Edgar Filing: PENTON MEDIA INC

SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14a-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

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[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
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[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11c or Section 240.14a-12

PENTON MEDIA, INC.
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

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[PENTON LOGO]
Penton Media, Inc.
The Penton Media Building
1300 East Ninth Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44114-1503

----------------------------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD
ON JUNE 12, 2003
----------------------------------------

TO THE STOCKHOLDERS:

The annual meeting of stockholders of Penton Media, Inc. will be held on
Thursday, June 12, 2003, at 2:00 P.M., local time, at the Penton Media
Conference Center, 1300 East Ninth Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44114-1503, for the
following purposes:

1. To elect three directors to the Board of Directors for a three-year term
expiring in 2006.

2. To ratify the appointment of Penton's independent certified accountants
for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2003.

3. To adopt an amendment to Penton's Restated Certificate of Incorporation
to effect a reverse stock split at one of three ratios.

4. To adopt an amendment to the Certificate of Designations governing
Penton's Series B Convertible Preferred Stock to amend the definition of
"Change of Control Cap."

5. To adopt an amendment to Penton's Restated Certificate of Incorporation
to remove the provision limiting the number of directors to thirteen.

6. To transact such other business as may properly be brought before the
meeting.

The annual meeting may be postponed or adjourned from time to time without any
notice other than announcement at the meeting, and any and all business for
which notice is hereby given may be transacted at any such postponed or
adjourned meeting.

The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on May 6, 2003, as the
record date for determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote
at the meeting.

A list of stockholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting will be available
for examination by any stockholder, for any purpose concerning the meeting,
during ordinary business hours at Penton's principal executive offices, 1300
East Ninth Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44114-1503 during the ten days preceding the
meeting.

Stockholders are requested to complete and sign the enclosed proxy, which is
solicited by the Board of Directors, and promptly return it in the accompanying
envelope, whether or not they plan to attend the annual meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors

/s/ PRESTON L. VICE
PRESTON L. VICE
Secretary
Cleveland, Ohio
April 30, 2003

[PENTON LOGO]
Penton Media, Inc.

PROXY STATEMENT

This proxy statement contains information related to the annual meeting of the
stockholders of Penton Media, Inc. to be held on Thursday, June 12, 2003,
beginning at 2:00 P.M., local time, at the Penton Media Conference Center, 1300
East Ninth Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44114-1503. This proxy statement is being
provided in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of
Directors for use at the 2003 annual meeting of stockholders and at any
adjournment or postponement of the meeting. This proxy statement and the
enclosed proxy card are first being mailed to stockholders on or about April 30,
2003.

ABOUT THE MEETING

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING?

At Penton's annual meeting, stockholders will act upon the matters described in
the accompanying notice of annual meeting of stockholders. These matters
include:

- To elect three directors for a three-year term expiring in 2006;

- To ratify the appointment of Penton's independent certified accountants
for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2003;

- To adopt an amendment to Penton's Restated Certificate of Incorporation
to effect a reverse stock split at one of three ratios;

- To adopt an amendment to the Certificate of Designations governing
Penton's Series B Convertible Preferred Stock to amend the definition of
"Change of Control Cap";

- To adopt an amendment to Penton's Restated Certificate of Incorporation
to remove the provision limiting the number of directors to thirteen; and

- To transact such other business as may properly be brought before the
meeting.

In addition, Penton's management will report on the performance of Penton during
the 2002 Fiscal Year and respond to questions from stockholders.

WHO IS ENTITLED TO VOTE?

Only holders of record of our outstanding common stock and preferred stock at
the close of business on the record date, May 6, 2003, are entitled to receive
notice of and to vote at the meeting, or any postponement or adjournment of the
meeting.

A list of stockholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting will be available
for examination by any stockholder, for any purpose concerning the meeting,
during ordinary business hours at Penton's principle executive offices, 1300
East Ninth Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44114-1503 during the ten days preceding the
meeting.

HOW MANY VOTES DO I GET?

Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote per share of common stock
with respect to all matters on which the holders of common stock are entitled to
vote. The holders of the preferred stock are entitled to a total of 7,737,046
votes with respect to all matters on which the holders of preferred stock are
entitled to vote.

WHO CAN ATTEND THE MEETING?

All stockholders as of the record date, or their duly appointed proxies, may
attend the meeting. Cameras, recording devices and other electronic devices will
not be permitted at the meeting.

WHAT CONSTITUTES A QUORUM?

Under Penton's Bylaws, the presence at the annual meeting, in person or by
proxy, of the holders of shares of Penton stock entitled to cast at least a
majority of the votes which the outstanding stock entitled to vote at the annual
meeting is entitled to cast on a particular matter will constitute a quorum
entitled to take action with respect to the vote on that matter. As of May 6,
2003, the record date for the annual meeting, 33,178,019 shares of common stock
of Penton were outstanding and traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Also as of
May 6, 2003, there were 50,000 shares of preferred stock outstanding, and the
holders of those shares are entitled to a total of 7,737,046 votes. The holders
of Penton's common stock and preferred stock are entitled to vote on all
matters.

Abstentions and broker "non-votes" are counted as present and entitled to vote
for the purposes of determining a quorum.

WHAT IS A BROKER "NON-VOTE"?

A broker "non-vote" occurs when a nominee holding stock for a beneficial owner
does not vote on a particular proposal because the nominee does not have
discretionary power with respect to that item and has not received instructions
from the beneficial owner.

HOW DO I VOTE?

Sign and date each proxy card you receive and return it in the prepaid envelope.
All shares of stock entitled to vote at the annual meeting that are represented
by properly executed proxies will, unless such proxies have been revoked, be
voted in accordance with the instructions given in such proxies or, if no
contrary instructions are given therein, will be voted in accordance with the
Board's recommendations. If you return your signed proxy card but do not mark
the boxes showing how you wish to vote, your shares will be voted in accordance
with the Board's recommendations.

WHAT ARE THE BOARD'S RECOMMENDATIONS?

The Board's recommendations are set forth after the description of each proposal
in this proxy statement. In summary, the Board recommends a vote:

- FOR the election of the directors as described under "Election of
Directors";

- FOR the proposal of the Board of Directors to ratify the appointment of
Penton's independent certified accountants for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2003;

- FOR the amendment to Penton's Restated Certificate of Incorporation to
effect a reverse stock split;

- FOR the amendment to the Certificate of Designations governing Penton's
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock to amend the definition of "Change
of Control Cap"; and

- FOR the amendment to Penton's Restated Certificate of Incorporation to
remove the provision limiting the number of directors to thirteen.

With respect to any other matter that properly comes before the meeting, the
proxy holders will vote as recommended by the Board or, if no recommendation is
given, in their own discretion.

The designees of the holders of our preferred stock to our Board of Directors
abstain from all references to the Board's recommendations in this proxy
statement with respect to proposals four and five because of their possible
conflict of interest as a result of their affiliation to the holders of the
preferred

stock. The members of our Board of Directors designated by the holders of our
preferred stock are Daniel C. Budde, Hannah C. Craven, Peni A. Garber, Vincent
D. Kelly and Perry A. Sook.

MAY I CHANGE MY VOTE AFTER I RETURN MY PROXY CARD?

Yes. Any stockholder who has given a proxy with respect to any matter may revoke
it at any time prior to the closing of the polls as to that matter at the annual
meeting by delivering a notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a
later date to the Secretary of Penton, or by attending the annual meeting and
voting in person.

WHO WILL COUNT THE VOTE?

National City Bank, our independent stock transfer agent, will count the votes
and act as the inspector of election.

WHAT SHARES ARE INCLUDED ON THE PROXY CARD(S)?

The shares on your proxy card(s) represent ALL of your shares of stock of
Penton. If you have shares in the 401(k) Plan and do not vote by proxy, or
return your proxy card with an unclear voting designation or no voting
designation at all, The Northern Trust Company will vote your plan shares in
proportion to the way the other plan participants voted their shares held in the
plan.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF I RECEIVE MORE THAN ONE PROXY CARD?

If your shares are registered differently and are in more than one account, you
will receive more than one proxy card. To ensure that all your shares are voted,
sign and return all proxy cards. We encourage you to have all accounts
registered in the same name and address (whenever possible). You can accomplish
this by contacting our stock transfer agent, National City Bank, at (800)
622-6757.

HOW ARE PROXIES SOLICITED?

Proxies will be solicited by mail. Proxies may also be solicited by directors,
officers and a small number of regular employees of Penton personally or by
mail, telephone or telegraph, but such persons will not be specially compensated
for such services. Brokerage houses, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries will
be requested to forward the soliciting material to the beneficial owners of
stock held of record by such persons, and Penton will reimburse them for their
expenses in doing so.

The entire cost of the solicitation will be borne by Penton.

WHEN ARE STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2004 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS DUE?

To be considered for inclusion in Penton's proxy statement for the 2004 annual
stockholders meeting, stockholder proposals must be received at Penton's offices
no later than December 30, 2003. Proposals must be in compliance with Rule 14a-8
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Penton's Bylaws, and must be
submitted in writing, delivered or mailed to the Corporate Secretary, Penton
Media, Inc., 1300 East Ninth Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44114-1503.

In addition, Penton's Bylaws require that if a stockholder desires to introduce
a stockholder proposal or nominate a director candidate from the floor of the
2004 annual meeting of the stockholders, such proposal or nomination must be
submitted in writing to Penton's Corporate Secretary at the above address not
less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the
2003 annual meeting of the stockholders or, if the date of the annual meeting is
more than 30 days prior to or more than 60 days after the preceding anniversary
date, notice by the stockholder will be timely if received not earlier than the
90th day prior to the 2004 annual stockholders meeting and not later than the
close of business on the later of (i) the 60th day prior to the 2004 annual
stockholders meeting or (ii) the 10th day following public announcement of the
2004 annual stockholders meeting.

MAY A STOCKHOLDER NOMINATE SOMEONE TO BE A DIRECTOR OF PENTON?

As a stockholder, you may recommend any person as a nominee for director of
Penton. Each nomination must be submitted in the same manner as for other
stockholder proposals. Also, the notice must set forth any information regarding
the nominee proposed by the stockholder that would be required to be included in
a proxy statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the Securities and
Exchange Commission and the consent, if so required, of the nominee to be named
in a proxy statement as a candidate for election and to serve as a director of
Penton if elected.

DO THE STOCKHOLDERS HAVE ANY APPRAISAL RIGHTS WITH REGARD TO ANY OF THE
PROPOSALS?

No. Under Delaware law, stockholders are not entitled to appraisal rights with
respect to these proposals.

ARE THERE ANY INDIVIDUALS OR ENTITIES THAT HAVE A SPECIAL INTEREST IN ANY OF THE
PROPOSALS?

Mr. Budde, Ms. Craven, Ms. Garber, Mr. Kelly and Mr. Sook may be deemed to have
an interest in Proposals 4 and 5 due to their affiliation with the holders of
the preferred stock and these holders' interest in these proposals. Penton does
not believe that any interest these directors may have with regard to these
proposals would be opposed to the best interests of the Company.

WHAT IS THE SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT?

The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial
ownership of Penton's common stock and preferred stock as of April 30, 2003, by
(a) the persons known by Penton to be the beneficial owners of more than 5% of
the outstanding shares of common stock, (b) each director, and nominee for
director, of Penton, (c) each of the executive officers of Penton listed in the
Summary Compensation Table, and (d) all directors, nominees and executive
officers of Penton as a group. The information set forth in the table as to
directors, nominees and executive officers is based upon information furnished
to Penton by them in connection with the preparation of this Proxy Statement.
Except where otherwise

indicated, the mailing address of each of the stockholders named in the table
is: c/o Penton Media, Inc., 1300 East Ninth Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44114-1503.

PERCENT OF
NUMBER OF OUTSTANDING SHARES
SHARES OF OF COMMON
NAME COMMON STOCK(1) STOCK(2)
---- --------------- ------------------

ABRY Mezzanine Partners, L.P.(3).......................... 5,598,362(4)(5) 14.44%
c/o ABRY Partners, LLC
111 Huntington Avenue
30th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02199
David L. Babson & Company(6).............................. 1,721,900 5.19
One Memorial Drive
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142
Mario J. Gabelli, et al.(7)............................... 6,082,803 18.33
One Corporate Center
Rye, New York 10580
R. Douglas Greene(8)...................................... 2,508,701(9) 7.56
c/o New Hope Group LLC
600 Linden Ave.
Boulder, Colorado 80304
Sandler Capital Management(10)............................ 2,798,794(5)(11) 7.78
767 Fifth Avenue, 45th Floor
New York, New York 10153
Paul W. Brown............................................. 10,999(12) *
Daniel C. Budde(13)....................................... 5,599,362 14.44
Hannah C. Craven(14)...................................... 2,798,794 7.78
Darrell C. Denny.......................................... 55,938(15) *
William C. Donohue........................................ 384,575(16) 1.16
Peni A. Garber(13)........................................ 5,598,362 14.44
King Harris............................................... 357,306(17) 1.08
Vincent D. Kelly.......................................... 0 *
Thomas L. Kemp............................................ 695,382(18) 2.08
David B. Nussbaum......................................... 198,122(19) *
Daniel J. Ramella......................................... 452,876(20) 1.36
Edward J. Schwartz........................................ 31,143(21) *
Perry A. Sook............................................. 0 *
William B. Summers........................................ 64,899(22) *
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (18
persons)................................................ 13,673,771(23) 32.52

---------------

* Less than one percent

(1) Except as otherwise indicated below, beneficial ownership means the sole
power to vote and dispose of shares.

