DevOps Still Be Used for Project Management? Despite its limitations as a standalone project management solution, some teams still rely on Azure DevOps to organize, coordinate and monitor project work within a development-focused environment. Pros of Azure DevOps for Project Management The strongest case for using Azure DevOps for project management emerges in software development teams, where engineering workflows, technical dependencies and delivery cadence matter more than traditional and general-use project planning, scheduling and monitoring tools. Built-in work item tracking aligns naturally with developer tasks, user stories, bugs and technical backlog management. Sprint planning and iteration tools support agile delivery without requiring external project management platforms. Native integration with source control and CI/CD pipelines connects planning directly to code and deployment activity. Cross-team visibility through backlogs and delivery plans helps coordinate work across multiple development teams. Highly customizable workflows allow teams to adapt processes to their engineering practices rather than generic PM models. Related: 18 Free Software Development Templates for Excel, Word & More Cons of Azure DevOps for Project Management Even software development teams eventually require broader project management capabilities to coordinate timelines, resources and priorities across initiatives. Azure DevOps concentrates on delivery execution, leaving critical project planning, scheduling, tracking and portfolio-level controls either absent or dependent on integrations with external tools and extensions. No native project portfolio management roadmap, making it difficult to track timelines across multiple projects. Absence of built-in Gantt charts for visualizing schedules, dependencies and long-term plans. No centralized resource management to allocate people across projects or assess capacity organization-wide. Lack of financial management features such as cost estimating, project budgeting or cost tracking. Limited dependency visualization across projects, teams and high-level initiatives. No standardized project-level reporting for executives outside development-focused metrics. Missing milestone-focused planning views common in traditional project management tools. Requires marketplace extensions or external software to approximate core project management functionality. Does Azure DevOps Have Project Management Features? Several Azure DevOps features were built for development workflows but overlap with project management needs, offering limited planning, tracking and coordination capabilities when teams adapt them beyond their original intent. Azure DevOps Roadmap Azure DevOps roadmaps, delivered primarily through Delivery Plans, are designed to visualize work items such as epics and features across iterations and teams, presenting a timeline-based view of planned development. They focus on coordinating delivery schedules rather than defining strategic objectives or long-term portfolio investments at the team level only. From a project management perspective, these timelines offer partial visibility into delivery commitments. However, because they lack portfolio context, budgeting and cross-project alignment, they provide only a narrow substitute for true project roadmaps used to manage multiple initiatives effectively. /wp-content/uploads/2024/08/portfolio-roadmap-light-mode-webp-600x322.webpLearn more Azure DevOps Kanban Board Kanban boards in Azure DevOps are designed to visualize the flow of work items through defined stages, allowing teams to manage backlog, work in progress and completion status. They emphasize continuous delivery, limiting bottlenecks and improving workflow efficiency rather than enforcing fixed schedules or milestones common in traditional project plans. For project management, kanban boards help teams monitor task status and surface execution issues early. Still, they do not support timeline forecasting, dependency modeling or long-range planning, which restricts their usefulness beyond day-to-day coordination across projects and strategic planning efforts. /wp-content/uploads/2021/08/product-launch-template-light-mode-kanban-600x339.jpgLearn more Azure DevOps Sprint Board Sprint boards are designed to support time-boxed iterations by organizing committed work for a sprint into task-level views. They help teams track progress against sprint goals, manage workload during active iterations and respond to short-term changes within an agile delivery cycle without addressing broader planning horizons at the project or portfolio. In project management terms, sprint boards assist with execution tracking and short-term accountability. Yet their focus on single iterations limits visibility into overall schedules, milestones and cross-project coordination needed for managing projects end-to-end across multiple teams and initiatives. /wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Agile-Sprint-Plan-Template.png Get your free Agile Sprint Plan Template Use this free Agile Sprint Plan Template to manage your projects better. Get the Template Azure DevOps Backlog The Azure DevOps backlog is designed to organize and prioritize work items such as epics, features, user stories and bugs. It provides a structured hierarchy that helps teams break down complex development efforts into manageable units aligned with product and delivery objectives. For project management purposes, backlogs offer visibility into scope and priorities. However, they do not provide timeline forecasting, milestone planning or cross-project coordination, limiting their usefulness for managing projects beyond development execution. Azure DevOps Dashboards Azure DevOps dashboards are designed to present configurable visual summaries of work item status, sprint progress, build results and delivery metrics. They aggregate data from across teams and projects into widgets intended to support monitoring, transparency and operational awareness. From a project management angle, dashboards help stakeholders track progress and surface risks quickly. Still, they lack standardized project reporting, financial indicators and portfolio-level insights required for comprehensive project oversight. Related: 5 Free Excel Dashboard Templates Azure DevOps Burndown Chart The burndown chart in Azure DevOps is designed to visualize remaining work against time within a sprint or iteration. It helps teams assess whether they are on track to complete committed work by comparing planned effort versus actual progress. In project management contexts, burndown charts provide short-term progress indicators. However, their sprint-level focus makes them unsuitable for tracking long-term schedules, milestones or multi-project timelines. /wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Burndown-chart-sample-with-border-and-logo-600x407.png ProjectManager Is the Best Azure DevOps Project Management Integration ProjectManager is a well-rounded project management software designed to support all types of projects and teams. Our software provides built-in financial tracking, schedule visualization, reporting, portfolio management and many more engaging features. There’s no steep learning curve and the onboarding process is fast. AI-Powered Project Management Insights AI Project Insights brings automated analysis, data-driven recommendations and real-time visibility to fast-moving delivery requirements. The latest GPT5 technology analyzes task progress, highlights bottlenecks in delivery pipelines and identifies risky areas in the project. Use it to support smarter sprint planning and backlog refinement. /wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Ai-insights-lightmode-gantt-gpt5.png Resource & Workload Management to Support Sprint Planning With built-in resource and workload management, ProjectManager allows teams to assign human and non-human resources, visualize workloads and balance staffing. This helps traditional project managers manage resource bottlenecks, allocations and utilization across projects. /wp-content/uploads/2024/05/workload-page-resource-management-lightmode.png Related Software Development Content 18 Free Software Development Templates for Excel, Word and More Software Development Estimation: A Quick Guide SDLC – The Software Development Life Cycle Burndown Chart: What Is It, Examples & How to Use One ProjectManager is online software that helps teams organize their work no matter where they are or how they work. Get real-time data for better decision-making while connecting teams and fostering collaboration. Deliver products on time, within your budget and with the level of quality that your customers expect. Try ProjectManager for free today! The post Azure DevOps for Project Management: Pros and Cons appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

Reform UK leader’s pass and hotel costs for World Economic Forum event were paid for by Sasan GhandehariView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Taylor Sheridan and Billy Bob Thornton are such a natural pairing that it's not at all surprising that Landman has been yet another hit for the creator behind Yellowstone and it's many spin-offs. Thornton plays Billy Norris, a crackerjack consultant, fixer, and general hired gun for a major oil conglomerate in present-day West Texas. Beyond the complicated economics and politics of the oil industry, the poor guy's also dealing with extremely complicated family drama, debt, criminal ties, and substance-abuse issues. Call it Dallas for a new generation. You can stream Landman on Paramount+, and check out these similar shows after your binge is complete. Mayor of Kingstown (2021– ) Another Taylor Sheridan creation, this one stars Jeremy Renner as Mike McLusky, head of a family that’s been keeping the peace, more or less, in the title's company town for decades. The "business" of the corrupt burg just happens to be incarceration, and the McLuskys thrive when business is up, even if Mike himself has slightly different ideas about how to run things. The show deals, at least broadly, with systemic racism and inequality in the prison system, but mostly it's a modern day western about bringing justice to a corrupt town. Stream Mayor of Kingstown on Paramount+. Mayor of Kingstown (2021– ) at Paramount+ Learn More Learn More at Paramount+ Dallas (2012 – 2014) It's tempting to direct you back to the original series' 14-season run, but that one's a harder to stream—and besides, this direct continuation is still pretty fun. Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray and Larry Hagman (as the original's J.R.) are all back, joined by a new generation lead by Josh Henderson, Jesse Metcalf, and Jordana Brewster. They're every bit as scheming, conniving, horny, and oil obsessed as their parents. Stream Dallas on Tubi. Dallas (2012 – 2014) at Tubi Learn More Learn More at Tubi Yellowstone (2018 – 2024) The Taylor Sheridan drama that launched an empire, as well as a thousand spin-offs (well, seven, including those in development). The Dutton family of Montana, owners of the largest cattle ranch in the state, deal with family and political drama—a bit like a modern Dallas, but with the vibes of HBO’s Succession. Though the main series ended after five seasons, mostly to accommodate the departure of Kevin Costner, there's plenty more to explore in the past and future of the Yellowstone universe. Stream Yellowstone on Peacock. Yellowstone (2018 – 2024) at Peacock Learn More Learn More at Peacock Empire (2015 – 2020) Terrence Howard leads a truly impressive cast (among them Taraji P. Henson, Gabourey Sidibe, and Vivica A. Fox) in this juicy, glossy, hip-hop infused soap opera. Howard plays Lucious Jackson (neé drug dealer Dwight Walker), who changed his own fortunes by building Empire Entertainment from the ground up. As the series begins, the music mogul is diagnosed with ALS and given a life expectancy of only a few more years. Refusing to watch his life's work die, he sets his three sons at odds to determine who’ll be the one to control things when he’s gone. His schemes are complicated by the release from prison of Cookie Lyon (Henson), the co-founder of the company and Jackson’s ex-wife. As the kids say: drama! There's a little bit of Dallas and a little bit of Succession (which Empire predates) here, sharing with those shows and Landman the whole family dynasty thing, but with hip-hop rather than black gold. Stream Empire on Hulu and Tubi. Empire (2015 – 2020) at Hulu Learn More Learn More at Hulu Goliath (2016 – 2021) If the pull of Landman is Billy Bob Thornton as a complicated anti-hero with substance abuse issues, this David E. Kelley legal drama will work just fine as a streamalike, even in the absence of oil wells. Here, Thornton plays Billy McBride, a once-successful lawyer who left the firm he built after a murder suspect he'd gotten acquitted went on to kill his family. After a long run of doing not much other than drinking, he's drawn back into the fray when a dead man's sister asks for his help on a case involving his old firm, a major corporation, and some very crooked cops. Stream Goliath on Prime Video. Goliath (2016 – 2021) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Mine (2021) American TV shows tend to view the wealthy with nuance, even when they're engaged in overtly criminal behavior. South Korean creators, on the other hand, have no problem criticizing the 1% (Parasite and Squid Game are hardly outliers), particularly the plutocratic chaebol families who control huge portions of the country’s economy. The minseries Mine centers the women who are jockeying for control of the massive, fictional Hyowon Group from within their family’s outrageously opulent (and extremely photogenic) residential compound. The plans of two increasingly powerful women who married into the family, Hi-soo and Seo-hyun, are thrown into disarray when the new housemaid begins a romantic relationship with one of the male heirs, while a new tutor seems ready to expose old family secrets. It’s very much a Dynasty-style soap opera, with various family members crawling over each other seeking control and a sense of identity. Stream Mine on Netflix. Mine (2021) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix The Waterfront (2025) Swapping big-time oil for a family fishing business may seem like a big leap, but we've still got plenty of crime and drugs in this Netflix series. Holt McCallany plays Harlan Buckley, returning to manage the family business, one which is tied up with multiple dueling drug cartels, as well as unreliable family members and at least one (Supergirl's Melissa Benoist) who's looking to escape her own legal problems by working with the FBI against her father and brother. Stream The Waterfront on Netflix. The Waterfront (2025) at Netflix Get Deal Get Deal at Netflix Joe Pickett (2021 – 2023) A vibe match that, while it doesn't replicate Landman's family and business drama, still runs with the neo-western feel that defines a Taylor Sheridan show. Michael Dorman stars as Joe Pickett, a Wyoming game warden with a violent past and, well, a violent present too. Dorman's Pickett is less of a tough action hero type, and more of a likable, everyday guy who just happens to be wrapped up in a murder via his day job. It’s not a comedy, but is definitely a bit weirder and more surreal than the more literal style of something like Landman, which lacks flourishes like Pickett's memorable emu wrestling scene. Stream Joe Pickett on Paramount+. Joe Pickett (2021 – 2023) at Paramount+ Learn More Learn More at Paramount+ Queen Sugar (2016 – 2022) Another intense family business drama with a dash of a succession crisis: In Queen Sugar, three largely estranged siblings in distant cities are brought together by the death of their father, who has left them each an equal share in an 800-acre sugarcane farm in rural Louisiana. The Ava DuVernay-produced (and sometimes directed) series offers plenty of scandal and soapy drama, but ultimately, it’s a show about a family coming back together to preserve its legacy. The siblings (Rutina Wesley, Dawn-Lyen Gardner, and Kofi Siriboe) are a bit less gritty and troubled than the Norris family (they're mostly trying to do the right thing), but they still generate enough drama to fuel seven successful seasons. Stream Queen Sugar on Hulu. Queen Sugar at Hulu Learn More Learn More at Hulu The Son (2017 – 2019) The popularity of Taylor Sheridan-esque neo-westerns leads us, inevitably, to something closer to an actual western. In this series, adapting Philipp Meyer's 2013 Pulitzer Prize-finalist novel of the same name, Pierce Brosnan plays Eli McCullough, a ruthless cattle baron making moves to get in on the burgeoning oil industry in the Rio Grande Valley of 1915. A parallel narrative sees Eli as a young man, kidnapped and raised among a Nʉmʉnʉʉ family. While his backstory lends the character welcome complexity, in the present, he's as determined to build his empire as he is to prepare his son and grandson to take over when he's gone. Stream The Son on Prime Video and AMC+. The Son (2017 – 2019) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video View the full article

