DENVER, CO / ACCESS Newswire / November 20, 2025 / In a society that rarely talks about the quiet devastation addiction brings to a marriage, Katie and Chris Bowick offer something rare: a brave, two-voice memoir that reveals the hidden truths, the painful regrets, and the unexpected redemption born from choosing to heal.

Coloring Outside the Lines: A Love Story in the Gray of Addiction, Recovery, and Redemption is a gripping, dual-perspective account of the Bowicks’ journey through addiction, codependency, trauma, and, ultimately, healing. Told in two raw and unforgettable voices, their story weaves together pain and perseverance, heartbreak and grace, and the surprising pathways that lead toward hope.

Chris, a charismatic, witty, and accomplished entrepreneur, breaks many stereotypes about what many believe addiction should look like. His outward success masked profound internal pain: unhealed childhood trauma, loss, grief, and ultimately, full-blown addiction. Katie’s story is equally compelling. Caught between love and impossible choices, she became the keeper of secrets, manager of chaos, and tireless advocate for a life that seemed to be slipping away. Her resilience was fueled by her faith and a deep belief in the quiet beauty that exists in both the people and world around her. Even in their darkest moments, she held on to the hope that healing, for both of them, was still possible.

Coloring Outside the Lines quickly climbed the charts, becoming a #1 New Release in five categories, including Substance Abuse Recovery and Psychological Pathologies, and earning the #2 bestseller spots in Codependency, as well as Drug Dependency & Recovery. The book’s striking cover was designed by Rich Johnson of Spectacle Photography, with photography by Angelli Nguyen and creative direction by Samantha Joy.

The Bowicks’ unique experience navigating addiction led them to many forms of recovery. What they found was that many traditional models for addiction rehab did not work for their lived experience. Eager to help Chris get to the other side of addiction, they began to seek alternative forms of rehab and therapy.

"We want to change how people see addiction. It’s not a character flaw or a moral failure. It’s something that touches us all, and the sooner we stop treating people like villains, the sooner real healing can begin." – Chris Bowick

Together, the Bowicks pull back the curtain on the often-invisible toll of addiction. Despite deep diving into the realities of addiction, Coloring Outside the Lines is not simply a story of struggle; it is a story of rebuilding and reckoning, of choosing healing not just through traditional recovery models, but also through plant and animal medicine, therapy, faith, and deep self-exploration.

Katie and Chris Bowick, beautifully photographed by their wedding photographer, Steve Stanton.

At its heart, the book is about love. Not the romanticized version, but the unflinching, gritty kind. The kind that shows up at 3 a.m., forgives without forgetting, holds space without enabling, and learns to set boundaries without abandoning the heart.

"We stopped trying to fit our healing inside the lines and started coloring with every shade to get out of the gray. Loving someone through addiction means living in that in-between space, where hope and heartbreak collide. I had to learn that healing wasn’t just his journey. It was mine too." – Katie Bowick

Coloring Outside the Lines is a mirror for anyone who has ever loved someone battling addiction or has ever lost themselves in the process. Through raw storytelling and dual perspectives, readers witness the collapse of a marriage and the painstaking reconstruction that follows.

Addiction is messy, but so is healing, and I think we forget that sometimes. This book takes you through every emotion but ultimately leaves you with a deeper understanding of what addiction is, what an addict endures, and how they can come out the other side, and the kind of support it truly takes to get there – Ashley P.

Published by Landon Hail Press, this memoir offers readers both the heartbreak and the hope that come with rebuilding a life touched by trauma, relapse, boundaries, recovery, and the radical relearning of unconditional love. Dedicated to creating a sacred and transparent space for writers, Landon Hail Press allows authors to own the creative direction of their book and their brand. LHP books have been sold on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, bookshop.org, and more, and featured in major publications like The Daily Mail and People.com.