(2) Calculated using 33,178,019, the number of shares of common stock
outstanding as of April 30, 2003. This number excludes the number of shares
of common stock (1) into which the outstanding preferred stock is
convertible, (2) for which the outstanding warrants are exercisable and (3)
for which any options to purchase common stock held by directors and
executive officers are exercisable.

(3) The information as to ABRY Mezzanine Partners, L.P. (ABRY) and entities
controlled directly or indirectly by ABRY is derived in part from Schedule
13D, as filed with the Securities and Exchange

Commission on March 28, 2002, statements required to be filed by ABRY
pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, and information furnished to
Penton separately by ABRY.

(4) ABRY does not currently own any shares of common stock. This number
represents the number of shares of common stock ABRY would be entitled to
receive upon conversion of its preferred stock and exercise of its warrants
to purchase common stock. ABRY and its affiliated entities currently own
30,000 shares of preferred stock convertible, as of April 30, 2003, into
approximately 4,638,362 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase an
aggregate of 960,000 shares of common stock.

(5) This number reflects the total number of shares of common stock such holder
is entitled to receive upon conversion of its preferred stock and exercise
of the related warrants. The number of shares into which a share of
preferred stock is convertible is calculated by dividing its current
liquidation preference by the conversion price. The liquidation preference
is the sum of the liquidation value of the preferred stock, currently
$1,000, plus any accrued dividends. Currently, dividends compound and
accrue daily. Consequently, the number of shares into which the preferred
stock is convertible increases daily. So long as any of Penton's 10 3/8%
senior subordinated notes due 2011 and 11 7/8% senior secured notes due
2007 remain outstanding, the number of shares of common stock that each of
ABRY and its affiliated entities, ABACUS Master Fund Ltd. and Sandler
Capital Management and its affiliated entities are entitled to receive
pursuant to the conversion of their preferred stock and exercise of the
warrants is limited by the terms of the Certificate of Designations
governing the preferred stock and warrant agreements, respectively, to
prevent any holder or group of holders of preferred stock or warrants from
becoming the beneficial owner of more than 35% of the aggregate votes of
the outstanding capital stock of Penton entitled to vote in the election of
directors. Currently, no holder of preferred stock is limited by this
provision.

(6) The information as to David L. Babson & Company (Babson) is derived from
Scheduled 13G, as filed with the Commission on February 6, 2003.

(7) The information as to Mario J. Gabelli and entities controlled directly or
indirectly by Mr. Gabelli is derived from Schedule 13D/A, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on February 20, 2003, and statements
required to be filed by Mr. Gabelli and entities controlled directly or
indirectly by Mr. Gabelli pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act.
Such statement discloses that (i) Mr. Gabelli is the chief investment
officer for most of the entities signing such statements and is deemed to
have beneficial ownership of the shares beneficially owned by all such
entities, (ii) Mr. Gabelli and such entities do not admit that they
constitute a group within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act
and the rules and regulations thereunder, and (iii) with respect to Penton
common stock, Mr. Gabelli and such entities have the sole power to vote and
dispose of all the shares of which they are beneficial owners, unless the
aggregate voting interest of all such entities exceeds 25% of Penton's
total voting interest or other special circumstances exist, in which case
the proxy voting committees of certain of such entities would have the sole
power to vote certain shares of Penton common stock except 210,383 shares
of Penton's common stock as to which they have no voting power.

(8) The information as to Mr. Greene is derived in part from Schedule 13D, as
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 21, 1999,
statements required to be filed by Mr. Greene pursuant to Section 16(a) of
the Exchange Act, and information furnished to Penton separately by Mr.
Greene. Mr. Greene has indirect beneficial ownership of the common stock
under Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 through New Hope
Group, LLC, a Colorado corporation (New Hope Group). Mr. Greene is the
chief executive officer, sole director and sole shareholder of New Hope
Group. Mr. Greene is a director of Penton.

(9) Includes 4,999 shares subject to options currently exercisable or
exercisable within 60 days of April 30, 2003.

(10) The information as to Sandler Capital Management and entities controlled
directly or indirectly by Sandler is derived in part from Schedule 13D, as
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2002, and
information furnished to Penton separately by Sandler.

(11) Sandler does not currently own any shares of common stock. This number
represents the number of shares of common stock Sandler would be entitled
to receive upon conversion of its preferred stock and exercise of its
warrants to purchase common stock. Sandler and its affiliated entities
currently own 15,000 shares of preferred stock convertible, as of April 30,
2003, into approximately 2,318,794 shares of common stock and warrants to
purchase an aggregate of 480,000 shares of common stock.

(12) Includes 10,999 shares subject to options currently exercisable or
exercisable within 60 days of April 30, 2003.

(13) Ms. Garber and Mr. Budde may be deemed to beneficially own the stock
beneficially owned by ABRY and its affiliated entities because of their
relationship with ABRY and its affiliated entities and because they were
appointed to Penton's Board of Directors at the request of ABRY. Ms. Garber
and Mr. Budde disclaim any beneficial ownership of the shares of stock
owned by ABRY and its affiliates. In addition, Mr. Budde owns 1,000 shares
individually.

(14) Ms. Craven may be deemed to beneficially own the stock beneficially owned
by Sandler and its affiliated entities because of her relationship with
Sandler and its affiliated entities and because she was appointed to
Penton's Board of Directors at the request of Sandler. Ms. Craven disclaims
any beneficial ownership of the shares of stock owned by Sandler and its
affiliates.

(15) Includes 20,000 shares subject to options currently exercisable or
exercisable within 60 days of April 30, 2003.

(16) Includes 74,075 shares held in trust for the benefit of Mr. Donohue's
children, for which Mr. Donohue disclaims beneficial ownership. Includes
10,500 shares subject to options currently exercisable or exercisable
within 60 days of April 30, 2003.

(17) Mr. Harris shares the power to vote and dispose of 25,000 such shares.
Includes 12,999 shares subject to options currently exercisable or
exercisable within 60 days of April 30, 2003.

(18) Includes 2,625 shares held in trust for the benefit of Mr. Kemp's children,
for which Mr. Kemp disclaims beneficial ownership. Includes 190,655 shares
subject to options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of
April 30, 2003.

(19) Includes 58,500 shares subject to options currently exercisable or
exercisable within 60 days of April 30, 2003.

(20) Includes 101,000 shares subject to options currently exercisable or
exercisable within 60 days of April 30, 2003.

(21) Includes 25,999 shares subject to options currently exercisable or
exercisable within 60 days of April 30, 2003.

(22) Includes 10,999 shares subject to options currently exercisable or
exercisable within 60 days of April 30, 2003.

(23) Includes the 5,598,362 shares of common stock that may be deemed to be
beneficially owned by Ms. Garber and Mr. Budde, the 2,798,794 shares of
common stock that may be deemed to be beneficially owned by Ms. Craven and
477,150 shares subject to options currently held by directors and executive
officers exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of April 30, 2003.

PROPOSAL TO ELECT THREE DIRECTORS TO THE BOARD (PROPOSAL 1)

WHAT ARE WE ASKING YOU TO APPROVE?

Three directors are to be elected to serve a three-year term expiring in 2006
and until their respective successors have been elected.

The holders of the preferred stock are currently entitled to five seats on the
Board of Directors. Immediately upon the closing of the private placement of the
preferred stock and warrants in March 2002, the holders of preferred stock were
entitled to three seats on the Board of Directors. At last year's annual meeting
of stockholders, Mr. Budde and Mmes. Craven and Garber were elected to the

Board of Directors by the preferred stockholders to serve a three-year term
expiring in 2005. As of April 1, 2003, the holders of preferred stock were
entitled to two additional seats on the Board of Directors as a result of
Penton's leverage ratio, as determined in accordance with the terms of the
preferred stock purchase agreement, exceeding 7.5 to 1.0. In accordance with
agreements entered into at the time of the private placement, John J. Meehan and
David B. Nussbaum resigned as directors. The Board of Directors appointed
Messrs. Kelly and Sook to fill the vacancies to serve until the annual meeting.

Paul W. Brown has decided not to stand for re-election as a director of Penton.
Consequently, the Board of Directors has determined to reduce the number of
directors comprising the Board of Directors from 12 to 11. Nominees for election
this year are: Vincent D. Kelly, Daniel J. Ramella and Perry A. Sook.

WHAT DOES THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND WITH RESPECT TO PROPOSAL 1?

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE NOMINEES.

WHAT VOTE IS REQUIRED FOR THIS PROPOSAL?

A plurality of the votes of the shares of common stock and preferred stock
present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the election
of directors is required to elect Mr. Ramella.

For the election of Messrs. Kelly and Sook, a plurality of the votes of the
holders of preferred stock, voting separately as a single class and to the
exclusion of the holders of the common stock, is required to elect each nominee.
In addition, the holders of preferred stock have determined to submit the
election of Messrs. Kelly and Sook to a vote of the common stockholders as well.
Consequently, the election of Messrs. Kelly and Sook also requires a plurality
of the votes of the shares of common stock and preferred stock present in person
or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the election of directors,
voting together as a single class.

Under applicable Delaware law, in determining whether each nominee has received
the requisite number of votes, abstentions and broker non-votes will not be
counted.

Except to the extent that stockholders indicate otherwise on their proxies
solicited by Penton's Board of Directors, the holders of these proxies intend to
vote such proxies for the election as directors of the persons named above as
nominees for election, provided that if any of the nominees for election are
unable or fail to act as directors by virtue of an unexpected occurrence, these
proxies will be voted for such other person or persons as will be determined by
the holders of these proxies in their discretion. Alternatively, so long as this
action does not conflict with the provisions of Penton's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, as amended, the Board of Directors may, in its discretion, reduce
the number of directors to be elected.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM EXPIRING 2006:

DIRECTOR PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
NOMINEE SINCE AGE AND DIRECTORSHIPS
------- -------- --- --------------------

Vincent D. Kelly 2003 43 President and Chief Executive Officer of
Metrocall, Inc. (provider of paging and advanced
wireless data and messaging services) since
February 2003. Chief Operating Officer of
Metrocall, Inc. from May 2002 to February 2003.
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Executive
Vice President of Metrocall, Inc. from prior to
1998 to February 2003. Metrocall, Inc. filed a
voluntary petition for reorganization under the
U.S. bankruptcy laws in June 2002 and
successfully emerged from bankruptcy in October
2002.

DIRECTOR PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
NOMINEE SINCE AGE AND DIRECTORSHIPS
------- -------- --- --------------------

Daniel J. Ramella(E) 1990 51 President and Chief Operating Officer of Penton
since 1990.
Perry A. Sook 2003 45 President and Chief Executive Officer of Nexstar
Broadcasting Group, Inc. (television
broadcasting company) since 1996. Director of
Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc., the
Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters, the
Television Bureau of Advertising and the Ohio
University Foundation.

DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE UNTIL 2004:

DIRECTOR PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
NAME SINCE AGE AND DIRECTORSHIPS
---- -------- --- --------------------

King Harris(C)(E)(N) 1987 60 Vice Chairman of the Board since March 2001.
Non-executive Chairman of the Board from May
1998 to March 2001. Chairman, Harris Holdings,
Inc. since November 2000. Chief Executive
Officer of Pittway Corporation (manufacturer and
distributor of alarm and other security products
and, since February 2000, a subsidiary of
Honeywell International Inc.) from May 1987 to
October 2000. Non-executive Chairman of the
Board and Director, Aptar Group, Inc. Director,
Alberto-Culver Company since 2002.
Thomas L. Kemp(E) 1996 51 Chairman of the Board since March 2001. Chief
Executive Officer of Penton since September
1996; Chairman of the Board of Penton from
September 1996 to May 1998.
Edward J. Schwartz (A)(I) 1998 62 President, Harris Holdings, Inc. since November
2000. Vice President of the Security and Fire
Solutions Business of Honeywell International
Inc.'s Home and Building Control Group from
February 2000 to January 2001. Vice President of
Pittway Corporation (manufacturer and
distributor of alarm and other security products
and, since February 2000, a subsidiary of
Honeywell International Inc.) from 1989 to
February 2000.
William B. Summers(A)(I) 2000 53 Chairman of McDonald Investments, Inc. (an
investment banking and securities firm and a
subsidiary of Key Corp) since October 2000,
Chairman and CEO of McDonald Investments Inc.
from August 1995 to October 2000. Executive Vice
President and a member of the Management
Committee of Key Corp. from November 1998 to
December 2000. Director, the New York Stock
Exchange since March 1998. Director, Wilson
Greatbatch Technologies, Inc. since 2001.

DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE UNTIL 2005:

DIRECTOR PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
NAME SINCE AGE AND DIRECTORSHIPS
---- -------- --- --------------------

Daniel C. Budde(C) 2002 42 Partner of ABRY Partners, LLC (investment
holding company) since 2001. Managing Director,
Bond and Corporate Finance Group, John Hancock
Financial Services Company (investment holding
company) from 1989 to 2001. Co-President,
Hancock Mezzanine Investments, LLC from August
2000 to July 2001.
Hannah C. Craven(I) 2002 37 Managing Director of Sandler Capital Management
(investment holding company) since 1993.
Director of Millbrook Press since 1997.
Peni A. Garber(I) 2002 40 Partner of ABRY Partners, LLC (investment
holding company) since October 2000. Co-Head of
ABRY Mezzanine Partners, L.P. (investment
holding company) since 2001. Director of Muzak
Holdings, LLC (provider of business music
programming) since March 1999.
R. Douglas Greene(C)(E)(N) 1999 53 Director and Chief Executive Officer of New Hope
Group, LLC (investment holding company) since
May 1999. Investor in joint venture business
interests in media and entertainment companies
and international businesses in the publishing
and forest products industries. Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of New Hope
Communications Inc. from February 1981 to May
1999.

