Business

Social Engagement Series: 8 Reasons You Can’t Afford to Miss the Mobile Wave [Report]

Published

13 years ago

June 7, 2013

By now you’ve probably heard the buzz surrounding mobile media and mobile marketing. If you’ve zoned it all out so far, you’ll want to tune in now.

UK Embassy in Beijing with QR code on the building

The UK Embassy in Beijing has a QR code to access its Sina Weibo account.

Investment firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers’ (KPCB) comprehensive annual Internet Trends slide deck boasts some staggering mobile statistics for 2013.

If you enjoyed our post on the 2013 Social Media Marketing Industry Report, we’ve extracted the 8 most relevant points from KPCB’s extensive 117-slide report that you’ll need for your business.

So, why mobile? Because the key to successful marketing and customer engagement is to learn what medium consumers use most and put yourself and your business in front of them in that medium, and we’re already three years into the mobile age.

Pretty soon, not being available on mobile devices will be as crippling for your business as not having a company website at all.

The Top 8 Reasons Why You Need to Get on Mobile Marketing from KPCB’s 2013 Internet Trends Report

1) Mobile Internet traffic has been and continues to be on the climb. It’s currently 15% of all global Internet traffic, a 5% jump from last year.

2) Almost everyone and their mom has a phone. There are now over 1.5 billion smartphone subscribers, and over 5 billion mobile phone users overall, a 31% growth from last year. The top two smartphone markets are China and the U.S., in descending order.

At this point, people are hooked on their phones. The average person reaches for his phone nearly 150 times a day. Texting is the top reason to reach at 23 times a day, calls are #2 at 22 times a day, and time-checking rounds out the top three at 18 times a day.

As such, mobile operating systems have the lion’s share of the global market share.

3) Mobile operating systems (iOS, Android, Windows Phone) have 88% of the global Internet market share, an 83% jump from six years ago. Even among the three, iOS and Android surpass Windows Phone by 25%.

That said, if you’re finally warming up to smartphones, another mobile wave is already here: tablets.

4) Tablets are already eclipsing smartphones. iPad sales have tripled from last year — 140 million units were sold so far this year versus just under 60 million iPhones.

Tablets are starting to outsell laptops and desktop PCs as well after only three years. Approximately 115 million tablets have flown off the shelves compared with about 80 million laptops and roughly 30 million desktop PCs.

Tablets are even in their own league separate from computer vendors. Apple and Samsung are the top two tablet vendors, versus HP and Dell for laptops and PCs.

5) Online education is on the rise. 32% of students are taking at least one online course as of May 2013, causing more schools to supply their students with ebooks to read on tablets and ereaders instead of physical textbooks.

Furthermore, there are far more open-source online learning platforms available for those who desire a skill without spending thousands on college, including iTunes U, Coursera, and Codecademy (free web design and app coding courses). In fact, iTunes U accounts for 25% of open-source online course enrollment, and Coursera accounts for 35%.

The KPCB report even lists Twitter, YouTube, and Google Docs as the top three Internet learning tools as of 2012.

6) As if that wasn’t enough, mobile Internet use has moved to automobiles as well. Google’s car is completely unmanned and runs on the mobile web (GPS, etc.). Remember the Social Media Marketing Industry Report’s mention of auto manufacturers integrating podcasts into their new models? That’s mobile Internet use.

KPCB reports that Internet radio service Pandora has higher mobile and vehicle use (approximately 60% and 13%, respectively) compared to listening via PC.

7) Mobile is wearable too. Thanks to health and fitness apps and websites, more people own wearable Internet-connected devices (anklets/bracelets, pedometers, etc.) which post their fitness results on the web. Google’s Glass has also joined the mobile mix as a wearable computer.

8) Mobile web transactions are far more prevalent now. In China alone, 9 million QR codes are in use as of March 2013, a quadruple jump from 2012. 42% of them are used for passcodes (coupons, rewards, tickets, etc.), 33% for ad promotions, 22% for data, and even 3% for payments.

There are even taxi reservation apps in which China citizens can competitively bid for a cab, push to talk to a cab driver, and/or track the driver’s arrival for their pickup in real time.

Additionally, more people are handling their finances online. There are already five emerging online financial services with explosive growth over the past year:

Chase Mobile has nearly tripled growth, processing over $29 billion in gross online payments per year
Square, the mobile payment device and service made popular by the Apple Store, has already tripled its growth from last year, processing over $15 billion in gross payments to date
Bitcoin has quintupled its 2012 revenue with over 18 million cumulative transactions
Lending Club has tripled its revenue from last year with over $1.8 billion in loans issued to date
Free bill payment app Check has seen a whopping 17-fold increase from last year, processing over $500 million in bill payments per year

If you were still on the fence about going mobile, these findings are all the motivation you need to start asking around.

Share this post with your networks and bookmark it. You’ll definitely come back to it.

