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August 19, 2015

Media Contact:

Kate Frischmann

Sarah Murphy

Microsoft to Sponsor 2016 Iowa Caucus Media Center

WASHINGTON, D.C. – August 19, 2015 – Microsoft today announced it will sponsor a media center at Capital Square in downtown Des Moines for the 2016 Iowa Caucuses. The Microsoft Media Center will serve as a nexus for local, national and international media, providing outlets with a place to report on the lead up to and results of the first-in-the-nation Iowa Caucuses.

In making this announcement, Dan’l Lewin, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President of Technology and Civic Engagement, said: “The Iowa Caucuses are no doubt one of the more unique forums for civic engagement. As the world looks to Iowa in early 2016, Microsoft looks forward to providing a unique, innovative experience for the media to share Caucus results from one of Central Iowa’s premier locations.”

The Microsoft Media Center will offer connectivity and work stations to provide media coming in to cover the Caucuses with a temporary, centralized workplace. For the general public, interactive displays will provide information about each candidate across the State of Iowa as well as Caucus results and information for each county.

“The world will have its eyes on Iowa for the 2016 Caucuses, and both parties are committed to ensuring Iowans and those covering the night's events have an incredible experience,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chair Andy McGuire. “Our joint media center will provide reporters with a central home to share our Iowa story across the globe.”

“Our first in the nation status is a bipartisan achievement and we will always work together to prove we deserve this honor,” said Republican Party of Iowa Chair Jeff Kaufmann. “This joint media center will allow reporters to easily report results from both parties on Caucus night in a high-tech, world-class media center.”

Media outlets looking to learn more about the Center are encouraged to visit http://www.2016iowamediacenter.com/. From this site, accredited media can download a form to submit requests for space and technical requirements as well as register crew and staff for credentials. General questions regarding the Center should be sent to svciamc@microsoft.com.

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