---------------

(A) Member of Audit Review Committee

(E) Member of Executive Committee

(I) Member of Investment Committee

(N) Member of Nominating Committee

AGREEMENTS REGARDING BOARD REPRESENTATION

The holders of the preferred stock were initially entitled to appoint three
members to our Board of Directors. Pursuant to the agreement by which Penton
sold its preferred stock and related warrants to a group of investors led by
ABRY Mezzanine Partners, L.P., Mr. Budde and Mmes. Craven and Garber were
appointed by the Board of Directors of Penton to serve as directors of Penton.
At last year's annual meeting of stockholders, Mr. Budde and Mmes. Craven and
Garber were elected to the Board of Directors by the preferred stockholders to
serve a three-year term expiring in 2005.

At such time as the holders of convertible preferred stock cease to hold shares
of preferred stock having an aggregate liquidation preference of at least $25
million, they will lose the right to appoint the director for one of these three
Board seats.

Upon the occurrence of the following events, the holders of a majority of the
preferred stock may nominate two additional members to our Board of Directors
and, if such triggering events have not been

cured or waived prior to the end of the next succeeding quarter, may appoint one
less than a minimum majority of our Board of Directors:

- failure to comply with certain specified covenants and obligations
contained in the convertible preferred stock certificate of designations
or purchase agreement and such failure is not cured within 90 days;

- any representation or warranty in the convertible preferred stock
purchase agreement is proven to be false or incorrect in any material
respect; and

- any default that results in the acceleration of indebtedness, where the
principal amount of such indebtedness, when added to the principal amount
of all other indebtedness then in default, exceeds $5 million or final
judgments for the payment of money aggregating more than $1 million (net
of insurance proceeds) are entered against us and are not discharged,
dismissed, or stayed pending appeal within 90 days after entry.

As of April 1, 2003, the holders of preferred stock were entitled to two
additional seats on the Board of Directors as a result of Penton's leverage
ratio, as determined in accordance with the terms of the preferred stock
purchase agreement, exceeding 7.5 to 1.0. In accordance with agreements entered
into at the time of the private placement, Messrs. Meehan and Nussbaum resigned
as directors. The Board of Directors appointed Messrs. Kelly and Sook to fill
the vacancies and serve until the annual meeting.

Upon the occurrence of the following events, the holders of a majority of the
preferred stock may appoint one less than a minimum majority of our Board of
Directors:

- failure to pay the liquidation preference or any cash dividends, to the
extent declared, when due; and

- failure to comply with certain specified covenants and obligations
contained in the preferred stock certificate of designations or purchase
agreement.

Upon the occurrence of the following event, the holders of a majority of the
preferred stock may appoint a minimum majority of our Board of Directors:

- we initiate or consent to proceedings under any applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, composition, or other similar laws or make a conveyance or
assignment for the benefit of our creditors generally or any holders of
any lien takes possession of, or a receiver, administrator, or other
similar officer is appointed for, all or substantially all of our
properties, assets or revenues and is not discharged within 90 days.

On March 19, 2008, the holders of a majority of the preferred stock then
outstanding, if they meet the threshold described in the following paragraph,
will be entitled to appoint one less than a minimum majority of our Board of
Directors, subject to the right to appoint a minimum majority of our Board of
Directors as described in the immediately preceding paragraph.

At such time as the holders of preferred stock cease to hold shares of
convertible preferred stock having an aggregate liquidation preference of at
least $10 million and such holders' beneficial ownership of our preferred stock
and common stock constitutes less than 5% of the aggregate voting power of our
voting securities, the holders of preferred stock will no longer have the right
to any directors.

We have also granted the holders of the preferred stock the right to have
representatives attend meetings of the Board of Directors until such time as
they no longer own any preferred stock, warrants or shares of common stock
issued upon conversion of the preferred stock and exercise of the warrants.

MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors of Penton met nine times during 2002. All of the
directors attended at least seventy-five percent of the total meetings held by
the Board of Directors.

COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Penton's Board of Directors has an Audit Review Committee, a Compensation
Committee, an Executive Committee, an Investment Committee and a Nominating
Committee. All of the directors attended at least seventy-five percent of the
total meetings held by the committees on which they served in 2002.

Executive Committee. The Executive Committee consists of Mr. Harris as Chairman
and Messrs. Kemp, Ramella, and Greene. When the Board is not in session, the
Executive Committee may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board
except as limited by law and Penton's Restated Certificate of Incorporation. The
Executive Committee held four meetings in fiscal 2002.

Audit Review Committee. The Audit Review Committee consists of Mr. Schwartz as
Chairman and Messrs. Brown and Summers. Mr. Brown is not standing for
re-election as a director of Penton, and a replacement has not yet been named.
The Audit Review Committee reviews, as it deems appropriate, and approves
internal accounting and financial controls for Penton and auditing practices and
procedures to be employed in the preparation and audit of Penton's financial
statements. The Audit Review Committee makes recommendations to the full Board
concerning the engagement of independent public accountants to audit Penton's
annual financial statements and arranges with such accountants the scope of the
audit to be undertaken by such accountants. The Audit Review Committee held five
meetings in fiscal 2002.

Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee consists of Mr. Harris as
Chairman and Messrs. Brown, Budde and Greene. Mr. Brown is not standing for
re-election as a director of Penton, and a replacement has not yet been named.
The Compensation Committee reviews and determines the compensation of executive
officers, reviews and makes recommendations to the Board with respect to
salaries, bonuses, and deferred compensation of other officers and executives,
compensation of directors and management succession, and makes such
determinations and performs such other duties as are expressly delegated to it
pursuant to the terms of any employee benefit plan of Penton. The Compensation
Committee held three meetings in fiscal 2002.

Investment Committee. The Investment Committee consists of Mr. Summers as
Chairman and Mr. Schwartz and Mmes. Craven and Garber. The Investment Committee
provides objectives and guidelines for the investment of funds held in trust
under Penton's pension plan, acts as the investment committee for purposes of
Penton's 401(k) plan, and reviews the performance of investment managers charged
with investing Penton pension plan funds. The Investment Committee held two
meetings in fiscal 2002.

Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee consists of Mr. Greene as
Chairman and Mr. Harris. Mr. Kemp, who served on the Nominating Committee in
2002, resigned from the committee in April 2003. The Nominating Committee, as it
deems appropriate, makes recommendations to the full Board with respect to the
size and composition of the Board and its committees and with respect to
nominees for election as directors. The Nominating Committee held two meetings
in fiscal 2002.

The Nominating Committee considers suggestions regarding candidates for election
to the Board submitted by stockholders in writing to Penton's Secretary. With
regard to the 2004 annual meeting of stockholders, any such suggestion must be
received by the Secretary no later than the date by which stockholder proposals
for such annual meeting must be received as described below under the heading
"Stockholder Proposals for the 2004 Annual Meeting."

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

All officers of Penton are elected each year by the Board of Directors at its
annual organization meeting. In addition to Messrs. Kemp and Ramella,
information with respect to whom is set forth above, the executive officers of
Penton include the following:

Jocelyn A. Bradford, 45, Vice President and Controller of Penton since
January 2000. Before joining Penton, Ms. Bradford spent three years at
Century Business Services, Inc. as Controller from December 1996 through
April 1998 and as Treasurer from April 1998 through January 2000.

Darrell C. Denny, 44, President of the Lifestyle Media and IT Media Groups
of Penton since September 2002, Executive Vice President of Penton and
President of the Lifestyle Media division of Penton from October 2000 to
September 2002. Executive Vice President/Group President and Operating
Chair from August 1998 to September 2000, Senior Vice President from 1995
to August 1998 and Vice President from 1994 to 1995 of Miller Freeman, Inc.
(business magazine publisher and exhibition manager).

William C. Donohue, 58, Executive Vice President of Penton and President of
the Industry Media division of Penton since July 2002, Executive Vice
President of Penton and President of the Retail Media division of Penton
from February 2001 until June 2002. President of Donohue Meehan Publishing
Company (business publishing company and a subsidiary of Penton) since
January 1987.

John J. Meehan, 55, President of the Retail Media division of Penton since
July 2002. Executive Vice President of Donohue Meehan Publishing Company (a
business publishing company and a subsidiary of Penton) since January 1987.

David B. Nussbaum, 45, Executive Vice President of Penton and President of
the Technology and Lifestyle division of Penton since September 2002,
Executive Vice President of Penton and President of the Technology Media
division of Penton from September 1998 until August 2002. President of
Internet World Media, Inc. (a business trade show and publishing company
and a subsidiary of Penton) since December 1998. Senior Vice President from
1995 to August 1998 and Vice President from 1994 to 1995 of Miller Freeman
Inc. (business magazine publisher and exhibition manager).

Preston L. Vice, 55, Chief Financial Officer of Penton since February 2003,
Interim Chief Financial Officer of Penton from May 2002 until February
2003, Senior Vice President and Secretary of Penton since July 1998, Senior
Vice President since prior to 1998.

COMPENSATION

BOARD COMPENSATION

Compensation of non-employee directors consists of an annual retainer of
$20,000, plus $3,000 for each Board meeting attended in person, $1,000 for each
Board meeting attended by telephone and $1,000 for each committee meeting
attended, except that $500 is paid for attending a committee meeting held on the
same day as a Board meeting. The Chairman of each of the Audit Review Committee
and the Compensation Committee is paid an additional $5,000 per year. Ms.
Garber, Mr. Budde and Ms. Craven and employee directors are not compensated for
serving as directors.

Each director of Penton will be reimbursed by Penton for out-of-pocket expenses
incurred in attending Board and Board committee meetings.

Penton has adopted the Penton Media, Inc. 1998 Director Stock Option Plan (as
Amended and Restated Effective as of March 15, 2001) for non-employee directors.
The plan was approved by the stockholders at the 1999 annual meeting, and an
increase in the number of shares of common stock authorized under the plan was
approved by stockholders at the 2001 annual meeting. Pursuant to the plan, and
subject to certain limitations contained in it, the Board may grant
non-qualified options to

purchase common stock, at an exercise price not less than fair market value on
the date of grant, to directors of Penton who at the time of grant are not
employees of Penton or any of its subsidiaries. In addition, the Board may
authorize the grant of restricted stock or deferred shares to non-employee
directors under the plan. The plan also provides that the Board may permit
non-employee directors to elect to receive non-qualified options, restricted
stock or deferred shares in lieu of all or a portion of such non-employee
director's compensation otherwise payable in cash. No awards were granted under
the plan in 2002.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

The following table sets forth compensation information for the Chief Executive
Officer of Penton (who served in this capacity throughout 2002) and for each of
Penton's four most highly compensated other executive officers during 2002 who
were serving at the end of 2002.

LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
-----------------------------------
AWARDS
------------------------ PAYOUTS
ANNUAL --------
COMPENSATION RESTRICTED SECURITIES
-------------------- STOCK UNDERLYING LTIP ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL SALARY BONUS AWARD(S) OPTIONS PAYOUTS COMPENSATION
POSITION YEAR ($) ($) ($) (#) ($) ($)
------------------ ---- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- -------- ------------

Thomas L. Kemp, 2002 $577,500(1) $ 50,000 $1,653,774(2) 0 0 $ 3,739(3)
Chief Executive Officer 2001 600,000 50,000 778,750(2) 150,000 0 14,800
2000 550,000 592,375 0 46,000 0 13,742

Daniel J. Ramella, 2002 $433,125(1) $ 35,000 $1,041,624(2) 0 0 $ 5,034(3)
President and Chief 2001 450,000 35,000 510,860(2) 105,000 0 9,933
Operating Officer 2000 400,000 447,375 0 30,000 0 9,494

David B. Nussbaum, 2002 $410,000 $ 30,000 $ 436,043(2) 0 $ 0 $ 2,966(3)
Executive Vice President 2001 410,000 26,500 211,820(2) 75,000 0 7,784
and Division President 2000 375,000 504,590 0 20,000 450,000(4) 5,266

Darrell C. Denny, 2002 $312,813(1) $ 92,350 $ 108,698(2) 0 0 $ 5,089(3)
President, Lifestyle Media 2001 325,000 107,300 52,955(2) 35,000 0 4,074
and IT Media Groups (5) 2000 67,708 0 100,000(6) 20,000 0 0

William C. Donohue, 2002 $298,375(1) $ 30,000 $ 0 0 0 $ 0
Executive Vice President 2001 310,000 15,000 0 2,500 0 4,992
and Division President 2000 310,000 148,750 0 2,500 0 9,776

---------------

(1) Each of Messrs. Kemp, Ramella, Denny and Donohue voluntarily agreed to a 5%
reduction to his 2002 base salary compared to his 2001 base salary, which
reduction was effective from April 1, 2002, until December 31, 2002.

