Layoffs Hit Penton’s Technology Group
Spokesperson: ‘Key’ promotions to be announced in coming days.
A “handful” of positions have been eliminated at Penton Media’s technology group—specifically at its Windows IT Pro, SQL Server, and System iNetwork magazines—a company spokesperson told FOLIO: Monday.
The spokesperson, who declined to say exactly how many staffers were laid off, said the realignment was made in conjunction with Penton’s shift to a “market-facing structure.” Last month, the b-to-b publisher reorganized around 13 market-focused segments under five umbrella groups: industry; agriculture, food and marketing; lifestyle; technology; and financial services.
In November, Penton combined its print-focused audience marketing, online subscription management and e-mail services groups to form one audience development group.
Along with the layoffs, the spokesperson said a number of people within the technology group were given expanded responsibilities. As part of the company’s overall transition, Penton will announce several “key promotions” within the next few days, the spokesperson said.
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handful.... right.... What
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 14:27.handful.... right.... What about Cleveland... New Jersey, Illinois.... they all got hit
Market facing?
Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 02/27/2009 - 18:38.What exactly is does "market facing structure" mean? Based on the latest round of layoffs (far more than a handful, by the way), this new structure has one editor managing the staffs of 5 or more distinct brands, across just as many markets; and a single publisher managing 10+ brands. How does Penton plan to compete with all the closely held, smaller media companies that are dedicated to truly serving just one or two markets? Basically, this "new" business model saves cost by relegating all market expertise to a skeleton staff of sales reps and associate editors. If the CEO can pull this off, then she'll succeed where nobody in B2B has ever succeeded before -- and not for lack of effort.
more layoffs today, but SR
Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 02/27/2009 - 23:54.more layoffs today, but SR is keeping a tight lid on it all. goodbye cleveland and CT staffers, we'll miss you. the running total since january now exceeds 100... handful... pfft. digital guys are next, it'll be HUGE.
Penton Conversion Tables
Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 02/28/2009 - 14:40."Handful" in Pentonspeak is equivalent to "Shitload" in English.
GIT!
Submitted by Tommy K on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 10:51.I'm glad I got while the gittin was good. Lotsa heads gettin chopped, reminds me of the good ol dayz.
Next we'll hear about acquisitions of some newfangled web-properties -- to make bukkitloads of cash! YeeHaw!
still delivering
Submitted by Vista Bill on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 13:48.I don't even know why I'm here.
Just a shame ...
Submitted by Formerly with ... on Tue, 03/03/2009 - 10:21.I'm an editor who just got laid off and I'm kind of bummed because I really wanted things to work out for Penton. I don't see how this company got itself into such a bad position financially. It seems to be in a death spiral.
I don't see how they can continue to publish "leading" trade publications when most of their magazines only have a staff of three or four (horribly overworked) people. I don't think they will be industry leading for long -- say goodbye to the quality of your publications!
I agree with 18:38 --- they have to ditch the publications that aren't performing well and focus on the ones that still have decent circulation/advertising. I don't understand why they're still trying to be all things to all people ... maybe they're hoping to sell some titles off? Yeah, good luck, 'anyone want to buy a failing trade publication?'
A former Pentonite
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 03/03/2009 - 15:58.I too am disgusted at what this new management is doing to the former Penton. This is not the Penton I worked for...no, this is truly Prism. Aside from the new CEO, who really is in no position yet to question her direct reports, all of the management at "Penton" are the former Prism folks. Sorry, but it is true. They treat the "old Penton" folks like ugly step sisters and I do believe they will eventually shut down the office in Cleveland. I remember when Penton was happy being a $200 million publisher under Sal Marino, who would walk the floors everyday. He knew your name, he knew which magazine you worked on, and he cared. Tom Kemp came in and tried to make it into a media empire by buying Internet books, which he was late in the game on and for which he way overpaid. Tech markets took a nosedive and the rest is history. Nussbaum came in and did a remarkable job to fatten the calf for an acquisition. And then, Wasserstein purchased Penton and merged it with Prism Business Media. It's been all downhill from there.
