Global events company Raccoon Media Group has been shortlisted in a record six categories at the prestigious AEO Excellence Awards. The Awards #AEOAwards25 have been running annually for 32 years and represent the very best that the events industry has to offer.
Raccoon Media Group is shortlisted in the categories of Organiser Team of the Year, ESG Initiative of the Year and Independent Organiser of the Year >20 Employees. The National Running Show has been shortlisted in two categories: Marketing Campaign of the Year (Consumer) and Best Consumer Show. While Abilities Expo Los Angeles picks up a nomination for Best International Show – Americas.
The National Running Show, hosted at the NEC Birmingham in January 2025, has seen significant growth since its inception in 2018. The stages are graced by over a hundred speakers from a diverse range of running backgrounds, from community initiatives, to world-record attempts, and celebrities to athletes. Experts featured this year included Dame Denise Lewis, Jasmin Paris MBE, Sir Mo Farah, Scott Jurek, Deo Kato, Spencer Matthews, Susie Chan, Bryony Gordon and Iwan Thomas MBE. There was also a record turnout of over 30,000 runners in attendance.
The Abilities Expo held in Los Angeles Convention Center in March is an event that brings products, resources, education and fun together for the disability community. The show features adaptive activities, such as an accessible climbing wall and valuable informative workshops advising on topics such as home design and how to navigate healthcare hurdles.
Mike Seaman, Group CEO at Raccoon Media Group commented: “What I love about being nominated for Awards is the perspective it allows for not only myself, but the entire Raccoon team. The events industry is fast-paced and hard work, but the Awards nominations and ceremonies allow an opportunity for pause and reflection. In those moments, there is a collective ‘pat on the back’ where you feel seen by the industry, and it’s not just me telling my team they are fantastic, but their peers too. I’m very grateful for our multiple AEO Excellence Awards nominations, I wish the other nominees luck and I’m eagerly awaiting the Awards in June.”
The National Running Show will be back at the NEC Birmingham on 31 January – 1 February 2026 and The Abilities Expo currently takes place in seven U.S. cities throughout the year. For further information about other Raccoon Media Group events visit: https://raccoonmediagroup.com/ .
