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Raccoon Media Group set to double with latest acquisition

Posted on by Darren Pinder

Raccoon Media Group announces purchase of Abilities Expo USA

Raccoon Media Group (Raccoon) is set to double its portfolio in the first year since it was acquired by Cuil Bay Capital (CBC) with the acquisition of Abilities Expo in the USA. This announcement brings Raccoon’s UK and US show portfolio to 17 events with more launches and acquisitions to be announced later in the year.

Abilities Expo, a series of seven exhibitions running across the USA, provides solutions for people with disabilities, their families and their carers and currently sees over 30 thousand visitors attending its events each year. The purchase will bolster Raccoon’s footing in the health and wellbeing market in the USA and joins Snowbound Expo, The Boston Run Show and The Boston Outdoor Expo in the company’s US portfolio.

Abilities live and digital properties connect the disability community to a wide range of resources to help improve accessibility and promote greater independence. Solutions cover but are not limited to disability focused products and services ranging from adaptive sports and wheelchair dancing to service animal demonstrations and hot button workshops such as travel and home design, financial planning and more.

Part of a large-scale growth strategy, the first event under Raccoon’s ownership will be Abilities LA on 15-17 March at Los Angeles Convention Centre with staff and service providers retained under the new ownership. The company will go on to run events in New York, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Ft. Lauderdale culminating in Dallas in December 2024.

Speaking of the purchase, Mike Seaman, Raccoon Media Group CEO, commented: “The Abilities portfolio is a fantastic business focused on delivering mobility and support to the disability community.  This aligns perfectly with our strategy to run events that focus on healthy, active and sustainable markets. This acquisition also ties in with our desire to grow in the US, tripling the number of events we have there. I’m equally excited about working with the incredible team who deliver these shows – they are incredibly talented and provide us with a strong platform for additional future growth. The Abilities CEO Lew Shomer will remain with the business and will ensure a smooth and effective transition. Lew is a brilliant entrepreneur and well respected by the community, so it was important to us to keep him involved in order to develop the event sensitively and within the best interests of the disability community. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank David Korse, Lew’s business partner for his support throughout the transaction and for helping to build such a fantastic community and business.”

CBC, an investment vehicle led by exhibition industry entrepreneur Doug Emslie, former CEO of Tarsus Group, acquired Raccoon Media Group in September 2023 with the aim of growing and diversifying the company and expanding its reach from predominantly B2C exhibitions to include a strong B2B offering and to drive the company on an aggressive growth path in both the UK and US. Emslie commented:

“Our goal is to work alongside entrepreneurs who, like Mike with the launch of National Running Show, have spotted a gap in a market and have built exciting products in the healthy, activity and mobility industries. We see more of these acquisitions taking place over the coming year and look forward to working with entrepreneurs like Lew and David who I’ve known for over 20 years to help take brands and businesses to the next level with our experienced team behind us.

Abilities offers solutions covering but not limited to general disability, mobility issues, sensory and intellectual disabilities, adaptive sports, assistance animals, disorders, healthcare, travel, transportation, caregivers and seniors.

Raccoon media Group was advised on the transaction by Mayfield Merger Strategies.

Changes for Snowbound Expo 2023, the ‘direct to consumer’ snow sports event

Posted on by Darren Pinder

Following the phenomenal success of Snowbound Expo in 2022, (the first expo since Raccoon Media Group acquired the Boston Ski & Snowboard Expo), plans for the 2023 edition have been released as Early Bird visitor tickets are released. 

The 2023 Expo will take place at a new location, Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) and will be held earlier in the year, November 3-5, 2023 with a view to increasing accessibility for visitors and participating brands and resorts. The change in venue increases the floor space by 56% to over 160,000 square foot and offers more opportunity for hosting networking events and entertaining customers all in a vibrant part of the city, The Seaport. The 2023 Expo is expected to welcome 120+ Exhibitors and 25,000+ visitors over the three days. 

With a significant focus on product innovation, increasing participation and encouraging a more ecologically friendly industry the Expo will provide the perfect location for new product launches, innovative releases in snowsports tech, thought leading advances in eco travel and provides the opportunity to communicate and sell direct to an engaged and bought-in audience. 

