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Top 7 Useful Gadgets for the Frequent Business Traveler

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Are you curious about tools and gadgets that can help make business travel more manageable or looking for gifts that fit the lifestyle of a career-focused loved one?

You’ve come to the right place. 

Now more than ever, brands and product designers recognize the need for more convenience during business travel. 

Savvy travelers have contributed their insights and helped their communities, organizations, and their loved ones adapt to the increasing demands of a busy business travel lifestyle. 

Here’s a list of what business travel experts say are the most essential gadgets for ensuring your trip goes as smoothly as possible. 

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  1. Portable Garment Steamer

These days, who has the time to hop off the plane, check-in at a hotel, then unpack and head to the dry cleaners? Still, your garments are seriously wrinkled from being compacted inside your luggage. What should you do?

Simple: invest in a portable garment steamer that will release wrinkles, so you’re ready for meetings, entertaining clients, and exploring your destination. 

  1. Noise Cancelling Headphones

Whether you need to stay focused on an important call or just want to shut out the noise and chaos during your flight, a quality pair of noise-canceling headphones can help you stay on track and relax. 

Most modern noise-canceling headphones are wireless and operate using Bluetooth technology. If you’ll be using them to take calls, check to make sure the product you’re considering features an internal microphone.

  1. Smart Watch

Sure, they look fantastic. But a smartwatch that syncs with your phone’s operating system can also be a total game-changer when it comes to business travel. 

Get meeting and calendar reminders, weather updates, check messages on the go and even get directions with a compact, sleek interface. 

As an added perk, most models offer health tracking features and a variety of changeable wristband options to fit any occasion (or your own personal style). 

Just be aware that smartwatches often send notifications when they are synced to your phone, so adjust the settings before any important client meetings to avoid unprofessional distractions. 

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  1. Portable Power Bank

Let’s face it: your tech devices run out of battery power at the most inconvenient times. When it happens, you appear unprepared and unprofessional. 

Unfortunately, something as simple as your device shutting down unexpectedly can cause your colleagues and clients to doubt your skills, commitment, and reliability. 

Thank goodness there’s a simple solution. Always carry a compact, portable power source with inputs appropriate for all the devices you’ll need for your trip (and don’t forget the cords). 

  1. Water Bottle with Built-In Filtration

Hydration is key to maintaining your focus, immunity, and energy. However, when you’re visiting an unfamiliar location and swamped with meetings, it’s not always easy to locate fresh, clean water without buying bottled water (if it’s even available nearby). 

Instead of choking down bathroom faucet water at your hotel, try using a bottle with a built-in filter so you can be confident you’re hydrating your body and reducing your risk of illness. Fill up any time, anywhere and reduce your environmental impact without sacrificing water safety…..it’s a win-win. 

  1. Shoes That Do It All

While you’re traveling for business, it’s crucial to pack only the essentials and keep your luggage light. That goes for shoes, too. 

Lugging around multiple pairs of shoes can take up valuable real estate in your bag and be the cause of immense frustration as you drag it around during your travels. 

The modern fix: athleisure-inspired sneakers that are anything but unprofessional or boring. 

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Look for gender-neutral styles in muted leather tones that feature understated, cream-colored soles. 

These trendy new shoes have become a business stylist favorite because of their versatility in transitioning from a client’s meeting room to team-building activities that might be more active. 

  1. Blackout Sleep Mask

Traveling for business is exhausting, whether it involves a 2-hour drive or a 12 hour time change. Unlike a vacation, there’s more pressure involved in work-related trips that can contribute to increased stress and anxiety levels. 

Getting quality sleep is critical to managing the symptoms of stress and presenting your best self to clients. But it’s not always easy when you’re away from home, in an unfamiliar hotel bed, and struggling to adapt to a different time zone. 

So, what’s the best way to facilitate rest and empower yourself to take on tomorrow? 