_{Photo of UK Embassy in Beijing taken from the Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers 2013 Internet Trends Report, Slide #63.}

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New AdventHealth Middleton Clinic Brings Pediatric Specialists, Urogynecology Near The Villages

Published

1 week ago

October 30, 2026

FNN NEWS

The multispecialty clinic features 24 treatment rooms, pediatric imaging and services designed to bring care closer to Middleton families.

MIDDLETON, Fla. (FNN) — Families in Middleton have a new option for pediatric and women’s specialty care with the opening of the AdventHealth Middleton Multispecialty Clinic, according to an Oct. 29 news release from AdventHealth.

Located at 2274 Alder Ave., the clinic brings together pediatric primary care, pediatric cardiology, pediatric orthopedics and women’s urogynecology services. The facility includes 24 treatment rooms, a pediatric X-ray room and spaces for children’s heart screenings.

Bringing care closer to families

Middleton, a master-planned community along Central Parkway, is home to approximately 1,200 families and households, many with residents who work in and around The Villages, according to the release.

For Jenny Trew, whose family was the first to move to Middleton, the new clinic could mean fewer long trips for routine appointments. She has been driving nearly an hour to Clermont for pediatric care for her 13-year-old twin sons, Jasen and Jackson.

“Going to the pediatrician usually means pulling both boys out of school, taking time away from work and making a day out of something that should be pretty simple,” Trew said in the release.

Having a pediatrician in the neighborhood will make it easier to balance health care appointments with work, school, sports and other activities, she said.

Dr. Vanessa Carroll, chief medical officer of AdventHealth for Children, said proximity matters when families are seeking care for a sick or injured child.

“Parents don’t want to take their child to just any doctor. They want someone they can trust, right around the corner,” Carroll said in the release. “Because when your child is sick or injured, an hour-long drive can feel even farther.”

Expanding women’s specialty services

The clinic also provides urogynecology services, including care for urinary incontinence and pelvic floor conditions.

The location gives women a nearby option for specialized treatment aimed at improving comfort, health and quality of life, according to AdventHealth.

“Women spend so much of their lives caring for others, and it can become very easy to put their own health last,” Kristen Toth, vice president of AdventHealth for Women, said in the release. “We want women to know there is care here for them, too.”

The clinic brings AdventHealth for Children and AdventHealth for Women together at one location to serve families through different stages of life.

Supporting students and schools

Middleton’s early childhood centers, two K-8 schools and high school collectively enroll more than 3,000 students, according to the release.

LeAnne Yerk, principal of The Villages Charter Elementary School, said access to nearby pediatric care supports students’ health and readiness to learn.

“As educators, we see firsthand that a child’s ability to learn, grow and thrive in the classroom is deeply connected to their health and well-being,” Yerk said in the release.

She described the clinic’s proximity to schools as an important resource for students and families, helping connect health care with educational support.

Location and appointments

The AdventHealth Middleton Multispecialty Clinic is located at 2274 Alder Ave., Middleton, Florida.

To schedule an appointment, call:

Pediatric primary care: 352-467-7862
Pediatric cardiology: 352-353-2788
Pediatric orthopedics: 407-303-5687
Women’s urogynecology: 407-303-1380

For online appointment information, visit MyMiddletonPediatrics.com for children’s services or MiddletonUrogyn.com for women’s services.

Business

GOAA Highlights Airport Improvements, Approves New Small Business Policies

Published

2 weeks ago

October 22, 2026

FNN NEWS

Gate Link train on an elevated guideway at Orlando International Airport, with palm trees, airport buildings and a control tower behind it.

A Gate Link train travels along an elevated guideway at Orlando International Airport, with the airport’s control tower in the background. Photo courtesy of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.

Terminal upgrades, parking projects and international connections mark the authority’s fiscal year review.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority highlighted terminal improvements, expanded international connections and parking projects during its fiscal 2026 review, while its board adopted changes to a local business program and announced a new statewide small business initiative.

The updates affect Orlando International Airport and Orlando Executive Airport, which GOAA operates.

“We are undertaking an ambitious effort to redefine what it means to deliver a world-class airport experience,” GOAA CEO Lance Lyttle said in the authority’s announcement.
“As we welcome more visitors, more airlines, more routes, and new programs, our responsibility is to elevate every part of the journey — making it more welcoming, intuitive, and connected.”

A Gate Link train travels along an elevated guideway at Orlando International Airport, with the airport’s control tower in the background. Photo courtesy of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.

Terminal Improvements Focus on Connections and Families

Among the completed projects was an enclosed pedestrian bridge with moving walkways connecting Orlando International Airport’s train station and Terminal C.

Terminal C also opened a new wing serving gates 250–254, providing additional capacity and becoming the new home for Virgin Atlantic’s airport operations.

Three new Family Zones — one in each terminal — offer spaces for children and families to play, read and recharge. GOAA also highlighted improvements to directional signs along airport roads, in parking areas and throughout the terminals.

Parking Expansion and $40 Million Improvement Program

GOAA reported progress on a parking guidance system at Terminal C, with phased activation across all garages planned through mid-2027.

