Category: Time Sensitive

The national nonprofit will offer cardiovascular testing and education to attendees at one of the country’s most influential gatherings of professional women.

LAS VEGAS, NV, UNITED STATES, March 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Black Heart Association, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to life saving cardiovascular education and screenings in communities within reach, will offer on-site heart health screenings during the Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit on March 12 and 13, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The summit will also honor and feature influential leaders and trailblazers, including Shellye Archambeau, Fortune 500 board member and former CEO; Rosalind “Roz” Brewer, interim president of Spelman College and former Fortune 500 CEO; and Angela Bassett, honorary Oscar recipient and Emmy Award winning actress, director, and producer.

Located inside the event’s Sponsorship Lounge in the Walmart booth, the Black Heart Association will provide complimentary cardiovascular screenings and heart health education resources to summit attendees throughout both days of the conference. The initiative encourages proactive heart health awareness among high-achieving professional women, entrepreneurs, and executives who often balance demanding careers with personal and family responsibilities.

As part of its national screening initiatives, Amgen serves as the Title Sponsor of the Guard Your Heart (GYH) Tour, supporting education and screenings focused on LDL-C, commonly known as bad cholesterol, to reach more than 10,000 people nationwide. Eli Lilly is sponsoring 1,200 Lp(a) screenings to increase awareness of lipoprotein(a), a genetic cholesterol risk factor often not included in standard cholesterol tests.

Founded in 2017 by CEO and co-founder Tara Robinson after surviving three heart attacks in one week, the Black Heart Association has grown into a national movement dedicated to prevention, education, and access to life-saving screenings. The organization has conducted thousands of screenings nationwide and continues to advocate for greater awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death among women.

“I survived three heart attacks in one week, and that experience changed the course of my life,” said Tara Robinson, survivor, co-founder, and CEO of the Black Heart Association. “Too many people only learn about heart disease when a crisis sends them to the hospital. Our mission is to bring prevention to people before a crisis brings them to the hospital. By screening for LDL-C, known as bad cholesterol, and Lp(a), a genetic form of cholesterol many people have never tested for, we are helping people understand their risk and protect their hearts earlier.” – Tara Robinson, Co-Founder & CEO of Black Heart Association.

The Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit is widely recognized as one of the nation’s premier leadership conferences for Black women in business. BHA’s presence at the summit encourages attendees to visit the Sponsorship Lounge during the event to participate in complimentary screenings and learn about heart health risk factors. For inquiries, interviews, or media opportunities, please contact Olivia Bishop at olivia@tenenicole.com or call 518-330-3835.

ABOUT BLACK HEART ASSOCIATION
The Black Heart Association (BHA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to cardiovascular education, prevention, and screenings in communities within reach. Founded in 2017 by Tara Robinson, a three-time heart attack survivor, BHA focuses on raising awareness, advocating for better access to healthcare, and empowering communities to take charge of their heart health. BHA partners with several local and national organizations to expand its reach, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Association of Black Cardiologists, Amgen, and Eli Lilly. BHA’s work has been highlighted by major media outlets, including Good Morning America, Essence, Women’s Health, and ABC News.

ABOUT BLACK ENTERPRISE WOMEN OF POWER
The Women of Power Summit offers an exceptional professional growth opportunity for women from all backgrounds. Its goal is to equip women with tools to advance their careers and make a positive impact at every leadership level. Women of Power organize executive development panels, popular skills workshops, work-life balance sessions, meaningful networking events, and in-depth discussions with top industry leaders, all designed to help attendees succeed in their careers and add maximum value to their companies.

Isis Welch
Tene Nicole Creative Agency
+1 646-964-7079
email us here

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Amigos Internacionales Announces Children’s Medical & Surgical Camp in Napak, Uganda

WHITEHOUSE, TX, UNITED STATES, March 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — In one of the most medically underserved regions of East Africa, a team of volunteer physicians, surgeons, nurses, and humanitarian leaders will soon gather to bring lifesaving care to thousands.

From April 11–18, 2026, Amigos Internacionales will lead a Children’s Medical and Surgical Camp alongside a full community medical clinic in Napak District, Uganda—a remote region where many families live days away from medical care.

For many children in Karamoja, a simple treatable condition can become life-threatening because care is too far away or too expensive. This mission is designed to change that.