Get an eye mask that blocks light crafted from comfortable materials with a cooling gel or memory foam insert. Opt for one that features an adjustable headband for optimal comfort, and don’t forget to set your alarm, so you don’t oversleep!

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Conclusion

Business travel can be chaotic and stressful. You’re out of your comfort zone and routine, making it more challenging to perform at the most optimal level. 

Fortunately, product designers and hard-working people just like you have created some innovative solutions for streamlining your business travel experience, allowing you to focus on the task at hand. 

These are just a few game-changing gadgets that other professionals rave about: hopefully, they can help alleviate stress, help you stay organized, and take care of yourself on your next business trip. 

Best of luck!

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ADU Cost 2024: Understanding Development Pricing

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ADU Cost 2024

ADU development has to be properly organized and financed. This encompasses the complicated facets of ADU costs for homeowners who aspire to enlarge their living space or improve their rental properties. Let us examine the different aspects that invariably feed into ADU development pricing. We will focus on the important points that allow you to use your space effectively.

Understanding ADU Development Cost

City Fees: The first step in ADU cost and construction involves paying the city fees, including plan checks, permits, and other regulations. These fees differ depending on the location and project characteristics; the previously mentioned figures of $3,000-$11,000 vary greatly. Engaging Levi Construction’s skills in this field allows you to overcome legal obstacles and customize the fee structure to your ADU project.

Construction Labor and Materials: What is the fundamental of ADU cost and development? It is unionized labor and materials in the construction sector. Unlike major construction, garage conversion comes with a budget of $175 to $225 per square foot with the existing structures having lower costs reducing overall costs. Therefore, through garage conversion, you will have the ability to decrease ADU Costs considerably. On the other hand, the projected ADU cost will be between $250 and $350 per square foot. Materials selection and construction processes complement each other to make quality and affordability simultaneously.

Finish Materials: Raising the ADU aesthetics and functionality would have premium finish materials that would satisfy the investment project. The standard floor, cabinetry, and fixtures are usually priced at $50-$100 per sq. ft., which creates a situation involving ambiance and a view of the future value of the space. The union of design and price is a theme conception, so the outcome is harmony and a five-star feeling.

Comparative Cost Dynamics: The pricing strategies that the company will apply will be different regarding the option choices of the existing ADU conversion and new construction projects. Garage Conversion offers fiscal advantages because its price is 50-60% lower than newly built apartments. However, the fact that the ADU owners will have the chance to customize practically endlessly and appreciate the potential of future growth should also be accounted for. As the budgeting element should be considered, the present goals should match the future ones.

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Evolution of Costs: Over time, mortgage loan and building material prices have necessarily risen by half the amount of ADU, and more so, they are up by 20%. The project’s risk mitigation strategy is completely supported by financial strategy, expense efficiency, and creating a risk contingency, and this is the project’s backbone. These will be the pillars on which the project will be built and successful.

The Best ADU Cost & Development with Levi Construction

Working with Levi Construction encourages you to take on an exercise of your life; you will be satisfied due to all the technological assistance you will receive during the whole building of your ADU. The engineering team concentrated on decreasing the cost of the estimate to the project; they are fabricated to the diplomatic programs which cater to the best outcome, this will instill a sense of confidence and safety in home buyers. Establishing the cost of ADU for the year 2024, a key criterion that prompts us to decide on our priorities and expenditures is crucial. To ensure that your custom ADU meets the utility, aesthetic, and affordability standards, it is worth opting for Levi Construction, thus making everything available and affordable.

Conclusion

During The ADU construction cost, careful thinking and a reasonable budgeting approach are necessary. This would include a budget to cover city outlays, payrolls for workers, and expenditure on materials essential for the smooth running of this endeavor. Partnering with Levi Construction Permits one to have professional skills and record excellent outcomes through top-notch customer satisfaction. This fully makes homeowners understand the pricing dynamics of the ADU, and hence, they can be off the shelf buying a financially viable home, functionally well put and visually appealing.



