Menu

Author: Ashley Cox

An update on The National Outdoor Expo 2021 from Mike Seaman

Posted on by Ashley Cox

Hi everyone,

It is with a heavy heart that I write this note, but unfortunately, we will have to delay the National Outdoor Expo until 19 & 20 March 2022.

We left it as late as we could to make this difficult decision but unfortunately with the new variant and the third lockdown it just feels a bit too risky to try and run the show in March. We have a rule inside the business that our shows are about ‘hugs and high-5s’ and we don’t feel confident that this would be possible by in Spring 2021. We would rather wait and get it right than deliver an event that is anything less than awesome. We feel really hopeful about the fast-testing programme that the government is working on and also the pace at which the vaccine is being rolled out and we think that life will return to normal very soon. However, we understand that our exhibitors, partners and visitors need to plan in advance in order to deliver an event at the size and scale of the National Outdoor Expo which is why we have to make the decision now.

How will this affect me?

We consider ourselves to be very much part of the outdoor community and we want to protect you from any commercial impact of the show cancelling –

  1. If you are a visitor and you bought a ticket, then you will be contacted by See Tickets who will arrange a refund. You can also update your order with See Tickets here
  2. If you were given a free ticket to the show you will automatically be registered to attend the 2022 Expo and will also be given the opportunity to get a free ticket to The National Running Show South and/or the National Snow Show
  3. If you are an exhibitor, partner or sponsor, we will be in touch with you in due course to outline your options and to explore some cool new opportunities for you to promote your business and products

Our Digital Event

We understand that March is the right time for an event focussed on getting active outside and this is why we are waiting until next March for the exhibition to take place. However, we also have something really cool planned for this March on the original dates when the show was due to run. Keep an eye on Outside and Active on social for announcements coming soon!

I am very sorry that we aren’t able to deliver the show for you guys this year but I promise you that it is going to be worth the wait and that March 2022 is going to be EPIC!  We have already confirmed that THESE SPEAKERS will be there and THESE COMPANIES will be there too.

See you next March for hugs and high 5s!

Mike Seaman, CEO, Raccoon Media Group

P.S. If you have any ideas, feedback or suggestions then please do contact me directly at [email protected]

 

National Running Show scoops two industry Excellence Awards

Posted on by Ashley Cox

Raccoon Media Group, the company behind the multi award-winning National Running Show, National Outdoor Expo and National Snow Show portfolio, has scooped two prestigious awards at the AEO Excellence Awards 2020 for Best Consumer Show and the Innovation Award. Adding to its impressive list of 11 industry recognition awards, the winners of the 2020 Excellence Awards were named at a digital event on Friday 4 December.

The 2020 show was the third National Running Show to be hosted at the NEC in Birmingham and attracted over 24,500 visitors across the two days and included a stellar line-up of speakers including Linford Christie, Sally Gunnell, Kriss Akabusi, Lazarus Lake, Dean Karnazes and Camille Herron. Winning the hugely sought after Best Consumer Show award shows the huge dedication and commitment the team has to delivering a show that is relevant, well timed to deliver beginning of season content and not ‘end of line’ products with a big focus on inclusivity and community.

The Show’s ethos has always been ‘no matter how far or how fast you run’ and this approach has helped build a community of runners who feel welcome, motivated and inspired and who continuously feedback the positive experience they have at the show year on year.

The judges said that it was an “inspiring and inclusive show with something for everyone covering all elements of the running world and a focus on sustainability.  An event evidently created and delivered by runners for runners”.

The second award the company scooped is the Innovation Award for its commitment to creating and delivering a first-class sustainability programme, hosting an event that is truly inclusive and building and supporting a running community that spans the UK and beyond. The National Running Show, now in its third year has a unique approach on its sustainability, inclusivity and community at the event.

The judges said this was a truly inspirational entry.  “The team at Raccoon created a utopia event through their core values of sustainability, inclusivity and community which were visibly demonstrated through every aspect of the event and this was overwhelmingly appreciated by the event attendees.”

Mike Seaman, CEO at Raccoon Media Group commented: “We are thrilled to have won two of the most prestigious awards in our industry. We have a very clear vision of the type of event we want to deliver for the running community and our commitment to that and our unwillingness to waver on providing the best experience possible has paid off. This is the best way to end a pretty challenging year and we can’t wait to bring our community together again for the next event.”