(2) Deferred shares awarded: Mr. Kemp, 125,000; Mr. Ramella, 82,000; Mr.
Nussbaum, 34,000; and Mr. Denny, 8,500, shares awarded in 2001; and Mr.
Kemp, 211,480; Mr. Ramella, 133,200; Mr. Nussbaum, 55,760; and Mr. Denny,
13,900, shares awarded in 2002, each having a one-year deferral period;
provided, however, that each such award of deferred shares will become
nonforfeitable with respect to 25% of the award on each three-month
anniversary of the date of grant. Deferral periods are subject to
acceleration in the event of death, permanent disability, retirement upon
reaching age sixty-five, termination without cause, termination for good
reason or upon a change of control of Penton. These numbers are based on the
value of Penton's common stock as of the date of grant. As of December 31,
2002, the value of the deferred shares awarded in 2001 was $85,000 to Mr.
Kemp; $55,760 to Mr. Ramella; $23,120 to Mr. Nussbaum; and $5,780 to Mr.
Denny. As of December 31, 2002, the value of the deferred shares awarded in
2002 was $143,806 to Mr. Kemp; $90,576 to Mr. Ramella; $37,917 to Mr.
Nussbaum; and $9,452 to Mr. Denny. The deferred shares do not provide for
dividend equivalents or voting rights.

(3) For term life and long-term disability insurance provided by Penton during
the year.

(4) In accordance with the terms of his employment agreement, Mr. Nussbaum
received a one-time payment equal to $450,000. This payment was made to Mr.
Nussbaum upon the achievement of

specified performance goals based on the overall growth of the Technology
Media division of Penton over the period from 1998 through 2000.

(5) Mr. Denny joined Penton in October 2000.

(6) In accordance with the terms of his employment agreement, Mr. Denny was
awarded 3,538 Deferred Shares having a one-year deferral period, in lieu of
a signing bonus that would otherwise have been paid in cash. This number is
based on the value of Penton's common stock as of the date of grant. As of
December 31, 2002, the value of the award was $2,406. These Deferred Shares
did not provide for dividend equivalents or voting rights.

STOCK OPTION GRANTS DURING YEAR

No stock options were granted to executive officers named in the Summary
Compensation Table during 2002.

OPTION EXERCISES AND YEAR-END VALUES

The following table sets forth information with respect to exercises of options
during 2002 by the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table
and the values of unexercised options held by them as of December 31, 2002.

AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN 2002 AND YEAR-END OPTION VALUES

NUMBER OF SECURITIES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
SHARES UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
ACQUIRED ON OPTIONS AT YEAR-END (#) AT YEAR-END ($)
EXERCISE VALUE --------------------------- ---------------------------
NAME (#) REALIZED ($) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
---- ----------- ------------ ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------

Thomas L. Kemp 0 0 144,655 196,000 0 0
Daniel J. Ramella 0 0 71,000 135,000 0 0
David B. Nussbaum 0 0 38,500 95,000 0 0
Darrell C. Denny 0 0 0 55,000 0 0
William C. Donohue(1) 0 0 0 20,000 0 0

---------------

(1) As of December 31, 2002, Mr. Donohue had the right to receive options to
acquire 13,000 shares based on his participation in the option exchange
approved by stockholders in 2002, which options he received on February 24,
2003. Of these, options to acquire 10,500 shares are currently exercisable
and options to acquire 2,500 shares are not currently exercisable.

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS -- AWARDS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR

The following table sets forth information relating to the long-term incentive
awards that were made on February 5, 2002, under the Equity and Performance
Incentive Plan for the following named executive officers.

ESTIMATED FUTURE PAYOUTS
UNDER NON-STOCK
PERFORMANCE PRICE-BASED PLANS (1)
NUMBER OF SHARES, OR OTHER (NUMBER OF SHARES)
UNITS OR OTHER PERIOD UNTIL -----------------------------
NAME RIGHTS MATURATION OR PAYOUT THRESHOLD TARGET MAXIMUM
---- ----------------- -------------------- --------- ------- -------

Thomas L. Kemp 125,000 1/1/02 - 12/31/04 62,500 125,000 187,500
Daniel J. Ramella 90,000 1/1/02 - 12/31/04 45,000 90,000 135,000
David B. Nussbaum 75,000 1/1/02 - 12/31/04 37,500 75,000 112,500
Darrell C. Denny 40,000 1/1/02 - 12/31/04 20,000 40,000 60,000
William C. Donohue 40,000 1/1/02 - 12/31/04 20,000 40,000 60,000

---------------

(1) Estimated payout if certain performance levels are achieved. No payout
occurs unless a specified minimum performance is achieved.
15

The above table presents information about performance shares granted during the
year pursuant to Penton's Equity and Performance Incentive Plan. Each
performance share, if earned, entitles the executive officer to receive one
share of Penton's common stock. The earning of the performance shares awarded is
subject to the achievement of specified performance goals, based on Penton's
income (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and unusual
items (EBITDA) over the three year period from January 1, 2002 through December
31, 2004.

The total target number of shares which may be earned are 125,000 for Mr. Kemp;
90,000 for Mr. Ramella; 75,000 for Mr. Nussbaum; 40,000 for Mr. Denny; and
40,000 for Mr. Donohue (the "Target Performance Shares").

None of the Target Performance Shares will be earned unless a specified minimum
performance is achieved. A portion (50% to 90%) of the Target Performance Shares
may be earned if EBITDA per share is below the specified target level but above
the minimum performance level. If EBITDA per share meets the specified target
level, all of the Target Performance Shares will be earned. If EBITDA per share
exceeds the specified target level, up to 150% of the Target Performance Shares
may be earned.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

The Compensation Committee approved restated employment agreements with each of
Messrs. Kemp and Ramella in 1999 and approved initial employment agreements with
each of Messrs. Nussbaum and Denny in 1998 and 2000, respectively. Each of these
employment agreements was amended on December 11, 2001. The agreements are for
terms currently expiring December 31, 2003, in the case of Messrs. Kemp and
Ramella; September 8, 2003, in the case of Mr. Nussbaum; and October 15, 2003,
in the case of Mr. Denny; and will renew automatically for an additional year
after such expiration dates (or until age 65, if earlier) unless either party
thereto elects otherwise, but may be terminated by the executive with 120 days
notice.

The agreements for Messrs. Kemp, Ramella and Denny provide for participation in
Penton's Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. The agreements also provide for
supplementary life insurance for Messrs. Kemp, Ramella, Nussbaum and Denny in an
amount equal to one and one-half times each executive's salary and supplementary
long-term disability coverage that provides for a maximum monthly benefit (when
combined with Penton's base long-term disability plan) of $18,333 per month for
Messrs. Kemp, Ramella, Nussbaum and Denny.

In addition, the agreements provide for additional supplementary life and
long-term disability insurance coverage for Messrs. Kemp, Ramella, Nussbaum and
Denny that would provide benefits, in the event of the executive's covered death
or disability, in the amount of $4,000,000 for Mr. Kemp; $2,610,000 for Mr.
Ramella; $1,070,000 for Mr. Nussbaum; and $270,000 for Mr. Denny, payable in a
single lump sum. In the event the life or long-term disability insurance
coverage described in the preceding sentence cannot be procured or maintained,
Penton will pay the benefit from its own funds.

Each employment agreement provides for a payment to each executive in an amount
equal to the total of all income taxes imposed on the executive as a result of
(a) the provision of the life insurance and the long-term disability coverage,
(b) imputed income to the executive with respect to the Senior Executive Loan
Program and (c) such payment.

Each employment agreement also provides for a payment to each executive in an
amount equal to the total of all income taxes imposed on the executive as a
result of (a)(i) the issuance to the executive of the deferred shares granted to
the executive on April 23, 2002, on an accelerated basis following a change of
control, the executive's death or permanent disability, a termination without
cause, a termination by the executive for good reason or involuntary retirement
or (ii) any other issuance of the deferred shares if a change of control occurs
prior to the payment in full of amounts due under the Senior Executive Loan
Program and (b) such payment.

Each employment agreement further entitles the executive to receive a payment in
the event that the excise tax under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code
applies to the issuance of the deferred
16

shares or the payment described in the preceding paragraph and the sum of (a)
the value of the deferred shares (reduced by such excise tax) plus (b) the value
of the shares purchased by the executive pursuant to the Senior Executive Loan
Program plus (c) the proceeds of any life insurance or long-term disability
coverage ((a), (b) and (c), the "Loan Payments") is less than the amount due and
owing under the Senior Executive Loan Program at the time of the change of
control (the "Change of Control Loan Balance"). In that event, the payment
referred to in the preceding sentence will be in an amount equal to the sum of
(x) the lesser of (1) the difference between the Change of Control Loan Balance
and the Loan Payments or (2) 20% of the sum of the value of the deferred shares
at the time of the change of control plus such payment plus (y) an amount, such
that after payment of all taxes (including any excise tax under Code Section
4999) imposed on such payment, the executives retain an amount equal to the Code
Section 4999 excise tax imposed upon such payment.

The agreements also provide that in the event the executive's employment is
terminated by Penton (other than for "cause" (as defined in the agreements) or
by reason of his death, disability or retirement) or by the executive for "good
reason" (as defined in the agreements and as described below), the executive
will be entitled to receive certain severance benefits.

In the case of Messrs. Kemp and Ramella, upon the occurrence of the events
described in the preceding paragraph, each such executive is entitled to receive
(a) any accrued but unpaid salary and expense reimbursement and (b) his salary
(as in effect at the time of termination or, if higher, as in effect as of the
most recent extension of the employment period) for a period of three years
following the date of his termination of employment. In addition, in the event
that the employment of Messrs. Kemp or Ramella is terminated by Penton other
than for cause or by the executive for good reason within the two year period
following a "change of control," each such executive will be entitled to receive
a payment (payable, at the executive's option, in a lump sum) equal to (i) the
executive's target bonus for the year in which the termination occurs or, if
higher, the executive's target bonus for the preceding year or the year in which
the change of control occurs and (ii) if the executive's employment is
terminated after July 1 of the then-current year, a pro-rated portion of the
executive's target bonus for the year in which the termination occurs or, if
higher, a pro-rated portion of the executive's target bonus for the preceding
year or the year in which the change of control occurs.

In the case of Messrs. Nussbaum and Denny, each such executive is entitled to
receive (a) any accrued but unpaid salary and expense reimbursement and (b) his
salary (as in effect at the time of termination or, if higher, as in effect as
of the most recent extension of the employment period) for a period of two years
following the date of his termination of employment. In addition, in the event
that the employment of Messrs. Nussbaum or Denny is terminated by Penton other
than for cause or by the executive for good reason within the two year period
following a "change of control," each such executive will be entitled to receive
a payment (payable, at the executive's option, in a lump sum) equal to his
target bonus for the year in which the termination occurs or, if higher, the
executive's target bonus for the preceding year or the year in which the change
of control occurs. All executives party to such agreements are also entitled to
the continuation of certain additional benefits (e.g., medical insurance).

Payments and benefits under the employment agreements are subject to reduction
in order to avoid the application of the excise tax on "excess parachute
payments" under the Internal Revenue Code, but only if the reduction would
increase the net after-tax amount received by the executive.

The transactions that are deemed to result in a change of control for the
purposes of these agreements include: (a) any person (with certain exceptions as
described in the agreements) becoming the beneficial owner of 40% or more of the
voting stock of Penton (or, with respect to Mr. Nussbaum, the filing of a
Schedule 13D or Schedule 14D that discloses that any person has become the
beneficial owner of 20% or more of the voting stock of Penton); (b) individuals
who, as of the date of the agreements, constitute the Board of Directors (the
"Incumbent Board") cease for any reason (other than death or disability) to
constitute at least a majority of the Board of Directors (provided that any
individual who becomes a director subsequent to the date of the agreements whose
appointment or election is approved by a majority of the Incumbent Board is
considered to be a member of the Incumbent Board);

(c) a merger or consolidation with, or sale of all of or substantially all of
Penton's assets to another entity, as a result of which less than a majority of
the voting shares of the surviving entity are owned by former stockholders of
Penton; and (d) approval by the stockholders of Penton of a complete liquidation
or dissolution of Penton. "Good reason" for termination of employment by the
executive includes reduction in salary, the failure by Penton to extend the
executive's employment under the agreement or a breach by Penton of the terms of
the agreement and, in the case of Mr. Nussbaum, a change of control.

Each agreement includes non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality
obligations on the part of the executive, which survive its termination.

