Daily Archives: May 14, 2020

Whats the largest organ in the human body? The heart? Perhaps the kidney? Nope, think again. The largest organ in the human body is the skin. In fact, the average adult human skin spans 21 square miles and contains 11 miles of blood vessels. To put it in perspective, thats twice the height of Mt. Everest. No wonder skincare is such a booming economy!

Besides fascinating fun facts, your skin plays a crucial role in ensuring your optimum health. It provides proper regulation of body temperature and acts as a defense mechanism against invaders such as toxins and allergens. While skin plays a significant role in protecting the body, it is also the most vulnerable organ. There are at least 3,000 documented skin disorders. It is for this reason that taking care of your skin isnt a luxury its a necessity.

A google search on good skincare will reveal an almost dizzying variety of tips and tricks. Cutting through the clutter and finding what works for you can be frustrating. Thats why well make it easy for you. Lets do a deep dive into the proven steps to proper skincare. Before that, however, lets conduct a mind surgery.

For a good number of people, healthy and glowing skin is only a daydream or a reserve of pop stars and celebrities. Others consign themselves to the notion that natures genetic lottery hasnt been too kind to them. Nothing could be further from the truth. No matter the type of skin you have, good skincare can make it look better and healthier.

Of course, you may not glow like your favorite celebrity or model, but youd certainly look better than when you started. All it takes is consistency, dedication, and patience. Dont expect to see results right off the bat. Just like any organ in the body, the skin needs time to demonstrate results. One of the most common reasons people dont give extra attention to their skin is because they think their efforts wont make a difference. Breaking this barrier is the first step to achieving good skincare. Here are other proven steps to making your skin glow.

Any dermatologist worth their salt would tell you that skincare is not a one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one skin type may not necessarily work for another. Many factors play a role in determining how the skin looks. These factors include age, skin disorders, and DNA, amongst others.

One of the key factors is the type of skin in question. Its vital you know your skin type as it would have far-reaching effects on what products and procedures you can use. Some estimates peg the number at seven or even more, but there are at least five different skin types. Lets examine what each of these skin types entails.

This type of skin lacks oil. It is usually flaky and often gets cracked. Its not what you would call an ideal skin. Its pores are typically small with visible lines and it hardly stretches out. This skin type is likely to sport some red patches.

Oily skin features a greasy and shiny appearance. Oil glands naturally produce oil on the surface of every skin. With oily skin, the glands go into overdrive secreting more than necessary. This skin type usually has large pores and is prone to breakouts, particularly acne breakouts.

Normal skin straddles the line between dry and oily skin. It has little or no blots. Its sensitivity is just right, and its pores are almost invisible. It can handle most irritations without breaking out. Some people refer to normal skin as healthy skin, and it is considered the most desirable skin type.

Sensitive skin is one that typically overreacts to almost anything. You can develop this skin if you over-scrub or do not take care of your original skin type. One of the skin types that can quickly morph into a sensitive one is the dry skin. Sensitive skin is prone to skin diseases such as acne or contact dermatitis. If you have this skin type, be sure to avoid triggers that may cause irritation or inflammation. Some of these triggers include alcohol, stress, and even smoking.

As the name suggests, combination skin is a mixture of different skin types. In other words, one person can have varied skin types in different places. One part may be dry while another may be oily, particularly the T-region. It means youll need a combination of solutions to keep the skin healthy and moisturized. You can read this article to find out more about skin types and how to take care of them.

Proper skin cleansing is fundamentally about removing any material that clogs the pores of the skin. Substances like dirt, dead skin cells, and makeup can clog the surface, but a good cleansing regime helps the skin breathe. In a general sense, bathing is the way to cleanse your skin. You must bathe or shower at least once or preferably twice a day to keep your skin moist and refreshed.

The first place most people look at when they meet you is your face. So, your cleanup should start from there, and your face should always feature prominently in any cleansing routine. But how hard could it be? Doesnt it just involve splashing some water over the skin and scrubbing a bit? Well, not quite. Theres more to facial cleansing. Here are a few helpful tips to follow:

It is for good reason that medical personnel often prescribe water as the first response to many diseases. In fact, medical practitioners regard water as the best medicine. It has several benefits to the body, and listed below are some of them.