The week-long initiative will provide:

Pediatric surgical screenings and operations
General medical care for children and families
Maternal and women’s health services
Dental and eye care
Community health education
Referral pathways for complex cases

All services are provided free of charge to the community.

A Proven Model of Compassion and Impact:
Amigos Internacionales has been quietly building one of the most efficient humanitarian medical initiatives in East Africa.

Last year alone:

$149,000 in donor contributions
Generated over $10 million in medical services
Every $1 donated produced $71 in medical benefits

This extraordinary multiplier effect is possible because the organization mobilizes volunteer medical professionals, donated supplies, partner hospitals, and local health systems.

Previous medical missions across Uganda have reached thousands of vulnerable people. One recent outreach in northern Uganda served more than 1,500 patients in just three days, providing surgical consultations, dental care, cancer screenings, and eye treatment to communities that had little or no access to healthcare.

Expanding Across Africa

What began as a focused mission initiative has grown into a rapidly expanding humanitarian network.

Amigos and its medical partners have conducted medical missions in:
Uganda
Burundi
Nigeria

And are preparing to expand programs into:
Malawi
The Democratic Republic of Congo

Each mission combines medical care, local leadership development, and long-term community support.

Leadership Behind the Mission

The medical effort is led by Dr. Paul Mulyamboga, Medical Director for Amigos Internacionales and leader of Doctors on Mission International, a volunteer network of physicians and healthcare professionals committed to delivering lifesaving care to vulnerable communities.

“A ministry of healing does not happen from a distance,” Dr. Mulyamboga explains. “To bring health, the physician must be physically present. We go where people have been forgotten.”

The broader initiative is coordinated by Michael Ryer, CEO of Amigos Internacionales, whose leadership continues to expand the organization’s global footprint.

Together they are mobilizing medical teams, churches, donors, and volunteers to bring sustainable healthcare solutions to some of the most difficult-to-reach places on earth.

Why Napak Matters

Napak lies in the Karamoja region of northeastern Uganda, an area where access to healthcare remains extremely limited and childhood malnutrition rates are among the highest in the country.

For many families:

A child’s hernia goes untreated
A curable infection becomes life-threatening
A simple surgical condition leads to lifelong disability
This mission seeks to intervene early—restoring health, dignity, and hope.

An Invitation to Be Part of the Story
For donors and supporters around the world, this mission offers something rare: a direct path to measurable impact.

Every gift helps:

Deliver surgical care to children
Provide medicine to remote communities
Mobilize volunteer medical professionals
Build sustainable healthcare partnerships

But more importantly, every gift helps restore hope where it has been lost.

As the team prepares to travel to Napak this April, supporters are invited to walk alongside them—bringing healing to children who would otherwise be left without care.

Learn More or Support the Mission

Visit:
https://www.amigosii.org

Medical Director:
https://www.drpaul.africa

CEO:
https://www.michaelryer.com

Media Contact
Amigos Internacionales
Email: info@amigosii.org

Website: https://www.amigosii.org

Michael Ryer
Amigos Internacionales
903-461-9444
email us here
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Medical Camp success in Uganda with Amigos Internacionales

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Eight-day regional culinary celebration invites taco lovers to explore top restaurants, enjoy special taco offerings, and vote in the Golden Taco Awards.

IRVINE, CA, UNITED STATES, March 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The second annual SoCal Taco Week returns April 19-26, 2026, expanding across Los Angeles and Orange County after the overwhelming success of last year’s inaugural event. Organized by SoCal Food & Beverage, the eight-day culinary celebration brings together taco lovers, local restaurants, and culinary tastemakers to spotlight the depth, diversity, and creativity of Southern California’s vibrant taco culture.

Organized by SoCal Food & Beverage, a California-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, SoCal Taco Week unites participating restaurants across Los Angeles and Orange County to spotlight the depth, diversity, and innovation within the region’s taco scene. From traditional street tacos, baja, Oaxacan, Sonoran-style tacos to modern interpretations and plant-based creations, the event highlights the flavors, cultures, and entrepreneurs that make Southern California one of the most dynamic taco destinations in the country. Check out the PROMO VIDEO.

“SoCal Taco Week is more than a food event,” said Leysla Rubino, Executive Director of SoCal Food & Beverage and organizer of the initiative. “It’s a platform designed to elevate independent restaurants, celebrate cultural culinary heritage, and connect communities through meaningful dining experiences.”