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Sarkodie, Samini & Efya to Headline ‘AMBUSA EXPERIENCE 2024’ in New Jersey

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The ABOFREM AREA Foundation is proud to announce the ‘AMBUSA EXPERIENCE 2024’, featuring a star-studded lineup of entertainers and artistes headlined by Musicians Sarkodie, Samini, and Efya.

 

 

The event, set to take place on August 3, 2024, at the Ritz Theatre in New Jersey, promises to be a celebration of the rich African culture, arts, and music.

 

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The ‘AMBUSA EXPERIENCE 2024’ is an initiative of the ABOFREM AREA Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving African heritage and cultural diversity. 

 

The event will showcase the exceptional talents led by three of Ghana’s most renowned artists, who will captivate the audience with their unique blend of Afrobeats, dancehall, and soulful melodies.

 

Sarkodie, the multiple award-winning rapper, will take the stage with his signature style, blending hip-hop and Afrobeats to create an electrifying performance. 

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Samini, the legendary Ghanaian dancehall and Afrobeats artist, will bring his infectious rhythms and high-energy stage presence, while Efya, the soulful songstress, will enchant the audience with her powerful vocals and emotive performances.

 

“We are thrilled to present the ‘AMBUSA EXPERIENCE 2024’ and to have Sarkodie, Samini, and Efya as our headliners,” said the ABOFREM AREA Foundation.

 

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“These artists are not only incredibly talented, but they also embody the essence of African culture and artistry. We are confident that their performances will create an unforgettable experience for our attendees and help us celebrate the rich diversity of African heritage.”

 

The ‘AMBUSA EXPERIENCE 2024’ promises to be a night of pure entertainment, showcasing the best of African culture, arts, and music. Attendees can expect a captivating blend of music, dance, and visual arts, all set against the backdrop of the stunning Ritz Theatre.

 

Tickets for the ‘AMBUSA EXPERIENCE 2024’ are now available for purchase, and fans are encouraged to secure their spots early to avoid disappointment. 

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For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the event’s official website at www.ambusa.org

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VistaJet renews its commitment to West Africa’s economic development

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VistaJet, the world’s first and only global business aviation company, today announced the conclusion of the company’s first-ever roadshow static display in West Africa, engaging with media and stakeholders in the region’s most vibrant cities, including Abidjan, Accra, Lagos, and Abuja. The roadshow was organized in support of VistaJet’s regional growth plans.

According to Aviation Benefits Beyond Borders, the aviation industry supports $3.5 trillion (4.1%) of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP). If the industry were a country, it would rank 17th in size by GDP, equating to the GDP of Indonesia and the Netherlands. In Nigeria, aviation annually contributes over $600 million to the national GDP creating more than 241,000 jobs. Moreover, the aviation market is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades. By 2038, global air transport is forecast to support 143 million jobs and contribute $6.3 trillion to the global economy.

Similarly, $2.5 trillion total investable wealth is currently held in the African continent, and its millionaire population is set to rise by 65% over the next ten years. This finding is according to the 2024 Africa Wealth Report, the definitive guide to Africa’s wealth and luxury sector.

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Philippe Scalabrini, President of Europe and Africa at VistaJet stated: “VistaJet provides great value to clients in West Africa and is the perfect flying solution for West African corporates and businesses as a hassle-free and timesaving tool to connect world decision-makers domestically and across continents, boosting economies and driving global investments. Now, with three dedicated aircraft in the region, VistaJet aims to accelerate its trajectory as a key partner for the region’s economic development. The business aviation sector will play a crucial role in this growth, as in other regional economic transformations. VistaJet is pleased to be able to support Africa’s economic development.”