By-election win would open path for Manchester mayor to launch challenge for Labour leadershipView the full article

Engaging in group exercises can considerably improve your fitness as well as cultivate a sense of community. Activities like relay races and obstacle courses promote teamwork and physical endurance, whereas circuit training and dance fitness introduce variety to your routine. Incorporating fun elements such as fitness bingo and themed workout days can likewise keep motivation high. These options contribute to a more enjoyable fitness experience, but there are additional strategies to reflect upon that can further raise your group workouts. Key Takeaways Relay races foster teamwork and fitness through competitive sprints and exercises, encouraging social interaction among participants. Obstacle course challenges promote collaboration and physical activity with diverse stations for climbing, crawling, and balancing. Circuit training offers a structured workout with multiple exercise stations, enhancing strength, cardio, and flexibility while keeping participants engaged. Dance fitness combines rhythmic movements with aerobic exercise, improving cardiovascular health and promoting social interaction in a fun environment. Fitness Bingo and themed workout days create a lively atmosphere, making exercises enjoyable and motivating through creative concepts and friendly competition. Relay Races Relay races are an excellent way to encourage teamwork and physical fitness among adults, as they involve splitting participants into teams where each member completes a designated exercise before tagging the next teammate. These fun group fitness activities can incorporate various group exercises like sprinting, jumping, or push-ups, making them adaptable to different fitness levels and preferences. The competitive nature of these races improves motivation, as each participant aims to finish their exercises quickly and efficiently. You can set up relay races both indoors and outdoors, offering flexibility in location. This format not only boosts physical fitness but also promotes social interaction, helping to build stronger relationships among participants during engaging group fitness drills. Obstacle Course Challenge An Obstacle Course Challenge offers a dynamic way to engage participants in physical activity as well as promoting teamwork and problem-solving skills. Typically, these challenges include various stations where you’ll navigate through climbing, crawling, jumping, and balancing exercises, which help improve agility and strength. You can time the challenge to add a competitive element, encouraging everyone to push their limits and advance over time. Versatile enough for indoor fitness games for adults or outdoor settings, obstacle courses accommodate different preferences and environments. Furthermore, as you work together to strategize and complete the course, you’ll cultivate collaboration with your teammates. Engaging in obstacle courses can greatly boost overall fitness levels by requiring a combination of endurance, strength, and coordination. Circuit Training Circuit training offers a structured approach to fitness that keeps participants engaged and motivated through a variety of exercises. This method involves rotating through multiple exercise stations, targeting different muscle groups or types, making it suitable for all fitness levels. Each station can focus on strength, cardio, or flexibility, allowing for customization. Station Type Duration (seconds) Focus Strength Training 45 Building muscle Cardio Routine 45 Boosting endurance Flexibility Work 45 Enhancing mobility Typically lasting 45-60 minutes, circuit training promotes teamwork and camaraderie, as participants motivate each other. It effectively prevents workout monotony, making it an excellent choice for group exercise class ideas and training group exercises, in addition to fun exercise games for adults. Fitness Challenges Fitness challenges offer a dynamic way to engage adults in group workouts, promoting both individual progress and team spirit. These challenges can include timed exercises like push-up or squat contests, encouraging a competitive atmosphere that supports personal improvement. By tracking progress over time, you can motivate yourself and others to push limits and achieve fitness goals. Incorporating themed fitness challenges adds fun and variety, keeping everyone engaged and excited about workouts. Additionally, these group fitness challenges improve individual performance while promoting teamwork and camaraderie, creating a supportive environment. Utilizing these fun fitness ideas for groups can lead to increased member retention in exercise programs, as participants thrive in the motivating atmosphere they create. Dance Fitness Group workouts can take many forms, and dance fitness stands out as a lively option that combines rhythmic movements with aerobic exercise. This engaging form of exercise not only boosts cardiovascular health but additionally burns an average of 300-600 calories per hour. Here are some key aspects of dance fitness: Popular formats like Zumba and hip-hop cater to various skill levels. Classes promote inclusivity, allowing everyone to participate. Dance workouts improve coordination, balance, and flexibility. Social interaction in group settings nurtures community and motivation. Upbeat music elevates mood and provides stress relief. Team Challenges During your involvement in team challenges, you’ll uncover an effective method to improve your fitness expedition through collaboration and friendly competition. These activities nurture a sense of community, enhancing motivation and accountability as you work toward shared goals. You can choose themed challenges or tailor them to specific fitness objectives, making them engaging for everyone. Team challenges often include timed exercises or skill-based tasks that promote healthy competition, allowing you and your teammates to track progress over time. This not only helps you set and achieve individual and group fitness objectives but additionally strengthens relationships within the team. Group Stretching Circle A Group Stretching Circle offers numerous benefits, including improved flexibility and reduced muscle tension, making it a crucial component of any fitness routine. By engaging in partner stretches, you not only improve your own flexibility but furthermore cultivate a supportive environment that encourages teamwork and camaraderie among participants. This inclusive activity can be easily customized to accommodate various fitness levels, ensuring everyone can participate and gain from the experience. Benefits of Group Stretching Engaging in a group stretching circle offers numerous benefits that improve both physical well-being and social interaction. By participating in these sessions, you can experience: Improved flexibility and range of motion through targeted stretches for multiple muscle groups. Increased social connections and camaraderie, nurturing support among participants. Enhanced engagement and motivation, as you can assist others and share tips for better form. Effective cooldown after intense workouts, reducing muscle soreness and promoting recovery by increasing blood flow. Higher overall workout satisfaction and adherence, as the social environment encourages accountability and consistency. Incorporating group stretching into your fitness routine can greatly improve both your physical performance and your enjoyment of exercise. Engaging Partner Stretches Partner stretches in a group stretching circle not only improve flexibility but furthermore nurture a sense of connection among participants. Engaging in dynamic stretches together, such as seated forward bends, partner hamstring stretches, and side lunges, effectively targets various muscle groups. These partner exercises boost engagement and cultivate camaraderie, transforming the stretching routine into a team-building experience. Research shows that group stretching can lead to improved performance and reduced muscle soreness post-workout, which contributes to better overall fitness outcomes. Typically lasting 10-15 minutes, these sessions similarly serve as a relaxing conclusion to intense workouts, encouraging mindfulness and promoting mental well-being. By participating in partner stretches, you not only stretch but also strengthen your bonds with fellow participants. Fitness Bingo Fitness Bingo offers a creative way to incorporate exercise into your routine, keeping participants engaged and motivated. This engaging workout game encourages variety, as each square on the bingo card represents a different exercise. You can play individually or in teams, cultivating camaraderie and competition. Here are some key features of Fitness Bingo: Customizable bingo cards customized to different age groups and fitness levels. A variety of exercises, ensuring workouts remain interesting. Options for individual play or team challenges, enhancing social interaction. The potential inclusion of prizes for the first to complete their card, boosting motivation. A fun atmosphere that promotes fitness without the pressure of traditional workouts. Plank Races After enjoying the fun of Fitness Bingo, you might want to explore another dynamic group activity: plank races. In this exercise, you’ll split into teams of 3-4 members, competing by shifting between plank positions at start and end points. Each team member holds a plank during the race to tag the next player, with the goal of being the first team to have all members cross the finish line. Plank races boost core strength and stability, as well as nurture teamwork and camaraderie among participants. This activity can easily adapt to various skill levels, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced fitness enthusiasts. The competitive nature adds fun and motivation, encouraging everyone to push their limits and improve plank endurance. Themed Workout Days Themed workout days can transform your fitness routine by inviting you to dress up and engage with creative concepts. By selecting thematic music and incorporating group activities that align with the theme, you not just increase motivation but additionally improve the overall experience for everyone involved. Whether it’s a retro dance party or a superhero boot camp, these events cultivate a fun atmosphere that encourages camaraderie and participation across various fitness levels. Creative Dress-Up Ideas How can you make your workout routine more engaging and enjoyable? Incorporating creative dress-up ideas through themed workout days can improve the experience. By encouraging participants to dress according to specific themes, you boost motivation and camaraderie. Here are some popular ideas: Retro Day: Wear lively colors and styles from the ’80s or ’90s. Superhero Theme: Dress as your favorite superhero to release your inner strength. Holidays: Celebrate by dressing in festive attire for Halloween, Christmas, or Valentine’s Day. Sports Team Spirit: Show off your favorite sports team’s colors or jerseys. Decade Day: Choose a decade and dress in clothing that reflects its style. These themes create excitement, nurture community, and can even lead to friendly competitions, improving overall enjoyment in group workouts. Thematic Music Selection What music do you associate with your favorite workouts? Thematic workout days, like “Retro Workout” or “Superhero Fitness,” can considerably improve your experience by incorporating music that aligns with the chosen theme. This approach not just boosts motivation but also makes the session feel more like a celebration. Using playlists customized to specific themes can raise energy levels, helping you perform better. Research suggests that classes featuring thematic elements see increased attendance and retention rates, as participants return for the fun and unique atmosphere. Additionally, these themed workouts encourage a sense of community, allowing you to bond with others over shared experiences. Engaging Group Activities Engaging in group activities, especially during themed workout days, can greatly improve your fitness experience. These events boost excitement and enjoyment in your routine, creating a sense of community among participants. By incorporating themed music and exercises, you’ll find motivation levels soar, leading to better engagement. Consider these popular themes for your next workout: Retro: Dress in vintage workout gear and groove to classic tunes. Holiday: Celebrate with festive attire and themed challenges. Superhero: Channel your favorite hero as you complete a challenging workout. Sports Day: Engage in team-based activities reminiscent of school days. Dance Party: Combine aerobic moves with dance routines for a fun twist. These unique days not only drive attendance but likewise make fitness feel less routine and more enjoyable. Frequently Asked Questions How to Make Group Fitness Classes Fun? To make group fitness classes fun, incorporate themed workout days where participants can dress up, like retro or superhero themes. Introduce relay races and team challenges to encourage camaraderie and healthy competition. Gamify workouts with activities like Fitness Bingo or Deck of Cards, turning exercises into engaging challenges. Use music to boost energy levels, and create social interaction opportunities through partner stretches or group challenges, enhancing the overall experience and sense of community. What Is the 3 3 3 Rule for Working Out? The 3 3 3 rule for working out suggests you engage in three types of exercise at least three days a week. These exercises should include three different modalities: cardio, strength training, and flexibility routines. This approach helps create a balanced fitness regimen that improves cardiovascular health, builds muscle strength, and boosts flexibility. What Are Some Fun Fitness Activities? You can explore various fun fitness activities to improve your workout experience. Consider participating in relay races, where teamwork nurtures camaraderie. Obstacle courses challenge your agility, strength, and endurance through climbing and jumping. Circuit training offers a variety of exercise stations to target different muscle groups, preventing monotony. Dance fitness classes, like Zumba, integrate movement with cardiovascular benefits. Finally, fitness bingo turns workouts into a game, motivating you to complete diverse exercises for added enjoyment. What Is the 4 2 1 Rule Workout? The 4 2 1 Rule Workout is a structured routine intended to improve your fitness. It involves four minutes of high-intensity exercise, followed by two minutes of moderate effort, and one minute of low-intensity recovery. This method maximizes calorie burn and improves cardiovascular health. You can adapt it for various exercises, like bodyweight moves or resistance training. This approach keeps you engaged, pushing your limits as you allow necessary recovery to maintain performance effectively. Conclusion Incorporating fun group exercises into your fitness routine can greatly improve your physical health and social connections. Activities like relay races, circuit training, and dance fitness not just promote teamwork but likewise keep workouts engaging. Adding elements such as fitness bingo and themed workout days can further raise motivation and enjoyment. By participating in these exercises, you create a supportive environment that nurtures camaraderie as you achieve your fitness goals, making the process more enjoyable and effective for everyone involved. Image via Google Gemini This article, "10 Fun Group Exercises for Adults to Boost Fitness" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Engaging in group exercises can considerably improve your fitness as well as cultivate a sense of community. Activities like relay races and obstacle courses promote teamwork and physical endurance, whereas circuit training and dance fitness introduce variety to your routine. Incorporating fun elements such as fitness bingo and themed workout days can likewise keep motivation high. These options contribute to a more enjoyable fitness experience, but there are additional strategies to reflect upon that can further raise your group workouts. Key Takeaways Relay races foster teamwork and fitness through competitive sprints and exercises, encouraging social interaction among participants. Obstacle course challenges promote collaboration and physical activity with diverse stations for climbing, crawling, and balancing. Circuit training offers a structured workout with multiple exercise stations, enhancing strength, cardio, and flexibility while keeping participants engaged. Dance fitness combines rhythmic movements with aerobic