"Katie and Chris do what most substance abuse programs do not, highlighting the bonds that are forged (and broken) in the storm of active addiction and recovery, giving the reader reference points for every step of the journey. It includes the partner’s perspective of what it’s like to love an addict and the emptiness it brings, being out of the spotlight, cast away in the darkness," says Samantha Joy, Editor-in-Chief at Landon Hail Press. "Their stories emphasize how nonlinear this process is, and that overcoming addiction in its simplest form is making the conscious choice to come back home to yourself and each other again and again."

Are you an aspiring author? Book a free consultation with Landon Hail Press here.

For further information, please contact: dottie@rebeccacafiero.com

SOURCE: Landon Hail Press

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

Opti Digital’s latest research shows that ads placed on trusted U.S. news and magazine websites earn higher credibility and stronger engagement than social media promotions.

BARCELONA, ES / ACCESS Newswire / November 20, 2025 / As retailers and brands prepare for the Black Friday and Christmas season, Opti Digital, a leading AdTech company specialising in publisher revenue optimisation, reports that trusted open-web environments play a key role in shaping U.S. consumer confidence.

The research shows that 45.67% of U.S. respondents consider brand ads on reputable news or magazine websites credible or very credible, while only 9.29% view them as low in credibility. This places premium publisher environments ahead of social media in both perceived relevance and trustworthiness.

Premium environments drive consumer action

Trusted editorial settings not only shape perception but also encourage meaningful engagement.

81.94% of U.S. respondents said they visited a brand’s website or looked for more information after seeing an open-web ad.

Higher-income households demonstrate even stronger responsiveness. Among U.S. consumers earning over $150,000 per year, 72.22% trust ads on premium publisher sites, and 77.78% visited a brand’s website after exposure.

"Our findings confirm what we observe across our publisher network: when consumers see ads within respected editorial environments, they assign higher relevance and credibility to those brands," said Magali Quentel-Reme, CEO of Opti Digital. "As the holiday season peaks, advertisers that prioritise qualitative ad inventory on the open web see stronger engagement, and greater trust. For publishers, this is evidence that credibility remains a decisive competitive edge."

Video stands out as the most memorable format

When asked which type of ad stood out most during the 2025 holiday season, 41.83% of U.S. respondents selected programmatic video. Display banners featuring offers followed at 21.47%.

Repetition strengthens purchase confidence

Exposure across multiple trusted websites reinforces brand perception.
54.65% of U.S. respondents reacted positively to seeing the same brand across several credible sites, including 29.81% who said it increases their likelihood to purchase.

Methodology

This research is part of Opti Digital’s ongoing market research reports, examining how programmatic advertising influences consumer behaviour across global markets.

The U.S. edition was launched on 5 November 2025 and is based on a survey of 624 U.S. online users, with a 5% margin of error and a 95% confidence level, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the findings.

Access the full U.S. Holiday Programmatic Advertising Report

About Opti Digital

Opti Digital is a leading AdTech company specialising in revenue optimisation for digital publishers. Through its suite of monetization tools, proprietary demand and advanced analytics, Opti Digital helps publishers maximise advertising yield while maintaining a high-quality user experience.

Over 10,000 websites and apps worldwide use Opti Digital. In the United States, leading publishers such as Valnet, Drugs.com, Gizmodo and Sportskeeda rely on our solutions.

Contact Information:

Sara Bigovic
Communications & Events Manager at Opti Digital
sara@optidigital.fr

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

Opti Digital’s latest research shows that ads placed on trusted U.S. news and magazine websites earn higher credibility and stronger engagement than social media promotions.

BARCELONA, ES / ACCESS Newswire / November 20, 2025 / As retailers and brands prepare for the Black Friday and Christmas season, Opti Digital, a leading AdTech company specialising in publisher revenue optimisation, reports that trusted open-web environments play a key role in shaping U.S. consumer confidence.

The research shows that 45.67% of U.S. respondents consider brand ads on reputable news or magazine websites credible or very credible, while only 9.29% view them as low in credibility. This places premium publisher environments ahead of social media in both perceived relevance and trustworthiness.