Managing Director Stephen Morgan said: “We’re stoked to be heading back to Boston in 2023 to party with the snow sports community and bring new elements to life to build on the legacy of the Boston Ski & Snowboard Expo. Since we launched Snowbound Expo in 2022, word has spread about the opportunity for brands and resorts to meet face to face with New England visitors. We’ve seen excitement and enthused exhibitors rebook for November because they want to promote their products, increase brand awareness and grow their position in the snow sports community. There aren’t many opportunities to sell direct to consumers (or through a retailer) at a large consumer event and this Expo offers exactly that, opportunities to grow market share, speak face-to-face and be part of a growing snowsports industry.” 

Earlier than last year and still with seven months until Snowbound Expo returns to New England, the consumer skiing and snowboard Expo has launched 5,000 tickets priced for just $1 each. Families, couples and individuals from all walks of life are encouraged to book their day or weekend pass for the 3-day expo to benefit from the early bird discount. 

The show will offer something for all skiers and riders and includes brands such as IKON Pass, Alterra, Burton, Deuter, Darn Tough, Fischer, Head/Tyrolia, Helly Hansen and Hestra Gloves. More include J Skis, Kulkea, Meier Skis, Nordica, Oosc Clothing, Ortovox, Parlor Skis & Snowboards, Peak Skis, Phunkshun Wear, Renoun Skis, Rollerblade, Salomon, Scarpa, Stockli, Teton Gravity Research, Vertical Brands and many more listed on the website.  

Resorts include Burke Mountain, Jackson Hole, Jay Peak Vermont, Killington, Le Massif de Charlevoix, Loon Mountain Resort, Ragged Mountain Resort, Saddleback Maine, Tenney Mountain, Woodstock Inn & Resort, Wachusett Mountain Ski Area with more being confirmed before June 15th.  

The Expo will also host over 20 speakers who will share inspiration, skills, advice and stories. We’re excited to announce alpine ski champion Ted Ligety as our first headliner for the 2023 event, with many more amazing athletes and speakers to follow. 

To get a ticket to the event visit; https://snowboundexpo.seetickets.com/event/snowbound-expo/boston-convention-exhibition-center/2637965 

To sign up for a booth or sponsor the event, contact [email protected]  

Outdoor enthusiasts flock to the NEC for outdoor inspiration

Posted on by Darren Pinder

The National Outdoor Expo held Saturday 18th Sunday 19th March at the NEC Birmingham, saw over 20,000 outdoor enthusiasts attend the second edition of the event in partnership with Ordnance Survey.

Immersing themselves in the best that the outdoor industry has to offer visitors came face-to-face with the famous faces who inspire and motivate them to live a healthy, active and sustainable lifestyle in the great outdoors.

The show’s two stages played host to experts and adventurers from across the world of outdoor pursuits including Ben Fogle, Helen Skelton, Julia Bradbury, Hamza Yassin, Darren Edwards, Ray Mears and Alastair Humphreys, entertaining packed theatres with the highs, lows, achievements and failures from a life spent outdoors.

Visitors spent the weekend making the most of the Expos’ watersports offering on Pendigo Lake from NOWCA, BOTE and Red Paddle Co. Budding climbers tested their skills on the Climbing wall sponsored by Salewa, Wildcountry and Evolv and learned bushcraft skills with Explore Our Nature. Cadac Dometic provided a popular campsite cooking feature and Mountain Rescue England and Wales were on hand teaching visitors essential mountain safety and first aid.

Visitors were able to shop their favourite brands, get the latest kit and tech and discuss their requirements with the experts. Top brands including Ordnance Survey, Valley and Peak, Rooster, Salomon, Craghoppers, Vango, Tentbox and Preppers Shop ensured visitors found the right kit for them. Visitor surveys indicate that the event will have contributed over £9 million in terms of visitor retail, with average spend at nearly £400 per attendee.

 

The team at The Outdoor Guide ensured that visitor’s outdoor accessibility needs were met and provided expert advice on how to make the most of time spent outdoors. Waterproofs and Wellies ambassador and children’s TV presenter, Gemma Hunt, returned to the expo and presented Raccoon Media Group CEO, Mike Seaman, with a certificate in recognition of the contribution the company has made to the charity.

