CMP Media Acquires Kingbird Media, Producer Of Information Technology Conferences And Events.

MANHASSET, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 30, 1998--

Company Poised to Expand Conferences and Forums

Presence With Focused, Solutions-Oriented Events

CMP Media Inc. (Nasdaq: CMPX) has acquired New York City-based Kingbird Media Group LLC, a producer of information technology (IT) conferences and events with more than 15 years of experience in exhibition marketing and event planning. The deal sparks CMP's expansion into conferences and forums that target specific, high-level audiences and offer solutions to key business challenges.

CMP shares with Kingbird a vision of events that break the traditional trade-show mold. "Our conferences and forums will emphasize content and a solutions-oriented environment, two traits already integral to Kingbird conferences, making the company a valuable acquisition for us," said Michael S. Leeds, President and CEO of CMP. "We see a clear opportunity to differentiate ourselves from the mega trade shows by bringing together high-level audiences in an environment conducive to conducting business."

Kingbird's conferences and events focus on the needs of the strategic and functional information systems roles, demonstrating how the latest technologies can immediately benefit the enterprise.

Events scheduled for 1998 include:

WebIT '98: Integrating Web Applications into the Enterprise, August 11-13

The only event of its kind to provide an end-to-end educational and product solution for integrating Web applications with enterprise applications and databases. WebIT '98, which will take place at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, will provide attendees with an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the business benefits of Web technology and learn how other organizations are exploiting the power of Internet-based electronic-commerce applications and corporate intranets and extranets.

WebBusiness '98: Profit from the Power of the Web, Nov. 1-4

A unique conference that focuses on the business benefits of corporate intranets and extranets. WebBusiness provides an opportunity for IT executives and managers to gain an in-depth understanding of the business benefits of Web technology, and learn how other organizations are exploiting the power of Internet-based commerce applications, and corporate intranets and extranets in their IT organizations. WebBusiness will take place at the Hyatt Regency at Gainy Ranch in Scottsdale, AZ.

Kingbird is also producing two proprietary conferences for the Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq: MSFT). The Windows NT Deployment Conference, which is by invitation only, and The Microsoft Exchange Conference.

Leading CMP's newly-formed Business Forums unit is Vice President of Business Forums Scott Wolf. A 17-year CMP veteran, Wolf has spent months researching the trade show business, talking with vendors and attendees to get an accurate picture of their needs. He will head a team that includes Monica Vila, former President of Blenheim Events and a principal of Kingbird Media Group.

CMP Media Inc. is the only high-tech media company providing essential information and marketing services to the full technology spectrum -- the builders, sellers and users of technology worldwide. With its portfolio of leading newspapers, magazines, custom publishing, Internet products and conferences, CMP Media is uniquely positioned to offer marketers comprehensive, integrated solutions tailored to meet their individual needs. Online editions of the company's print publications, which include EE Times, InformationWeek, Computer Reseller News and Windows Magazine, along with products and services created exclusively for the Internet, can be found on CMPnet at http://www.CMPnet.com.

NOTE: For more about CMP Media Inc., including recent press releases, investor information, executive bios and directions to CMP offices, visit http://www.cmp.com.

CONTACT: CMP Corporate Communications:

Barbara Kerbel [phone]

or by e-mail [e-mail]

or

Barry Zusman [phone]

or by e-mail [e-mail].