exercise, improving cardiovascular health and promoting social interaction in a fun environment. Fitness Bingo and themed workout days create a lively atmosphere, making exercises enjoyable and motivating through creative concepts and friendly competition. Relay Races Relay races are an excellent way to encourage teamwork and physical fitness among adults, as they involve splitting participants into teams where each member completes a designated exercise before tagging the next teammate. These fun group fitness activities can incorporate various group exercises like sprinting, jumping, or push-ups, making them adaptable to different fitness levels and preferences. The competitive nature of these races improves motivation, as each participant aims to finish their exercises quickly and efficiently. You can set up relay races both indoors and outdoors, offering flexibility in location. This format not only boosts physical fitness but also promotes social interaction, helping to build stronger relationships among participants during engaging group fitness drills. Obstacle Course Challenge An Obstacle Course Challenge offers a dynamic way to engage participants in physical activity as well as promoting teamwork and problem-solving skills. Typically, these challenges include various stations where you’ll navigate through climbing, crawling, jumping, and balancing exercises, which help improve agility and strength. You can time the challenge to add a competitive element, encouraging everyone to push their limits and advance over time. Versatile enough for indoor fitness games for adults or outdoor settings, obstacle courses accommodate different preferences and environments. Furthermore, as you work together to strategize and complete the course, you’ll cultivate collaboration with your teammates. Engaging in obstacle courses can greatly boost overall fitness levels by requiring a combination of endurance, strength, and coordination. Circuit Training Circuit training offers a structured approach to fitness that keeps participants engaged and motivated through a variety of exercises. This method involves rotating through multiple exercise stations, targeting different muscle groups or types, making it suitable for all fitness levels. Each station can focus on strength, cardio, or flexibility, allowing for customization. Station Type Duration (seconds) Focus Strength Training 45 Building muscle Cardio Routine 45 Boosting endurance Flexibility Work 45 Enhancing mobility Typically lasting 45-60 minutes, circuit training promotes teamwork and camaraderie, as participants motivate each other. It effectively prevents workout monotony, making it an excellent choice for group exercise class ideas and training group exercises, in addition to fun exercise games for adults. Fitness Challenges Fitness challenges offer a dynamic way to engage adults in group workouts, promoting both individual progress and team spirit. These challenges can include timed exercises like push-up or squat contests, encouraging a competitive atmosphere that supports personal improvement. By tracking progress over time, you can motivate yourself and others to push limits and achieve fitness goals. Incorporating themed fitness challenges adds fun and variety, keeping everyone engaged and excited about workouts. Additionally, these group fitness challenges improve individual performance while promoting teamwork and camaraderie, creating a supportive environment. Utilizing these fun fitness ideas for groups can lead to increased member retention in exercise programs, as participants thrive in the motivating atmosphere they create. Dance Fitness Group workouts can take many forms, and dance fitness stands out as a lively option that combines rhythmic movements with aerobic exercise. This engaging form of exercise not only boosts cardiovascular health but additionally burns an average of 300-600 calories per hour. Here are some key aspects of dance fitness: Popular formats like Zumba and hip-hop cater to various skill levels. Classes promote inclusivity, allowing everyone to participate. Dance workouts improve coordination, balance, and flexibility. Social interaction in group settings nurtures community and motivation. Upbeat music elevates mood and provides stress relief. Team Challenges During your involvement in team challenges, you’ll uncover an effective method to improve your fitness expedition through collaboration and friendly competition. These activities nurture a sense of community, enhancing motivation and accountability as you work toward shared goals. You can choose themed challenges or tailor them to specific fitness objectives, making them engaging for everyone. Team challenges often include timed exercises or skill-based tasks that promote healthy competition, allowing you and your teammates to track progress over time. This not only helps you set and achieve individual and group fitness objectives but additionally strengthens relationships within the team. Group Stretching Circle A Group Stretching Circle offers numerous benefits, including improved flexibility and reduced muscle tension, making it a crucial component of any fitness routine. By engaging in partner stretches, you not only improve your own flexibility but furthermore cultivate a supportive environment that encourages teamwork and camaraderie among participants. This inclusive activity can be easily customized to accommodate various fitness levels, ensuring everyone can participate and gain from the experience. Benefits of Group Stretching Engaging in a group stretching circle offers numerous benefits that improve both physical well-being and social interaction. By participating in these sessions, you can experience: Improved flexibility and range of motion through targeted stretches for multiple muscle groups. Increased social connections and camaraderie, nurturing support among participants. Enhanced engagement and motivation, as you can assist others and share tips for better form. Effective cooldown after intense workouts, reducing muscle soreness and promoting recovery by increasing blood flow. Higher overall workout satisfaction and adherence, as the social environment encourages accountability and consistency. Incorporating group stretching into your fitness routine can greatly improve both your physical performance and your enjoyment of exercise. Engaging Partner Stretches Partner stretches in a group stretching circle not only improve flexibility but furthermore nurture a sense of connection among participants. Engaging in dynamic stretches together, such as seated forward bends, partner hamstring stretches, and side lunges, effectively targets various muscle groups. These partner exercises boost engagement and cultivate camaraderie, transforming the stretching routine into a team-building experience. Research shows that group stretching can lead to improved performance and reduced muscle soreness post-workout, which contributes to better overall fitness outcomes. Typically lasting 10-15 minutes, these sessions similarly serve as a relaxing conclusion to intense workouts, encouraging mindfulness and promoting mental well-being. By participating in partner stretches, you not only stretch but also strengthen your bonds with fellow participants. Fitness Bingo Fitness Bingo offers a creative way to incorporate exercise into your routine, keeping participants engaged and motivated. This engaging workout game encourages variety, as each square on the bingo card represents a different exercise. You can play individually or in teams, cultivating camaraderie and competition. Here are some key features of Fitness Bingo: Customizable bingo cards customized to different age groups and fitness levels. A variety of exercises, ensuring workouts remain interesting. Options for individual play or team challenges, enhancing social interaction. The potential inclusion of prizes for the first to complete their card, boosting motivation. A fun atmosphere that promotes fitness without the pressure of traditional workouts. Plank Races After enjoying the fun of Fitness Bingo, you might want to explore another dynamic group activity: plank races. In this exercise, you’ll split into teams of 3-4 members, competing by shifting between plank positions at start and end points. Each team member holds a plank during the race to tag the next player, with the goal of being the first team to have all members cross the finish line. Plank races boost core strength and stability, as well as nurture teamwork and camaraderie among participants. This activity can easily adapt to various skill levels, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced fitness enthusiasts. The competitive nature adds fun and motivation, encouraging everyone to push their limits and improve plank endurance. Themed Workout Days Themed workout days can transform your fitness routine by inviting you to dress up and engage with creative concepts. By selecting thematic music and incorporating group activities that align with the theme, you not just increase motivation but additionally improve the overall experience for everyone involved. Whether it’s a retro dance party or a superhero boot camp, these events cultivate a fun atmosphere that encourages camaraderie and participation across various fitness levels. Creative Dress-Up Ideas How can you make your workout routine more engaging and enjoyable? Incorporating creative dress-up ideas through themed workout days can improve the experience. By encouraging participants to dress according to specific themes, you boost motivation and camaraderie. Here are some popular ideas: Retro Day: Wear lively colors and styles from the ’80s or ’90s. Superhero Theme: Dress as your favorite superhero to release your inner strength. Holidays: Celebrate by dressing in festive attire for Halloween, Christmas, or Valentine’s Day. Sports Team Spirit: Show off your favorite sports team’s colors or jerseys. Decade Day: Choose a decade and dress in clothing that reflects its style. These themes create excitement, nurture community, and can even lead to friendly competitions, improving overall enjoyment in group workouts. Thematic Music Selection What music do you associate with your favorite workouts? Thematic workout days, like “Retro Workout” or “Superhero Fitness,” can considerably improve your experience by incorporating music that aligns with the chosen theme. This approach not just boosts motivation but also makes the session feel more like a celebration. Using playlists customized to specific themes can raise energy levels, helping you perform better. Research suggests that classes featuring thematic elements see increased attendance and retention rates, as participants return for the fun and unique atmosphere. Additionally, these themed workouts encourage a sense of community, allowing you to bond with others over shared experiences. Engaging Group Activities Engaging in group activities, especially during themed workout days, can greatly improve your fitness experience. These events boost excitement and enjoyment in your routine, creating a sense of community among participants. By incorporating themed music and exercises, you’ll find motivation levels soar, leading to better engagement. Consider these popular themes for your next workout: Retro: Dress in vintage workout gear and groove to classic tunes. Holiday: Celebrate with festive attire and themed challenges. Superhero: Channel your favorite hero as you complete a challenging workout. Sports Day: Engage in team-based activities reminiscent of school days. Dance Party: Combine aerobic moves with dance routines for a fun twist. These unique days not only drive attendance but likewise make fitness feel less routine and more enjoyable. Frequently Asked Questions How to Make Group Fitness Classes Fun? To make group fitness classes fun, incorporate themed workout days where participants can dress up, like retro or superhero themes. Introduce relay races and team challenges to encourage camaraderie and healthy competition. Gamify workouts with activities like Fitness Bingo or Deck of Cards, turning exercises into engaging challenges. Use music to boost energy levels, and create social interaction opportunities through partner stretches or group challenges, enhancing the overall experience and sense of community. What Is the 3 3 3 Rule for Working Out? The 3 3 3 rule for working out suggests you engage in three types of exercise at least three days a week. These exercises should include three different modalities: cardio, strength training, and flexibility routines. This approach helps create a balanced fitness regimen that improves cardiovascular health, builds muscle strength, and boosts flexibility. What Are Some Fun Fitness Activities? You can explore various fun fitness activities to improve your workout experience. Consider participating in relay races, where teamwork nurtures camaraderie. Obstacle courses challenge your agility, strength, and endurance through climbing and jumping. Circuit training offers a variety of exercise stations to target different muscle groups, preventing monotony. Dance fitness classes, like Zumba, integrate movement with cardiovascular benefits. Finally, fitness bingo turns workouts into a game, motivating you to complete diverse exercises for added enjoyment. What Is the 4 2 1 Rule Workout? The 4 2 1 Rule Workout is a structured routine intended to improve your fitness. It involves four minutes of high-intensity exercise, followed by two minutes of moderate effort, and one minute of low-intensity recovery. This method maximizes calorie burn and improves cardiovascular health. You can adapt it for various exercises, like bodyweight moves or resistance training. This approach keeps you engaged, pushing your limits as you allow necessary recovery to maintain performance effectively. Conclusion Incorporating fun group exercises into your fitness routine can greatly improve your physical health and social connections. Activities like relay races, circuit training, and dance fitness not just promote teamwork but likewise keep workouts engaging. Adding elements such as fitness bingo and themed workout days can further raise motivation and enjoyment. By participating in these exercises, you create a supportive environment that nurtures camaraderie as you achieve your fitness goals, making the process more enjoyable and effective for everyone involved. Image via Google Gemini This article, "10 Fun Group Exercises for Adults to Boost Fitness" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Traveling soon? If you’re planning on flying domestically, starting February 1, which is next Sunday, you may have to pay an extra fee at airports across the U.S. if you haven’t yet gotten your TSA-approved Real ID yet or don’t have another compliant form of ID (see list below). The policy, which the Department of Homeland Security launched in May, requires travelers to have an updated Real ID-compliant driver’s license or another approved form of ID in order to pass through airport security checkpoints and board flights. If you are one of the estimated 6% of U.S, travelers that still don’t have a Real ID or another acceptable form of documentation, you may be charged a $45 fee beginning next week. If that’s you, the Transportation Security Administration recommends passengers verify their identity using the new ConfirmID process and pay the $45 fee prior to going to the airport. However, you still run the risk that you “may not be allowed through security and may miss your flight.” The TSA urges travelers who do not have a Real ID to schedule an appointment at their local Department of Motor Vehicles to update their ID as soon as possible. What is the Real ID, again? As Fast Company previously reported, the Real ID is a state-issued driver’s license (or learner’s permit) that has been enhanced so it’s federally compliant. It’s marked with a gold or black star in the upper-right corner to indicate that it meets the security standards of the REAL ID Act. Those stars vary from state to state. (A California Real ID is marked with a golden bear; while here in Massachusetts, you’ll find a simple gold star.) I don’t have a Real ID. What else can I use to get through security? Here are some other TSA-approved forms of ID: U.S. passport U.S. passport card State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID) DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents Permanent resident card Border crossing card An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs) HSPD-12 PIV card Foreign government-issued passport Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766) U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) View the full article