Premium environments drive consumer action

Trusted editorial settings not only shape perception but also encourage meaningful engagement.

81.94% of U.S. respondents said they visited a brand’s website or looked for more information after seeing an open-web ad.

Higher-income households demonstrate even stronger responsiveness. Among U.S. consumers earning over $150,000 per year, 72.22% trust ads on premium publisher sites, and 77.78% visited a brand’s website after exposure.

"Our findings confirm what we observe across our publisher network: when consumers see ads within respected editorial environments, they assign higher relevance and credibility to those brands," said Magali Quentel-Reme, CEO of Opti Digital. "As the holiday season peaks, advertisers that prioritise qualitative ad inventory on the open web see stronger engagement, and greater trust. For publishers, this is evidence that credibility remains a decisive competitive edge."

Video stands out as the most memorable format

When asked which type of ad stood out most during the 2025 holiday season, 41.83% of U.S. respondents selected programmatic video. Display banners featuring offers followed at 21.47%.

Repetition strengthens purchase confidence

Exposure across multiple trusted websites reinforces brand perception.
54.65% of U.S. respondents reacted positively to seeing the same brand across several credible sites, including 29.81% who said it increases their likelihood to purchase.

Methodology

This research is part of Opti Digital’s ongoing market research reports, examining how programmatic advertising influences consumer behaviour across global markets.

The U.S. edition was launched on 5 November 2025 and is based on a survey of 624 U.S. online users, with a 5% margin of error and a 95% confidence level, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the findings.

Access the full U.S. Holiday Programmatic Advertising Report

About Opti Digital

Opti Digital is a leading AdTech company specialising in revenue optimisation for digital publishers. Through its suite of monetization tools, proprietary demand and advanced analytics, Opti Digital helps publishers maximise advertising yield while maintaining a high-quality user experience.

Over 10,000 websites and apps worldwide use Opti Digital. In the United States, leading publishers such as Valnet, Drugs.com, Gizmodo and Sportskeeda rely on our solutions.

Contact Information:

Sara Bigovic
Communications & Events Manager at Opti Digital
sara@optidigital.fr

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

PHOENIX, AZ / ACCESS Newswire / November 20, 2025 / New Generation Consumer Group, Inc. (OTCID:NGCG) today announced that it has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire a 51% controlling interest in the digital assets and operations of Spiritual Glow, a digital-first brand held through a joint venture in which Full Alliance Group, Inc. (OTCID:FAGI) owns a 51% stake.

The proposed acquisition marks the continued expansion of NGCG’s fully digital business model, operated through its technology subsidiary, Signature Apps Inc., which develops and deploys advanced consumer and industry-focused applications.

NGCG: A Digital-Only Company Scaling High-Utility Apps

NGCG’s business focuses exclusively on digital platforms, mobile applications, and data-driven consumer technologies. The company does not produce or sell physical products.

Through Signature Apps Inc., NGCG delivers cutting-edge industry apps designed to enhance safety, communication, and digital intelligence across multiple sectors.

At the core of the portfolio is the company’s flagship application:

RAADR – Real-Time Cyberbullying & Online Safety Platform

The RAADR App, championed by CEO Jacob DiMartino, empowers users with:

• Real-time monitoring of online activity

• Detection of harmful behavior and cyberbullying indicators

• Intelligent alerts and analytics to enhance digital awareness

• Tools designed for parents, teens, schools, and community organizations

RAADR remains the anchor of NGCG’s digital-app ecosystem, reflecting the company’s commitment to precision, safety, and user-centric innovation.

Strategic Fit: Spiritual Glow as a Digital-First Expansion

The proposed acquisition of Spiritual Glow complements NGCG’s digital strategy by adding a creative digital brand with emerging audience momentum in the online wellness and mindset space. While Spiritual Glow does not produce physical goods, its digital presence, content-driven engagement, and brand identity offer growth potential within Signature Apps’ expanding technology ecosystem.