 

Working with Earth Runs (an organisation that encourages people to get active by rewarding them by planting trees), the National Outdoor Expo has planted 3,500 trees to support over 1 million mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians with a legacy of between 75-100 years. Once fully grown the carbon offset is expected to offset 35,000kg of CO2e per year. Working in partnership with Cloud Massage the expo will see 34 trees being planted in a deforested region of Kenya, 159 Ethiopian nursery school children receiving meals and provision of 540 days access to literacy education to girls in India

 

Raccoon’s mission to be zero-carbon by 2025 was also a focus at the show with visitors and exhibitors heavily encouraged to consider the environment with their attendance. Many visitors opted to offset their carbon footprint with the Ecolibrium Trees+ initiative and as a result carbon footprint has reduced by 25% from 20kg CO2e per visitor in 2022 to 15kg CO2e per visitor in 2023.

Esther Beal, Event Director at The National Outdoor Expo commented: “The feedback we have had after this weekend’s event has been incredible and we are delighted to have created an event that offers something for everyone. We witnessed passions being ignited for a huge range of outdoor activities and we cannot wait to return to the NEC next year for an even bigger and better show.”

The National Outdoor Expo will return on 23-24 March 2024, tickets will go on sale on 23rd September 2023. To be notified when tickets go on sale register for the Expo’s newsletter.

Raccoon Media Group expands Outdoor Expo portfolio into Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Posted on by Chloe Hyland

Raccoon Media Group, the company behind the award-winning National Outdoor Expo, has announced that it is launching The Boston Outdoor Expo, Massachusetts, USA, Spring 2024. The news comes just as the second UK edition of the National Outdoor Expo opens this weekend at the NEC, Birmingham.

The new Expo will see Raccoon Media Group working with major media partnerships, outdoor brands, and inspirational athletes to deliver a brand-new offering for the consumers and adventurers of New England. The new expo for those who love activities outdoors will add to the two existing consumer expos, The Boston Run Show and Snowbound Expo for winter sports, bolstering the company’s standing in the Boston sport’s event market with the goal of getting more people outside & active.

The Boston Outdoor Expo will be launched at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center and will take place on April 27th -28th, 2024.  The weekend expo will create an opportunity for brands, tourism boards and associations to come face-to-face with over 15,000 outdoor enthusiasts across the weekend. This expansion will serve new active outdoor audiences to brands who provide gear, technology, apparel, nutrition and will be a celebration of every outdoor activity including climbing, hiking, mountain biking, camping, trail running, swimming, SUP and more.

Raccoon Media Group organise The National Outdoor Expo in the UK which has attracted more than 20,000 visitors over the last two editions, increasing its floor space by 20% year on year. The Boston Outdoor Expo will mirror the UK event, covering over 15,000 sqm and will bring a mix of retail, content, and interactive features to outdoor enthusiasts in Massachusetts and the surrounding States. Brands signed up for the inaugural expo include Vertical Brands who will bring CB Sports, and Neve, Alpine Ascentials & Cloudveil.

Inspirational speakers will include athletes and adventurers who love the outdoors and are able to speak about their achievements, sharing and encouraging consumers to get outside and active. Sir Ranulph Fiennes, named by the Guinness Book of Records as ‘the world’s greatest living explorer’ and a renowned poet and writer has confirmed he will join the speaker line-up. The experienced content team at Raccoon Media Group will build a compelling line up set to inspire outdoor enthusiasts across two stages at the show.

The Boston event will continue to work hard with industry partners including Boston.com, Vermont Sports, Vermont Mountain Bike Association, Youth Enrichment Services, Outward Bound, Beasley Media and the 98.5 The Sports Hub. The marketing teams will work with social media influencers for hiking in New England, Nichole the Nomad and Early Bird on the Trail. With the show only just launching, the strategic partnerships will grow to include national publications and media partners too to elevate messaging to a wide consumer audience.

Stephen Morgan, MD at Raccoon Active Events, part of the Raccoon Media Group portfolio commented: “By the time the Boston Outdoor Expo takes place, we will have held three National Outdoor Expos in the UK. We can’t wait to open the doors to the Boston edition next year, we’ve launched several expos in the city across the snow sports and running markets and we’ve established a captive and engaged audience with the help from our partners, stakeholders and the brands involved. It is now time to take this to the next level, engaging the entire outdoor community across all outdoor pursuits, tapping into the passion that we share for the natural environment, and getting out there and enjoying it! We will bring the energy, vibe and passion to the expo with an awesome content line up; a bushcraft zone, summer camps drop in feature, zip line and outdoor cooking workshops to name a few. The expo is a platform for promoting sustainability, caring for our planet and showing that the outdoors is there for everyone so promoting inclusivity, diversity and accessibility is very close to our hearts and a core reason for the expo to take place!”