Traveling soon? If you’re planning on flying domestically, starting February 1, which is next Sunday, you may have to pay an extra fee at airports across the U.S. if you haven’t yet gotten your TSA-approved Real ID yet, or don’t have another compliant form of ID (see list below). The policy, which the Department of Homeland Security launched in May, requires travelers to have an updated, Real ID-compliant driver’s license, or other approved form of ID, in order to pass through airport security checkpoints and board flights. If you are one of the estimated 6% of U.S, travelers that still don’t have a Real ID, or another acceptable form of documentation, you may be charged a $45 fee starting next week. If that’s you, TSA recommends passengers verify their identity using the new ConfirmID process, and pay the $45 fee prior to going to the airport. However, you still run the risk that you “may not be allowed through security and may miss your flight.” TSA urges travelers who do not have a Real ID to schedule an appointment at their local DMV to update their ID as soon as possible. What is the Real ID, again? As Fast Company previously reported, the Real ID is a state-issued driver’s license, or learner’s permit, that has been enhanced so it’s federally compliant. It’s marked with a gold or black star in the upper right-hand corner to indicate that it meets the security standards of the REAL ID Act. Those stars vary from state to state. (A California Real ID is marked with a golden bear; while here in Massachusetts, you’ll find a simple gold star.) I don’t have a Real ID. What else can I use to get through security? Here are some other TSA-approved forms of ID: U.S. passport U.S. passport card State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID) DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents Permanent resident card Border crossing card An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs) HSPD-12 PIV card Foreign government-issued passport Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766) U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) View the full article

Donald The President has said he plans to name his nominee to run the US central bank ‘in the not too distant future’View the full article

UK government has been courting Chinese company to build cars locallyView the full article

