Xert Communications and Leading Authorities Launch Joint Venture

05.133.2004 - ALEXANDRIA, Va. and Washington, D.C.– Xert Communications Corporation, an emerging leader in communications software and services, and Leading Authorities Inc., one of the largest companies providing associations and corporations with world class talent and creative media for meetings, today announced a partnership providing comprehensive solutions to meet the unique marketing, communications and operations requirements of associations and non-profit companies.

The LAI Xert Joint Venture will combine the industry-proven software and web-based solutions from Xert with Leading Authorities’ marketing services and operational experience. The new company will build on both companies' established customer base and experience in the association and non-profit markets.

"We are very excited about our partnership with Xert”, said Mark French, President, Leading Authorities, Inc. “Combining their talents with those of our creative media division means our clients will have access to top video and multi-media, web based marketing and development, creative thinking and technical expertise. Organizations deliver messages in multiple formats, and I feel confident this partnership presents a compelling communications solution to any companies who are looking to communicate with members, clients, and associates.”

The Joint Venture sets a new benchmark for the industry, providing a single source of excellence to deliver a complete solution set for building operational effectiveness and efficiency in a variety of mission-critical areas, including membership marketing, meeting management, stakeholder communications and commerce.

"As membership-based organizations continuously strive for better integration and results in their operations, they increasingly seek solutions incorporating the best strategy and operational experience; not just technology”, said Dave Battaglini, CEO, Xert Communications. “By providing a single source for these solutions with Leading Authorities, we’re enabling powerful results.”

Xert’s software platform combines an innovative tradeshow floorplan management and booking system with an integrated marketing platform. The suite is uniquely able to maximize the efficiency of a marketing team's communication efforts and deliver substantive, measurable returns.

Xert's industry-leading platform delivers unmatched performance, analytics and ease of use for customer marketing and communication activities. By integrating with contact and sales points, it provides highly usable and relevant analytics including conversions to marketing offers, a capability unmatched by competing platforms.

About Leading Authorities, Inc.
Leading Authorities, Inc. a leader in the global lecture industry, is the source for associations and corporations seeking world-class talent and creative media. Leading Authorities works with organizations around the world to produce dynamic programming featuring top thought leaders and its Creative Media unit provides cutting-edge video and web-based solutions to create high-impact meetings. For more information, please visit Leading Authorities’ Web site at www.leadingauthorities.com

About Xert Communications
Xert Communications is a leading provider of enterprise customer communications and marketing automation software and solutions. Xert’s solutions consist of interconnected modules for enterprise email marketing, enterprise contact management, events marketing and lead generation; enabling streamlined, workflow-based, real-time information management, analytics and reporting. Using Xert’s suite, our customers create significant leverage in their operations, drive new revenues, and reduce operating costs. Founded in 1999, Xert is based in Alexandria, Va., and provides applications and solutions to more than 100 customers including D.C United, PR Newswire The Smithsonian Institution, Sentara Hospitals, IEEE, Cort Furniture, Visioneer, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. For more information, visit the Xert website at www.xert.com.

Contact:
VP, PR, Xert Communications Corporation, 703-838-9847, pr@xert.com