If youre a water addict, your immune system will benefit greatly. Your immune system is essentially your bodys defense against diseases and toxins. Without a healthy immune system, youre vulnerable to many diseases, and your skin will suffer for it. Earlier, we mentioned that there are at least 3000 diseases associated with the skin. A robust immune system is a surefire way to ward off all intruders.

No one needs to tell you when you stand before a glowing skin. When it isnt glowing, everyone will know. Your skin will betray you if youre not taking in enough water: it will be cracked, flaky scaly, and dry. On the other hand, the skin surface of a person who drinks enough water is likely to be soft and supple.

Studies show that taking in water has a direct bearing on weight loss. If youre overweight, your body is likely to suffer stretch and strain. Maintaining a healthy weight is key to ensuring healthy skin, and gulping down glasses of water is a natural and safe way to shed the extra pounds.

Imagine your stool without water. How about urination? How would you even sweat without water? Hard to imagine, isnt it? Thats because water is such an essential part of our bodys processes. Additionally, guzzling on water helps the skin maintain a stable temperature, a process known as homeostasis. All these benefits of drinking water ultimately have far-reaching effects on the skin. In addition to drinking water, eat foods that can help you stay hydrated.

Its no surprise that some have labeled collagen supplements as the fountain of youth. To understand the reason for that statement, youd need to appreciate what collagen is. Collagen is the bodys most abundant protein. It makes up 75% of the average adults dry skin mass.

Others refer to collagen as the scaffolding of the skin. It ensures the integrity of the bodys tissues, bones, and tendons, and it plays a vital role in promoting skin health. As the body ages, it supplies less and less collagen. By the age of 30, the bodys collagen supply begins to decrease. This situation creates a deficit that needs addressing. Thankfully, there are supplements like collagen peptides that are an excellent resource to help you gain and maintain a glowing skin.

Whether you have oily, healthy, sensitive, or dry skin, you have to keep your skin hydrated. As mentioned earlier, water helps to moisturize the skin. However, it is not the only moisturizer for your skin. Look for moisturizer products with a hyaluronic acid-base. The acid is known to have an excellent hydrating ability. You can also opt for a humidifier. Such products help keep the air and atmosphere humid, thereby keeping your skin moist.

As much as youd want to take the first steps to get good skin by yourself, a dermatologist brings so much more to the table. These skin doctors are trained over several years to know how to preserve and take care of any skin type. Look for one who is trained, appropriately licensed, and can make time for you. If youre looking for cosmetic solutions, you can go to a specialist cosmetic dermatologist. Theyd examine your skin and make treatment recommendations for you.

Even if you dont want to have skin that gets the glares and the stares, you wouldnt want any skin disorder disturbing your skin. To understand how to take care of your skin, youd need to understand the complicated nature of the skin. Know your skin type so you can use the right remedies. Clean your skin regularly through bathing and facial cleansing to keep your youthful glow. Drinking lots of water is a fool-proof strategy for gaining good skin health.

Additionally, collagen supplements have a way of shoring up your skin and keeping it youthful. However, dont forget to consult your dermatologist for expert opinion and advice. Take advantage of all of the steps listed in this article to give your skin a worthwhile treat.

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Skincare Tips To Help You Take Good Care Of Your Skin - Longevity LIVE

Research Report onAnti-Senescence Therapy Market size | Industry Segment by Applications (Cardiovascular Diseases, Neural Degenerative Diseases, Ophthalmology Disorders and Others), by Type (Gene Therapy, Immunotherapy and Others), Regional Outlook, Market Demand, Latest Trends, Anti-Senescence Therapy Industry Share & Revenue by Manufacturers, Company Profiles, Growth Forecasts 2025.Analyzes current market size and upcoming 5 years growth of this industry.

The Anti-Senescence Therapy market size report is an intrinsic study of the current status of this business vertical and encompasses a brief synopsis about its segmentation. The report is inclusive of a prediction of the market scenario over the forecast period Anti-Senescence Therapy market size with respect to valuation as sales volume. The study lends focus to the top magnates comprising the competitive landscape of Anti-Senescence Therapy market, as well as the geographical areas where the Anti-Senescence Therapy industry extends its horizons, in magnanimous detail.

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Key players analysis provides brief profiles of major players in the Anti-Senescence Therapy market. The report contains a snapshot of their corporation, financial performance and business highlights, providing an insight into the existing competitive scenario.