If you're in the market for a new Tesla, your fancy new electric car is going to be a little less smart—unless you pony up for a subscription. According to reporting from Elektrek and buying experiences from drivers, the company is ditching the basic Autopilot mode that used to come standard in new vehicles, and is now pushing buyers to subscribe to Full Self-Driving instead. Before, Autopilot consisted of two minor but helpful driving assist features. The first was Traffic Aware Cruise Control, which automatically adjusts speed based on the speed limit and surrounding cars, and the second was Autosteer, which helps keep you in the center of your lane. The idea was that, while highway driving, you could turn on Autopilot and essentially let your car drive itself (while still remaining attentive and aware, of course). Now, though, Autosteer will only be available as part of a Full Self-Driving, or FSD, subscription. Traffic Aware Cruise Control will still come standard on new vehicles, but highway drivers who aren't paying Tesla a monthly fee will now need to make tiny corrections every once in a while to keep from veering into the wrong lane. Making its cars dumber by default is an odd move for a company that wants to be seen as cutting-edge, although if removing Autopilot encourages more FSD subscriptions, that would see more users with Tesla's most-advanced self-driving tech on the road. Unfortunately, that goal will be pretty costly for consumers. A Full Self-Driving subscription currently costs $99 per month, although until Feb. 14, you are able to buy a lifetime FSD subscription for $8,000. Which features you'd get with an FSD sub depends on what's legally available in your area, but in addition to bringing back Autosteer, upgrading could also net you assistance with parking, pickups, and lane changes. However, if all you want is to get your basic functionality back, disgruntled drivers are pointing out that the discontinued features continue to be offered standard on lower-cost models from competing brands, like Toyota. The move to push Full Self-Driving subscriptions also comes alongside a promise from Tesla owner Elon Musk that pricing for the feature will go up as it improves, although the statement seemed to mostly focus on hopes of a future unsupervised FSD mode rather than more minor upgrades. At any rate, it's getting more expensive to buy a Tesla that lives up to the futuristic dreams the marketing promises. The company does still offer a slightly less expensive $6,000 "Enhanced Autopilot" add-on in some international regions, which combines the features from basic Autopilot with a few FSD features, but North American customers will now have no choice but to subscribe. View the full article

Tracking the Donald The President show has become pointless for investors in the short termView the full article

Investor appetite for blue-chip debt remains strong despite a choppy week for stocks triggered by The President’s tariff threatsView the full article

Dedicated runners and winter athletes will tell you that exercising in the cold is not as tough as it looks. Personally, I'd rather risk frostbite over any treadmill run that lasts longer than 20 minutes. But is there a point where winter runs cross over from difficult to dangerous? There is no clear cut-offMost experts suggest that the danger zone begins around -18°F (-28° Celcius), particularly when factoring in wind chill. At these extreme temperatures, the risk of frostbite increases dramatically, and breathing frigid air can become uncomfortable or even harmful to your lungs and airways. But beyond the raw temperature, certain conditions should prompt you to choose the treadmill over the trail. Wind chill matters significantly more than the actual temperature—a 20°F day with 25 mph winds feels like -4°F and carries similar risks. Precipitation combined with cold is particularly dangerous, as wet clothing rapidly accelerates heat loss. Icy conditions create obvious fall risks, and a twisted ankle or other injury becomes far more serious when you're miles from home in subzero temperatures. If the footing is treacherous with ice or you're unable to adequately protect your extremities with the gear you have available, it's wise to skip the outdoor run. Trust your instincts: If the cold feels genuinely painful within the first few minutes rather than just uncomfortable, that's your body sending a clear message. Again, this threshold isn't absolute. Your personal cold tolerance, experience level, the gear you own, and specific weather conditions all play a role. I know I've managed runs in 10°F, mostly because it was plenty sunny, with no wind, and I was expertly bundled up. Here are some of things to do if you’re a brave soul heading out to run in the freezing cold. How to avoid cold-related injuries while runningIf you do venture out in very cold weather, preparation is everything. Dress in layers using moisture-wicking base layers, insulating middle layers, and windproof outer shells. Protect your extremities carefully with gloves or mittens, a hat or headband, and warm socks. A neck gaiter is a must-have to pull up over your nose and mouth to help warm the air before it reaches the lungs. Start your run into the wind so you'll have it at your back when you're sweaty and more vulnerable to heat loss on the return trip. Keep your runs shorter and stay close to home or in areas with bailout options. Let someone know your route and expected return time. It also helps to physically modify your route to accommodate layers. Plan a run where you can shed extra layers after the first mile and then pick them up on your way back. Pay attention to your body throughout the run. Any numbness, excessive pain, confusion, or severe shivering means it's time to get indoors immediately. Remember that you can always cut a run short—there's no shame in prioritizing your safety over a workout. Another tip, from plenty of personal experience: Be extra aware of mouth-breathing while running in cold, dry air. I recommend running with cough drops in order to help you practice breathing through your nose. The bottom lineI always tell myself that if something feels off after my first mile, I’m allowed to turn around and walk home. Grant yourself extra leniency in extreme weather conditions. If you really can’t bear missing any miles, consider a hybrid plan of running half of your route outdoors and half on a treadmill. You can run outside at quite chilly temperatures before you seriously risk frostbite or any other cold-weather consequences. For most runners, the practical limit for safe outdoor running falls somewhere between 0 and -20°F. As long as you’re prepared with protective gear, you can listen to your body to acclimate to cold temperatures as best as you personally can. View the full article