“We’re super excited to participate in this unique event as it’s the perfect chance to share our restaurant with even more taco lovers,” added Chef Ismael Miramontes, owner of La Chancla in Long Beach. “It’s awesome to see the Southern California community come together to support restaurants like ours during an especially challenging time for all restaurants.”

HOW IT WORKS:
Participating restaurants will offer exclusive Taco Week specials at accessible price points, inviting diners to explore new spots or revisit neighborhood favorites. Guests can discover participating locations at SoCalTacoWeek.com.
An exciting highlight of the week is the Golden Taco Awards, where diners vote for their favorite participating taco. Three restaurants will earn top honors based on public votes, recognizing excellence and community support.
50+ restaurants are expected to participate, including multi-location brands and beloved local taquerias. Early participants include:

• Avila’s El Ranchito
• El Charro
• Descanso
• Teddy’s Red Tacos
• Salt & Lime
• TacoMPadre
• Taco Shore
• Sol Agave
• Komo’s Cocina
• Chronic Tacos
• Jimmy E’s Bar & Grill
• La Chancla Mexican Grill
• Coyote Grill
• Casa Ramos
• The Lobster Guys

Additional restaurants will be announced in the coming weeks.
Taquerias, taco-centric restaurants, food trucks interested in participating may register online at https://socalfoodandbeverage.org/register-for-socal-taco-week/. The registration deadline is March 30, 2026. Partnership and sponsorship opportunities are also available.

For media inquiries, partnerships, or participation details, contact:
Leysla Rubino
Leysla@SoCalFoodandBeverage.org
(702) 927-2612

About SoCal Food & Beverage:
SoCal Food & Beverage is a California-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and empowering the restaurant community through marketing, public relations, fundraisers, and large-scale culinary initiatives. The organization produces region-wide events that connect communities with local food businesses while driving economic impact and awareness.

For more information, visit www.SoCalFoodandBeverage.org
Tax ID: 84-2641039

Leysla Rubino
SoCal Food & Beverage
+1 702-927-2612
leysla@socalfoodandbeverage.org
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SoCal Taco Week Promo Video

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Leading seasonal workforce provider joins industry experts to help agricultural employers meet H-2A compliance requirements and secure reliable seasonal labor

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, UNITED STATES, March 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — másLabor, the nation’s leader in legal seasonal workforce solutions through the H-2A and H-2B visa programs, announced it will host a complimentary H-2A Compliance Seminar for agricultural employers on Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Valdosta, Georgia.

John Hollay, President and CEO of the National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE), will be the featured speaker at the H-2A compliance seminar. Hollay will take part alongside másLabor CEO Chris Ball and Senior Vice President and General Counsel Tom Bortnyk in what promises to be one of the most timely and authoritative gatherings of agricultural compliance expertise this season. Together, the speakers will deliver practical insights and actionable guidance to help agricultural employers navigate H-2A compliance at a critical moment for American agriculture.

This interactive forum gives growers an opportunity to ask questions, gain direct insight from industry leaders, and leave with practical compliance strategies that can be implemented immediately. The seminar is designed to help agricultural employers navigate these challenges by providing clear guidance on current regulatory developments affecting the H-2A program, practical strategies for ensuring worker housing passes federal and state inspections, and proactive compliance measures growers can implement immediately to reduce the risk of operational disruptions during the season.

As a long-standing advocate for agricultural employers, másLabor continues to support the integrity and sustainability of the H-2A program and stands alongside the NCAE in advancing policies that strengthen the agricultural workforce and the broader U.S. economy.

“The H-2A program is the backbone of American agricultural labor, and the growers who rely on it deserve more than just paperwork,” said Chris Ball, CEO of másLabor. “This seminar will give Georgia agricultural employers the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to navigate the season successfully. Food security is national security, and we take that responsibility seriously.”

Agricultural employers face increasing pressure to remain compliant while maintaining operational continuity as the H-2A program continues to evolve through ongoing regulatory changes and enforcement updates. The cost of noncompliance, including failed housing inspections, documentation deficiencies, and program violations, can lead to significant financial penalties, workforce disruptions, and jeopardized harvests.

The complimentary seminar for agricultural employers is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Rainwater Conference Center in Valdosta, Georgia. The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Space is limited and advance registration is required.