To find out more about The Boston Outdoor Expo, visit www.thebostonoutdoorexpo.com, to discuss opportunities to get involved with any of the events we hold in Massachusetts, contact [email protected].

*** ENDS ***

Notes to Editors:

About Raccoon Media Group

Raccoon Media Group is a dynamic, high-growth media business focused on health and wellbeing markets. Our media properties deliver year round content and advice to specialist, self-identifying consumers that share a love of being outside and active. Our events are well-timed, community-driven, tightly focused and passion-led. They bring buyers and sellers together to see cutting edge innovations in a fun and exciting way.

For all media enquiries, contact Senior Marketing Manager Chloe Hyland at [email protected]

 

A winning weekend for runners

Posted on by Darren Pinder

Raccoon Media Group announces most successful event in its history, with renewed optimism for the year ahead

Dina Asher-Smith at the National Running Show 2023

The National Running Show held Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd January at the NEC Birmingham, saw exhibitor and sponsorship revenue increase by 38% this year (30% increase on pre-covid figures) and the largest visitor audience it has ever attracted.

The fifth edition of the National Running Show, saw the event firmly back on track with 26,158 runners gathering to find motivation, products and training advice. Initial survey responses indicate that the 273 exhibiting companies will collectively benefit from over £14 million spent by visitors as a result of the event.

Nathalie Davies, Portfolio Director at Raccoon Media Group said ‘We couldn’t have hoped for a better event to kick off to the year. It felt like the running community was back to full strength and there was an incredible buzz in the air. Last year we had to check covid-passports and everyone wore masks, which obviously put some people off. This year however we were able to see the smiles and join in the hugs and high-fives. The aisles were full and exhibitors were rushing to get more stock overnight to satisfy demand. Given the current economic climate, we’re proud that this event has given a much-needed boost to some companies who have struggled to find new customers over the past year’.

The show featured some incredible speakers who came to motivate and inspire runners including the fastest British woman in history Dina Asher-Smith, Scottish Olympian Eilish McColgan and legendary hurdlers Colin Jackson CBE and Kriss Akabusi MBE.

Brands and features within the exhibition offer runners with expert advice and products to suit individual needs, with lots of taster sessions and workshops including Steve Cram and his team of coaches who offered training advice for those taking on races in 2023, including Eve Muirhead, former Olympic curling champion.

Creating a legacy

Raccoon’s mission to be zero-carbon by 2025 was also a focus at the show with visitors and exhibitors heavily encouraged to consider the environment with their attendance. As a result, the average carbon footprint per visitor has been reduced by over 30% year on year from 23kg to 16kg CO2e.

Working with Earth Runs (an organisation that encourages people to get active by rewarding them by planting trees), the National Running Show has planted 5,000 trees to support 1.5 million mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians with a legacy of over 75 years. Once fully grown the carbon offset is expected to offset 55 tonnes of CO2e per year.

A number of visitors to the show also opted to offset their carbon footprint with the Ecolibrium Trees+ initiative, offsetting a further 31.3 tonnes of CO2e.

£8,781 was also raised for official charity Birmingham Children’s Hospital through a combination of initiatives including Raccoon team sponsored runs and visitor donations. Each day the show was opened by a family that had been treated and supported by the hospital, who’s charity division also had a stand at the event to raise awareness and grow their community of fundraisers.

Charity Chief Executive, Mark Brider, publicly congratulated the team for putting on their ‘biggest and best show ever’.

Other features of the event included recycling initiatives with over 1,200 pairs of running shows recycled with the help of partners Jog On (assisted by GoodGym volunteers), huge boxes of second-hand running apparel collected by Collection4Clothes and an estimated £500 worth of items donated to a local Birmingham foodbank.