The National Running Show South will be at Farnborough International, 5-6 June 2021. For more information about the event visit: https://nationalrunningshow.com/south

The National Snow Show – the new home for snow

Posted on by Ashley Cox

Snowsport enthusiasts across the country should save the date for 23-24 October 2021 when the UK’s only National Snow Show will be taking place at the NEC in Birmingham. The event will be a mecca for winter sports enthusiasts providing a comprehensive retail experience, a first-class speaker line-up and interactive features including Rail Jam dry slope, Rider’s Lounge, Shred Stage, Skate Mini Ramp, Alpine Après Bar with live music and a Good Vibes Après Party, all under one roof. To celebrate the launch the organisers, Raccoon Media Group, has released 2,000 free tickets to the Show on a first-come-first-served basis using code LAUNCH.

The two-day event will play host to some of the snow scene’s biggest names including Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Graham Bell, Kate Ormerod, Billy Morgan, Benjamin Alexander, Scott Penman, Jamie Barrow, Jamie Nicholls and Ed Drake who will lead a packed schedule of inspirational and educational talks on the Snow Stage and workshops in the Snow Skills Cabin, providing new and experienced skiers and snowboarders with an armoury of information and advice to get started or advance in their chosen winter sport.

The Show, which is expected to play host to over 10,000 winter sport enthusiasts, will give visitors access to over 140 brands helping kit shoppers out with the right gear for the winter season ahead. As well as the latest gear and kit, resorts, destinations, and tour operators will be on site to help plan, offer advice and book the perfect winter adventure.

Not just aimed at people already involved in the snow scene, the Show will provide an opportunity for those interested to get a taste for snowsports through a series of workshops, skills sessions, dry slope sessions, as well as a mini league for university students to pitch their skills against each other to be in with a chance to win £500 to spend at the show.

Stephen Morgan, passionate snowboarder, snowsport enthusiast and Managing Director of the Active Division at Raccoon Media Group commented: “The National Snow Show will be the must-attend event for snowsports enthusiasts in 2021. Jam packed with interactive features, the best brands, the biggest names and most importantly, providing an opportunity for the UK snowsport scene to come together in a safe way and prepare for the snow season ahead.

“The Show is not only a chance for seasoned skiers and snowboarders to plan for the upcoming season but will also provide an easy entry point for those curious about snowsports to learn the basics, chat to the experts and hear from incredibly motivating and inspiring speakers before hopefully deciding this is the sport for them.”

The Show will play host to brands, organisations and destinations including Ski Club GB, Mountain Trade Network, The Wave, EcoSki, We Are Horizontal, ArcX Technology, Skiers Edge, Out House Snow, Ellie Soutter Foundation, DSUK, DOUK, Trixski, OTP Holidays, Oneskee, Cactus Drink Well and Cathalan Hats.

For more information about The National Snow Show visit www.nationalsnowshow.com or to discuss opportunities to exhibit contact Event Director, Stephen Morgan [email protected].

Raccoon Media Group announces global expansion of National Running Show portfolio

Posted on by Ashley Cox

Raccoon Media Group, the company behind the award-winning National Running Show has today announced it will be taking its flagship event global with an expansion into the USA. The first in a series of Run Show USA events will take place in Boston, MA at the Hynes Convention Center on 29-30 January 2022.

The two-day event, set across 75,000 sqft, will play host to some of the most inspiration faces from the world of running including Carl Lewis, Dean Karnazes, Susie Chan, Kelly Roberts, Camille Herron and Lazarus Lake, who will lead a packed schedule of inspirational and educational talks on the Inspiration Stage. There will also be practical advice and training tips from a wide range of experts in the Running Skills Theatre, providing new and experienced runners with information and advice to get started or advance their running ability.

The expansion also sees the company announce new investment from industry veteran, Doug Emslie, group managing director at global exhibition organiser Tarsus LTD who brings a wealth of industry knowledge and first-hand insight in the US events market.

Mike Seaman, CEO at Raccoon Media Group, said: We have ambitious plans for Raccoon Media Group and we are delighted to be working with Doug to help drive our expansion into the USA.  We believe that now is the perfect time to launch our events into new markets and we are well poised to take advantage of the increased interest in health and wellbeing that has been generated during lockdown. The Run Show USA is the first step on an exciting journey and we look forward to working with Doug to take this award-winning brand to runners in Boston.”

For more information about The Run Show USA visit www.runshowusa.com or to discuss opportunities to exhibit contact Mike Seaman – [email protected] .

The National Snow Show – the new home for snow

Posted on by Ashley Cox

Raccoon Media Group, the brains behind the award-winning National Running Show and newly launched National Outdoor Expo, has launched the UK’s only National Snow Show. Set to take place at the NEC in Birmingham 23-24 October 2021, the event will be a mecca for winter sports enthusiasts providing a comprehensive retail experience, a first-class speaker line-up and a plethora of impressive interactive features under one roof.