About másLabor
másLabor is the U.S. leader in legal seasonal workforce solutions through the H-2A agricultural and H-2B nonagricultural visa programs. With more than 70,000 workers certified annually, másLabor provides employers with compliant, reliable, and scalable labor solutions. Through its new initiatives, másMexico and másData, the company is advancing cross border recruitment and compliance management systems designed to stabilize the U.S. workforce and support long term agricultural productivity. For more information, visit www.maslabor.com or follow másLabor on LinkedIn.

Nick Mitsis
Percepture, Inc.
+1 202-361-5789
email us here
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AL MADINAH, SAUDI ARABIA, March 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The third edition of the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum will commence in Madinah on Monday, Shawwal 11, 1447 AH, corresponding to March 30, 2026. The forum is organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in partnership with the Pilgrim Experience Program, at the King Salman International Convention Center, with wide participation from business leaders, decision-makers, and specialists in the Umrah and Ziyarah services ecosystem from around the world to exchange expertise and explore ways to further enrich the experience of the Guests of Allah.

This year’s edition builds on the success of the forum’s previous editions, reaffirming its position as a global platform for advancing the Umrah and Ziyarah services ecosystem. It focuses on enhancing services for Umrah performers and visitors, in line with the growing number of beneficiaries, strengthening integration among relevant entities, and enabling innovation across the ecosystem’s various pathways.

The forum will feature more than 160 speakers, 150 exhibitors, and over 40,000 expected visitors, representing a 25 percent increase compared with the previous year. Participants will include investors, experts, and sector pioneers, as well as representatives from the non-profit sector and media organizations, in addition to the signing of more than 5,000 agreements and partnerships aimed at advancing the services provided to Umrah performers and visitors and strengthening opportunities for cooperation and investment in step with the rapid transformation of the sector and the ongoing efforts to elevate service quality for the Guests of Allah.

Over three days, the forum will address the integration of Umrah and Ziyarah services among relevant stakeholders, the enhancement of the visitor’s cultural and enriching experience, and the digital transformation of the Umrah and Ziyarah ecosystem. It will also highlight excellence in the services provided to Umrah performers and visitors, and explore opportunities to develop the sector in ways that improve service quality, enhance procedural efficiency, and open new horizons for innovation and partnerships in this vital sector.

The forum will include a concurrent exhibition showcasing the latest solutions in transportation, hospitality, crowd management, digital services, and sustainable solutions. This will provide participants with an opportunity to review the latest developments in the services offered to the Guests of Allah, exchange expertise, and build professional relationships that strengthen partnerships and explore the latest operational models.

The organization of the third edition of the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum reflects the continued support of the wise leadership for serving the Guests of Allah and its ongoing commitment to enhancing the services provided to them and enriching their experience. It also aligns with the objectives of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to strengthen ecosystem integration, expand partnerships with government entities and the private and non-profit sectors, and support innovation and digital transformation in services in a manner that contributes to improving the quality of performance and enhancing sector readiness in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

For More Information
Click Here
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A collection of best-sellers, refreshed with new blade treatments and accents, CRKT folders marry form and function into the next generation of EDC knives

TUALATIN, OR, UNITED STATES, March 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — CRKT^®, a brand built on innovation, craftsmanship and collaboration with leading industry designers, today launched three updated folding knives in advance the upcoming Blade Show Texas event. A collection of best-selling models, refreshed with new blade treatments and natural G10 handle accents, these new CRKT folders marry form and function into the next generation of everyday carry knives.

“Our Blade Show Texas releases revisit a few of our best sellers from award winning design partners, offering a fresh take on some of our more popular products,” said Kyle Stuart, CRKT^® VP of Marketing. “A mix of stylish knives built for everyday utility, there’s a little bit of something for everyone in this latest release and we’re excited to see what Blade Show Texas brings.”

CRKT Blade Show Texas releases include:

Walker Blade Lock – Designed by industry legend Michael Walker, the Walker Blade Lock has been re-visited with modern materials that still retain the classic looks of the original. This version of his trailblazing Blade Lock folding knife gets a new look with a natural G10 overlay on a black stainless handle that complements a black stonewash, sheepsfoot-shaped 14C28N blade.

