Lessons from 90+ Deals: Questex CEO, Paul Miller on Cultural Fit, Value Creation & Post-Close Audits

Paul Miller, CEO of Questex

Paul Miller joins us to share his extensive experience in M&A, having led more than 90 acquisitions throughout his career. Paul reveals how Questex uses a proactive, buyer-led approach focused on culture, strategic alignment, and integration discipline. The conversation dives into the importance of early relationship-building with potential targets, auditing post-close success, and developing internal M&A capability—even when the team has no prior deal experience. Paul also shares candid advice on international deals, when to walk away, and how to avoid the common trap of "deal fever."

Things you will learn:

Why cultural fit and people issues often make or break a deal
How to proactively source and warm up acquisition targets
What to include in your M&A integration playbook and audit process
When and why to walk away from a deal—even post-LOI

‍

Paul Miller

Paul Miller is the CEO of Questex, a global business information and events company. With over three decades of experience in media, events, and B2B services, Paul has led more than 90 M&A transactions across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. He is known for his rigorous, people-centric approach to dealmaking and integration, and his ability to scale businesses through strategic acquisitions and operational alignment.