NGCG plans to integrate Spiritual Glow into its broader digital framework, enabling:

• Cross-promotion through existing app channels

• Data-driven user acquisitions

• Digital content development

• Potential future integration into NGCG’s app suite

Transaction Overview

The LOI, comprises of:

• Cash consideration

• A profit-based performance note and

• NGCG preferred stock

Upon closing:

• NGCG will acquire 51% operational control

• The seller will retain 49% (with an optional advisory role)

• NGCG will receive a first right of refusal to acquire the remaining 49%

The transaction provides immediate value participation for the seller while aligning long-term growth incentives.

Leadership Commentary

"NGCG is a digital-only company, and this LOI represents another important step in expanding our technology portfolio," said Jacob DiMartino, CEO of New Generation Consumer Group. "Through Signature Apps, we are committed to developing digital tools that improve safety, communication, and personal empowerment. RAADR remains our flagship app, and the addition of a digital brand like Spiritual Glow aligns perfectly with the forward-thinking experiences we are designing."

Next Steps

Both parties will now proceed with:

• Completing due diligence

• Negotiation and execution of a Definitive Agreement

• An anticipated closing within 30 days after the conclusion of a definitive agreement but no later than January 15, 2025.

Upon completion, the acquisition will increase NGCG’s digital footprint and broaden the company’s technology roadmap under Signature Apps Inc.

About New Generation Consumer Group, Inc.
New Generation Consumer Group (OTCID:NGCG) is a diversified company focused on identifying and acquiring growth-oriented businesses in emerging sectors. The company’s strategy emphasizes building value through innovation, strategic partnerships, and scalable operations designed to deliver long-term shareholder returns

Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding proposed business transactions, anticipated closing timelines, and potential future results. These statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those projected. Readers are encouraged to review NGCG’s public filings for additional information regarding risk factors and business operations.

Contact:
Investor Relations
New Generation Consumer Group, Inc.
Phoenix, Arizona
Email: InvestorRelations@ngcg.com

SOURCE: Signature Apps

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

The acclaimed television series will highlight how LegalEASE is setting a new standard in legal benefits through innovation, education, and a national network of top-tier attorneys.

HOUSTON, TEXAS / ACCESS Newswire / November 20, 2025 / LegalEASE, a leading provider of legal insurance benefits for employers and organizations across the United States, will be featured on an upcoming episode of "Trending Today," airing on Fox Business on November 23rd at 5:30 pm est. LegalEASE will also be spotlighted on the Trending Today Podcast, giving viewers and listeners an inside look at how the company is modernizing legal benefits and making high-quality legal support more accessible than ever.

"Trending Today" explores innovation across technology, health and wellness, consumer products, and business services-featuring companies that are elevating industries and transforming lives. LegalEASE stands out for its mission-driven approach: providing indispensable legal protection and education to employees at companies of all sizes.

With more than 50 years of experience and a nationwide network of credentialed attorneys, LegalEASE offers benefit plans that help employees navigate life’s biggest challenges-from real estate transactions and family law to identity theft protection, estate planning, financial disputes, and more. Their personalized matching system, hands-on guidance, and robust support tools make it easier for individuals to understand their options with confidence.

At the helm of LegalEASE is Bob Heston, the company’s CEO and the driving force behind its innovation. A recognized pioneer in the legal benefits industry, Heston has spent decades redefining how individuals access and understand legal support. His visionary approach, centered on education, empowerment, and exceptional service, has shaped LegalEASE into one of the most respected legal benefits providers in the country. Under his leadership, the company continues to expand its network, elevate service standards, and introduce groundbreaking solutions that simplify the legal process for employees and their families.

"At Trending Today, we highlight companies that empower people to live better, more secure lives," said Liz Plummer, executive producer of Trending Today. "LegalEASE impressed our team with its commitment to education, personalized legal support, and its innovative approach to connecting employees with vetted attorneys. Their story represents the type of forward-thinking service that’s transforming the modern benefits landscape."