VistaJet has experienced strong momentum at the start of 2024 (Q1 2024 vs Q1 2023) in Africa, with a 69% increase in Global 7500 flight hours and a 91% increase in Program Members over the last twelve months. In West Africa specifically, VistaJet has seen a 58% increase in total flight hours. More and more clients globally are recognizing that VistaJet provides the best value and end-to-end experience, and its expanded team of over 4,400 experts is fully committed to developing the next era of innovative flying solutions across the globe. On the Vista Members’ fleet of over 300 silver and red business jets, VistaJet has flown corporations, governments, and private clients to 2,400 airports and 207 counties and territories, covering 96% of the world.

Founded in 2004, the company pioneered an innovative business model where customers can access an entire fleet while paying only for the hours they fly, free of the responsibilities and asset risks linked to aircraft ownership. VistaJet’s signature Program membership offers customers a bespoke subscription of flight hours on a fleet of mid and long-range jets to fly in as little as 24 hours’ notice.

A renowned global aviation brand with a sterling reputation, VistaJet entered the African and Middle Eastern markets in 2010. Flying private with VistaJet is the perfect solution for African corporations and businesses due to the reliability, flexibility, efficiency, anonymity, and safety it offers. Due to high demand from the continent, VistaJet placed dedicated Challenger 605 aircraft in West Africa, starting with one in 2022, and now three in 2024 to meet the surge in demand. The

Challenger 605 is great for the West African region – it flies domestically across Africa, to Europedirectly and from West Africa to Dubai without stops – connecting world decision-makers across continents, boosting economies, and driving global investment. The Global 6000 and Global 7500 aircraft are also immensely popular in the region – flying on a Global 6000 from Lagos to Singapore is a popular trip, showing strong, substantial investments across the African and Asian continents. It is game-changing for clients to save time by traveling this distance without having to stop to refuel or experiencing the complexity and inefficiencies that come with connecting flights on commercial aviation.

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Over the years, aircraft ownership in Africa and managing hiring crew have proven daunting due to the challenge of maintenance. Using VistaJet is the perfect alternative to aircraft ownership as it removes the inconvenience and hassle and provides a consistent cabin experience on every flight. VistaJet leads the industry in pioneering and adopting the most advanced technologies in business aviation, from industry leading flight operations software to VistaJet pilots training twice a year in state-of-the-art simulators and undergoing additional annual safety courses, VistaJet also has a dedicated safety department with a comprehensive Safety Management System (SMS) in place to identify, assess, and mitigate risk for a safe operation and working environments for all VistaJet clients and employees.

VistaJet’s proactive approach towards safety for its twenty years in operation prepares it to face the requirements for worldwide flight needs.

Similarly, clients have expressed their satisfaction with the global aviation brand’s Cabin Hosts who are trained by the British Butler Institute, MedAire, Norland College, and who also receive

Michelin-starred restaurant and Level 2 Wine & Spirit Education Trust training, to deliver the highest and unparalleled service standards.

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Skepta’s inaugural collection with PUMA is finally unveiled

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Skepta’s inaugural collection with PUMA is finally unveiled

Skepta’s unequalled style and cultural influence collide with PUMA’s rich heritage of sportswear design, creating a groundbreaking collection characterised by its distinct shapes, unique details and textures. Capturing the mood of the collection itself, the campaign employs light and shadow as primary visual codes, naturally casting the spotlight on Skepta.

After being welcomed into the PUMA family as a brand ambassador in 2022, Skepta now unveils his inaugural collaborative collection. Created especially for Skepta and based on his unique aesthetic and codes, the collection features a stealthy colour palette emphasising materials like premium nylon, offset by silver hardware inspired by PUMA’s origins.

Balancing history with innovation, Skepta and PUMA’s first drop goes deep into PUMA’s extensive archive, adding Skepta’s distinct perspective to a full collection of apparel, accessories, and a brand-new footwear silhouette, the PUMA Skope Forever.

