Raccoon Media Group is proud to announce that it has received four finalist nominations across three categories at the 2026 Association of Event Organisers (AEO) Excellence Awards.
Known as the ‘Oscars’ of the trade and consumer exhibition world, these awards celebrate the ingenuity, sustainability, and outstanding talent powering the global sector. The AEO Excellence Awards highlight success across the complete events ecosystem, recognising the standout organisers, venues, and service suppliers who continually set new benchmarks for excellence.
This recognition for Raccoon Media Group stands as a testament to the collective dedication of the entire team across a diverse portfolio of events. The company’s global efforts have been recognised with double nominations for Best International Show – Americas for both Abilities Expo Los Angeles and Snowbound Expo, while the Pets & Aquatics Trade Show (PATS) secured a shortlist spot for Best UK Tradeshow > 8,000SQM.
Culminating these achievements, Raccoon Media Group itself is in the running for Independent Organiser of the Year. While the team remains focused on delivering exceptional experiences for its unique communities, being shortlisted alongside the industry’s finest is both a humbling milestone and an inspiring reminder of what passionate collaboration can achieve.
Abilities Expos empower the disability community by bridging the gap between consumers, caregivers, and industry professionals. These life-changing events unite attendees with cutting-edge assistive technologies, vital resources, and expert-led workshops, while also delivering interactive, inclusive experiences like adaptive sports and dance. The expanded series features seven major host locations across the United States: Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Orlando, Dallas, Los Angeles, and the New York Metro area.
Building upon this commitment to community and specialised recreation, Snowbound Expo at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut serves as a consumer-focused event connecting winter sports enthusiasts, brands, and resorts. The gathering provides a venue for attendees to explore industry trends, purchase gear, meet professionals, and engage with interactive resort exhibits before the season begins.
Expanding this same spirit of innovation into the animal kingdom, the PATS (Pet & Aquatics Show) serves as the UK’s premier trade event for the animal care industry. It brings together leading brands, independent retailers, and innovators to shape the future of pet retail. It acts as a central hub where the market tests ground-breaking new products and builds the partnerships that drive the sector forward.
Providing the strategic foundation and organisational backing for these gatherings Raccoon Media Group specialises in B2B and consumer events, digital media, and publishing. The company serves passion-led communities – specifically within the global health, fitness, and outdoor sectors – and prioritises environmental sustainability across its entire portfolio.
“We are proud and humbled by the nominations,” said Mike Seaman, CEO at Raccoon Media Group. “From the inception of the company in a shed in my garden 10 years ago – to now operating over twenty events in key locations around the world. We are in the business of human connection and our events continue to deliver business opportunities, meaningful experiences, community engagement, and fun.
“That is only possible if you work with people who care deeply and authentically about what they do. Our team are some of the best in the business and I consider it a privilege to work with them. They deserve the recognition; I’m incredibly proud of all of them!”
The AEO Excellence Awards 2026 take place on the afternoon of Friday 12 June 2026 at London’s Grosvenor House. Wishing all finalists the very best of luck!
For all media enquiries, contact Chief Marketing Officer Ashley Cox at ashley.cox@raccoonmediagroup.com
Notes to Editors:
Raccoon Media Group is a dynamic, high-growth media business focused on enabling healthy and active lives. Our media properties deliver year-round content and advice to specialist, self-identifying consumers that share a love of being outside, healthy 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.