 Viewers will learn how LegalEASE is taking the confusion and intimidation out of hiring legal help by offering easy onboarding, expert guidance, and curated legal resources. Through its Legal Access Plans and nationwide attorney networks, the company delivers a seamless experience that saves employees time, money, and stress-especially during life’s most difficult moments. Whether individuals are buying a home, starting a family, facing disputes, or navigating the unexpected, LegalEASE supports them with clarity and care.

"Our goal is simple: make legal protection a practical, accessible resource for every employee," said Jason Weekley for LegalEASE. "We believe that legal benefits should offer more than coverage-they should offer guidance, reassurance, and a trusted path forward. Being featured on Trending Today allows us to share how we’re reshaping the way people access legal services."

For more than 13 years, "Trending Today" has showcased industry leaders and innovators across technology, consumer products, luxury lifestyles, and business services. The award-winning series continues to shine a spotlight on organizations that are pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible.

About ‘Trending Today’
Trending Today, the acclaimed television series airing on A&E, Bloomberg, and Fox Business, captures the entrepreneurial ambition that drives innovation around the world. Each episode highlights the latest technologies, market trends, and groundbreaking ideas through a thoughtfully curated lineup of inventors, innovators, and thought leaders. Spanning industries such as consumer products, luxury lifestyles, health, and technology, Trending Today features companies and leaders who are pushing boundaries and redefining excellence. To learn more, visit www.trendingtoday.com.

About LegalEASE
LegalEASE, a trusted leader in legal benefits for more than 50 years, provides organizations and their employees with comprehensive legal protection through expertly designed Legal Access Plans. With a nationwide network of credentialed attorneys and a proprietary matching system, LegalEASE connects individuals with the right legal experts for matters ranging from real estate and family law to identity theft, estate planning, financial disputes, and more. The company is dedicated to making legal support accessible, affordable, and easy to understand through personalized guidance, educational tools, and hands-on service. LegalEASE empowers employees to navigate life’s most important moments with confidence and clarity. To learn more, visit www.legaleaseplan.com.

Media Contacts:
Jason Weekley
jason_weekley@legaleaseplan.com

 Liz Plummer
Liz@trendingtoday.com

SOURCE: Trending Today

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

More than 200 exhibitors, representing all IP categories, have already signed up; attendee registration is now open with new ticketing options designed to maximize attendee value and ROI.

LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESS Newswire / November 20, 2025 / Licensing Expo, the world’s most influential event for licensing, IP extension and brand collaborations, organized by Informa’s Global Licensing Group and sponsored by Licensing International, announces that registration is now open for the highly-anticipated 2026 edition, set to take place May 19-21 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

As the premier destination to uncover the future of brands, fan culture and the properties that will influence consumer markets over the next 24-36 months, Licensing Expo is the most important face-to-face platform for industry leaders to reveal the most eagerly awaited new content, IP and strategic consumer product campaigns.

Confirmed notable exhibitors include Pokémon, LEGO, Warner Bros. Discovery, SEGA, BBC, Coca-Cola Company, NASCAR, Calm, Crayola, Hasbro, Beanstalk, CAA Brand Management, Netflix and Sony Pictures Entertainment, with more names signing each week.

"The last three years of growth, including garnering the highest recorded satisfaction scores, retail attendance and exhibitor numbers, as well as the continued exceptional quality of exhibitors and attendees, has truly reaffirmed Licensing Expo’s position as the world’s most influential event for brand extension and IP launches," shares Anna Clarke, Senior Vice President of the Global Licensing Group at Informa, which includes Licensing Expo, Brand Licensing Europe and media brand License Global. "As always, we will not rest on our laurels. Following attendee feedback from our record-breaking 2025 edition, we are excited to introduce new ticketing options for this year’s show. These options have been developed to meet the distinct needs of our diverse audience segments and are designed to maximize the value gained from time spent with us in Las Vegas."