In today’s corporate environment, engaging games can play an essential role in enhancing team spirit and collaboration among employees. Activities like VR escape rooms and AR scavenger hunts not merely promote problem-solving but additionally immerse participants in interactive experiences. Other options, such as team trivia and Pictionary, improve communication, whereas quick challenges like Minute to Win It add a competitive edge. Let’s explore these activities in detail to understand how they can transform your corporate events. Key Takeaways VR Escape Room Challenges foster collaboration by requiring teams to solve puzzles together in immersive environments, enhancing communication skills. AR Scavenger Hunts combine technology with teamwork, encouraging exploration and competitive missions, ideal for corporate events. Team Trivia promotes engagement and collaboration through dynamic questions across various topics, with prizes for winning teams enhancing motivation. Pictionary Relay encourages non-verbal communication and quick thinking, fostering laughter and strengthening interpersonal relationships among team members. Human Bingo serves as an effective icebreaker, promoting networking and conversation among employees while creating a relaxed atmosphere. VR Escape Room Challenges When teams engage in VR Escape Room Challenges, they enter a world where collaboration and problem-solving take center stage. These activities stand out as some of the most engaging fun conference activities, effectively enhancing communication skills among participants. Within the immersive virtual environment, teams work together to uncover clues, crack codes, and solve intricate riddles, promoting teamwork as they navigate through various scenarios. As the global VR gaming market expands, the potential for such company event activities continues to grow. Moreover, incorporating a competitive element, many challenges offer prizes for the fastest team to escape or solve the puzzles, motivating participants to fully engage. This makes VR Escape Room Challenges excellent games for corporate events, particularly for remote or hybrid teams, allowing everyone to experience collaborative gameplay and strengthen their bonds, regardless of physical distance. AR Scavenger Hunts AR scavenger hunts combine traditional scavenger hunt elements with augmented reality technology, allowing you to use smartphones or AR devices to locate virtual objects in real-world settings. This interactive experience promotes improved team collaboration, as participants work together in a competitive race to uncover clues and complete missions. With the added incentive of prizes for the winning team, these hunts create an engaging atmosphere that aligns with your corporate culture and objectives. Enhanced Team Collaboration Incorporating augmented reality technology into traditional scavenger hunts can greatly improve team collaboration during corporate events. AR scavenger hunts allow participants to use their smartphones or AR devices to find virtual objects and clues, enhancing exploration and teamwork. As teams race to complete missions, they encourage collaboration and strengthen communication skills. These fun corporate event ideas introduce competitive elements, with prizes awarded to the first team to finish, promoting a spirit of friendly rivalry. This immersive experience not only increases engagement but likewise promotes problem-solving, making AR scavenger hunts a perfect choice for fun conference ideas. Interactive Technology Experience Scavenger hunts have evolved considerably with the introduction of interactive technology, allowing participants to engage in a more dynamic experience. AR scavenger hunts blend traditional scavenger hunting with augmented reality, enabling you to use smartphones or AR devices to find virtual objects and clues in real-world locations. These interactive experiences improve exploration and teamwork, making them perfect for corporate events focused on collaboration. As you race against time to uncover clues and complete missions, a sense of urgency and excitement builds among team members. Prizes for the first team to finish incentivize participation, encouraging a cooperative spirit. This integration of AR technology reflects a growing trend in the global gaming market, emphasizing the rising popularity of immersive experiences. Competitive Exploration Challenge In relation to team-building activities, few options are as engaging as competitive exploration challenges using augmented reality technology. AR scavenger hunts combine traditional scavenger hunts with digital experiences, allowing you to use smartphones or AR devices to locate virtual objects and clues in your environment. These interactive experiences not only improve exploration but also promote teamwork, as participants race to find clues and complete missions. The competitive aspect is significant, with prizes awarded to the first team to finish, which motivates active engagement. Furthermore, AR scavenger hunts can be customized to reflect specific themes or company values, making them a versatile choice for corporate events focused on collaboration. This innovative approach leverages the popularity of augmented reality to boost team spirit and communication. Team Trivia Team Trivia is a dynamic and interactive game that encourages collaboration among participants as they compete to answer questions accurately within a designated time frame. This engaging quiz-style game promotes teamwork and camaraderie, as teams work together to tackle a variety of topics. You can theme the trivia to align with your office culture, covering areas like pop culture, company history, or industry-specific knowledge, which can greatly improve employee engagement. Facilitators prepare the questions and manage scoring, ensuring a smooth and organized experience for all involved. To increase motivation, prizes are often awarded to the winning team or individuals with the most correct answers, adding a competitive edge. Research indicates that incorporating trivia games into corporate events leads to improved team dynamics and overall workplace satisfaction. To conclude, Team Trivia serves as a valuable tool for building bonds and improving collaboration among colleagues. Pictionary Relay & Pictionary Pictionary Relay and Pictionary are effective games for enhancing communication skills and promoting team collaboration. As players sketch clues for their teammates to guess, they practice conveying ideas visually as they engage in cooperative problem-solving. The time constraints add urgency, encouraging teams to work together efficiently and creatively, which can strengthen bonds and improve workplace dynamics. Enhancing Communication Skills Effective communication is crucial in any corporate setting, and interactive games like Pictionary and Pictionary Relay can greatly improve these skills. These games augment your ability to convey ideas clearly and effectively through drawing and guessing. They promote non-verbal communication, which is fundamental for collaboration. The time limits in Pictionary Relay encourage quick thinking and concise messaging. Engaging in these activities cultivates laughter and enjoyment, building stronger interpersonal relationships. As you illustrate prompts, you’ll develop your ability to interpret visual cues and listen actively. This process not only boosts individual communication skills but also strengthens team dynamics, leading to a more cohesive work environment where ideas flow freely and effectively. Fostering Team Collaboration When looking to promote collaboration among colleagues, interactive games like Pictionary and Pictionary Relay offer an engaging way to achieve this goal. These drawing games require participants to illustrate clues for teammates to guess, enhancing communication skills in a fun environment. As team members work together to interpret drawings and guess words or phrases within a set time limit, they cultivate creativity and collaboration. Setting a timer for each round adds excitement and urgency, encouraging friendly competition. Furthermore, you can award prizes to the team with the most correct guesses, providing motivation. Minute to Win It Challenges Minute to Win It challenges offer a dynamic way to engage participants during corporate events, as they consist of a series of quick tasks that must be completed in under a minute. These activities are designed to test your skills in balance, dexterity, and speed, all in the process of nurturing a sense of friendly competition. Here are a few reasons to evaluate these challenges for your next event: Encourages teamwork: Participants work together, enhancing collaboration among colleagues. Easy to adapt: These challenges can be easily modified for various group sizes and settings. Incentives included: Prizes motivate participants to complete as many challenges as possible. A facilitator oversees the events to guarantee a smooth flow and maintain excitement. Human Bingo Human Bingo serves as an engaging icebreaker game that promotes networking and conversation among employees at corporate events. In this game, players receive bingo cards filled with various traits or experiences. The objective is to complete a row—whether vertically, horizontally, or diagonally—by interacting with others to find matches. Trait/Experience Trait/Experience Trait/Experience Speaks a second language Has traveled to three countries Enjoys hiking Plays a musical instrument Has met a celebrity Loves cooking Works in a different department Has run a marathon Enjoys reading fiction A facilitator typically monitors the game, assisting participants in finding matches and ensuring a smooth experience. To boost engagement, prizes can be awarded to those who complete a bingo line or a full card, adding a competitive element that heightens excitement and participation. The Great Debate The Great Debate offers a unique opportunity for teams to engage in friendly discussions on various fun or light-hearted topics, making it an excellent addition to corporate events. This activity improves critical thinking and public speaking skills as well as nurturing teamwork and collaboration. Each session is facilitated by a moderator who assigns topics and manages time, ensuring structured and engaging discussions. Benefits of The Great Debate include: Encouraging team members to strategize and develop persuasive arguments. Offering prizes for the most persuasive team, boosting motivation and engagement. Increasing employee morale and strengthening interpersonal relationships, resulting in a more cohesive work environment. Incorporating The Great Debate into your corporate events can transform typical gatherings into dynamic experiences that not just entertain but contribute to professional development. This engaging format helps participants connect on a personal level, in the end creating a positive impact on workplace culture. Frequently Asked Questions What Are Some Games That Encourage Teamwork? To encourage teamwork, consider incorporating VR escape room challenges, where participants collaborate to solve puzzles within a time limit. AR scavenger hunts can improve exploration and teamwork as players search for virtual clues. Team trivia games cultivate collaboration through friendly competition, meanwhile Pictionary and Charades promote creativity and communication. Finally, Minute to Win It challenges offer quick, engaging tasks that require cooperation, reinforcing team spirit and boosting interpersonal relationships among participants. How to Make Corporate Events Fun? To make corporate events fun, you can incorporate interactive activities that engage participants. Consider including team-building exercises, such as trivia challenges or competitive games that encourage collaboration. Incorporating technology, like virtual reality experiences or augmented reality scavenger hunts, can further enhance excitement. Moreover, offering opportunities for creativity, such as Pictionary or Charades, promotes communication. Finally, organizing community service projects not just entertains but also nurtures team spirit and a sense of purpose among employees. Which Game Needs Team Spirit? When considering which game needs team spirit, activities like VR Escape Room Challenges stand out. These games require you to collaborate closely with teammates, sharing insights and strategies to solve puzzles. Likewise, outdoor adventure challenges demand coordination and teamwork to navigate obstacles effectively. Games like Charades and Pictionary likewise encourage cooperation, as you must communicate ideas creatively without verbal cues. In the end, any game that emphasizes collaboration will improve team spirit and strengthen bonds among participants. What Is the Fun Game to Play With Coworkers on Teams? A fun game to play with coworkers on teams is Pictionary. In this game, one person draws a clue as teammates guess the word or phrase within a set time. This activity improves creativity and communication, as participants must think quickly and collaborate effectively. Another option is Charades, where individuals act out phrases without speaking, encouraging laughter and teamwork. Both games promote a competitive yet friendly atmosphere, making them ideal for engaging coworkers. Conclusion Incorporating engaging games into corporate events can greatly improve team dynamics and cultivate collaboration among employees. Activities like VR escape rooms and AR scavenger hunts not just entertain but likewise develop problem-solving skills. Furthermore, interactive games such as trivia and Pictionary encourage communication, whereas quick challenges and networking games like Human Bingo promote relationship-building. Structured debates further stimulate critical thinking. By selecting the right mix of activities, you can effectively boost team spirit and create a more cohesive workplace environment. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Engaging Games for Corporate Events to Boost Team Spirit" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In today’s corporate environment, engaging games can play an essential role in enhancing team spirit and collaboration among employees. Activities like VR escape rooms and AR scavenger hunts not merely promote problem-solving but additionally immerse participants in interactive experiences. Other options, such as team trivia and Pictionary, improve communication, whereas quick challenges like Minute to Win It add a competitive edge. Let’s explore these activities in detail to understand how they can transform your corporate events. Key Takeaways VR Escape Room Challenges foster collaboration by requiring teams to solve puzzles together in immersive environments, enhancing communication skills. AR Scavenger Hunts combine technology with teamwork, encouraging exploration and competitive missions, ideal for corporate events. Team Trivia promotes engagement and collaboration through dynamic questions across various topics, with prizes for winning teams enhancing motivation. Pictionary Relay encourages non-verbal communication and quick thinking, fostering laughter and strengthening interpersonal relationships among team members. Human Bingo serves as an effective icebreaker, promoting networking and conversation among employees while creating a relaxed atmosphere. VR Escape Room Challenges When teams engage in VR Escape Room Challenges, they enter a world where collaboration and problem-solving take center stage. These activities stand out as some of the most engaging fun conference activities, effectively enhancing communication skills among participants. Within the immersive virtual environment, teams work together to uncover clues, crack codes, and solve intricate riddles, promoting teamwork as they navigate through various scenarios. As the global VR gaming market expands, the potential for such company event activities continues to grow. Moreover, incorporating a competitive element, many challenges offer prizes for the fastest team to escape or solve the puzzles, motivating participants to fully engage. This makes VR Escape Room Challenges excellent games for corporate events, particularly for remote or hybrid teams, allowing everyone to experience collaborative gameplay and strengthen their bonds, regardless of physical distance. AR Scavenger Hunts AR scavenger hunts combine traditional scavenger hunt elements with augmented reality technology, allowing you to use smartphones or AR devices to locate virtual objects in real-world settings. This interactive experience promotes improved team collaboration, as participants work together in a competitive race to uncover clues and complete missions. With the added incentive of prizes for the winning team, these hunts create an engaging atmosphere that aligns with your corporate culture and objectives. Enhanced Team Collaboration Incorporating augmented reality technology into traditional scavenger hunts can greatly improve team collaboration during corporate events. AR scavenger hunts allow participants to use their smartphones or AR devices to find virtual objects and clues, enhancing exploration and teamwork. As teams race to complete missions, they encourage collaboration and strengthen communication skills. These fun corporate event ideas introduce competitive elements, with prizes awarded to the first team to finish, promoting a spirit of friendly rivalry. This immersive experience not only increases engagement but likewise promotes problem-solving, making AR scavenger hunts a perfect choice for fun conference ideas. Interactive Technology Experience Scavenger hunts have evolved considerably with the introduction of interactive technology, allowing participants to engage in a more dynamic experience. AR scavenger hunts blend traditional scavenger hunting with augmented reality, enabling you to use smartphones or AR devices to find virtual objects and clues in real-world locations. These interactive experiences improve exploration