Conceived as a uniform for Skepta, the PUMA x Skepta Track Jacket and Track Pants form a coordinated set, taking inspiration from PUMA’s T7 tracksuit. The technical Vest features unique tailoring with concealed pockets, while the accompanying Backpack maintains the same aesthetic, created in a black-on-black colorway with ample storage. Completing the lineup of accessories, the first PUMA x Skepta collection also introduces Gloves and a cuffless Beanie.

The PUMA Skope Forever is an all-new footwear style co-created by Skepta and PUMA, inspired by early-2000s footwear designs and debuting in a special iridescent colorway. Robust tooling serves as the foundation for the upper, featuring a mesh underlay wrapped in fluid opalescent panels. Silver accents emerge from beneath the Skope Forever, contrasting with its covert colourway. A special PUMA x Skepta badge features on the tongue, completing the tech-luxe silhouette.

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Kicking off a long-term partnership between Skepta and PUMA, the first collection is available from May 18, 2024, from PUMA.com, PUMA flagship stores, and selected PUMA retailers with retail prices ranging from 60 to 200 Euros.

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Geisha Soap Celebrates Mother’s Day with Weekend of Activities

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Geisha Soap, Ghana’s preferred soap for mothers known for its long-lasting properties, celebrated Mother’s Day 2024 with a series of heartwarming activities in Accra, Tema, Kumasi, and Tamale. As a brand that celebrates women, Geisha has made Mother’s Day one of its flagship dates on the annual calendar.

On Friday, 10th May, representatives of the brand visited the Alfa-Jura Mosque in Tamale, where mothers were blessed with Geisha Soap hampers and giveaways. Ghana’s Most Beautiful (GMB) queen, Teiya, graced the event, interacting with mothers as they showed their love for and appreciation to the brand and shared their unique experiences of motherhood. 

Osman Husseini, Unilever Territory Manager for Northern Ghana, said, “We cannot compare a mother’s love to any other love in this world. That’s why Geisha has come out to recognise this day as a very special day in our lives so that we can celebrate our mothers and give them the due recognition they deserve.” 

At the same time, representatives of the Geisha brand donated hampers to new mothers at Tema General Hospital, in collaboration with renowned media personality and women’s advocate, Oheneyere Gifty Anti. The hampers included essential items for both mothers and their little ones, as well as the love and care from Geisha that the brand has come to be known for.

Over the course of the weekend, the Geisha team also honoured mothers in Kumasi with brand giveaways. These were made up of mothers who have had a long-lasting impact on society.

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The weekend was climaxed on Mother’s Day – Sunday, 12th May – with separate visits to selected churches in Accra: The Maker’s House Chapel International, Haatso; Living Streams International Church at Tse Addo; and the Church of Pentecost, North Kaneshie English Assembly. Mothers were treated to Geisha Soap hampers and had the opportunity to interact with the Geisha team. Brand Ambassador, MzVee, was in attendance at The Maker’s House Chapel International, with other events also including music, pictures, and children reading out Mother’s Day wishes to their mothers.

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“We are delighted to celebrate the strength and resilience of mothers through these activities around Mother’s Day,” said Derrick Odechie-Bossman, Brand Manager for Geisha. “It’s for this reason that we say, ‘Olastaaaaamaa’, because it lasts and lasts like a mother’s love, providing nourishment and care for families.”

One recipient expressed her gratitude: “I am so touched by this kind gesture from Geisha Soap. It shows that they truly value mothers and the sacrifices we make for our families.”

In recent years, Geisha has had a number of activations on Mother’s Day, including donations to new mothers, paying hospital bills of mothers, and celebrating women and mothers at their places of worship.

Geisha Soap comes in a variety of sizes and fragrances, catering to the diverse needs of mothers and their families. With its long-lasting properties, Geisha Soap is a symbol of the enduring love and support that mothers provide.

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MEST Africa launches Mastercard EdTech fellowship with 12 innovative companies

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Twelve innovative companies have been selected for the maiden edition of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship in Ghana. (more…)

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