A positive lock system that keeps the blade locked in the open and closed positions; the mechanism operates with a tab behind the thumbstud on the blade. To open or close the knife, users depress the thumbstud while pushing forward or back to rotate the blade in place. MSRP: $98.

Padawan – The Padawan name is a nod to the days when Brazilian designer Pedro Buzetti apprenticed under renowned knifemaker Flavio Ikoma, the inventor of the revolutionary Deadbolt^® Lock. But that doesn’t mean this capable folding knife is anything but expertly crafted. It’s a statement piece, a conversation starter, and a testament to Buzetti’s relentless pursuit of knifemaking perfection.

Retaining the original Padawan’s 14C28N blade steel and smooth-opening IKBS™ ball-bearing pivot, the newest addition to the Padawan family elevates the knife with a refined aesthetic including a natural G10 overlay on the stainless steel handle. Ikoma passed his perfectionism down to Buzetti, a trait that’s made clear by this stunning EDC’s undeniable marriage of function and form. MSRP: $80.

CEO Microflipper – The smallest and lightest version of the renowned CEO knife series, the Microflipper combines refined style and ultimate convenience. Known for his clean, simple, practical designs, Richard Rogers modeled the CEO after the classic doctor’s knife. The Microflipper may be small, but it’s a serious contender for any job thanks to a durable natural G10 handle and a razor-sharp 14C28N steel blade.

With a handle length of 3.25 inches, the CEO Microflipper is more than one inch shorter than the standard CEO Flipper when closed. When open, a liner lock holds the blade in place without impacting the clean, elegant exterior of the handle and IKBS™ bearings ensure smooth action when opening and closing the knife. MSRP: $68.

This new slate of CRKT knives can be previewed now at www.crkt.com and will be available to consumers as Blade Show Texas kicks off Friday, March 20th.

More information or tickets to Blade Show please visit https://bladeshowtexas.com/

About CRKT^®

CRKT^® (Columbia River Knife and Tool) was founded in 1994. From day one, we put innovation and integrity first. We made a commitment to build knives and tools that would inspire and endure the test of time. We collaborate with the best designers in the world and operate on a simple principle: that the greatest thing we can give our customers is Confidence in Hand^®.

Michael May
Sinclair Communications
+1 307-690-6939
email us here

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The free online literary adventure returns April 11th–12th with keynotes, conversations, panels, author insights, and fan-favorite BookFest traditions.

LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, March 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The BookFest Adventure^® returns for its 13th biannual virtual event on April 11th and 12th, 2026, bringing together a powerful lineup of authors, publishing professionals, industry experts, and literary voices for a free weekend celebrating books, storytelling, and connection.

This Spring’s event features keynote appearances by Dr. Abraham George and Carla A. Harris, plus a special conversation with New York Times bestselling author Christina Baker Kline and a salute to Lee Wind, recipient of the Honorary Achievement BookFest Award. Across two days of livestream programming, attendees can expect conversations designed to inspire readers, support writers, and celebrate the literary community from multiple angles.

The BookFest Founder Desireé Duffy says, “The BookFest Spring 2026 is a celebration of the purpose stories bring to our lives. This season’s speakers remind us that books do more than entertain, they help us understand ourselves, each other, and the world around us. From meaningful keynotes to practical publishing insights, this BookFest is designed to spark inspiration for readers and writers alike.”

Opening the festival on Saturday, Dr. Abraham George presents “Where Success Meets Purpose,” a keynote focused on achievement, service, and impact. The event also honors Lee Wind for his extraordinary contributions to inclusivity, representation, and advocacy in the literary world. Christina Baker Kline joins the program for “The Stories We Inherit,” a conversation exploring the powerful intersection of history, memory, and fiction.

Sunday turns attention toward writers and the evolving publishing landscape with keynote speaker Carla A. Harris. Additional sessions will explore historical fiction, author websites, media exposure, direct sales, audiobook opportunities, publishing pathways, and timely book marketing strategies for 2026.