Alongside the complimentary Retail Pass for qualified retailers and the Standard Pass which have been available for the past two years, Licensing Expo is introducing the Explorer Pass, designed for those looking to learn about licensing, and the Networking Pass for those looking for enhanced networking opportunities.

Standard Pass, The Classic Expo Experience
Full show floor access to 300+ exhibitors, 20 meeting requests in the Event Planner and entry to essential educational sessions at the License Global Main Stage and Networking Hub. For those returning to Licensing Expo, this Pass includes all the benefits that were previously offered. Early bird discounts will be in place until Jan 31, 2026.

NEW for 2026: Explorer Pass, Supercharge your Learning Experience
Designed for licensing newcomers, this pass includes all of the Standard Pass benefits, PLUS 50 meeting credits and exclusive Licensing Unlocked access ($249 value). Transform from observer to industry insider.

NEW for 2026: Networking Pass, Unlock the Ultimate Licensing Expo Experience
For professionals who demand maximum impact, this pass is the pinnacle of what Licensing Expo has to offer. With 100 meeting requests to use with exhibitors, 25 meeting requests to use with attendees, priority access to the Event Planner, a ticket to the Opening Night Party and entry to the Matchmaking Lounge, this is the epicenter of licensing’s most influential gathering.

"Industry leaders consistently share with us how important new connections and ongoing partnerships are to business development. These updates to the registration process create accelerated networking opportunities and the ability to form more strategic connections that fuel business growth across the entire licensing ecosystem," shares Maura Regan, President, Licensing International. "The global brand licensing industry continues not only to grow but also evolve, which means the events designed to support the business must also shift to meet those new needs. Having witnessed the barriers that can prevent newcomers from entering this field, the new pass structure is specifically designed to empower emerging professionals and set them up for success."

Tickets to attend Licensing Expo start at $60 for the Standard Pass. Register now to take advantage of special Early Bird pricing of $30 until January 31, 2026.

Qualified retailers can attend for free.

For more information, please visit www.licensingexpo.com.

Registration is now open. To attend Licensing Expo 2026, please visit www.licensingexpo.com.

About Licensing Expo
Launched in 1980, Licensing Expo is the world’s largest and most influential annual tradeshow dedicated to licensing and brand extension. Every year, more than 5,000 brands and 12,000 retailers, licensees, manufacturers, distributors, and licensing agents attend Licensing Expo from more than 70 countries. Licensing Expo is a part of the Global Licensing Group at Informa Markets, the licensing industry’s leading tradeshow organizer and media partner. Its mission is to provide licensing opportunities around the world by bringing brands and products together. Connect with Licensing Expo and join the conversation on LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram.

About Global Licensing Group
The Global Licensing Group at Informa Markets, a subsidiary of Informa plc (LON:INF), is the licensing industry’s leading tradeshow organizer and media partner. Its mission is to provide licensing opportunities around the world by bringing brands and products together. The following events and information products are produced for the licensing industry by the Global Licensing Group at Informa Markets: Licensing Expo, Brand Licensing Europe, Licensing Expo Shanghai and License Global.

About Licensing International
Licensing International is the leading trade organization for the $369+ billion global brand licensing industry. Licensing International’s mission is to foster the growth of brand licensing around the world, raise the level of professionalism for licensing practitioners, and create greater awareness of the benefits of licensing to the business community at large. Founded in 1985, more than 1,500 Licensing International member companies in over 40 countries enjoy access to an array of benefits, including extensive educational programming and worldwide networking events. Visit www.LicensingInternational.org for more information.

Media Contact
Informa Markets Licensing PR
LicensingPR@informa.com

SOURCE: INFORMA MARKETS

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

BRISTOL, TN / ACCESS Newswire / November 20, 2025 / Something odd is happening in the travel industry. Companies pour nearly $8 billion into digital advertising annually, double what they spent just two years ago.