and teamwork, making them perfect for corporate events focused on collaboration. As you race against time to uncover clues and complete missions, a sense of urgency and excitement builds among team members. Prizes for the first team to finish incentivize participation, encouraging a cooperative spirit. This integration of AR technology reflects a growing trend in the global gaming market, emphasizing the rising popularity of immersive experiences. Competitive Exploration Challenge In relation to team-building activities, few options are as engaging as competitive exploration challenges using augmented reality technology. AR scavenger hunts combine traditional scavenger hunts with digital experiences, allowing you to use smartphones or AR devices to locate virtual objects and clues in your environment. These interactive experiences not only improve exploration but also promote teamwork, as participants race to find clues and complete missions. The competitive aspect is significant, with prizes awarded to the first team to finish, which motivates active engagement. Furthermore, AR scavenger hunts can be customized to reflect specific themes or company values, making them a versatile choice for corporate events focused on collaboration. This innovative approach leverages the popularity of augmented reality to boost team spirit and communication. Team Trivia Team Trivia is a dynamic and interactive game that encourages collaboration among participants as they compete to answer questions accurately within a designated time frame. This engaging quiz-style game promotes teamwork and camaraderie, as teams work together to tackle a variety of topics. You can theme the trivia to align with your office culture, covering areas like pop culture, company history, or industry-specific knowledge, which can greatly improve employee engagement. Facilitators prepare the questions and manage scoring, ensuring a smooth and organized experience for all involved. To increase motivation, prizes are often awarded to the winning team or individuals with the most correct answers, adding a competitive edge. Research indicates that incorporating trivia games into corporate events leads to improved team dynamics and overall workplace satisfaction. To conclude, Team Trivia serves as a valuable tool for building bonds and improving collaboration among colleagues. Pictionary Relay & Pictionary Pictionary Relay and Pictionary are effective games for enhancing communication skills and promoting team collaboration. As players sketch clues for their teammates to guess, they practice conveying ideas visually as they engage in cooperative problem-solving. The time constraints add urgency, encouraging teams to work together efficiently and creatively, which can strengthen bonds and improve workplace dynamics. Enhancing Communication Skills Effective communication is crucial in any corporate setting, and interactive games like Pictionary and Pictionary Relay can greatly improve these skills. These games augment your ability to convey ideas clearly and effectively through drawing and guessing. They promote non-verbal communication, which is fundamental for collaboration. The time limits in Pictionary Relay encourage quick thinking and concise messaging. Engaging in these activities cultivates laughter and enjoyment, building stronger interpersonal relationships. As you illustrate prompts, you’ll develop your ability to interpret visual cues and listen actively. This process not only boosts individual communication skills but also strengthens team dynamics, leading to a more cohesive work environment where ideas flow freely and effectively. Fostering Team Collaboration When looking to promote collaboration among colleagues, interactive games like Pictionary and Pictionary Relay offer an engaging way to achieve this goal. These drawing games require participants to illustrate clues for teammates to guess, enhancing communication skills in a fun environment. As team members work together to interpret drawings and guess words or phrases within a set time limit, they cultivate creativity and collaboration. Setting a timer for each round adds excitement and urgency, encouraging friendly competition. Furthermore, you can award prizes to the team with the most correct guesses, providing motivation. Minute to Win It Challenges Minute to Win It challenges offer a dynamic way to engage participants during corporate events, as they consist of a series of quick tasks that must be completed in under a minute. These activities are designed to test your skills in balance, dexterity, and speed, all in the process of nurturing a sense of friendly competition. Here are a few reasons to evaluate these challenges for your next event: Encourages teamwork: Participants work together, enhancing collaboration among colleagues. Easy to adapt: These challenges can be easily modified for various group sizes and settings. Incentives included: Prizes motivate participants to complete as many challenges as possible. A facilitator oversees the events to guarantee a smooth flow and maintain excitement. Human Bingo Human Bingo serves as an engaging icebreaker game that promotes networking and conversation among employees at corporate events. In this game, players receive bingo cards filled with various traits or experiences. The objective is to complete a row—whether vertically, horizontally, or diagonally—by interacting with others to find matches. Trait/Experience Trait/Experience Trait/Experience Speaks a second language Has traveled to three countries Enjoys hiking Plays a musical instrument Has met a celebrity Loves cooking Works in a different department Has run a marathon Enjoys reading fiction A facilitator typically monitors the game, assisting participants in finding matches and ensuring a smooth experience. To boost engagement, prizes can be awarded to those who complete a bingo line or a full card, adding a competitive element that heightens excitement and participation. The Great Debate The Great Debate offers a unique opportunity for teams to engage in friendly discussions on various fun or light-hearted topics, making it an excellent addition to corporate events. This activity improves critical thinking and public speaking skills as well as nurturing teamwork and collaboration. Each session is facilitated by a moderator who assigns topics and manages time, ensuring structured and engaging discussions. Benefits of The Great Debate include: Encouraging team members to strategize and develop persuasive arguments. Offering prizes for the most persuasive team, boosting motivation and engagement. Increasing employee morale and strengthening interpersonal relationships, resulting in a more cohesive work environment. Incorporating The Great Debate into your corporate events can transform typical gatherings into dynamic experiences that not just entertain but contribute to professional development. This engaging format helps participants connect on a personal level, in the end creating a positive impact on workplace culture. Frequently Asked Questions What Are Some Games That Encourage Teamwork? To encourage teamwork, consider incorporating VR escape room challenges, where participants collaborate to solve puzzles within a time limit. AR scavenger hunts can improve exploration and teamwork as players search for virtual clues. Team trivia games cultivate collaboration through friendly competition, meanwhile Pictionary and Charades promote creativity and communication. Finally, Minute to Win It challenges offer quick, engaging tasks that require cooperation, reinforcing team spirit and boosting interpersonal relationships among participants. How to Make Corporate Events Fun? To make corporate events fun, you can incorporate interactive activities that engage participants. Consider including team-building exercises, such as trivia challenges or competitive games that encourage collaboration. Incorporating technology, like virtual reality experiences or augmented reality scavenger hunts, can further enhance excitement. Moreover, offering opportunities for creativity, such as Pictionary or Charades, promotes communication. Finally, organizing community service projects not just entertains but also nurtures team spirit and a sense of purpose among employees. Which Game Needs Team Spirit? When considering which game needs team spirit, activities like VR Escape Room Challenges stand out. These games require you to collaborate closely with teammates, sharing insights and strategies to solve puzzles. Likewise, outdoor adventure challenges demand coordination and teamwork to navigate obstacles effectively. Games like Charades and Pictionary likewise encourage cooperation, as you must communicate ideas creatively without verbal cues. In the end, any game that emphasizes collaboration will improve team spirit and strengthen bonds among participants. What Is the Fun Game to Play With Coworkers on Teams? A fun game to play with coworkers on teams is Pictionary. In this game, one person draws a clue as teammates guess the word or phrase within a set time. This activity improves creativity and communication, as participants must think quickly and collaborate effectively. Another option is Charades, where individuals act out phrases without speaking, encouraging laughter and teamwork. Both games promote a competitive yet friendly atmosphere, making them ideal for engaging coworkers. Conclusion Incorporating engaging games into corporate events can greatly improve team dynamics and cultivate collaboration among employees. Activities like VR escape rooms and AR scavenger hunts not just entertain but likewise develop problem-solving skills. Furthermore, interactive games such as trivia and Pictionary encourage communication, whereas quick challenges and networking games like Human Bingo promote relationship-building. Structured debates further stimulate critical thinking. By selecting the right mix of activities, you can effectively boost team spirit and create a more cohesive workplace environment. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Engaging Games for Corporate Events to Boost Team Spirit" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In an era where agriculture faces immense challenges from climate change and global supply chain disruptions, SAP SE has partnered with Syngenta, a leader in agricultural innovation, to usher in a new wave of AI-assisted technology. This multiyear partnership aims to modernize Syngenta’s operations and redefine agricultural practices through advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence. Feroz Sheikh, Chief Information and Digital Officer at Syngenta, emphasized the significance of AI in this transformation, stating, “AI is the catalyst for agricultural transformation and has quickly become a core competitive edge for Syngenta.” By embedding AI at the core of its enterprise operations, Syngenta is not just improving efficiency but setting a benchmark in the agricultural sector for adopting cutting-edge technologies. With a projected global population of 10 billion by 2050, the pressure to produce more food sustainably has never been more pressing. The partnership positions Syngenta to not only address this challenge but also unlock faster innovation and operational resilience. Philipp Herzig, Chief Technology Officer at SAP, highlighted that their collaboration demonstrates how cloud and AI technologies can drive sustainable growth essential for such a critical industry. For small business owners in agriculture or related sectors, the implications of this partnership can be transformative. The integration of SAP Cloud ERP Private solutions will modernize operations across the entire value chain, introducing agility and resilience. By optimizing data management through the SAP Business Data Cloud, Syngenta aims to enhance real-time decision-making capabilities. This means that smaller agriculture firms could also benefit from similar systems, allowing them to make quicker, more informed choices. One powerful tool being utilized is the Joule copilot, which offers AI-assisted capabilities. This tool enables smarter decision-making and accelerates innovation. For small businesses, adopting similar AI tools can result in significant operational efficiencies. Streamlining processes not only helps improve productivity but also can lead to better products and services for customers, ultimately enhancing competitiveness in a crowded market. There are, however, potential challenges that small business owners might want to consider. Implementing advanced technologies often requires a significant upfront investment in hardware, software, and training. Moreover, transitioning to an AI-integrated system may necessitate changes in existing workflows and employee roles, which can be daunting for some small businesses. Data privacy and security concerns are also paramount; smaller businesses must ensure that any AI tools used protect customer information and proprietary business data. Syngenta’s commitment to ensuring that growers retain control over their data is a critical piece of the puzzle. Small business owners should look for similar commitments from technology providers to safeguard their interests. Ultimately, SAP and Syngenta’s collaboration signals a profound shift in the agricultural landscape. While the vision of a streamlined, AI-integrated agricultural operation may seem ambitious, the real-world applications and benefits for small businesses are within reach. As AI-driven innovations become more accessible, small business owners can leverage these advancements to enhance their competitive edge and contribute to the global effort of sustainable food production. For further details on SAP and Syngenta’s ongoing efforts in revolutionizing agriculture through technology, you can read the full announcement here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "SAP and Syngenta Forge Partnership to Revolutionize AI in Agriculture" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In an era where agriculture faces immense challenges from climate change and global supply chain disruptions, SAP SE has partnered with Syngenta, a leader in agricultural innovation, to usher in a new wave of AI-assisted technology. This multiyear partnership aims to modernize Syngenta’s operations and redefine agricultural practices through advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence. Feroz Sheikh, Chief Information and Digital Officer at Syngenta, emphasized the significance of AI in this transformation, stating, “AI is the catalyst for agricultural transformation and has quickly become a core competitive edge for Syngenta.” By embedding AI at the core of its enterprise operations, Syngenta is not just improving efficiency but setting a benchmark in the agricultural sector for adopting cutting-edge technologies. With a projected global population of 10 billion by 2050, the pressure to produce more food sustainably has never been more pressing. The partnership positions Syngenta to not only address this challenge but also unlock faster innovation and operational resilience. Philipp Herzig, Chief Technology Officer at SAP, highlighted that their collaboration demonstrates how cloud and AI technologies can drive sustainable growth essential for such a critical industry. For small business owners in agriculture or related sectors, the implications of this partnership can be transformative. The integration of SAP Cloud ERP Private solutions will modernize operations across the entire value chain, introducing agility and resilience. By optimizing data management through the SAP Business Data Cloud, Syngenta aims to enhance real-time decision-making capabilities. This means that smaller agriculture firms could also benefit from similar systems, allowing them to make quicker, more informed choices. One powerful tool being utilized is the Joule copilot, which offers AI-assisted capabilities. This tool enables smarter decision-making and accelerates innovation. For small businesses, adopting similar AI tools can result in significant operational efficiencies. Streamlining processes not only helps improve productivity but also can lead to better products and services for customers, ultimately enhancing competitiveness in a crowded market. There are, however, potential challenges that small business owners might want to consider. Implementing advanced technologies often requires a significant upfront investment in hardware, software, and training. Moreover, transitioning to an AI-integrated system may necessitate changes in existing workflows and employee roles, which can be daunting for some small businesses. Data privacy and security concerns are also paramount; smaller businesses must ensure that any AI tools used protect customer information and proprietary business data. Syngenta’s commitment to ensuring that growers retain control over their data is a critical piece of the puzzle. Small business owners should look for similar commitments from technology providers to safeguard their interests. Ultimately, SAP and Syngenta’s collaboration signals a profound shift in the agricultural landscape. While the vision of a streamlined, AI-integrated agricultural operation may seem ambitious, the real-world applications and benefits for small businesses are within reach. As AI-driven innovations become more accessible, small business owners can leverage these advancements to enhance their competitive edge and contribute to the global effort of sustainable food production. For further details on SAP and Syngenta’s ongoing efforts in revolutionizing agriculture through technology, you can read the full announcement here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "SAP and Syngenta Forge Partnership to Revolutionize AI in Agriculture" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The secret sauce? Value pricing tax advisory services. By Jackie Meyer The Holistic Guide to Wealth Management Go PRO for members-only access to more Rory Henry. View the full article