PLANS AND ARRANGEMENTS

Retirement Plan

Participants in the Penton Media, Inc. Retirement Plan consist of a majority of
the full-time employees of Penton and its subsidiaries in the United States,
including the executive officers. The plan is fully paid for by Penton, and
employees become fully vested after five years of service. The annual benefit
payable to an employee under the plan upon retirement, computed as a straight
life annuity amount, equals the sum of the separate amounts the employee accrues
for each of his years of service under the plan. Such separate amounts are
determined as follows: for each year through 1988, 1.2% of such year's
compensation up to the Social Security wage base for such year and 1.85% (2.0%
for years after 1986) of such year's compensation above such wage base; for each
year after 1988 through the year in which the employee reaches thirty-five years
of service, 1.2% of such year's "covered compensation" and 1.85% of such year's
compensation above such "covered compensation;" and for each year thereafter,
1.2% of such year's compensation. Years of service and compensation with Pittway
Corporation prior to Penton's spinoff from Pittway in August of 1998 are taken
into account under the plan. The employee's compensation under the plan for any
year includes all salary (before any election under Pittway's or Penton's salary
reduction plan or cafeteria plan), commissions and overtime pay and, beginning
in 1989, bonuses, subject to such year's limit applicable to tax-qualified
retirement plans ($160,000 for 1999, $170,000 for 2000 and 2001, and $200,000
each year thereafter). The employee's "covered compensation" under the plan for
any year is generally the average, computed as of such year, of the Social
Security wage bases for each of the thirty-five years preceding the employee's
Social Security retirement age, assuming that such year's Social Security wage
base will not change in the future. Normal retirement age under the plan is age
65, and reduced benefits are available as early as age 55. Benefits are not
subject to reduction for Social Security benefits or other offset amounts.
Estimated annual benefits payable under the plan upon retirement at normal
retirement age for the following persons (assuming 1999 compensation at
$160,000, 2000 and 2001 compensation at $170,000 and future compensation at the
$200,000 limit currently applicable, and that covered compensation remains
constant) are $60,167 for Mr. Kemp; $94,912 for Mr. Ramella; $74,081 for Mr.
Nussbaum; $68,864 for Mr. Denny; and $33,336 for Mr. Donohue.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

Messrs. Kemp, Ramella, Denny and Nussbaum participate in Penton's Supplemental
Executive Retirement Plan, which is not tax-qualified. The annual benefit
payable to a participant under the plan at age 65, computed as a straight life
annuity amount, equals the sum of the separate amounts the participant accrues
for each of his years of service after September 3, 1996, for Mr. Kemp; July 1,
1977, for Mr. Ramella; September 8, 1998, for Mr. Nussbaum; and October 16,
2000, for Mr. Denny. Years of service and compensation with Pittway are taken
into account. The separate amount for each such year is 1.85% of that portion of
the participant's salary and annual discretionary cash bonus, if any, for such
year (before any election under Pittway's or Penton's salary reduction plan, and
including any portion of such bonus taken in the form of Deferred Shares Awards)
in excess of the limit applicable that year to the compensation that may be
taken into account under tax-qualified retirement plans ($160,000 in 1999,
$170,000 in 2000 and 2001 and $200,000 in 2002) but less than $500,000. Benefits
are not

subject to reduction for Social Security benefits or other offset amounts.
Accrued benefits are subject to forfeiture in certain events. Estimated annual
benefits payable under the plan upon retirement at age 65 for the following
persons (assuming 2003 and future annual salary and discretionary cash bonus of
not more than $500,000 for each of them and that the $200,000 limit currently
applicable remains constant) are $111,515 for Mr. Kemp; $116,329 for Mr.
Ramella; $108,406 for Mr. Nussbaum; and $82,442 for Mr. Denny.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

None of the individuals who served as members of the Compensation Committee in
2002 was or has been an officer or employee of Penton or, other than Mr. Budde,
engaged in transactions with Penton (other than in his capacity as director). In
connection with the closing of the sale of our preferred stock and related
warrants, we paid ABRY Mezzanine Partners, L.P., with whom Mr. Budde is
affiliated, a fee of $450,000, or 1.5% of the purchase price paid by ABRY
Mezzanine Partners, L.P.

None of Penton's executive officers serves as a director or member of the
compensation committee of another entity, one of whose executive officers serves
as a member of the Compensation Committee or a director of Penton.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

This Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation shall not be deemed
incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference
this Proxy Statement into any other Penton filing under the Securities Act of
1933 or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that
Penton specifically incorporates this report by reference therein, and shall not
otherwise be deemed filed under those Acts.

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for
establishing and administering an executive compensation program for Penton,
determining the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer of Penton and
approving the compensation proposed by the Chief Executive Officer for all other
executive officers of Penton listed in the Summary Compensation Table. Actions
regarding compensation for 2002 were approved by the Compensation Committee.
Penton's Compensation Committee intends to follow the compensation policies
discussed below.

The Compensation Committee, comprised of four non-employee directors, has
prepared this report to summarize Penton's policies and practices with regard to
executive compensation.

OBJECTIVES

Penton's basic objectives for executive compensation are to recruit and keep top
quality executive leadership focused on attaining long-term corporate goals and
increasing stockholder value.

ELEMENTS OF COMPENSATION

Total compensation has three components: (1) base salary; (2) short-term
incentive (generally cash bonus); and (3) long-term incentive (generally stock
options and performance shares).

Base Salary

Base salaries for executive officers are set within ranges that are reasonable,
considering comparable positions in companies similar to Penton in the industry
and region. Base salaries are also intended to be equitable and high enough to
keep qualified executives from being overdependent on cash bonuses.

Short-Term Incentives

Annual cash bonuses are based on Penton's attainment of its earnings objectives.
Generally, all cash bonuses are tied to individual and group performance based
on goals established at the start of the year, consistent with the Senior
Executive Bonus Plan, and are available in proportionately greater amounts to
those who can most influence corporate earnings. In addition, certain employees
may use all or a portion of their cash bonuses to increase their ownership of
common stock under the Penton Media, Inc. Management Stock Purchase Plan.

Long-Term Incentives

Long-term incentives consisting of stock options, deferred shares and
performance shares are intended to motivate executives to make and execute plans
that improve stockholders' value over the long-term.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION

At the start of the 2001 fiscal year, the Compensation Committee increased Mr.
Kemp's salary to $600,000. In 2002, Mr. Kemp received 125,000 performance shares
which vest subject to the achievement of specified performance goals. The shares
vest upon the attainment of performance goals based on Penton's EBITDA per share
over the three year period from January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2004. In
addition, Mr. Kemp received 211,480 deferred shares in 2002. These deferred
shares have a one-year deferral period; provided, however, that they become
non-forfeitable with respect to 25% of the award on each three-month anniversary
of the date of grant.

This report is submitted on behalf of the Compensation Committee:

King Harris, Chairman
Daniel C. Budde
Paul W. Brown
R. Douglas Greene

PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following graph reflects a comparison of the cumulative total stockholder
return on the common stock with the Russell 2000 Market Index and an index of
peer companies, respectively, for the period commencing August 10, 1998 (the
initial trading date for the common stock) through December 31, 2002. The peer
group consists of Elsevier NV, Meredith Corporation, Inc., Playboy Enterprises,
Inc. (Class B), Primedia, Inc., Reader's Digest Association, Inc., Reed
International Plc, Scholastic Corporation and United News & Media Plc. The peer
group has been revised to exclude CMP Media, Inc., which was included in the
peer group for 1998, because it was sold to Miller Freeman, Inc. in 1999. CMP's
removal did not significantly affect the peer group's 1998 performance. The
graph assumes that the value of the investment in the common stock and each
index was $100 at August 10, 1998, and all dividends were reinvested. The
comparisons in this graph are required by the Securities and Exchange Commission
and, therefore, are not intended to forecast or be necessarily indicative of the
actual future return on the common stock.

[PERFORMANCE GRAPH]

AUGUST 10, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1998 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

Penton Media $100.00 $125.12 $149.29 $167.90 $ 39.23 $ 4.26
Russell 2000 Index 100.00 100.79 120.54 115.34 116.51 91.37
Peer Group 100.00 93.79 100.56 116.80 83.55 80.42

REPORT OF THE AUDIT REVIEW COMMITTEE

This Report of the Audit Review Committee does not constitute soliciting
material and shall not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference by any
general statement incorporating by reference this Proxy Statement into any other
Penton filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, except to the extent Penton specifically incorporates this report by
reference therein, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under those Acts.

All members of the Audit Review Committee are independent as defined in Sections
303.01(B)(2)(a) and (3) of the New York Stock Exchange's listing standards.

During 2001, the Audit Review Committee of the Board of Directors developed a
charter for the Committee, which was approved by the full Board.

As set forth in more detail in the charter, the Audit Review Committee's primary
responsibilities fall into three broad categories:

- first, the Committee is charged with monitoring the preparation of
quarterly and annual financial reports by Penton's management, including
discussions with management and Penton's outside auditors about draft
annual financial statements and key accounting and reporting matters;

- second, the Committee is responsible for matters concerning the
relationship between Penton and its outside auditors, including
recommending their appointment or removal; reviewing the scope of their
audit services and related fees, as well as any other services being
provided to Penton by them; and determining whether the outside auditors
are independent (based in part on the annual letter provided to Penton
pursuant to Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1); and

- third, the Committee oversees management's implementation of effective
systems of internal controls, including review of policies relating to
legal and regulatory compliance, ethics and conflicts of interests.

The Committee has implemented procedures to ensure that during the course of
each fiscal year it devotes the attention that it deems necessary or appropriate
to each of the matters assigned to it under the Committee's charter. To carry
out its responsibilities, the Committee met five times during 2002.

In monitoring the preparation of Penton's financial statements, the Committee
met with both management and Penton's outside auditors to review and discuss
results of operations prior to quarterly and year-end announcements and the
annual financial statements prior to their issuance and to discuss significant
accounting issues. Management advised the Committee that all financial
statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and the Committee discussed the statements with both management and
the outside auditors. The Committee's review included discussion with the
outside auditors of matters required to be discussed pursuant to Statement on
Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communications with Audit Committees).

With respect to Penton's outside auditors, the Committee, among other things,
discussed with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP matters relating to its independence,
including the disclosures made to the Committee as required by the Independence
Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees).
The Committee has also considered whether the provision of non-audit services to
Penton by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is compatible with maintaining its
independence.

Finally, the Committee reviewed proposals for adequate staffing and to
strengthen internal procedures and controls where appropriate.

On the basis of these reviews and discussions, the Committee recommended to the
Board of Directors that the Board approve the inclusion of Penton's audited
financial statements in Penton's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2002, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Members of the Audit Review Committee

Edward J. Schwartz, Chairman
Paul W. Brown
William B. Summers

CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS

In 2000, Penton adopted the Senior Executive Loan Program pursuant to which
certain executives purchased common stock from the Company in exchange for a
promissory note. The maximum amount of indebtedness that was outstanding under
this loan program since January 1, 2002 was $3,985,635 for Mr. Kemp; $2,600,158
for Mr. Ramella; $1,062,623 for Mr. Nussbaum; $895,902 for Mr. Vice; and
$264,958 for Mr. Denny. These amounts also represent the outstanding balances as
of April 30, 2003.

In connection with the closing of the sale of our preferred stock and related
warrants, we paid the purchasers a fee of $750,000, or 1.5% of the purchase
price. Mr. Budde and Mmes. Craven and Garber are affiliated with the purchasers.
Messrs. Kelly and Sook were elected to the Board of Directors by the purchasers.

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Based solely on a review of reports of ownership, reports of changes of
ownership and written representations under Section 16(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 which were furnished to Penton during or with respect to
2002 by persons who were, at any time during 2002, directors or officers of
Penton or beneficial owners of more than 10% of the outstanding shares of common
stock, no such person failed to file on a timely basis any report required by
such section during 2002.

PROPOSAL TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF THE INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS OF
PENTON FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2003 (PROPOSAL 2)

WHAT ARE WE ASKING YOU TO APPROVE?

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, who served as auditors for the year ended December
31, 2002, has been selected by the Board, upon recommendation of the Audit
Review Committee, to audit the consolidated financial statements of Penton for
the year ending December 31, 2003. We are asking you to ratify this engagement.
It is expected that one or more representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
will attend the annual meeting, with the opportunity to make a statement if they
should so desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

WHAT DOES THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND WITH RESPECT TO PROPOSAL 2?

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF THE
INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS.

WHAT VOTE IS REQUIRED FOR THIS PROPOSAL?

The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our outstanding stock
present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on this Proposal
2 is required to approve this Proposal 2. The holders of both our outstanding
common stock and preferred stock are entitled to vote on this Proposal 2. Under
applicable Delaware law, in determining whether this Proposal 2 has received the
requisite number of affirmative votes, abstentions will be counted and have the
same effect as a vote against this proposal and broker non-votes will not be
counted for purposes of this proposal.

WHAT FEES HAVE BEEN PAID TO ACCOUNTANTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,
2002?

AUDIT FEES

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has billed Penton $766,687, in the aggregate, for
professional services rendered by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the audit of
Penton's annual consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2002, and the limited reviews of the unaudited condensed
consolidated interim financial statements included in Penton's Forms 10-Q filed
during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION FEES

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP did not render any services to Penton during the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, related to financial information systems
design and implementation.

ALL OTHER FEES

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has billed Penton $353,083, in the aggregate, for
services rendered by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for all services other than
those covered above under "Audit Fees" and "Financial Information Systems Design
and Implementation Fees" during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002. These
services principally consisted of: (1) audits of employee benefits plans and for
the issuance of consents and comfort letters, $250,159, and (2) income tax
compliance and related tax services, $102,924.

PROPOSAL TO ADOPT AN AMENDMENT TO PENTON'S RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
TO EFFECT A REVERSE STOCK SPLIT AT ONE OF THREE RATIOS (PROPOSAL 3)

WHAT ARE WE ASKING YOU TO APPROVE?

You are being asked to approve an amendment to our Restated Certificate of
Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of our outstanding common stock at
a ratio of one-for-two, one-for-three or one-for-four, which would have the
effect of reducing the number of issued and outstanding shares of Penton common
stock. The text of the amendment is set forth in Exhibit A attached to this
proxy statement.