Anti-Senescence Therapy Market Analysis Report Scope at its various segments are as follows:

Anti-Senescence Therapy market competition by top Manufacturers:

Anti-Senescence Therapy Market Outlook by Applications:

Anti-Senescence Therapy Market Statistics by Types:

An outline of the Anti-Senescence Therapy market share segmentation:

Key highlights of Anti-Senescence Therapy market analysis report:

The Anti-Senescence Therapy market report enumerates quite some details about the factors impacting the industry, influence of technological developments on the vertical, risks, as well as the threats that substitutes present to the industry players. In addition, information about the changing preferences and needs of consumers in conjunction with the impact of the shifting dynamics of the economic and political scenario on the Anti-Senescence Therapy market has also been acknowledged in the study.

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Anti-Senescence Therapy Market Share Analysis and Research Report by 2025 - ZZReport

ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AgeX Therapeutics , Inc. (AgeX: NYSE American: AGE), a biotechnology company developing therapeutics for human aging and regeneration, reported financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020.

The human tragedy of this pandemic has long tentacles that effect numerous businesses including AgeX, said Greg Bailey M.D., Chairman. Given the current global economic landscape, and the changes that businesses will need to make to accommodate to a post pandemic world, we feel that new business model aligns well to be able to function in this new environment. We see enormous opportunity to license and joint venture PureStem and HLA-G while implementing a definitive plan to begin preclinical trials on tissue regeneration under the leadership of Michael West and Michael May. We will update you in the future as these plans progress.

AgeX has completed a company restructuring to help set it up for success in the future. The combination of company priorities, cash position and the COVID-19 pandemic led to employee lay-offs designed to support the evolution of AgeX's current team to execute on strategic business goals going forward and to ensure cash is directed at near-term priorities to deliver maximum shareholder value. AgeX has a dual business strategy to diversify risk and maximize opportunities. It plans to continue to pursue its licensing and collaboration strategy for its two primary technology platforms, UniverCyte immunotolerance technology for the generation of universal cells, and PureStem cell derivation and manufacturing technology for the production of therapeutic cells with potential advantages, including industrial scalability and lower manufacturing costs. Since the launch of its licensing and collaboration strategy in January 2020, AgeX has delivered a research collaboration in Japan focused on developing universally transplantable cells for therapeutic use based on UniverCyte, entered into a neural stem cell therapy research collaboration for neurological disorders utilizing PureStem at a California University, and AgeX licensee ImStem Biotechnology received the first-ever clearance of a cell therapy derived from AgeXs embryonic stem cells by the FDA to enter human studies.

In addition, AgeX remains committed to pursuing in-house cell therapy product development and plans to raise money to build the optimal team to deliver on its products, AGEX-BAT1 for metabolic diseases such as type II diabetes and AGEX-VASC1 for tissue ischaemia. AgeXs budgetary and personnel adjustments will result in the deferral of in-house product development and may also lead to AgeX seeking arrangements with other companies in the cell therapy or biopharma industry for the development of its product candidates and technology, or outsourcing of some of that work to service providers until further funding can be obtained to rebuild in-house research and development staff for one or more of those programs. Development of AgeXs iTR technology may be done at AgeXs subsidiary Reverse Bioengineering, Inc. subject to successful financing of the subsidiary.

Upwards of 80% of healthcare expenditures in the United States relates to chronic degenerative disease and aging is a principle underlying cause of such conditions, said Michael D. West, Ph.D., AgeXs Chief Executive Officer. Therefore, the ability to manufacture to scale young clinical-grade cells capable of regenerating functionality in diverse tissues of the body has the potential to transform healthcare as we know it today. Perhaps even more noteworthy is the potential of reversing developmental aging in the body itself through AgeXs iTR technology. Our goal in the coming year is to advance the development of our intellectual property with the goal of bringing value to our shareholders.

Q1 Highlights

Liquidity and Capital Resources

AgeX is in need of additional capital to finance its operations. On March 30, 2020, AgeX entered into a Secured Convertible Facility Agreement (the New Loan Agreement) with Juvenescence Limited pursuant to which AgeX may borrow funds from time to time. On April 1, 2020 AgeX drew the initial $500,000, and may draw additional funds from time to time subject to Juvenescences discretion, prior to the contractual repayment date on March 30, 2023. AgeX may not draw down more than $1 million in any single draw. More information about the New Loan Agreement can be found in AgeXs Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2020 and May 14, 2020, respectively.