The two-day event, set across 8,000 sqm, will play host to some of the snow scene’s biggest names including Kate Ormerod, Billy Morgan, Jamie Nicholls, Ed Drake and Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who will lead a packed schedule of inspirational and educational talks on the Snow Stage and workshops in the Snow Skills Cabin, providing new and experienced skiers and snowboarders with an armoury of information and advice to get started or advance in their chosen winter sport.

The Show, which is expected to play host to over 10,000 winter sport enthusiasts, over 140 exhibitors presenting all the brands any consumer could want, will provide retailers with the perfect opportunity to speak directly to consumers, helping kit them out with the right gear for the winter season ahead. Retail Street will offer a collection of carefully selected brands the opportunity to be part of this unique retail experience. As well as the latest gear and kit, resorts, destinations, and tour operators will be on site to help plan, offer advice and book the perfect winter adventure.

The event will also house a host of interactive features including an Exhibitors Lounge in partnership with MTN,  Rail Jam dry slope, Rider’s Lounge, Shred Stage providing dance offs and demonstrations, Skate Mini Ramp, Alpine Après Bar with live music and a Good Vibes Après Party on Saturday night.

Stephen Morgan, passionate snowboarder, snowsport enthusiast and Managing Director of the Active Division at Raccoon Media Group commented: “The aim of the show is to unite the UK snowsport scene by bringing together retail, destinations and the community to inspire participation. The mountains are ours, we need to protect them and make them as accessible as possible for all to enjoy. This thinking is the basis for the strategic pillars the event’s foundations are built on; sustainability, participation and retail.

“We already have a host of key partners and supporters lined up for the event including; Mountain Trade Network, Ski Club GB, GB Snowsport, Eurosport, Graystone Action Sports, Snowsport England, Snow-Camp, POW and look forward to working collaboratively with brands across the market to create the must attend event in the winter sports calendar. Exhibitors will be given an exclusive opportunity to network at our industry drinks event on the Friday before the show, sponsored by Ski Club GB.”

Ian Findlay, talent development lead for Snowsport England and sports commentator said: “It’s great to hear about the National Snow Show in 2021. Having a place where the whole industry can get together to celebrate and promote our great sport is exciting and a positive step for the Snowsport Industry. We are sure our membership will look forward to this new event in the Snowsport calendar.”

For more information about The National Snow Show visit www.nationalsnowshow.com or to discuss opportunities to exhibit contact Event Director, Stephen Morgan[email protected].

An update from Mike on COVID-19

Posted on by Ashley Cox

Hi everyone, I hope you are all safe and well?

I wanted to give you all a brief update on our position regarding COVID-19 and what happens next. As you know, restrictions are starting to lift and we are starting to consider what the future will look like. We understand that despite the restrictions easing, this remains an emotive topic and I wanted to assure you that even though we are bursting with excitement at the prospect of events coming back, we will continue to put your safety and wellbeing first.

Our next live event is the National Running Show which will take place in 7 months’ time on 30-31 January at the NEC in Birmingham. We expect that by then we will be able to deliver the same vibrant, community-lead, exciting and inspiring event that we have delivered in previous years and that is what we are working towards. I am also working closely with our industry body (the AEO) to ensure that we take all of the appropriate steps to ensure everyone’s safety at the event. We will be using a dynamic risk-assessed model linked to the Covid Alert Level and will follow the advice from the All Secure Standard which you can read more about here. As I’m sure you know, our venue partner (the NEC) was converted into a Nightingale facility during the pandemic, however it did not receive any patients and was subsequently put on standby. The NEC is following government guidance and will be implementing measures across the venue to ensure everyone is safe and protected as events return.

We know that the first events will be returning in August 2020, so we fully expect to be able to deliver our events in January 2021 without any significant disruption. However, our promise to you is that we will continue to put your safety first and we will err on the side of caution rather than take risks. If we feel that this will substantially impact the delivery of the event then we won’t go ahead – it is important to us that you get the same fun, buzz and excitement from our shows that you are used to and if we can’t deliver that then we will wait until we can. If (as we did with our London show) we decide not to run the event then we will offer our customers a refund or a transfer to a future event.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers for their support during this period – to all of our sponsors and exhibitors who keep booking stands and our visitors and partners who have been promoting and supporting the shows. Thank you for sticking with us through this difficult time and whilst we aren’t out of the woods yet, there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel!

I look forward to seeing you all at a live event soon!