2024 dates announced

A large number of leading sports brands and partners have already signed up for the 2024 event to be held 20-21 January at the NEC Birmingham, where headline speakers will include Dame Kelly Holmes, David Weir CBE, Jamie Baulch, Vassos Alexander, Adrienne London and Elsey Davis. More details available at www.nationalrunningshow.com

In the meantime, organisers Raccoon Media Group will also be using some of the profits from this year’s event to offer a number of community grants across the country to running groups in order to encourage inactive people to start running and to develop positive attitudes towards running amongst young people. For further details please contact [email protected]

Colin Jackson and others open the show

Eilish McColgan speaking

Busy aisles in the exhibition

Sally McRae speaking in the Ultrazone

Dean Karnazes speaking in the Ultra Zone

The National Outdoor Expo returns to the NEC for 2023

Posted on by Darren Pinder

Outdoor enthusiasts across the country should mark their calendar for 18-19 March 2023 when the second edition of the award-winning National Outdoor Expo will take place at the NEC in Birmingham, bringing all of the kit, tech and advice under one roof for a jam-packed weekend of outdoor inspiration.

The show, which will be 20% bigger than the inaugural event, will be packed full of interactive features including a climbing wall, zip line, open water swimming, paddle boarding, bushcraft, a wildlife watching pavilion and outdoor kitchen, as well as inspiring talks and the very latest gear to try and buy. The show will have seven key areas: walking, climbing, water sports, eating outdoors, camping, adventure travel and excursions and trail running and is open to outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.

Visitors will have a chance to listen to, learn from and meet their outdoor idols including award winning broadcaster, writer and adventurer Ben Fogle, professional surfer, snowboarder, model and influencer Laura Lou Crane, explorer, physiologist, skier and athlete Preet Chandi, top climber Pete Whittaker and bushcraft and survival expert Ray Mears.

As well as hearing from the cream of the crop when it comes to outdoor pursuits, visitors can shop the latest gear from top brands including headline sponsor Ordnance Survey, adidas TERREX, Hoka, Red Originals, Jack Wolfskin and Vango.

Esther Beal, Event Director of The National Outdoor Expo said: “Following the success of the first ever National Outdoor Expo earlier this year we cannot wait for an even bigger and better show in 2023. Living an active, healthy and fun life outdoors has never been more important and we all know how much better we feel after spending time outdoors. Our hope is that people of all ages will come together to immerse themselves in all things outdoors. The weekend is guaranteed to motivate and inspire visitors and the interactive features are sure to get your adrenaline going”.

Tickets for the National Outdoor Expo are available now at www.nationaloutdoorexpo.com

Raccoon Media Group scoops two AEO Excellence Awards for inaugural National Outdoor Expo

Posted on by Darren Pinder

Multi-platform media business, Raccoon Media Group, has been awarded the ultimate industry accolade by winning two AEO Excellence Awards including Best Consumer Show and Marketing Campaign of the Year for The National Outdoor Expo 2022, which opened its doors to over 14,000 visitors in March.

The first edition of the National Outdoor Expo in partnership with Ordnance Survey was hosted at the NEC in Birmingham and was created to serve people who love to hike, run, climb, camp, travel, paddle, swim and cook outdoors. The show’s two stages played host to experts and adventurers from across the world of outdoor pursuits including Ben Fogle, James Cracknell, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Julia Bradbury, Ed Stafford and Dwayne Fields, enthralling packed theatres with the highs, lows, achievements and failures from a life spent in the outdoors.

Mike Seaman, CEO at Raccoon Media Group commented: “The AEO Excellence Awards are coveted and respected throughout the industry and to be awarded two for a first-year show was an incredible achievement. The teams that work on our shows live and breathe the work they do, embedding themselves into the industry they serve so to receive such distinguished acknowledgement for their efforts means a lot.”

The first National Outdoor Expo was set to run in 2021 but was thwarted due to Covid-19 lockdowns. The Show was rescheduled for 12 months later and brought a host of incredible interactive features for outdoor lovers including open water swimming sessions with NOWCA,  kayaking and canoeing with Venture by Pyranha, paddle boarding lessons from Red Paddle Co, a climbing wall with Montane and zip line running through the length of the show.

The second edition of the show will take place 18-19 March 2023 with Outdoor legends including Ray Mears and Preet Chandi set to take the stage. Tickets for the event will go on sale in September 2022. To enquire about exhibiting at The National Outdoor Expo 2023 contact [email protected]

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].