Most of it evaporates without ever converting inspiration into bookings.

The problem isn’t that video alone doesn’t work. Video drives two-thirds of travel booking decisions. People watch a documentary about Vesuvius, get inspired, then open a new browser tab and start comparison shopping, consulting half a dozen different sources.

The guest journey looks less like a funnel and more like a web. The connection breaks between the dream and the transaction.

NextTrip, Inc (Nasdaq:NTRP) is closing that gap with an approach borrowed from an unexpected place: the gaming industry.

Watch. Scan. Book. Go.

Ian Sharpe, NextTrip’s Chief Operating Officer of Media, spent 25 years building ecosystems at Atari and EA Sports before joining the company. He brought something the travel industry desperately needed.

A data-driven framework for lifecycle management.

"In video games, you’re not just selling a $60 box," Sharpe explains. "You’re ensuring the player keeps engaging, then offering them loot crates and downloadable content throughout the lifecycle of the game."

Travel needs the same thinking. The booking isn’t the endpoint. It’s the beginning of a relationship that should extend through the entire journey.

NextTrip’s "Watch.Scan.Book.Go" approach makes the connection seamless. You’re watching a documentary on the JOURNY channel about a road trip through Morocco. A QR code appears on screen.

Pull out your phone. Scan. Land directly on a booking page with time-sensitive offers tied to that specific destination.

The conversion happens in the moment of inspiration, not three browser tabs and two price comparison sites later.

Sharpe’s team benchmarks their click-through rates against standard travel industry newsletters and comparable features. The interactive overlays and QR codes drive 4-10x more engagement when the messaging aligns with content.

The data validates what museums and hotels already discovered. QR codes increased visitor engagement by 45% and guest satisfaction by 35% when used to deliver contextual information and offers.

The Event-Anchored Advantage

Generic travel offers drown in options. NextTrip anchors promotions to specific moments.

World Cup matches. Concerts. Destination weddings. Even grandpa’s birthday.

"When you time-box offers and anchor them to events, it compels people," Sharpe notes. "They’re already planning to go. You’re just facilitating the logistics around that anchor point."

The company produces formats like "I Do," which follows families gathering for destination weddings. The content creates emotional resonance while interactive technology captures booking intent in real time.

This isn’t about tricking people into impulse purchases. It’s about removing friction when the intent already exists.

Travel sits at the top of discretionary spending lists, above kitchen renovations and new iPhones. People want to go. They just need the path from inspiration to booking to feel effortless.

Global Footprint, Local Stories

NextTrip recently returned from the World Travel Market, where the entire globe lines up in rows to showcase destinations. The Maldives next to Morocco next to Mexico.

Sharpe had an epiphany about scale.

"If tourism were a country measured by GDP, it would be the third largest on the planet." The actual number:$10.9 trillion in 2024, representing 10% of the global economy.

NextTrip has recently signed an LOI for the acquisition of the GoUSA channels from BrandUSA, a deal which aims to be more than just about expanding their content library. It was the missing piece for true global representation.

The deal potentially reaches 100 countries and expands NextTrip’s distribution capabilities into 20 plus platforms. Combined with the December launch in Southeast Asia through KC Global Media, NextTrip should be available in over 300 million homes worldwide.

"Eyes lit up when we said we were on the verge of being truly global," Sharpe explains. "Anyone can now connect with anyone. Morocco to the Maldives. London to Vancouver."

The platform strategy spans Roku, Apple TV, iOS, Android, FAST channels, and social media through partners like Jungle Media. It’s omnichannel by necessity, not buzzword.

People consume media everywhere now. TikTok bites. Instagram reels. Long-form documentaries on the living room screen.

Technology is ubiquitous. The question is whether you meet audiences where they already are.

Long-Form Wins, Short-Form Hooks

The obvious question about NextTrip’s multi-platform approach: Does a 30-second TikTok clip convert as well as a 30-minute documentary?