Indoor Relay smashes target raising £43,377 for five charities

Posted on by Ashley Cox

Indoor Relay, an initiative started by a group of friends during lockdown, has smashed its original target of £10,000 by raising a staggered £43,377 in just 28 days for five key charities that have been under increased pressure during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The event, kicked off by five-time Olympian Jo Pavey, ran for 682 hours over 28 days with the baton being passed to a new runner every hour. 425 individual runners took part covering a total of 3028.26 miles (from John O’Groats to Land’s End more than 3.4 times) around their gardens, houses and driveways. Along with Jo Pavey who opened and closed the event, Louise Minchin from BBC Breakfast, former Hear’Say star Suzi Shaw, endurance athlete Mimi Anderson and ultra-runner Susie Chan, all took part in the fundraising relay.

Started by a group of friends in the UK who were keen to do something positive during lockdown, the initiative raised funds for NHS Charities Together, NSPCC, Mind, Children with Cancer UK and Women’s Aid.

Aware that many people weren’t able to get outside to take their daily exercise, the team decided the relay should take place within the boundary of each runners’ home using a range of innovative ‘courses’ including balconies, driveways, gardens, treadmills, sitting rooms and even home-made obstacle courses. Participants were encouraged to be active during their hour by running or walking but there were some wackier options, including skipping, tango dancing and even shadow boxing! Over the 28 days, several participants came up with innovative ways to increase the fund-raising during their hour, including multiple fancy dress outfits, leg waxing, chilli eating, running barefoot on Lego, and ‘doughnut roulette’.

A team of 26 ‘Captains’ ensured that runners were accompanied at all times during the event and on behalf of the captains, Mike Seaman of the National Running Show, said: “The Indoor Relay has been a phenomenal success and we are immensely proud of what we achieved together as a community. Thank you to everyone who has given their time, donated money and helped raise awareness of this project. During this difficult time, the Indoor Relay has shown the power of exercise as a force for good and the amazing things that ordinary people can achieve when they work together.”

The team captains were: Mike Seaman, Raoul Monks, Allie Bailey, Elise Downing, Nikki Love, David Hellard, Liz Ayres, Victoria Owens, Aleks Kashefi, Anna Harding, Eric Keeler, Mollie Laurens-Chalmers, Zeph Brand, Lou Brewer, Laura Briggs, Cat Roberts, Emma Watson Horsewood, Antony Webb, Christopher Allen, Rob Walters, Natalie Doble, Linda Lawton, Danny Bent, Eric Keeler, Darren Pinder and Sharif Owadally.

The website was donated by Vatu and event support was donated by Raccoon Media Group.

For more information please visit www.IndoorRelay.com or contact [email protected]

 

The National Outdoor Expo will bring the best of the outdoors indoors 

Posted on by Ashley Cox

Outdoor enthusiasts across the country should ‘save the date’ for the weekend of the 27-28 March 2021, when the first National Outdoor Expo will open its doors at the NEC in Birmingham, bringing all of the kit, tech, nutrition, activities and advice under one roof for a jam-packed weekend of outdoor inspiration.

To celebrate the official opening of the box office, join us on the 4th June at 6pm on our sister Facebook page @nationalrunningshow when Mike Seaman, CEO of show organisers, Raccoon Media Group will be talking all things Outdoors and sharing what visitors can expect at the show. For those who join us we will have competition prizes from our exhibitors as well as information on tickets and speakers. Don’t miss it!

We are also offering FREE tickets to attend the show to the first 2000 people who register for a ticket, and our show partner, Ordnance Survey is offering a subscription to its OS Maps 12-month subscription for only £10 (SRP £29.99) for all who register. Find out more about the subscription HERE

The show will be packed full of interactive features including a rope walk, climbing experience, zip line and outdoor skills theatre, as well as inspiring talks and the very latest gear to try and buy, all under one roof. The show will have six key areas: walking, climbing, eating outdoors, camping, family excursions and running and is open to enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.

Visitors will have a chance to listen to, learn from and meet their outdoor idols including broadcaster, writer and adventurer Ben Fogle, sportsman, athlete and adventurer James Cracknell OBE, adventurer and endurance runner Susie Chan.

As well as hearing from the cream of the crop when it comes to outdoor pursuits, visitors can shop for the latest gear from top brands including Ordnance Survey, Adidas TERREX, Ellis Brigham, HOKA One One, Grangers and Vibram.

Mike Seaman, CEO, Raccoon Media Group said: ‘Living an active, healthy and exciting life outdoors is so important in this fast-paced world we live in. Being able to slow down, breathe fresh air and enjoy your favourite outdoor pursuits is so valuable. We all know how much better we feel after time outdoors and we hope to inspire and motivate more people to get active outdoors and make the most of what nature has to offer. At a time when the great outdoors has never been more appreciated, predictions are that 2021 will see a boom of people making the most of the great outdoors, with adventuring high on the list of priorities for many who have developed a passion for walking and running during lockdown.