Saturday’s programming is dedicated to readers, while Sunday’s programming focuses on writers and industry professionals. This Spring’s highlights include:

Saturday, April 11th, 2026, livestream programming is dedicated to readers. The programming includes:

Welcome Message from The BookFest Founder Desireé Duffy
Opening Keynote – Dr. Abraham George: Where Success Meets Purpose
A Salute to Lee Wind – Winner of the Honorary Achievement BookFest Award
A Conversation with Christina Baker Kline – The Stories We Inherit
Segment – Three Things People Get Wrong About Superman with William Bernhardt
Panel Discussion – Shelf Shuffle: A Mix of Must-Reads
Segment – Pitch Perfect: Getting Bookstores to Say Yes with Dr. Tenia L. Davis
Segment – Listen with Impact: A New Way to Experience Audiobooks with Becky Parker Geist, presented by AMPlify Audiobooks
BookFest Award Winner Spotlight – Kay Oliver: When the Reader Becomes the Detective
Author Chats hosted by Scott Ryan and Becca Moore

Sunday, April 12th, 2026, livestream programming is dedicated to writers. The programming includes:

Welcome Back Message
Keynote – Carla A. Harris
Segment – Research and Imagination in Historical Fiction with Beth Freely
Segment – Plot Your Story in 15 Minutes with Cameron Sutter, presented by Plottr
Panel Discussion – Media and Authors: Connecting Stories to Audiences
Segment – Website Resources: Choosing the Right Platform for Your Needs with Denise Mullinex, presented by Geek Girl Publishing
Segment – Publishing Options Today: The Pros and Cons with Lisa Diane Kastner
Segment – Direct Sales Simplified: Author Websites That Sell with Amy Wolf
Panel Discussion – When Scares are Real: Writing Spooky Non-fiction
Segment – Amplify Your Audiobook Impact with Becky Parker Geist, presented by AMPlify Audiobooks
Panel Discussion – Book Marketing in 2026: What’s Working Now to Drive Sales, presented by Writers and Publishers Network
A Salute to The BookFest Award Winners Spring 2026

Check the full schedule on The BookFest website’s Programming Page, where updates and changes will be posted.

The full list of BookFest Spring 2026 speakers includes: Dale Arenson; Christina Baker Kline; William Bernhardt; Michael Chatfield; Tricia Copeland; Pat Daily; Dr. Tenia Davis; Derek Doepker; Lori B. Duff; Desireé Duffy; Beth Freely; DC Gomez; Becky Parker Geist; Dr. Abraham George; Jeffery H. Haskel; Carla A. Harris; Kathleen Kaiser; Lisa Diane Kastner; Gail M. Kearns; Diana Colleen; Shamayne Olivia Kotfas; Vince Liaguno; Caramel Lucas; Lucia Matuonto; Becca Moore; Adanna Moriarty; Lisa Morton; Denise Mullinex; Lesléa Newman; Kay Oliver; John Palisano; María Paula Silva Paredes; Donald Prothero; Aimee Ravichandran; Douglas E. Richards; Loren Rhoads; Scott Ryan; Pat Sangimino; Cameron Sutter; Julie Trelstad; S. E. Tschritter; Alan Warren; Lee Wind; and Amy Wolf.

Attendees can also explore the Virtual Booths, browse the Books Page, and visit the Speaker Pages throughout the event. Popular BookFest features return this Spring, including opportunities to discover new books, connect with literary brands, and enjoy exclusive offers through the Virtual Gift Bag.
The BookFest is free to attend and streams on TheBookFest.com, the Books That Make You YouTube Channel, and across social platforms. People are encouraged to become a BookFester by signing up for updates and event news delivered directly to their inbox.

The BookFest is produced by Black Château Enterprises and presented in part by Books That Make You.

About The BookFest^®

The BookFest is the leader in virtual literary events and produces vital conversations on the world’s stage for those who love to read and those who love to write. It launched May 2020 at a time when lockdown forced many live events to be cancelled. Free to attend the biannual event happens in the spring and fall and streams panel discussions conversations and live interactive sessions. As an award winner The BookFest has recognitions from the Webby Awards with a nomination in 2021 a gold award from the Muse Creative Awards in 2020 and a silver award from the w3 Awards in 2020. The BookFest features an array of literary speakers experts and authors which has included: Mitch Albom; Kevin J. Anderson; Angela Bole; Mark Coker; Robert G. Diforio; Cheryl Willis Hudson; Wade Hudson; Sarah Kendzior; Jonathan Maberry; Lisa Morton; Karla Olson; James Rollins; Connie Schultz; Michael Shermer; Mark K. Shriver; Danny Trejo; Helene Wecker; Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein and many others. The BookFest is presented by Books That Make You and produced by Black Château Enterprises. The BookFest is a registered trademark of Desireé Duffy who is the founder of all three. For more information visit TheBookFest.com.

