Our People

An Interview with Mark Penton, Managing Director - Learning Technologies Portfolio

An Interview with Mark Penton, Managing Director - Learning Technologies Portfolio

Can you share a bit about your background and where you're from?

I grew up in Hounslow, West London and attended school in Hammersmith. After leaving school at 18, I took a year off working in various jobs before pursuing a biology degree at Exeter. My journey into media sales began at United Trade Press in the late 80s, which makes me feel very old by the way! In the early 90s, I then worked for several media companies, including Maxwell Business Communications, Wilmington Publishing, and Nexus, before settling at Training Information Network - a small company that specialised in training publications and events. A product that I developed; IT Training magazine was sold to Haymarket, and I then moved to Brintex where I launched a competitive publication alongside one of their shows - Training Solutions at the NEC run by Ian Smout who later became my business partner. Seeing event opportunities in the workplace learning sector, we founded Principal Media in 1998 and launched our first event, Learning Technologies, in 2000. After a decade of running it as a lifestyle business, we then became CloserStill’s second acquisition in 2009.

 

How long have you been with the company?

So, I’ve been at the company for 15 years now. I remember our first Christmas party where there were about 20 of us so it’s incredible to see how much CloserStill has grown over those years, now employing over 700 people with offices and events all over the world.

 

What strategic approach are you going to be focusing on at Learning Technologies?

Our overall strategy involves acquisitions, launches, and organic growth to capitalise on local and global opportunities in the workplace learning sector. Learning Technologies as an event covers organisational learning and the technologies used to support workplace learning which is vital for companies seeking a competitive edge through investing in their employees' skills. And with technology constantly evolving and transforming the learning function, events like Learning Technologies have become crucial for all those in learning and development as the market develops and grows. The other key factor is that workplace learning is fundamentally part of the HR function and in the last few years we have launched hugely successful HR Technologies events in the UK and France alongside our Learning Technologies events and are looking at wider opportunities globally moving forward.

 

What motivated you to work in the events industry?

I fell in the industry by accident really, as it just sounded interesting at the time, and I had always liked the idea of being in media and events. And considering I have now worked in the industry for 35 years I have absolutely loved it and am probably more enthusiastic now than ever before!

 

Talk to us about your data and digital transformation focus areas (if any)?

Verified and updated data is gold dust to exhibition organisers, and I believe that integrating knowledge and information across siloed processes and strategies could be incredibly powerful for CloserStill. And technologies like AI for example, could be transformative when it comes to data analytics, marketing content, and visitor interaction. Considering that in our portfolio we run shows that focus on the digital transformation of the learning and HR functions, it is so important that we are also able to offer content to our visitors and delegates through every digital channel available and not just through physical events. Not an easy task but one I think we do quite well.

 

In your day-to-day work, what aspects of your role do you find most fulfilling or enjoyable?

Interacting with people on every level is the most fulfilling aspect of my role. Events are inherently people-oriented, and I have always enjoyed the face-to-face element. I have also been fortunate to have worked both with and for some brilliant people over the years.  

 

How do you personally define and value growth, both professionally and personally?

At CloserStill, growth is ingrained in our DNA. Professionally, it's about driving business, revenues, and margins, and it is what we are all there to achieve and why the company is so successful. Personally, for me, growth is about constantly trying to improve in everything I do and just being a decent person. I have learnt from some great people in the past and I would hope that some of that has rubbed off on me along the way.

 

How would you describe the team culture at Learning Technologies and CloserStill more widely?

CloserStill has always been about good people working together and doing what they do best. We have great teams, full stop. Having small dynamic, flexible, and innovative teams supported by the wider company's resources and support creates a feeling of vibrancy and entrepreneurship. This is why, in my opinion, CloserStill stands out from the crowd.

 

Beyond your professional role, what are some of your interests or hobbies outside of work that you're passionate about?

Coming from West London I am a big QPR fan but don’t get to games as often as I'd like. Same with fishing really, which used to be my main release and where I could switch off.  I also enjoy travelling and am fortunate to have been to some amazing places both with and outside of work. But most of all I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and trying not to embarrass my three kids too much!

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