On April 13, 2020, AgeX obtained a loan in the amount of $432,952 from Axos Bank under the Paycheck Protection Program (the PPP Loan). The PPP Loan will bear interest at a rate of 1% per annum. No payments will be due on the PPP Loan during a six month deferral period commencing on the date of the promissory note. Commencing one month after the expiration of the deferral period, and continuing on the same day of each month thereafter until the maturity date of the PPP Loan, monthly payments of principal and interest will be due, in an amount required to fully amortize the principal amount outstanding on the PPP Loan by the maturity date. The maturity date is April 13, 2022. The principal amount of the PPP Loan is subject to forgiveness under the PPP to the extent that PPP Loan proceeds are used to pay expense permitted by the PPP, including payroll, rent, and utilities (collectively, Qualifying Expenses), during the time frame permitted by the PPP. AgeX intends to use the PPP Loan amount for Qualifying Expenses. However, no assurance is provided that AgeX will obtain forgiveness of the PPP Loan in whole or in part.

Staff Reductions

During April 2020, AgeX initiated staff layoffs that affected 12 employees, primarily research and development personnel. AgeX has paid approximately $105,000 in accrued payroll and unused paid time off and other benefits and expects to recognize approximately $194,800 in restructuring charges in connection with the reduction in staffing, consisting of contractual severance and other employee termination benefits, substantially all of which are expected to be settled in cash. The staff reductions followed AgeXs strategic review of its operations, giving consideration to the status of its product development programs, human resources, capital needs and resources, and current conditions in the capital markets resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Going Concern Considerations

As required under Accounting Standards Update 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (ASC 205-40), AgeX evaluates whether conditions and/or events raise substantial doubt about its ability to meet its future financial obligations as they become due within one year after the date its financial statements are issued. Based on AgeXs most recent projected cash flows, and considering that loans from Juvenescence in excess of an initial $500,000 advance under the New Loan Agreement will be subject to Juvenescences discretion, AgeX believes that its cash and cash equivalents, the $500,000 loan under the New Loan Agreement, the PPP Loan and reduction in staff in May 2020 would not be sufficient to satisfy its anticipated operating and other funding requirements for the twelve months following the filing of AgeXs Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2020. These factors raise substantial doubt regarding the ability of AgeX to continue as a going concern.

First Quarter 2020 Operating Results

Revenues: Total Revenues for the first quarter of 2020 were $515,000 as compared with $388,000 for the first quarter of 2019. AgeX revenue is primarily generated from subscription and advertising revenues from the GeneCards online database through its subsidiary LifeMap Sciences, Inc. Revenues in 2020 also included approximately $86,000 of allowable expenses under its research grant from the NIH as compared with $15,000 in the same period in 2019.

Operating expenses: Operating expenses reported for the three months ended March 31, 2020 were $3.7 million as compared to $3.4 million for the same period in 2019. On an as-adjusted basis, operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2020 were $3.2 million as compared to $2.8 million for the same period in 2019.

The reconciliation between GAAP and non-GAAP operating expenses is provided in the financial tables included with this earnings release.

Research and development expenses increased by $0.3 million to $1.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020 from $1.3 million during the same period in 2019. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase of $0.2 million in scientific consultants, $0.2 million in laboratory facilities and equipment related expenses and maintenance, $0.1 million in personnel related expenses allocable to research and development, and $0.1 million in depreciation and amortization of laboratory equipment and improvements. These increases were offset to some extent by a decrease of $0.3 million in shared services from Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (Lineage) with the termination of the Shared Facilities and Services Agreement on September 30, 2019.

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2020 remained consistent with the same period in 2019 of $2.1 million despite bearing the full lease and facilities related costs since April 2019, and an increase in head count with the employment of AgeXs own finance team since October 1, 2019. These increases were offset by a decrease in shared facilities and services fees from Lineage following the termination of the Shared Facilities and Services Agreement on September 30, 2019.

