Author: Darren Pinder

The Raccoon Media Group team across the country is joining forces this month for a 1000 mile, £1000 fundraising challenge for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity. Part of the charity’s ‘62 miles in October’ Challenge, staff at Raccoon have committed to walk, run. cycle or swim a minimum of 2 miles each per day to reach the target. All donations will be match funded by Raccoon and will help to fund the vital work Birmingham Children’s hospital does for young people.

Raccoon Media Group has a long-established relationship with Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, supporting its incredible work over many years. The team has completed umpteen ultras, marathons, half-marathons, 10 and 5k runs and a host of other supportive and creative initiatives. Continuing these efforts CEO, Mike Seaman and MD, Nathalie Davies will be undertaking the ultimate challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in January 2025, ascending almost 20,000ft to fundraise for the Hospital, as well as tackling a host of other ultra and marathon events throughout the year.

Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity transforms the lives of children, providing world-class care to over 100,000 sick kids on a yearly basis. The aim of the charity is to provide new equipment, fund research and training, and improve the Hospital’s surrounding environment. Any support is greatly appreciated. Every penny counts as the amount raised will be match-funded by the Raccoon Media Group.

Make a difference to children’s lives, please DONATE HERE

The National Equine Show’s third box office launch on 5^thSeptember saw the full complimentary ticket allocation of 2000 tickets go in under an hour, and by late afternoon on day one, over 6,200 tickets had been registered.

“Each year, we set aside a number of free tickets that we offer directly through the National Equine Show platforms and through specially selected partners. The reason for being so generous with our free tickets is to ensure that cost is not a barrier to entry. We know a lot of events can be quite prohibitive from a cost point of view and we want to ensure that those who wish to attend have the opportunity to do so.” said Liz Ormesher, Event Director at The National Equine Show. “Now that the free tickets have been registered, we move into early bird pricing, again aiming to keep the cost as low as possible despite the increased demand for tickets.”

The National Equine Show’s first event, held in 2023, saw just under 10,000 people attend during the two days, and the second show in 2024 saw around 15,000 equestrians visit the NEC over the duration of the show. With over 6,000 tickets registered in just a few hours, the 2025 event is already looking like it’s going to be a very exciting one for all the stands, features and attendees involved.

The Early Bird ticket offer allows people using code EARLYNES25 the chance to bag themselves a weekend ticket for just £7.50 (full price is £20 for the weekend or £15 for a day). This code is only available on a limited number of tickets, so the advice is to register early before the price increases.

In addition, this year sees the launch of the Guaranteed Access Meet & Greet tickets. Due to overwhelming demand for the show’s Meet & Greets, the National Equine Show has introduced a new ticket option, limited to 150 tickets a day, that will allow holders to get priority access to the Meet & Greets on the day they attend. On Saturday, this will be This Esme, Megan Elphick, Sam Dracott, Yasmin Ingham, and on Sunday This Esme, Megan Elphick and Sam Dracott will be joined by Carl Hester. There will be free access to several Meet & Greets over the weekend, but due to demand, queues may be cut to fit the available time allocated.

To get your Early Bird ticket (while allocation lasts) or to find out more about the National Equine Show, see www.nationalequineshow.com

-ENDS-

Prepared by: Rhea Freeman

rhea@rheafreemanpr.co.uk

For all media enquiries, contact Sophie Honeywell at sophie.honeywell@raccoonmediagroup.com

To enquire about exhibiting at the show, contact Liz Ormesher at liz.ormesher@raccoonmediagroup.com

Strong demand from industry for 2025 show

Organisers of The Allergy & Free From Show, the only dedicated health show focused on the free from market in the UK, are gearing up for success following a boost in demand for the 2025 event.

Next year’s Allergy & Free From Show is set to take place on 21^st and 22^nd June at Olympia Events, London. With an anticipated visitor count in excess of 15,000 in 2025, the show connects thousands of people to notable brands and figures with an arena packed with exciting features, custom spaces and a sought-after speaker line-up throughout the weekend.

Indicating the event’s stronghold in the industry calendar, Koko Dairy Free were recently announced as headline sponsors for the 2025 Allergy & Free From Show. Other key players in the sector already committed to attendance next June include: Genius, Tesco, M&S, Balmonds, Elave, Westlab, Warburtons and BFree Foods.

Alongside a strong rebook of 82% from 2024 to 2025, organisers are expanding the show floorplan next year by 45%, as the number of brands increases sizeably from 150 to over 200.

Established award-winning organisers of events such as the National Running Show, and National Cycling Show, the Raccoon Media Group acquired The Allergy and Free From Show in 2023. They have breathed new life into the fresh addition to their stable, putting their own stamp on the event with dedicated content and features, whilst also adhering to their sustainability commitment.

Educational and inspirational spaces including two stages will play host to a programme that showcases some of the biggest names in the industry. Personalities already confirmed to appear in 2025 include Sunday Times best-selling author and ‘queen of gluten-free’ Becky Excell, Dale Pinnock: The Medicinal Chef, Kate Lancaster: The Dairy Free Mum, plus Daniel Kelly – founder of ‘May Contain’ the U.K.’s leading blog and podcast committed to breaking the stigma of food allergies and mental health.

