Following  6 year's service in the RAF,  Simon has spent the last 30 years at the forefront of the events industry and more latterly broadening into the wider B2B media space. 

In 2001, Simon took on the role of MD at Clarion Events. Under his leadership, Clarion grew significantly and became an independent entity in 2004. Simon grew Clarion Events into a prominent international player in exhibitions, conferences, publishing, and digital media. This growth saw the company pass through various private equity ownerships.

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Simon now Chairs Opus Origin but is also linked with a number of media and event businesses. 

Sam has been instrumental in the growth of Clarion Events over the last 9 years, delivering over 30 M&A transactions. He describes it as a privilege to have spent such a large amount of getting to know entrepreneurs all over the world, hearing their stories and understanding their business models. 

This has given Sam a unique insight into how new and fast-growing B2B media businesses are doing things differently, in particular around data, content, use of technology and culture. 

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His understanding and experience of implementing business growth best practice has helped to ensure fast track success across all types of businesses operating across 

the B2B industry.

Most recently CEO of Contentive, owner of B2B brands including HRD, Accountancy Age and ClickZ. He successfully transformed multiple B2B traditional publishing and events assets into highly engaged communities of senior executives from leading global brands and the most innovative technology companies.

Spent all of his career working very closely with customers, helping to solve their growing challenges in a more effective and scaleable way.

Loves a real challenge whether it’s to bring new ideas to market, building teams to unlock growth in new countries or working tirelessly to make sure products really do solve a customer’s biggest challenges.

​Dan has over 30 years experience within the media industry, with a strong focus on B2B throughout his career.

Holding director roles in publishing and media agencies, in 2010 he founded his own B2B media, insights and technology agency, Progressive Content, before selling it to GlobalData plc in 2020. As Managing Director of M&A at GlobalData he helped identify, analyse and acquire businesses with nascent data & intelligence and media solution opportunities, with a keen eye on working with management to grow and enhance their capabilities into multi-service line solutions.

As a founder himself, Dan’s passion is helping other entrepreneurs realise their businesses potential, drive growth and creating sustainable value.

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