Sharpe doesn’t think so, and the reasoning matters for investors evaluating content strategies.

"Short-form acts as a gateway to getting people to watch more, to investigate more," he explains. "When you book the holiday of a lifetime, you want to research it properly."

The best research comes from in-depth video exploration. Not tour guides reciting facts, but authentic human stories from people who actually live in these places.

The fisherman who brings in the catch that sits on your restaurant table. The local who knows which trails offer the best sunrise views.

These stories require time to unfold. You can’t compress authentic human experience into algorithmic bite-sized chunks.

NextTrip balances both. Short-form content drives awareness and initial interest. Long-form content on JOURNY builds the depth needed for high-value bookings.

The company transformed JOURNY from a FAST channel on Samsung TV with a reach of 17 million viewers into a comprehensive video-on-demand platform and apps. They’re bringing in top-tier production talent to create original content across wellness travel, sports travel, and destination exploration.

Each category serves different motivations. Some travelers want the White Lotus five-star experience. Others want yoga retreats. Some want to stand where historian Dan Snow stood, in the shadow of Vesuvius.

The content strategy accommodates all of it without losing coherence.

Gaming Lessons for Travel Commerce

Sharpe’s gaming background shapes more than just user experience. It influences how NextTrip thinks about loyalty, offers, and what he calls "that dopamine hit that comes with the call to action."

Gaming taught him to think forensically about what audiences do and where they want to go, then facilitate it as seamlessly as possible.

The travel industry remains deeply human. It has to involve people and authentic experiences. But it can borrow the metric-driven approach that makes gaming so effective at sustained engagement.

"We’re not trying to gamify the experience," Sharpe clarifies. "We’ve learned how to apply loyalty, how to entice people with offers, how to make them seize the day."

The proprietary overlay technology enhances interactive capabilities on clickable screens and touch-screen devices without interrupting the viewing experience. It’s the technical infrastructure that makes Watch.Scan.Book.Go actually work at scale.

The Market Opportunity

Travel remains the number one discretionary spending priority. Above kitchen replacements. Above new iPhones. Above almost everything else.

Yet $10 billion in advertising flows through the U.S. travel industry with questionable efficiency. The gap between inspiration and booking remains wide for most companies.

NextTrip’s content-to-commerce approach targets that inefficiency directly. By combining compelling long-form content with frictionless booking technology, they’re creating what Sharpe calls "a social compact."

Advertising dollars fund great content that genuinely helps people discover and book transformative experiences.

"I think it’s money well spent," he concludes.

NextTrip’s expansion across platforms and international markets positions them to capture a meaningful share of the $10.9 trillion global tourism economy. The potential GoUSA acquisition, expected to close in December, nearly triples viewing hours and establishes the global content footprint needed to compete at scale. The December launch in Southeast Asia through KC Global Media can reach another estimated 97M million viewers alongside their established channels.

The company isn’t just another streaming platform or booking engine. They’re building the infrastructure that connects $8 billion in annual travel advertising spend with actual booking conversions.

For investors watching emerging public companies in travel and media, NextTrip’s approach warrants attention. With Sharpe’s 25-year track record building engagement ecosystems at Atari and EA Sports, the company has the leadership to execute at scale. The proprietary overlay technology has already been deployed commercially. The global content partnerships are signed. The multi-platform distribution infrastructure is in place.

NextTrip is positioned to capture meaningful share of the $16 billion in annual travel advertising spend that currently evaporates between inspiration and booking. They’ve identified the inefficiency, built the technology, and assembled the team to solve it.

Read more at the Vanderbilt Report

About Vanderbilt Report

Vanderbilt Report is a financial news and content platform. The information contained in this release is for informational purposes only and should not be considered an offer to buy or sell securities. All material is provided "as is" without any warranty of any kind.

Media Contact
Kristen Owens
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SOURCE: Vanderbilt Report

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