The Board of Directors has unanimously adopted a resolution seeking stockholder
approval to amend Penton's Restated Certificate of Incorporation to effect a
reverse stock split of Penton common stock. If the reverse stock split is
approved by the stockholders, the Board of Directors may subsequently effect, in
its sole discretion, a one-for-two, one-for-three or one-for-four reverse stock
split. Approval of this proposal by our stockholders would give the Board of
Directors authority to implement the reverse stock split at any time prior to
our annual meeting in 2004. In addition, notwithstanding approval of this
proposal by the stockholders, the Board of Directors may, in its sole
discretion, determine not to effect, and abandon, the reverse stock split
without further action by our stockholders.

WHAT IS THE BACKGROUND AND REASONS FOR SEEKING THIS AMENDMENT?

We have been a public company and have been a listed company on the New York
Stock Exchange since August 7, 1998. Since March of 2000, market prices for
stocks trading in the United States markets, particularly the business to
business media market, have generally declined. In order to reduce the number of
shares of Penton common stock outstanding and thereby attempt to proportionally
raise the per share price of Penton common stock, the Board of Directors
believes that it is in the best interests of our stockholders for the Board of
Directors to obtain the authority to implement a reverse stock split.

Among other requirements, the continued listing standards established by the
NYSE provide that a company can be delisted if its average closing stock price
is below $1.00 over a consecutive 30 trading day period. Once notified that it
has fallen below this requirement, the company must bring its share price and
average share price back above $1.00 by six months following receipt of the
notification. In the event that at the expiration of the six-month cure period,
both a $1.00 share price and a $1.00 average share price over the preceding 30
trading days are not attained, the NYSE will commence suspension and delisting
procedures.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a company determines that, if necessary, it
will cure the price condition by taking an action that will require approval of
its stockholders, it must so inform the NYSE, must obtain the stockholder
approval by no later than its next annual meeting, and must implement the action
promptly thereafter. The price condition will be deemed cured if the price
promptly exceeds $1.00 per share, and the price remains above the level for at
least the following 30 trading days.

On August 15, 2002, the average closing stock price of Penton common stock
during the consecutive 30 trading day period prior to this date was below $1.00.
At that time, we received a notice from the NYSE that we fell below the
continued listing requirement. We responded to this notice and informed the NYSE
of our intent to attempt to cure this condition by, among other actions, seeking
approval from our stockholders at the annual meeting to effect a reverse stock
split.

After six months following our receipt of this notice from the NYSE, we had not
attained both a $1.00 share price and a $1.00 average share price over a
consecutive 30 trading days. Consequently, in order to remain listed on the
NYSE, we are seeking stockholder approval of the reverse stock split in order to
increase our share price over $1.00. Failure to receive this stockholder
approval and thereby achieve this price listing requirement would result in the
removal of the listing of Penton common stock from the NYSE. This delisting
would likely cause the trading volume of Penton common stock to decline, which
could result in a further decline in the share price of Penton common stock.

The Board of Directors believes that it is in the interest of our stockholders
and Penton for it to have the authority to effect the reverse stock split in
order to return our share price to a price level more typical of share prices of
widely-owned public companies. The Board also believes that the higher share
price of Penton common stock may meet investing guidelines for certain
institutional investors and investment funds. In addition, the Board of
Directors believes that, in addition to avoiding delisting, our stockholders
will benefit from relatively lower trading costs for a higher priced stock. The
combination of lower transaction costs and increased interest from institutional
investors and investment funds can ultimately improve the trading liquidity of
our common stock.

If the stockholders approve this proposal, the reverse stock split will be
effected, if at all, only upon a determination by the Board of Directors that
the reverse stock split is in the best interests of the stockholders at that
time. The Board of Directors reserves its right to elect not to proceed, and
abandon, the reverse stock split if it determines, in its sole discretion, that
this proposal is no longer in the best interests of our stockholders. No further
action on the part of stockholders will be required to either implement or
abandon the reverse stock split. If the Board of Directors does not implement
the reverse stock split prior to our annual meeting in 2004, the authority
granted in this proposal to implement the reverse stock split on these terms
will terminate.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT?

There can be no assurance that the total market capitalization of Penton common
stock (the aggregate value of all Penton common stock at the then market price)
after the proposed reverse stock split will be equal to or greater than the
total market capitalization before the proposed reverse stock split or that the
per share market price of Penton common stock following the reverse stock split
will either equal or exceed the current per share market price.

There can be no assurance that the market price per new share of Penton common
stock after the reverse stock split will remain unchanged or increase in
proportion to the reduction in the number of old shares of Penton common stock
outstanding before the reverse stock split. For example, based on the market
price of Penton common stock on March 31, 2003 of $0.55 per share, if the Board
of Directors decided to implement the one-for-two reverse stock split, there can
be no assurance that the post-split market price of Penton common stock would be
$1.10 per share or greater.

Accordingly, the total market capitalization of Penton common stock after the
proposed reverse stock split may be lower than the total market capitalization
before the proposed reverse stock split and, in the future, the market price of
Penton common stock following the reverse stock split may not exceed or remain
higher than the market price prior to the proposed reverse stock split.

If the reverse stock split is effected, the resulting per-share stock price may
not attract institutional investors or investment funds and may not satisfy the
investing guidelines of such investors and, consequently, the trading liquidity
of Penton common stock may not improve.

While the Board of Directors believes that a higher stock price may help
generate investor interest, there can be no assurance that the reverse stock
split will result in a per-share price that will attract institutional investors
or investment funds or that such share price will satisfy the investing
guidelines of institutional investors or investment funds. As a result, the
trading liquidity of Penton common stock may not necessarily improve.

A decline in the market price of Penton common stock after the reverse stock
split may result in a greater percentage decline than would occur in the absence
of a reverse stock split, and the liquidity of Penton common stock could be
adversely affected following such a reverse stock split.

If the reverse stock split is effected and the market price of Penton common
stock declines, the percentage decline may be greater than would occur in the
absence of a reverse stock split. The market price of Penton common stock will,
however, also be based on Penton's performance and other factors, which are
unrelated to the number of shares outstanding. Furthermore, the liquidity of
Penton common stock could be adversely affected by the reduced number of shares
that would be outstanding after the reverse stock split.

WHAT ARE THE MATERIAL EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSED REVERSE STOCK SPLIT?

If approved and effected, the reverse stock split will be realized
simultaneously for all of Penton common stock and the ratio will be the same for
all of Penton common stock. The reverse stock split will affect all of Penton's
stockholders uniformly and will not affect any stockholder's percentage
ownership interests in Penton, except to the extent that the reverse stock split
would otherwise result in any of Penton's stockholders owning a fractional share
or option. As described below, stockholders otherwise entitled to fractional
shares as a result of the reverse stock split will be entitled to cash payments
in lieu of such fractional shares. Such cash payments will reduce the number of
post-reverse stock split stockholders to the extent there are stockholders
presently who would otherwise receive less than one share of Penton common stock
after the reverse stock split. In addition, the reverse stock split will not
affect any stockholder's percentage ownership or proportionate voting power
(subject to the treatment of fractional shares). However, because the number of
authorized shares of Penton common stock will not be reduced, the reverse stock
split will increase the Board of Directors' ability to issue authorized and
unissued shares without further stockholder action.

The principal effects of the reverse stock split will be that:

- the number of shares of Penton common stock issued and outstanding will
be reduced from approximately 33.2 million shares as of April 30, 2003,
to a range of approximately 8.3 million to 16.6 million shares;

- the number of shares that may be issued upon the exercise of conversion
rights by holders of securities convertible into Penton common stock will
be reduced proportionately based upon the reverse stock split ratio
selected by the Board of Directors;

- based on the reverse stock split ratio selected by the Board of
Directors, proportionate adjustments will be made to the per share
exercise price and the number of shares issuable upon the exercise of all
outstanding options and warrants entitling the holders to purchase shares
of Penton common stock, which will result in approximately the same
aggregate price being required to be paid for such options upon exercise
immediately preceding the reverse stock split; and

- the number of shares reserved for issuance under the Equity and
Performance Incentive Plan and the Director Stock Option Plan, and the
number of shares issuable under the Management Stock Purchase Plan, will
be reduced proportionately based on the reverse stock split ratio
selected by the Board of Directors.

In addition, the reverse stock split will increase the number of stockholders
who own odd lots (less than 100 shares). Stockholders who hold odd lots
typically may experience an increase in the cost of selling their shares, and
may have greater difficulty in effecting sales.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO FRACTIONAL SHARES AS A RESULT OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT?

You will not receive fractional post-reverse stock split shares in connection
with the reverse stock split. Instead, the transfer agent will aggregate all
fractional shares and sell them as soon as practicable after the effective date
at the then prevailing prices on the open market on behalf of those holders who
would otherwise be entitled to receive a fractional share. We expect that the
transfer agent will conduct the sale in an orderly fashion at a reasonable pace
and that it may take several days to sell all of the aggregated fractional
shares of common stock. After completing such sale, you will receive a cash
payment from the transfer agent in an amount equal to your pro rata share of the
total net proceeds of that sale. No transaction costs will be assessed on this
sale, however, the proceeds will be subject to federal income tax. In addition,
you will not be entitled to receive interest for the period of time between the
effective date of the reverse stock split and the date you receive your payment
for the cashed-out shares. The payment amount will be paid to the holder in the
form of a check in accordance with the procedures outlined below.

After the reverse stock split, you will have no further interest in Penton with
respect to your cashed-out shares. A person otherwise entitled to a fractional
interest will not have any voting, dividend or other rights except to receive
payment as described above.

If you do not hold sufficient Penton shares to receive at least one share in the
reverse stock split and you want to continue to hold Penton common stock after
the reverse stock split, you may do so by taking either of the following actions
far enough in advance so that it is completed by the effective date:

(1) purchase a sufficient number of shares of Penton common stock on the
open market so that you hold at least an amount of shares of Penton
common stock in your account prior to the reverse stock split that
would entitle you to receive at least one share of Penton common stock
on a post-reverse stock split basis; or

(2) if applicable, consolidate your accounts so that you hold at least an
amount of shares of Penton common stock in one account prior to the
reverse stock split that would entitle you to receive at least one
share of Penton common stock on a post-reverse stock split basis.
Shares held in registered form (that is, shares held by you in your own
name in Penton's stock records maintained by our transfer agent) and
shares held in "street name" (that is, shares held by you through a
bank, broker or other nominee), for the same investor will be
considered held in separate accounts and will not be aggregated when
effecting the reverse stock split.

You should be aware that, under the escheat laws of the various jurisdictions
where you reside, where Penton is domiciled and where the funds will be
deposited, sums due for fractional interests that are not timely claimed after
the effective time may be required to be paid to the designated agent for each
such jurisdiction. Thereafter, stockholders otherwise entitled to receive such
funds may have to seek to obtain them directly from the state to which they were
paid.

WHAT WILL BE THE EFFECT OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT ON PENTON'S DIRECTORS AND
EMPLOYEES?

- If you are a Penton director or employee, the number of shares reserved
for issuance under the Director Stock Option Plan and the Equity and
Performance Incentive Plan, respectively, will be reduced proportionately
based on the reverse stock split ratio selected by the Board of
Directors. In addition, the number of shares issuable upon the exercise
of options and the exercise price for such options will be adjusted based
on the reverse stock split ratio selected by the Board of Directors.

- If you are a current or former employee or a director of Penton, you may
own Penton restricted stock units or you may own Penton common stock
under the Management Stock Purchase Plan,
27

the 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan or the Employee Stock Purchase Plan,
all of which would be adjusted based on the reverse stock split ratio
selected by the Board of Directors.

WHAT WILL BE THE EFFECT OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT ON REGISTERED AND BENEFICIAL
STOCKHOLDERS?

Upon a reverse stock split, we intend to treat stockholders holding Penton
common stock in "street name," through a bank, broker or other nominee, in the
same manner as registered stockholders whose shares are registered in their
names. Banks, brokers or other nominees will be instructed to effect the reverse
stock split for their beneficial holders holding Penton common stock in "street
name." However, such banks, brokers or other nominees may have different
procedures than registered stockholders for processing the reverse stock split.
If you hold your shares with such a bank, broker or other nominee and if you
have any questions in this regard, we encourage you to contact your nominee.

WHAT WILL BE THE EFFECT OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT ON PENTON'S PREFERRED
STOCKHOLDERS?

If you are a holder of Penton's Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, the
conversion price thereof, and consequently the number of shares of Penton common
stock each convertible security is converted into, will be adjusted
proportionately based on the reverse stock split ratio selected by the Board of
Directors.

WHAT WILL BE THE EFFECT OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT ON REGISTERED CERTIFICATE
SHARES?

- Some of our registered stockholders hold all their shares in certificate
form. If any of your shares are held in certificate form, you will
receive a transmittal letter from our transfer agent, National City Bank,
as soon as practicable after the effective date of the reverse stock
split. The letter of transmittal will contain instructions on how to
surrender your certificate(s) representing your pre-reverse stock split
shares to the transfer agent.

- If you are entitled to a payment in lieu of any fractional share
interest, such payment will be made as described above under "Effect on
Fractional Stockholders."

STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT DESTROY ANY STOCK CERTIFICATE(S) AND SHOULD NOT SUBMIT
ANY CERTIFICATE(S) UNTIL REQUESTED TO DO SO.

WHAT WILL BE THE EFFECT OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT ON PENTON'S AUTHORIZED
SHARES?

