WASHINGTON, DC - Today, two industry leaders, ASAE and Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) announced the launch of a new strategic partnership - one that builds on a relationship spanning more than 20 years. This new partnership also names Marriott International as ASAE's sole lodging company at the strategic level of the Alliance Partnership Program.

"Marriott International is a global lodging leader and champion for the advancement of the travel industry," said ASAE President and CEO John H. Graham IV, CAE.  "As our strategic partner, Marriott International will have the opportunity to help ASAE educate and provide the membership with insight on trends and be a strong voice for the hospitality industry."

"We are excited to build on our long-standing relationship with ASAE and help to develop new and innovative ways to support the association community and engage the membership," said Stephanie Linnartz, Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer, Marriott International. "We both see many opportunities to collaborate on solving issues and challenges facing the industry and to expand ASAE's ability to offer information and new learnings that benefit the membership."

The Alliance Partners program was developed to provide the industry partner community with opportunities to align itself with ASAE and the association sector through customized marketing platforms. It also offers partners the chance to help build and maintain year-round relationships with ASAE members and nonprofit communities worldwide. 

For more information about the ASAE Alliance Partnership program, please visit ASAE , or contact Dan Melesurgo at dmelesurgo@asaecenter.org.

About ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership
ASAE is a membership organization of more than 21,000 association executives and industry partners representing 10,000 organizations. Its members manage leading trade associations, individual membership societies and voluntary organizations across the United States and in nearly 50 countries around the world. With support of the ASAE Foundation, a separate nonprofit entity, ASAE is the premier source of learning, knowledge and future-oriented research for the association and nonprofit profession, and provides resources, education, ideas and advocacy to enhance the power and performance of the association and nonprofit community. For more information about ASAE, visit www.asaecenter.org.

About Marriott International, Inc.
Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 72 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands, including Marriott Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Bulgari, EDITION, Renaissance, Gaylord Hotels, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Marriott Executive Apartments, Marriott Vacation Club, Grand Residences by Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club.  There are approximately 325,000 employees at headquarters, managed and franchised properties.  Marriott is consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business operations, which it conducts based on five core values: put people first, pursue excellence, embrace change, act with integrity, and serve our world.www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. 

Connect with laurie.goldstein@marriott.com and skidwai@asaecenter.com

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