Desiree Duffy
Black Chateau
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The Robinson Crusoe-inspired VR survival adventure launches out of Early Access with new content and the complete story in its largest update to date.

TALLINN, ESTONIA, March 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Maru VR today announced that Bootstrap Island, the Robinson Crusoe-inspired VR survival adventure available on Steam, has officially left Early Access and is now available in Full Release.

The launch introduces the largest update in the game’s development, bringing the introduction of a local tribe players can interact with, concluding the survivor’s story, and adding new gameplay systems, threats, and technical improvements.

Watch the Full Release Trailer: https://youtu.be/KSomvTkmJlU

A Ruthless Survival Experience in VR
In Bootstrap Island, players step into the role of Daniel, a 17th-century castaway fighting to survive on a ruthless tropical island. With no guidance and no predefined solutions, survival depends entirely on instinct, observation, and experimentation.

The island operates as a dynamic, systems-driven world shaped by interacting systems such as weather, fire, liquids, physics, and animal behavior. Players gather resources, hunt wildlife, build shelters, and prepare for the dangers that emerge after dark.
Instead of watching danger unfold, players stand inside it, reacting physically and solving survival challenges their own way.

The Island Expands in Full Release
During its two years in Early Access, Bootstrap Island received five major updates. The Full Release introduces the largest update of content and systems yet.

The Local Tribe
A new layer of depth arrives with the introduction of a local tribe, equipped with their own tools, weapons, and behaviors. Through a new communication and trading system, players can build relationships with the tribe — or provoke hostility — shaping the future of island life.

The Complete Story
The Full Release concludes the story of Daniel, the shipwrecked survivor. Through cinematic cutscenes and voice performances, players uncover his past, the events that led to the shipwreck, and explore the possible paths his fate may take.

New Threats and Survival Challenges
The island becomes even more dangerous with the introduction of a new boss encounter — the Blood Challenger — additional weapons, and expanded combat possibilities.

Custom Mode
Players can tailor the survival experience through Custom Mode, adjusting key gameplay parameters such as day length, world intensity, and survival systems to suit their preferred playstyle. Whether seeking a relentless survival challenge or a slower, exploration-focused experience, players can shape their own journey.

Performance Improvements, Achievements, and Localization
Alongside the new content, the Full Release includes significant performance optimizations and gameplay refinements, improving stability and responsiveness across supported PC VR hardware.

The launch version also introduces Steam Achievements, giving players additional milestones and challenges as they push their survival skills further.
The game now includes subtitles localized in 11 languages, making the story accessible to more players worldwide.

Launch Discount and Supporter Pack
To celebrate the Full Release, Bootstrap Island will be available for a limited time at its Early Access price — $24.99 USD with a 10% launch discount. After the promotion ends, the base price will increase to $27.99 USD, reflecting the expanded scope and content added throughout development.

At launch, a cosmetic supporter pack will also be available for $4.99 USD. The DLC features exclusive 17th-century weapons and accoutrements once owned by a nobleman, offering players a way to bring prestige and elegance to their survival adventure while further supporting the indie team behind the game.
A bundle including the game and the supporter pack will also be available with a 10% discount.

The Making of Bootstrap Island
Bootstrap Island was developed by Maru VR, a small independent studio based in Estonia with a clear ambition: to fulfill the full potential of virtual reality.
Before beginning development, the team created more than 40 VR projects to better understand what makes the medium truly immersive and worth putting on a VR headset for. Those lessons shaped Bootstrap Island into a survival experience designed from the ground up for VR, rather than adapted from traditional flat-screen games.

While much of the VR market shifted toward lower-power standalone hardware, the team chose to focus on high-end PC VR in order to pursue their vision without compromise.

Launched into Early Access on Steam in February 2024, the game expanded through five major content updates while incorporating community feedback for additional polish and improvements.

Contact
For more information, please contact: contact@bootstrapisland.com
Press Kit: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OR-7BvyUUaK6xnLCOu_MT_yquZFsoKxl?usp=drive_link

Lilit Palmar
Maru VR
email us here

Bootstrap Island – Launch Trailer | Steam VR

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