Dedicated employee parking areas are intended to free additional spaces for travelers. Planning is also underway for two new garages expected to add 8,000 public parking spaces over the next few years.

Separately, the authority’s $40 million Beautiful Airports Program targets safety, functionality and appearance across garages, terminals and other airport areas.

Aviation Investments and International Service

The fiscal year review highlighted a $50 million investment by dnata, a $26 million redevelopment by Signature Aviation at Orlando International Airport and groundbreaking for Sky Harbour’s $40 million campus at Orlando Executive Airport.

International service developments included ZIPAIR’s nonstop passenger charter flights between Orlando and Tokyo and Iberia’s launch of nonstop service to Madrid.

GOAA described ZIPAIR’s service as the first passenger charter connection between Florida and the Asia-Pacific region.

Business Policy Changes Broaden Eligibility

The board adopted revisions to GOAA’s Local Developing Business program following research, town halls and discussions with internal experts.

The changes increase the allowable personal net worth threshold and clarify how assets are excluded from that calculation, including primary residence equity, business equity, retirement assets and certain nonliquid holdings.

Business size standards were also revised to account for inflation and increased operating costs. The announcement did not specify the updated financial thresholds.

A new Small Business program will complement the local program and extend eligibility to qualifying businesses throughout Florida. Under the announced framework, participating businesses must fall within 50% of the applicable U.S. Small Business Administration size standard.

GOAA said detailed guidelines for both programs would be posted on its website. Those guidelines will provide businesses with the information needed to assess eligibility.

Business

Florida Restaurant Show 2026: Orlando Event Features Chef Competitions, Pizza Innovation and Restaurant Solutions

Published

4 weeks ago

October 9, 2026

FNN NEWS

The combined events celebrate their 55th and fifth anniversaries Oct. 25–27 at the Orange County Convention Center, featuring education, culinary competitions and a $5,000 attendee giveaway.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Florida Restaurant Show and Pizza Tomorrow Summit are marking milestone anniversaries at the Orange County Convention Center, bringing restaurant, pizza and foodservice professionals together Oct. 25–27 for product demonstrations, education, culinary competitions and networking.

The Florida Restaurant Show is celebrating its 55th anniversary, while the Pizza Tomorrow Summit marks its fifth. One registration provides access to both events.

Organizer Restaurant Events announced a total of $5,000 in attendee giveaways during the three-day gathering. Attendees can pick up a ticket at registration for a chance to win.

Education Addresses Food Costs, Staffing and AI

More than 40 hours of education cover profitability, food costs, operations, marketing, artificial intelligence, staffing, leadership and customer engagement.

Featured programs include Restaurant Management 201 and 301, presented by Darren Denington, founder and operator of Service with Style, and Alison Anne, leader of Restaurant Revolution.

A new program, “The Wizard Behind the Curtain,” presented by Maverick Theory founder Michael Tipps, examines how owners and entrepreneurs develop restaurant concepts and turn ideas into businesses.

A Team Bundle Package offers savings and flexible attendance options for groups of six from the same organization, allowing employees to explore sessions relevant to their roles.

Culinary Competitions Spotlight Professional Chefs

The Sunshine Plate Challenge Arena features more than 30 professional chefs across four American Culinary Federation-sanctioned competitions, organizers said.

The announced schedule includes:

Sunday, Oct. 25: Student and professional pastry sculpture competitions and the Professional Pork Challenge.
Monday, Oct. 26: The Professional Seafood Challenge, sponsored by Bar Harbor Seafood.
Tuesday, Oct. 27: The Professional Beef Challenge.

The arena’s Sunday programming also includes the Hospitality School Showdown, featuring culinary faculty and alumni representing four Florida hospitality programs.

Unox sponsors the arena, with product support from Gordon Food Service, Bar Harbor Seafood, Expedition Provisions, Yukan Foods, Pizzacini and Keg Kraft Beverage Company.

Pizza Tomorrow Summit Highlights Industry Innovation

The Pizza Tomorrow Summit features education, demonstrations and competitions focused on the pizza industry.

Its announced Monday programming includes a live taping of the “So You Want to Run a Restaurant” podcast with California Pizza Kitchen co-founder Rick Rosenfield. The session, sponsored by Back of House, includes a discussion and giveaway of his book, “The California Pizza Kitchen Story.”

The U.S. Pizza Team and Galbani Professionale U.S. are also hosting the 2026 Galbani Professionale Pizza Cup. Pizza makers and pizza acrobats compete in culinary and acrobatic events, with grand-prize winners earning a trip to compete at the World Pizza Championships in Parma, Italy.

One Registration Connects Two Industries

By holding the events together, organizers give restaurant operators access to ideas emerging from the pizza industry while connecting pizzeria operators with equipment, technology and education relevant to the broader foodservice market.

The Florida Restaurant Show and Pizza Tomorrow Summit conclude Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Orange County Convention Center.