“Our hope is that visitors can fully immerse themselves in all things outdoors with their friends and family. The weekend will offer a host of workshops, inspiring talks, information and advice from experts in the field as well as some of the best shopping around, and all under one roof.”

Ticket sales will be available soon and you can find all information at www.nationaloutdoorexpo.com

If you are interested in exhibiting at the show, please contact Addie Brake – [email protected] or tel. 07931 528418 (trade only)

National Running Show shortlisted for two prestigious AEO Excellence Awards 2020

Posted on by Ashley Cox

Raccoon Media Group, the brains behind the hugely successful National Running Show and National Outdoor Expo portfolio, has been shortlisted for Best Consumer Show and the Innovation Award at the AEO Excellence Awards 2020.

The 2020 show was the third National Running Show to be hosted at the NEC in Birmingham and attracted over 24,500 visitors across the two days and included a stellar line-up of speakers including Linford Christie, Sally Gunnell, Kriss Akabusi, Steve Cram, Iwan Thomas, Lazarus Lake, Dean Karnazes and Camille Herron. Making the shortlist for Best Consumer Show is a nod to the huge dedication and commitment to delivering a show that is relevant, well timed to deliver beginning of season content and not ‘end of line’ products with a big focus on inclusivity.

The Show’s ethos has always been ‘no matter how far or how fast you run’ and this approach has helped build a community of runners who feel welcome, motivated and inspired and who continuously feedback the positive experience they have at the show year on year.

A visitor to the show commented: “My family and I came to the National Running Show on Sunday and were amazed at how disability friendly your staff are! What could have easily turned into a stressful day with an overwhelmed and tired child turned out to be very easy thanks to your staff being so vigilant to the needs of people with disabilities.”

The second award the team has been shortlisted for is the Innovation Award for its commitment to creating and delivering a first-class sustainability programme.

Mike Seaman, CEO at Raccoon Media Group commented: “We are delighted that our hard work has been recognised and to have made the shortlist against some of the industry’s biggest and best Events companies. We have very clear aims at Raccoon Media Group and have been single minded in our aim to deliver a Consumer show that truly meets the needs of the running community, with a laser focus on how we can make our shows as sustainable as possible. We look forward to the winners being announced in December!”

The National Running Show will be back on 30-31st January 2021 at the NEC in Birmingham and 5-6 June 2021 for the postponed National Running Show South Event at Farnborough International Conference Centre. For more information about the Show or to book your ticket visit https://nationalrunningshow.com

National Running Show launches first ever Digital Running Show (13-14 June 2020)

Posted on by Ashley Cox

The National Running Show has announced it will be hosting the Digital Running Show on 13-14 June 2020 in partnership with Children with Cancer UK, to provide runners with an alternative show experience following the postponement of The National Running Show London to 2021.

The UK lockdown has created a boom of participation in running with over 34m people talking about running on social media in March 2020. The Digital Running Show will transfer the physical experience of attending its show to a purely digital platform, allowing visitors access to motivational talks from famous faces including Susie Chan, Iwan Thomas, Jo Pavey, Hannah Beecham and many more, for inspiration and expert advice. It will also offer the opportunity to learn about new kit and technology, gain top tips on nutrition with live demonstrations and get an update on future races.

The show, sponsored by ASICS, will run 9am – 5pm on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 June. Susie Chan and Allie Bailey will host the event with panels, speakers and interactive sessions planned across the two days. Brands including ASICS, Runderwear, Polar, Camelbak, Kaatsu Specialist, Bp3 Underwear, All About Balance, Virtual Racing UK, Yamatune, Coventry Festival of Running, Virtual Runner, Run777 and many more, will be at the online show offering information and advice on the best products for individual needs and exclusive show discounts.

Mike Seaman, CEO at Raccoon Media Group, commented: “With so many people taking up running during lockdown we felt it was important to provide an opportunity for the community to come together, hear from some hugely motivational speakers, shop their favourite brands and remember that even though things might not be ‘normal’ at the moment, we are still runners, we are still a community and we are still here to support each other. The Digital Running Show will allow us to recreate some of the experiences from our physical shows and hopefully provide inspiration and support to runners across the globe. We look forward to seeing everyone in the flesh in Birmingham 2021!”

Tickets to the show cost £1.99 with £1 per sale going to Children with Cancer UK and are now on sale online – www.digitalrunningshow.com

For more information on The Digital Running Show head to digitalrunningshow.com