The secret sauce? Value pricing tax advisory services. By Jackie Meyer The Holistic Guide to Wealth Management Go PRO for members-only access to more Rory Henry. View the full article

In the early 1980s, the National Basketball Association (NBA) faced a crisis. Television ratings were plummeting—the 1981 NBA finals were among the lowest of all time. Spurred by failing franchises, low game attendance, and declining corporate sponsorships, the league’s cultural relevance in the United States waned. Then in 1984, the league responded with a structural shift that would change the culture of sports for decades to come. “ We came together with the collective bargaining agreement where the players and the owners would work together to grow the game and expand the game and the values that we established in the Players Association,” says NBA legend and current NBA TV analyst Isiah Thomas. “The sacrifice that you had to make was you had to extend yourself to the fan base. You have to extend yourself to the media. You have to give access.” This strategic move set off a basketball renaissance that reconfigured the league’s business for the modern era. Today the NBA, valued at over $160 billion, finds itself at another inflection point. More people are viewing programming on streaming platforms than on traditional television. Toward the end of 2024, the league’s ratings dipped by 19% in its early season. Coming into this current season, the NBA recalibrated its media strategy by entering new partnerships with NBCUniversal and streaming platform Amazon Prime. Within the first month of this season, the NBA’s viewership rebounded, drawing more than 60 million viewers. Now, the NBA is preparing to future-proof itself with its next strategic bet: intentionally designing its global fandom as it moves toward the launch of NBA Europe. Why Now? As the NBA deepens its push into Europe, the league is testing how to design a global fan experience tailored to the continent’s growing audience. According to the league, basketball is the fastest-growing sport in Europe, with more than 270 million fans across the continent. Despite Europeans not having the same level of access to NBA games and content via traditional media, last season was the NBA’s most-viewed ever across its social and digital channels in Europe, generating more than one billion views across 11 localized accounts in seven languages. This season, European viewership of league games and content via NBA League Pass increased by over 37% year-over-year. “We see enormous opportunity for basketball in Europe,” says Leah MacNab, NBA senior vice president, head of International Strategy & Operations. “Despite that momentum, there is a significant gap between the level of interest in basketball and the sport’s untapped potential for fans, players, teams, cities, and overall commercial development across Europe. We believe a new league in Europe—working in partnership with FIBA [the International Basketball Federation]—would benefit fans, players, and the broader basketball ecosystem.” While the NBA has focused on growing the game internationally for four decades, this moment is more deliberate. As the league explores establishing its own European league, it selected Berlin and London as host cities for this year’s regular season games. Basketball is the fastest-growing sport in these cities and the NBA is the continent’s most popular league. On January 15 and 18, the Orlando Magic took on the Memphis Grizzlies, matchups that marked the ninety-eighth and ninety-ninth NBA games played in Europe. The last time the NBA brought a game to London was in 2019, and the league’s approach this year reflects a systems-level strategy aimed at testing experiences, engaging fans, and building a long-term U.K. and European audience. Inside NBA House London Unlike the 2019 London Game, the NBA made significant investments in transforming Magazine London, a 215,214-square-foot event and cultural venue, into its NBA House experience. According to Laura Pinnell, NBA’s Europe & Middle East vice president, head of Consumer, the NBA House has evolved from a regional activation into a signature component of the league’s Global Games footprint and international fan engagement efforts. Located just a short walk from the O2 arena, the site for the Orlando Magic versus Memphis Grizzlies matchup, the NBA House pop-up served as part fan zone, part prototype for the league to experiment with how fans experience the NBA beyond the game itself. Going into this three-day, immersive, 17,000 people registered with the league for the experience, with more than 50,000 fans registering for NBA House tickets across Berlin and London. “We recognize that most fans globally won’t have the opportunity to attend an NBA game in person,” explains Pinnell. “Free-to-attend activations like NBA House provide accessible ways for fans to immerse themselves in the NBA and feel connected to the league.” As visitors entered London’s NBA House, they were greeted by a life-size league logo where they could snap photos. Moving through the venue, they encountered activations split across two main areas: the Creator Studio and the Court. According to Pinnell, the Creator Studio is a new format that debuted at the NBA London Game. “Creators have long been an important part of the NBA ecosystem, and their connection with our global fan base has only grown in recent years,” says Pinnel. “NBA House felt like the perfect setting to bring these worlds together and offer a unique, elevated experience for fans.” Sponsored by Experience Abu Dhabi, the Creator Studio featured several activations that allowed fans to step into the role of an NBA player. These included interactive basketball shooting games, a Foot Locker–backed activation where fans could film their own tunnel walk–style entrance, a pop-up NBA Store, and creator-led conversations featuring players from the Orlando Magic among other guests. As fans entered the Court section of the house, they encountered sponsors like Tissot and 23 other brands, plus a range of activations and competitions: a full basketball court hosting clinics led by legends Isiah Thomas and Tony Parker, a three-point contest, and a dunk contest featuring a special appearance by Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant. “The investment that has gone into this, the presence of partners that are in this space, the amount of freebies, competitions and coaching clinics we’re running, it is a huge investment,” says James Sherwood-Smith, a U.K.-based freelance presenter and NBA House London host who works in fan engagement across other sports like football and F1. “It’s a complete expense whereas other sports have to balance the books, the NBA is looking to make their mark, and in a generation’s time, they can start to think about the monetization of it.” NBA London Game Day By the third and final day, fans lined up early to access the NBA House hours before the game’s tipoff. Meanwhile, in the sold-out arena, the energy was palpable. The NBA views its overseas games as an experiment for how a new fanbase might want to interact with the league. An international game looks like an NBA game in the U.S but feels different because it’s a novel experience for fans. The NBA team curated local celebrity talent like Premier League star Declan Rice and introduced NBA legends (a mix of American and European former players). In between gameplay, the league hosted fan competitions, crowd engagement activities, and prize giveaways to test how fans respond to various activities and environments. The goal is to create hyper-localized NBA experiences that will deepen fans’ connections to the league. So far, it seems to be working. According to Prime, the NBA London Game 2026 viewership was up 90% in comparison to the 2019 London game. NBA Europe Expansion The NBA’s commitment to building its global fandom in the U.K. and Europe through in-person experiences feeds into its larger goal of building a European league. Currently, the NBA operates as a closed league, meaning it comprises a fixed number of 30 teams each season unless the league approves entry of additional teams. In contrast, many international sports leagues, like professional soccer leagues, operate on an open model. This means teams within an open league can either be promoted to a higher league or relegated to a lower league based on performance. In partnership with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the NBA envisions a semi-open league or a hybrid approach with its expansion. The NBA Europe League would be comprised of 14 to 16 teams with 10 to 12 permanent franchises and four to six open spots available for any FIBA-affiliated domestic league in Europe to qualify for annually based on merit. The league’s position is that teams participating in the EuroLeague would not be eligible for participation in NBA Europe simultaneously. To create these teams, the league intends to explore three routes including: existing basketball teams, existing football clubs like those in the Premier League with an interest in expanding to basketball, and ownership groups keen on creating a new team from scratch. Despite its intentions to complement the current European basketball ecosystem as well as maximize competitive and commercial potential of basketball in Europe, the NBA has drawn criticism from some European stakeholders and policymakers. These critics warn that the NBA could supplant local culture, benefit only commercially successful clubs, and ultimately stifle competition. While current and former NBA players largely support its expansion, some players have a more measured stance. “ I think there’s a lot of untapped potential,” says Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic star and German native. “As long as you keep the tradition of European basketball here and not change the structure of how it works and lean into making it a bigger sport, it can only be positive for the U.K. and, and Europe as a whole.” Wagner says there are certain aspects of European basketball culture that are important to maintain as an NBA Europe league emerges. “The fan culture, the tradition of the clubs that have made up European basketball and shaped the landscape for a long time,” Wagner says. “They’ve developed these fan bases over a bunch of years and have such great history, they should still be intact. That’s a big part of what drives viewership and also why we have great atmospheres and gyms over here. [And] making sure that teams invest in their youth development.” While Wagner emphasizes maintaining European tradition and fan culture, others are optimistic that the NBA will build a league that complements the existing ecosystem. “When there’s tradition, there’s always going to be people who[will] be critical to change,” says former Chicago Bulls star and host of travel series NOMAD Joakim Noah. “The NBA is great at marketing, great at branding, and I think it’s just a matter of time before it’s welcomed with open arms.” Recent reports indicate that the market may already be opening its arms to the NBA. Following the London matchup, the NBA Commissioner Adam Silver convened a meeting with about 250 people, including potential brand partners Nike and Amazon and funders like KKR, Rothschild, and Blackstone. Representatives from Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, two soccer clubs that also have basketball teams, alongside clubs from Italy, Greece, and Germany were also present, suggesting that these clubs are moving beyond signaling initial interest in potential NBA Europe. Looking Ahead The league will continue building its global brand beyond Europe with the upcoming 2026 NBA All-Star game, its longstanding global showcase for fans, media, and partners. According to the NBA, this season’s opening-night rosters featured 71 European players, including the league’s top players like Greece’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, Serbia’s Nikola Jokić, Slovenia’s Luka Dončić, and France’s Victor Wembanyama. These players are part of the starting five for this year’s All-Star Game, which the league revamped for the first time as a U.S. v. World format. “The new U.S. vs. World All-Star format highlights that the level of international talent in the NBA is at an all‑time high, which is driving even greater interest and growth across Europe and around the world,” says the NBA’s MacNab. “This record level of talent and engagement with basketball and the NBA is a key reason why we think a new league in Europe could be the next frontier for basketball on the continent.” As the NBA pushes its international strategy forward, viewership among American and global audiences will evolve alongside it. “ I do believe that what we are seeing and what the fans want to see, [it’s] not a coincidence,” says NBA Hall of Famer and current NBC analyst Carmelo Anthony. “This is NBC’s first chance to introduce that side of things earlier than expected. This is the jumpstart to let people know this is what’s to come and get used to seeing this global basketball brand . . . It’s all part of the plan.” View the full article

You get a trial period. Use it! By Jody Grunden Building the Virtual CFO Firm in the Cloud Go PRO for members-only access to more Jody Grunden. View the full article

You get a trial period. Use it! By Jody Grunden Building the Virtual CFO Firm in the Cloud Go PRO for members-only access to more Jody Grunden. View the full article