About AgeX Therapeutics

AgeX Therapeutics, Inc. (NYSE American: AGE) is focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapeutics for human aging. Its PureStem and UniverCyte manufacturing and immunotolerance technologies are designed to work together to generate highly defined, universal, allogeneic, off-the-shelf pluripotent stem cell-derived young cells of any type for application in a variety of diseases with a high unmet medical need. AgeX has two preclinical cell therapy programs: AGEX-VASC1 (vascular progenitor cells) for tissue ischemia and AGEX-BAT1 (brown fat cells) for Type II diabetes. AgeXs revolutionary longevity platform induced Tissue Regeneration (iTR) aims to unlock cellular immortality and regenerative capacity to reverse age-related changes within tissues. AGEX-iTR1547 is an iTR-based formulation in preclinical development. HyStem is AgeXs delivery technology to stably engraft PureStem cell therapies in the body. AgeXs core product pipeline is intended to extend human healthspan. AgeX is seeking opportunities to establish licensing and collaboration arrangements around its broad IP estate and proprietary technology platforms and therapy product candidates.

For more information, please visit http://www.agexinc.com or connect with the company on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that are not historical fact including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as will, believes, plans, anticipates, expects, estimates should also be considered forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the business of AgeX Therapeutics, Inc. and its subsidiaries, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in more detail in the Risk Factors section of AgeXs most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commissions (copies of which may be obtained at http://www.sec.gov). Subsequent events and developments may cause these forward-looking statements to change. AgeX specifically disclaims any obligation or intention to update or revise these forward-looking statements as a result of changed events or circumstances that occur after the date of this release, except as required by applicable law.

AGEX THERAPEUTICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PAR VALUE AMOUNTS)

March 31,

2020

December 31,

2019

(Unaudited)

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents

$

468

$

2,352

Accounts and grants receivable, net

366

363

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

1,238

1,339

Total current assets

2,072

4,054

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AgeX Therapeutics Reports First Quarter 2020 Financial Results and Provides Business Update - Business Wire

Farmers have always been connected to several aspects of a healthy lifestyle. As food producers, were closely connected to the lifecycle of food, from field to fork.

Were also early pioneers of the concept of community, which happens to be a primary factor for self-reported happiness. But as agriculture has evolved, have we lost aspects of health in our daily lives?

A farm business is only as healthy as its operators and neglecting a healthy lifestyle can result in a vulnerable farming operation and food supply. At the forefront of most health-related topics is physical health.

Farmers often consider themselves to be in good physical condition. Many arent anymore, notes Mike Raine, managing editor of The Western Producer.

There are many reasons for this, but many of them boil down to technology, isolation and automation.

City folks often referred to us as farmer-strong because we grew up lifting bales or twisting and bending to get under or onto equipment. It was heavier work then. The farming lifestyle that the country was built on mostly doesnt exist anymore, and now farmers need to supplement with fitness, says Raine.

Whats less obvious to many is the impact that our psychological health has overall health. And while COVID-19 has only infected a small percentage of the population, the virus that has infected nearly everyone is the virus of fear. Fear is highly contagious, and farmers arent immune.

Whether its the fear of getting sick or the fear of losing a family farming operation due to the economic downturn, this fight or flight response to danger has substantial impacts on immune response. There is strong evidence indicating that healthy individuals respond to COVID-19 more favourably than unhealthy individuals. Much of this can be traced back to the bodys psychological state, which affects the body on a biochemical level.

When we perceive stress, the body produces cortisol. Cortisol is the fight-or-flight response hormone responsible for regulating blood pressure and inflammation. During this process, the body also produces a less desirable hormone called norepinephrine, what is more commonly known as adrenaline. This hormone causes increased heart rate and blood pressure. In situations of chronic stress, the body is unable to produce cortisol and the result is unopposed norepinephrine. The link between mental and physical response to stress, whats referred to as mind-body connection, is more relevant than ever before.

Whats also less mentioned is how closely related anxiety is to asthmatic symptoms and other respiratory conditions. While mild stress can most often be managed, situations of chronic stress often results in physical ailments later on in life. Our mental state, has significant impacts on how the body responds to physical stress.

A prime example of this is the impact that the human mind can have on the outcome of major surgeries. Research has found that viewing a surgeon in a favourable light can have a positive impact on the outcome of surgery.

Certainly, fear isnt always a bad thing; doctors can also use this technique to motivate patients to make positive lifestyle changes to improve overall health.

The dominant factor responsible for increased longevity and happiness is not diet or exercise, its the feeling of being a part of a community. While farmers have always been community-based, they are also incredibly isolated in some circumstances. The possible result of this is loneliness.