The reverse stock split would affect all issued and outstanding shares of Penton
common stock and outstanding rights to acquire Penton common stock. Upon the
effectiveness of the reverse stock split, the number of authorized shares of
Penton common stock that are not issued or outstanding would increase due to the
reduction in the number of shares of Penton common stock issued and outstanding
based on the reverse stock split ratio selected by the Board of Directors. As of
April 30, 2003, we had 155 million shares of authorized common stock and
33,178,019 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. We will continue to
have 2,000,000 authorized shares of preferred stock. Authorized but unissued
shares will be available for issuance, and we may issue such shares in the
future. If we issue additional shares, the ownership interest of holders of
Penton common stock will be diluted.

ARE THERE ANY MATERIAL ACCOUNTING CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT?

The reverse stock split will not affect the par value of Penton common stock. As
a result, as of the effective time of the reverse stock split, the stated
capital attributable to Penton common stock on its balance sheet will be reduced
proportionately based on the reverse stock split ratio selected by the Board of
Directors, and the additional paid-in capital account will be credited with the
amount by which the stated capital is reduced. The per share net income or loss
of Penton common stock will be restated because there will be fewer shares of
Penton's common stock outstanding.

DOES THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT HAVE ANY ANTI-TAKEOVER IMPLICATIONS?

Although the increased proportion of unissued authorized shares to issued shares
could, under certain circumstances, have an anti-takeover effect (for example,
by permitting issuances that would dilute the stock ownership of a person
seeking to effect a change in the composition of the Board of Directors or
contemplating a tender offer or other transaction for the combination of Penton
with another company), the reverse stock split proposal is not being proposed in
response to any effort of which we are aware to accumulate Penton's shares of
common stock or obtain control of Penton, nor is it part of a plan by management
to recommend to the Board and stockholders a series of amendments to our
Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Other than this reverse stock split
proposal and any other proposal contained in this proxy statement, the Board of
Directors does not currently contemplate recommending the adoption of any other
amendments to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation that could be construed
to affect the ability of third parties to take over or change the control of
Penton.

HOW WILL THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT BE EFFECTED?

If the stockholders approve the proposal to authorize the reverse stock split
and the Board of Directors decides to implement the reverse stock split at any
time prior to our next annual meeting of stockholders, we will file a
Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to
amend our existing Restated Certificate of Incorporation. The reverse stock
split will become effective on the date of filing the Certificate of Amendment,
which is referred to as the "effective date." Beginning on the effective date,
each certificate representing pre-reverse stock split shares will be deemed for
all corporate purposes to evidence ownership of post-reverse stock split shares.
The text of the Certificate of Amendment is set forth in Exhibit A to this proxy
statement. The text of the Certificate of Amendment is subject to modification
to include such changes as may be required by the office of the Secretary of
State of the State of Delaware and as the Board of Directors deems necessary and
advisable to effect the reverse stock split.

DO STOCKHOLDERS HAVE APPRAISAL RIGHTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE REVERSE STOCK
SPLIT?

No. Under the General Corporation Law of the state of Delaware, our stockholders
are not entitled to appraisal rights with respect to the reverse stock split,
and we will not independently provide stockholders with any such right.

WHAT ARE THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT?

The following is a summary of certain material United States federal income tax
consequences of the reverse stock split and is included for general information
only. Further, it does not address any state, local or foreign income or other
tax consequences. Also, it does not address the tax consequences to holders that
are subject to special tax rules, such as banks, insurance companies, regulated
investment companies, personal holding companies, foreign entities, nonresident
alien individuals, broker-dealers and tax-exempt entities. The discussion is
based on the provisions of the United States federal income tax law as of the
date hereof, which is subject to change retroactively as well as prospectively.
This summary also assumes that the pre-reverse stock split shares were, and the
post-reverse stock split shares will be, held as a "capital asset," as defined
in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (i.e., generally, property held
for investment). The tax treatment of a stockholder may vary depending upon the
stockholder's particular facts and circumstances. Each stockholder is urged to
consult with the stockholder's own tax advisor with respect to the tax
consequences of the reverse stock split. As used herein, the term United States
holder means a stockholder that is, for federal income tax purposes: (a) a
citizen or resident of the United States; (b) a corporation or partnership (or
other entity taxed as a corporation or partnership) created or organized in or
under the laws of the United States, any State of the United States or the
District of Columbia; (c) an estate the income of which is subject to federal
income tax regardless of its source; or (d) a trust if a U.S. court is able to
exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or
more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the
trust.
29

Other than with respect to any cash payments received in lieu of fractional
shares discussed below, no gain or loss should be recognized by a stockholder
upon such stockholder's exchange of pre-reverse stock split shares for
post-reverse stock split shares pursuant to the reverse stock split. The
aggregate tax basis of the post-reverse stock split shares received in the
reverse stock split (including any fraction of a post-reverse stock split share
deemed to have been received) will be the same as the stockholder's aggregate
tax basis in the pre-reverse stock split shares exchanged therefor. In general,
stockholders who receive cash in exchange for their fractional share interests
in the post-reverse stock split shares as a result of the reverse stock split
will be deemed for federal income tax purposes to have first received the
fractional share interests and then to have had those fractional share interests
redeemed for cash, recognizing gain or loss based on their adjusted basis in the
fractional share interests redeemed. The stockholder's holding period for the
post-reverse stock split shares will include the period during which the
stockholder held the pre-reverse stock split shares surrendered in the reverse
stock split.

The receipt of cash instead of a fractional share of Penton common stock by a
United States holder of Penton common stock will generally result in a taxable
gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the
holder's adjusted tax basis in the fractional share as set forth above. The gain
or loss will constitute a capital gain or loss and will constitute long-term
capital gain or loss if the holder's holding period is greater than one year as
of the effective date.

Our view regarding the tax consequences of the reverse stock split is not
binding on the Internal Revenue Service or the courts. ACCORDINGLY, EACH
STOCKHOLDER SHOULD CONSULT WITH HIS OR HER OWN TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO ALL
OF THE POTENTIAL TAX CONSEQUENCES TO HIM OR HER OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT.

WHAT DOES THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND WITH RESPECT TO PROPOSAL 3?

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS APPROVED THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT. THE BOARD BELIEVES
THAT THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF PENTON AND ITS
STOCKHOLDERS AND RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL 3.

WHAT VOTE IS REQUIRED TO APPROVE THIS PROPOSAL 3?

The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our outstanding stock
entitled to vote on this Proposal 3 is required to approve this Proposal 3. The
holders of both our outstanding common stock and preferred stock are entitled to
vote on this Proposal 3. Under applicable Delaware law, in determining whether
this Proposal 3 has received the requisite number of affirmative votes,
abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted and have the same effect as a
vote against the proposal.

PROPOSAL TO ADOPT AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 5A OF THE CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATIONS
GOVERNING PENTON'S SERIES B CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK TO AMEND THE DEFINITION
OF "CHANGE OF CONTROL CAP" (PROPOSAL 4)

WHAT ARE WE ASKING YOU TO APPROVE?

You are being asked to adopt an amendment to Section 5A of the Certificate of
Designations governing our outstanding preferred stock to make a technical
correction to the formula used to calculate the Change of Control Cap. This
amendment would be accomplished by replacing the Change of Control Cap
definition in its entirety with the text set forth on Exhibit B to this proxy
statement.

WHAT IS THE CHANGE OF CONTROL CAP?

The Change of Control Cap is designed to prevent any holder of our outstanding
preferred stock from becoming, by virtue of the holder's ownership of preferred
stock, the beneficial owner of more than 35% of our voting equity interests,
that is, our outstanding common and preferred stock.

If any person becomes the beneficial owner of more than 35% of our voting equity
interests, a "Change of Control" will occur under our outstanding bonds, our
credit facility and the preferred stock. As a result, each holder of our bonds
would have the right to require us to repurchase all or any part of the holder's
bonds at face value plus accrued and unpaid interest, any amounts outstanding
under our credit facility would immediately become due and payable, and each
holder of preferred stock would have the right to require us to redeem all of
the holder's preferred stock. Currently, we do not have sufficient funds to pay
these amounts.

WHY ARE WE SEEKING THIS AMENDMENT?

As currently drafted, the Change of Control Cap looks at each individual holder
of preferred stock and calculates the number of votes the holder has with
respect to the preferred stock it owns. However, if two holders of preferred
stock own more than 35% of our voting equity interests, the formula will not
work to properly limit the number of votes to which either preferred stockholder
is entitled. The revised formula proposed by this amendment will correct this
problem.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF VOTING FOR PROPOSAL 4?

The advantage of approving this proposal is that it will eliminate the ability
of any preferred stockholder to become the beneficial owner of more than 35% of
our voting equity interests solely as a result of the holder's ownership of
preferred stock. This, in turn, will prevent a Change of Control from occurring
under our outstanding bonds, our credit facility or our outstanding preferred
stock solely as a result of a preferred stockholder's ownership of preferred
stock.

There are no disadvantages to the holders of our common stock from approving
this proposal. Currently, there are no disadvantages to the holders of our
preferred stock from approving this proposal as we do not currently have
sufficient funds to redeem the preferred stock upon a change of control.

WILL THIS AMENDMENT PREVENT A CHANGE OF CONTROL FROM OCCURRING?

No. This amendment will not prevent a Change of Control from occurring if any
person becomes the beneficial owner of more than 35% of our voting equity
interests through ownership of our common stock alone. This amendment only
reduces the number of votes a preferred stockholder has with respect to the
holder's preferred stock. It does not limit the number of votes the holder of
common stock has with respect to any common stock it holds.

WHAT DOES THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND WITH RESPECT TO PROPOSAL 4?

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS APPROVED THE ADOPTION OF THIS AMENDMENT TO SECTION 5A
OF THE CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATIONS GOVERNING PENTON'S SERIES B CONVERTIBLE
PREFERRED STOCK TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF "CHANGE OF CONTROL CAP." THE BOARD
BELIEVES THAT PROPOSAL 4 IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF PENTON AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS
AND RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL 4.

WHAT VOTE IS REQUIRED TO APPROVE THIS PROPOSAL 4?

The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our outstanding stock
entitled to vote on this Proposal 4 is required to approve this Proposal 4. The
holders of both our outstanding common stock and preferred stock, voting
together as a single class, are entitled to vote on this Proposal 4. Under
applicable Delaware law, in determining whether Proposal 4 has received the
requisite number of affirmative votes, abstentions and broker non-votes will be
counted and have the same effect as a vote against the proposal.

In addition, under applicable Delaware law and the Certificate of Designation
governing our preferred stock, the holders of the preferred stock are entitled
to vote separately as a class on Proposal 4 because Proposal 4 adversely affects
the terms of the preferred stock. The terms of the preferred stock

require an affirmative vote by 75% of the outstanding shares of preferred stock
to approve this Proposal 4.

PROPOSAL TO ADOPT AN AMENDMENT TO PENTON'S RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
TO REMOVE THE PROVISION LIMITING THE NUMBER OF DIRECTORS TO THIRTEEN (PROPOSAL
5)

WHAT ARE WE ASKING YOU TO APPROVE?

You are being asked to adopt an amendment to Penton's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation to remove the provision of Section 7.1 that limits the number of
directors to thirteen. Currently, Section 7.1 of our charter provides that
"under no circumstance shall the number of directors exceed thirteen (13)." This
proposal to remove this limit would be accomplished by amending Section 7.1 of
our Restated Certificate of Incorporation to delete this language.

WHY ARE WE SEEKING THIS AMENDMENT?

As discussed above under "Agreement Regarding Board Representation," upon the
happening of certain events, the holders of preferred stock have the right to
designate up to a majority of the members to our Board of Directors. Currently,
the only way they can exercise this right should it arise is for current members
of the Board of Directors to resign. While several of our current directors have
agreed to resign should the need arise in order to honor this obligation, we may
desire instead to increase the size of the Board beyond thirteen members subject
to the approval of the holders of our preferred stock.

In addition, the current limit is unusual for a publicly traded company. This
provision was placed in our charter when we were spun off from Pittway
Corporation in August 1998. At that time, approximately 24% of our outstanding
common stock was owned by a related group of investors, which group constituted
our single largest stockholder. This group also had representatives on our Board
of Directors that constituted five of our eleven directors at the time.

Since August 1998, this group of investors has sold almost all of their Penton
common stock. Currently, members of this group own approximately 1.2% of our
common stock. This percentage includes 38,998 shares subject to options
currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of April 30, 2003. In
addition, only two directors, Messrs. Harris and Schwartz, remain on our Board
from the original five members who were affiliated with this group of
stockholders. Consequently, we believe it is no longer appropriate to have this
limit in our charter.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF VOTING FOR PROPOSAL 5?

The advantage of approving this proposal is that it provides greater flexibility
to the Board of Directors in complying with its obligation to appoint additional
designees of the holders of preferred stock to the Board of Directors. If you do
not approve this proposal and the need should arise to appoint more designees of
the preferred stock holders to the Board of Directors, current members of the
Board of Directors would need to resign. Consequently, we would lose the
valuable experience and expertise of the resigning directors. In addition, this
amendment would bring our charter more in line with other publicly traded
companies.

We do not believe that there are any disadvantages to approving this proposal.

WHAT DOES THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND WITH RESPECT TO PROPOSAL 5?

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS APPROVED THE ADOPTION OF THIS AMENDMENT TO PENTON'S
RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO REMOVE THE PROVISION IN SECTION 7.1
LIMITING THE NUMBER OF DIRECTORS TO THIRTEEN. THE BOARD BELIEVES THAT PROPOSAL 5
IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF PENTON AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS AND RECOMMENDS THAT YOU
VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL 5.

