EXHIBIT 12.1 PENTON MEDIA INC. RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Twelve Months Ended December 31, 1997 1998 1999 2000 ---- ---- ---- ---- Income from continuing operations before income taxes, adjustment for minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries and income or loss from equity investees $ 25,069 $ 20,666 $ 23,447 $ 140,068 ---------- --------- --------- ---------- Fixed Charges: Interest expense 686 5,545 21,558 19,486 Amortization of deferred finance fees and debt discounts - 184 1,597 302 Rental expense interest factor 1,826 1,909 2,488 2,812 ---------- --------- --------- ---------- Total Fixed Charges 2,512 7,638 25,643 22,600 ---------- --------- --------- ---------- Income from continuing operations before income taxes, adjustment for minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries and income or loss from equity investees plus fixed charges $ 27,581 $ 28,304 $ 49,090 $162,668 ========== ========= ========= ======== Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 11.0 3.7 1.9 7.2 On a historical and pro forma basis, earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $127.1 million and $131.5 million, respectively, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2001. In addition, on a historical and pro forma basis, earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $7.8 million and $11.6 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2002. Consequently, ratios for these periods have not been disclosed.