Current research suggests the perception of loneliness is the greatest indicator of premature mortality, and isolation can increase this by up to 45 percent. As humans, we are hardwired to be with other humans and these social connections are one of the greatest indicators of health and happiness.

As humans, we are constantly exposed to threats in various forms. Yet somehow it seems as though we believe our health is something that will be gifted to us.

How often does an individual visit their doctor while they are actively working to stay healthy, as opposed to when a significant health-related crisis is occurring?

Arguably, COVID-19 has prompted more people to consider their own health and explore ways to improve their lifestyle. And for good reason, especially considering that many farmers take great satisfaction in having the ability to farm into their 90s.

Staying healthy is critical to our worlds food supplies and the sustainability of the family farm. Health is not merely the absence of illness, but a long-term strategy to building a more sustainable future. Healthy individuals manage profitable family farms and, as an industry, we need to support this.

Katelyn Duncan, PAg, BSA, is a Saskatchewan farmer and agrologist.

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COVID sheds light on importance of health on the farm - Western Producer

From its simple beginnings as a metering conference African Utility Week, along with its trusted official host publication ESI Africa, has spent the past two decades closely mirroring the growth of the continents energy, power and water value chains.

This article first appeared inESI AfricaIssue 2-2020.Read thefulldigimaghereorsubscribe to receive a print copy here.

As the continents water and power systems grew and became more sophisticated, the conference and exhibition expanded into one of the largest events on the continent, morphing into African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa (AUW & PGAF).

David Ashdown, Managing Director Africa for Clarion Events, in conversation with ESI Africa chalks up AUW & PGAFs longevity to its ability to mirror the development and evolution of the market. With the expo weve done well to deliver a premium audience of professionals, representing more than 90 countries. The conference brings together a good cross section of speakers from the continent and abroad while being focused on solution-providing and knowledge-sharing, says Ashdown.

He is curious and excited to see what the future holds for AUW & PGAF as it enters its third decade. While it is too early to tell how a sudden burst of digitisation brought to the fore by the COVID-19 pandemic will affect the event industry as a whole, Ashdown thinks it isnt so much that the digital world is encroaching on live events but that the two are finding a way to blend: Clarion Events has been working across the two forms of media for the past ten years and we have seen a steady convergence. The reach we have through our digital media now culminates in live events as a meeting place.

Enforced lockdowns around the world have changed how Clarion Energys entire global workforce operates: Ultimately, we have to support the industry we serve; however, we can now provide support in the development plans of our stakeholders, to work with them to achieve real results in the power and energy sector.

It is going to be challenging, bouncing back from the pandemic crisis. Our products are well positioned and the discussions at AUW & PGAF in November will be about the resilience of the industry sector and the future outlook. How does Africa manage a crisis situation? I think the situation will accelerate the digitalisation of the sector, of the energy space in Africa and the infrastructure, smart city and IoT elements.

In terms of the traditional conference and exhibitions space, Ashdown does not foresee a move away from face-to-face engagement, as we are human; it is the way we interact.

He adds that through the events media arm, we can communicate with an industry for 365 days a year and connect industry professionals to the benefit of their business, its that element that makes us very valuable. We provide a wide range of media content through our journals platforms, which range from a webinar where individuals speak on a curated topic to a panel bringing industry experts together or a debate on a web portals news story where you can take the conversation into a whole new direction.

Webinars have a huge role to play but rather than replace a physical conference, he believes there will eventually be a blended approach a simulcast where a person who cannot travel can still participate in a virtual way to attend a live conference.

Again, Ashdown points out that one simply cannot remove the human need to connect. There are people who will take a more conservative approach in the short term and the fear and anxiety created by COVID-19 might limit peoples comfort zone. It is our responsibility as event organisers to recognise that and to bring in measures in November to create a safe space.

Is the future of event conferencing virtual, though? That is the holy grail of questions, isnt it? What is the model and what would it look like? That debate could go on for many hours and end with different conclusions. But, what you lack in a purely virtual exhibition is the human connection. A virtual handshake is not the same as President Cyril Ramaphosas elbow greeting, says Ashdown. ESI

http://www.african-utility-week.com | http://www.powergenafrica.com

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Twenty years of power and energy engagement goes on | ESI-Africa.com - ESI Africa