WHAT VOTE IS REQUIRED TO APPROVE THIS PROPOSAL 5?

Under our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the affirmative vote of
two-thirds of the voting power of our outstanding shares of capital stock
entitled to vote on this Proposal 5 is required to approve this Proposal 5. The
holders of both our outstanding common stock and preferred stock are entitled to
vote on this Proposal 5. Under applicable Delaware law, in determining whether
this Proposal 5 has received the requisite number of affirmative votes,
abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted and have the same effect as a
vote against the proposal.

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2004 ANNUAL MEETING

Stockholders who intend to have a proposal considered for inclusion in Penton's
proxy materials for presentation at the 2004 annual stockholders meeting must
submit the proposal to Penton no later than December 30, 2003. Stockholders who
intend to present a proposal at the 2004 annual meeting without inclusion of
such proposal in Penton's proxy materials are required to provide notice of such
proposal to Penton in accordance with the advance notice procedures for
stockholder proposals set forth in Penton's Bylaws and summarized below. Penton
reserves the right to reject, rule out of order, or take other appropriate
action with respect to any proposal that does not comply with these and other
applicable requirements.

The Bylaws establish an advance notice procedure for stockholder proposals to be
brought before an annual or special meeting of stockholders of Penton, including
proposed nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors.
Stockholders at an annual or special meeting may only consider proposals or
nominations brought before the meeting by Penton, by or at the direction of the
Board of Directors or by a stockholder who was a stockholder of record on the
record date for the meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has
given to Penton's Secretary timely written notice, in proper form, of the
stockholder's intention to bring that business before the meeting.

To be timely, notice by stockholders of nominations or proposals to be brought
before any special meeting of stockholders must be delivered to the Secretary of
Penton not earlier than the 90th day prior to such meeting and not later than
the 60th day prior to such meeting or the 10th day following the day on which
public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. Notice by
stockholders of nominations or proposals to be brought before any annual meeting
must be received by the Secretary not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days
prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting of
stockholders or, if the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days prior to
or more than 60 days after the preceding anniversary date, notice by the
stockholder will be timely if received not earlier than the 90th day prior to
such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of (i)
the 60th day prior to such annual meeting or (ii) the 10th day following public
announcement of such meeting.

Each notice by stockholders must set forth (i) the name and address of the
stockholder who intends to make the nomination or proposal and of any beneficial
owner on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made and (ii) the class and
number of shares of common stock that are owned beneficially and of record by
such stockholder and beneficial owner, if any. In the case of a stockholder
proposal, the notice must also set forth a brief description of the business
desired to be brought before the meeting, the reasons for conducting such
business at the meeting and any material interest of such stockholder or
beneficial owner, if any, in that proposed business. In the case of nomination
of any person for election as a director, the notice must also set forth any
information regarding the nominee proposed by the stockholder that would be
required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules
of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the consent, if so required, of
the nominee to be named in a proxy statement as a candidate for election and to
serve as a director of Penton if elected.

OTHER MATTERS

The management of Penton does not intend to present, and does not have any
reason to believe that others will present, any item of business at the annual
meeting other than those specifically set forth in the notice of the meeting.
However, if other matters are properly presented for a vote, the proxies will be
voted for such matters in accordance with the judgment of the persons acting
under the proxies.

ANNUAL REPORT

Penton's annual report for the year ended December 31, 2002, is enclosed with
this proxy statement. Stockholders are referred to the report for financial and
other information about Penton. Other than Items 7, 7A, 8 and 9 of the Form 10-K
included in such annual report, which items are incorporated into this proxy
statement by reference, such report is not incorporated by reference into this
proxy statement and is not to be deemed a part of the proxy soliciting material.

By Order of the Board of Directors

/s/ PRESTON L. VICE
PRESTON L. VICE
Secretary

Cleveland, Ohio
April 30, 2003

EXHIBIT A

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT TO

RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF PENTON MEDIA, INC.

Penton Media, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Corporation"), does hereby
certify that:

FIRST: This Certificate of Amendment amends the provisions of the
Corporation's Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the "Certificate of
Incorporation").

SECOND: The terms and provisions of this Certificate of Amendment have been
duly adopted in accordance with Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of
the State of Delaware.

THIRD: Article IV of the Certificate of Incorporation is hereby amended by
deleting Section 4.1 in its entirety and replacing it with the following:

"4.1. Capital Stock. The total number of shares of stock which the
Corporation has authority to issue is One Hundred Fifty-Seven Million
(157,000,000) shares, consisting of Two Million (2,000,000) shares of
Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share, and One Hundred Fifty-Five
Million (155,000,000) shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share.

Upon this Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of the Corporation becoming effective pursuant to the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "Effective Time"), every
[four] [three] [two] shares of the Corporation's common stock, par value
$.01 per share (the "Old Common Stock"), issued and outstanding immediately
prior to the Effective Time, will be automatically reclassified as and
converted into one share of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the
Corporation (the "New Common Stock").

Notwithstanding the immediately preceding paragraph, no fractional shares
of New Common Stock shall be issued to the holders of record of Old Common
Stock in connection with the foregoing reclassification of shares of Old
Common Stock. In lieu thereof, the aggregate of all fractional shares
otherwise issuable to the holders of record of Old Common Stock shall be
issued to National City Bank, the transfer agent, as agent for, the
accounts of all holders of record of Old Common Stock otherwise entitled to
have a fraction of a share issued to them. The sale of all of the
fractional interests will be effected by the transfer agent as soon as
practicable after the Effective Time on the basis of prevailing market
prices of the New Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange at the time
of sale. After such sale and upon the surrender of the stockholders' stock
certificates, the transfer agent will pay to such holders of record their
pro rata share of the net proceeds derived from the sale of the fractional
interests.

Each stock certificate that, immediately prior to the Effective Time,
represented shares of Old Common Stock shall, from and after the Effective
Time, automatically and without the necessity of presenting the same for
exchange, represent that number of whole shares of New Common Stock into
which the shares of Old Common Stock represented by such certificate shall
have been reclassified (as well as the right to receive cash in lieu of any
factional shares of New Common Stock as set forth above), provided,
however, that each holder of record of a certificate that represented
shares of Old Common Stock shall receive, upon surrender of such
certificate, a new certificate representing the number of whole shares of
New Common Stock into which the shares of Old Common Stock represented by
such certificate shall have been reclassified, as well as any cash in lieu
of fractional shares of New Common Stock to which such holder may be
entitled pursuant to the immediately preceding paragraph."

A-1

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Certificate of
Amendment to be signed by its officer thereunto duly authorized this [ ] day of
[ ], 200[ ].

PENTON MEDIA, INC.

By:
--------------------------------------
Name
Title

A-2

EXHIBIT B

As used herein, the term "Change of Control Cap" means, with respect to each of
the two holders of shares of Series B Preferred Stock that possess the most
aggregate votes of the aggregate Voting Equity Interests of the Corporation
before application of the Change of Control Cap, the quotient obtained by
dividing (A) the difference between (x) the product of 3.5 times the aggregate
votes of the aggregate Voting Equity Interests of the Corporation (other than
with respect to the shares of Series B Preferred Stock held by both of such
holders or shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to Section 6 upon conversion
of Series B Preferred Stock held by both of such holders), less (y) the product
of 6.5 times the aggregate votes of the aggregate Voting Equity Interests of the
Corporation held by such holder (other than with respect to the shares of Series
B Preferred Stock held by such holder or shares of Common Stock issuable
pursuant to Section 6 upon conversion of Series B Preferred Stock held by such
holder), less (z) the product of 3.5 times the aggregate votes of the aggregate
Voting Equity Interests of the Corporation held by such other holder (other than
with respect to the shares of Series B Preferred Stock held by such other holder
or shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to Section 6 upon conversion of
Series B Preferred Stock held by such other holder) by (B) 3; provided, however,
that if the Change of Control Cap resulting from the foregoing calculation for
the holder of Series B Preferred Stock having the lesser number of aggregate
votes of the aggregate Voting Equity Interests of the Corporation is greater
than the aggregate votes of the shares of Series B Preferred Stock held by such
holder, then such holder's votes with respect to its Series B Preferred Stock
will not be limited, and the Change in Control Cap for the holder of Series B
Preferred Stock having the greater number of aggregate votes of the aggregate
voting Equity Interests of the Corporation will be calculated as the quotient
obtained by dividing (A) the difference between (x) the product of .35 times the
aggregate votes of the aggregate Voting Equity Interests of the Corporation
(other than with respect to any shares of Series B Preferred Stock held by such
holder or shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to Section 6 upon conversion
of Series B Preferred Stock held by such holder) less (y) the aggregate votes of
the aggregate Voting Equity Interests held by such holder (other than with
respect to any shares of Series B Preferred Stock held by such holder or shares
of Common Stock issuable pursuant to Section 6 upon conversion of Series B
Preferred Stock held by such holder) by (B) .65; provided further, however, that
if the Change of Control Cap resulting from the calculation set forth in the
foregoing proviso for the holder of Series B Preferred Stock having the greater
number of aggregate votes of the aggregate Voting Equity Interests of the
Corporation is greater than the aggregate votes of the shares of Series B
Preferred Stock held by such holder, then such holder's votes with respect to
its Series B Preferred Stock will not be limited.

B-1

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!

PLEASE MARK, SIGN AND DATE THIS PROXY ON THE REVERSE SIDE AND
RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE.

SEE REVERSE SIDE

FOLD AND DETACH HERE

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PENTON MEDIA, INC.

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON JUNE 12, 2003

FOR HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $.01

THOMAS L. KEMP, DANIEL J. RAMELLA and PRESTON L. VICE (each with full power
of substitution) are hereby authorized to vote all the shares of Common Stock
which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present at the
annual meeting of stockholders of Penton Media, Inc. to be held on June 12,
2003, and at any adjournment thereof, as follows on the reverse side and below.
The shares represented by this proxy will be voted as directed, but if no
direction is given, the shares will be voted FOR the election as directors of
the named nominees and FOR each of items 2-5, inclusive.

FOR WITHHOLD FOR ALL
ALL ALL EXCEPT

1. Election of Directors --
Nominees: 01-Vincent D. Kelly, 02-Daniel J. Ramella,
03-Perry A. Sook [ ] [ ] [ ]

------------------------------------------------------------
(Except nominee(s) written above)

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN

2. Approve the appointment of independent accountants for
fiscal year 2003. [ ] [ ] [ ]
3. Approve an amendment to Penton's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split at one of
three ratios. [ ] [ ] [ ]

(Continued and to be signed on reverse side.)

FOLD AND DETACH HERE

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Continued from other side)

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN

4. Approve an amendment to the terms of Penton's outstanding
Preferred Stock to amend the definition of "Change of
Control Cap." [ ] [ ] [ ]
5. Approve an amendment to Penton's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation to remove the provision limiting the number of
directors to thirteen. [ ] [ ] [ ]

The undersigned acknowledges
receipt of the Notice of
Annual Meeting of Stockholders
and the Proxy Statement.

Dated ---------------, 2003

------------------------------

------------------------------
Signature(s)

NOTE: Please sign exactly as
your name appears.
Joint owners should
each sign personally.
Where applicable,
indicate your official
position or
representative
capacity.

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!

PLEASE MARK, SIGN AND DATE THIS PROXY ON THE REVERSE SIDE AND
RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE.

SEE REVERSE SIDE

FOLD AND DETACH HERE

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PENTON MEDIA, INC.

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON JUNE 12, 2003

FOR HOLDERS OF SERIES B CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK, PAR VALUE $.01

THOMAS L. KEMP, DANIEL J. RAMELLA and PRESTON L. VICE (each with full power
of substitution) are hereby authorized to vote all the shares of Preferred Stock
which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present at the
annual meeting of stockholders of Penton Media, Inc. to be held on June 12,
2003, and at any adjournment thereof, as follows on the reverse side and below.
The shares represented by this proxy will be voted as directed, but if no
direction is given, the shares will be voted FOR the election as directors of
the named nominees and FOR each of items 2-5, inclusive.

WITHHOLD FOR ALL
FOR ALL ALL EXCEPT

1. Election of Directors -- [ ] [ ] [ ]
Nominees: 01-Vincent D. Kelly, 02-Daniel J. Ramella,
03-Perry A. Sook

------------------------------------------------------------
(Except nominee(s) written above)

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN

2. Approve the appointment of independent accountants for
fiscal year 2003. [ ] [ ] [ ]

(Continued and to be signed on reverse side.)

FOLD AND DETACH HERE

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Continued from other side)

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN

3. Approve an amendment to Penton's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split at one of
three ratios. [ ] [ ] [ ]
4. Approve an amendment to the terms of Penton's outstanding
Preferred Stock to amend the definition of "Change of
Control Cap." [ ] [ ] [ ]
5. Approve an amendment to Penton's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation to remove the provision limiting the number of
directors to thirteen. [ ] [ ] [ ]

The undersigned acknowledges
receipt of the Notice of
Annual Meeting of Stockholders
and the Proxy Statement.

Dated ---------------, 2003

------------------------------

------------------------------
Signature(s)

NOTE: Please sign exactly as
your name appears.
Joint owners should
each sign personally.
Where applicable,
indicate your official
position or
representative
capacity.