Some more whine?
Submitted by M. Poppins on Thu, 03/05/2009 - 08:49....with that cheese? Sour grapes indeed. Sorry, you lost.
smoking lounge
Submitted by Samantha Kinison on Thu, 03/05/2009 - 11:53.The writing was on the wall when the smoking lounge was closed. Now we have to smoke by the RTA busstop and it feels so dirty. I guess this is what they mean by market-facing strategy.
team-building summer trip
Submitted by on behalf of L. Deshler on Fri, 03/06/2009 - 14:10.The trimming and cut-backs at the cleveland office will help save money on the summer trip to cedar point and the pie-eating competition. Due to smaller staffing levels, they will be able to fit everyone into a small school bus and won't have to buy as many pies.
M. Poppins, cheese and sour grapes
Submitted by Bert the Chimney Sweep on Sat, 03/07/2009 - 13:14.All comments aside, do you work at Penton or in a B2B business? If you do, I'm sure the next 6 months will wipe that smug off your post.
Don't Go To Work On Thursday....
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 03/10/2009 - 12:35....the company conducts their "dirty work" on Thursdays...they layoff, or rather eliminate, 10-15 position weekly. They do this hoping the news won't get to the press (yeah right).
does anybody know how long the layoffs will continue?
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 03/11/2009 - 14:55.I work at a Penton publication and we're just waiting for the axe to drop. The waiting is the hardest part.
Are thursdays Bad?
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 03/11/2009 - 15:29.Can someone bring back Ray Maloney? Where is Ron Wall when you need him!
Congratulations! Don't let the door hit you...
Submitted by Restructured in Cleveland on Wed, 03/11/2009 - 15:58.Unbelievable, I just found out that the editor Penton honored a couple of months ago for having been with the same publication for 50 years was essentially forced into retirement. I guess the editor still has an honorary title so Penton can still feel all warm and fuzzy about the direction of their "restructuring."
Ironic isn't it?
Submitted by Former Employee on Wed, 03/11/2009 - 16:04.They generate more buzz by trying to cover up these layoffs than if they'd just been open about it. I don't know how long the layoffs will continue. I'd imagine they aren't finished yet, but if they really wanted to save some cash and solve some problems at the same time, they'd trim some of that dead weight in upper management.
Selling Off Publications -- You Know It's Coming
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 03/11/2009 - 21:54.So, I figure, when they finally stop eliminating people, they will start selling off properties (publications).
BTW -- tomorrow is Thursday -- Good Luck Everyone!
Not even good looks will save you
Submitted by JW on Thu, 03/12/2009 - 08:00.I've seen some good-looking people let go, and that just doesn't make sense, especially when you're in sales! I'm not sure how long my good looks will keep me in the game, but at least I've got roofing as a back-up job. Everyone needs a roof at some point.
All Aboard!
Submitted by Laura the Bus Driver on Thu, 03/12/2009 - 08:15.All aboard the Penton short-bus! In an effort to be market-facing, our first stop will be the temp-service office, followed up with a trip to the plasma center, and then to the aluminum can recycling center. Don't forget about the upcoming Days of Spring event "Smoking Area Cigarette-butt Scavenger Hunt." The winner will receive free pie. Clip-art promo material coming soon.
disgruntled
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 14:58.Things are just getting worse at Penton Media. Vendors are getting paid in 90 days vs standard 30 days. And employees are asked to work 4 day work week this summer for a 10% paycut through January.
Going down?
Submitted by BobB on Wed, 08/12/2009 - 16:51.Having been burned by Penton, I am waiting for the ship to completely sink. What's the latest? In the group I used to work in, I hear they are getting zero web development help, something that is badly needed if they wish to transition from relying on evaporating print ad revenue.
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