New features for 2025 include an additional stage for talks, plus Allergies in the Home and an Anxiety Mindfulness Zone. These complement existing popular features such as the Inspiration Stage, Live Kitchen with exciting demonstrations, Family Zone, Skin Care Clinic, VIP Lounge and Meet and Greet Area.

Annie Bennett, Event Manager said: “Our clear vision for this event is to help people with allergies and intolerance live their best lives. I’m thrilled that we have developed the show to be a real magnet for brands and key industry personalities that can share experiences and impart knowledge to this growing community to help them thrive. An event such as this needs a specialist understanding and approach. We are committed to learning and evolving to meet the growing needs of consumers and businesses in the allergy and free from space.”

Raccoon Media Group triumphed at this year’s Exhibition News Awards (EN Awards) taking home Best Consumer Show for Snowbound Expo 2023 and a Silver Award for Raccoon Media Group’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. The awards evening took place Thursday March 28th and was a huge celebration; highlighting and embodying the spirit and talent within the events community. Now in its 17th year, the EN Awards, with headline sponsors ExCeL London, One Tribe, and Immersive AV, took place at Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge. Global show organisers joined the event in London and celebrated those who have gone above and beyond to create outstanding events in the past year. 

Snowbound Expo was held in partnership with Boston.com and the Snow Sports Industries of America and was hosted at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in Boston, MA in November 2023. The show welcomed 36,000 ticket registrations, over 190 brands to the expo to showcase and sell their latest lines of products and saw success, with 92% of them rebooking for the 2024 event in November this year. The show’s Inspiration Stage played host to Olympians and athletes from across the world of skiing and snowboarding including five- time Olympian and three-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White, the most decorated snowboarder of all time Lindsey Jacobellis plus 30 more who shared stories from their careers. The line-up of speakers lit up the stage with the highs, lows, achievements, and failures from experiences gained in the mountains. The city’s skiers shopped for new gear and tech from leading brands and reconnected at the Après Ski bar which created a buzzing atmosphere. The event is strategically timed to prepare families for the season ahead and promotes the benefits of spending time together in the outdoors whilst encouraging beginners who are looking to start snow sports. 

Raccoon Media Group also picked up the Silver Award for their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy. The 2022/23 ESG report was recognized among other finalists including Business Design Centre, NEBEXT, RAI Amsterdam, Reset Connect London 2023, Olympia London and Whitespace Group. Easyfairs was announced as winner for the ESG category. 

Mike Seaman, CEO at Raccoon Media Group commented: “Winning Best Consumer Show for Snowbound Expo is a huge achievement for our USA business. I am delighted that the team was recognised for this event – the passion and determination can be seen in the results and I’m excited to see it develop this year! As for ESG, we have made progress and are constantly developing our strategy – receiving a Silver Award for this category is huge for us and I couldn’t be happier that we’re on the pathway for improving and achieving more with our ESG in the coming year.” 

Snowbound Expo will return for its third edition, November 15th – 17th 2024 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. For more information about other Raccoon Media Group events visit www.raccoonmediagroup.com/events.

Olympian Shaun White took to the stage to inspire fans

Snowbound Expo brought together over 21,145 North East skiers, snowboarders, and families to shop over 190 brands and resorts last weekend (Nov 3-5). The event provided inspiration for the coming season by hosting an incredible line up of speakers, Olympic athletes, record holders and more plus a weekend’s worth of interactive fun for families. Previously known as the Boston Ski & Snowboard Expo, the show was a celebration of all things snow sports where consumers were able to buy the latest range of gear, tech, apparel, skis, boards, accessories ready for the season ahead.

A celebration of snowsports

This year’s expo offered 190 brands and resorts, doubling in size, compared to the launch in November 2022 where 98 brands and resorts presented their goods for the season. The family-friendly expo offered a chance for snow sport enthusiasts of all abilities and backgrounds to meet up and kick off the season in style with stacks of inspiration and new products to purchase at the show. The expo hall felt a buzz as a bustling crowd of 21,145 visitors enjoyed the weekend, smiling and enjoying new interactive experiences. New highlights included a new rail jam, an Inspiration Stage of guest speakers, an indoor slope, Eliteam’s obstacle course and more apres ski bars than before.

More Gear to Buy
SkiEssentials was the Official Retailer for the expo and offered boot fitting and a full shopping experience of ski gear and apparel. For visitors who didn’t find the product they wanted onsite at the expo, there is now a 10% discount on the SkiEssentials website using code SHOWSPECIAL.

Brands and resorts were extremely happy with the attendance of visitors and the sales that were made throughout the weekend with 92% of them rebooking their booths for the 2024 expo. This not only shows their commitment to Snowbound Expo but also the commitment to serving the North East community with their latest gear year on year.

Brands selling the latest in gear, apparel and accessories and technology included; Arbor Collective, Atomic, Burgeon Outdoor, Darn Tough Vermont, Deuter/ORTOVOX USA, Elan Sports, Elevate Outdoor Collective brought Marker, Dalbello, Volkl, K2 Ski, K2 Snowboards, LINE, and Ride Snowboards. Fischer Sports, Auclair, HEAD/Tyrolia USA, Inc., Helly Hansen, Hestra, J skis, Kulkea, LLC, Lacroix Boards Inc., Meier Skis, New Belgium Brewing Company, Nikwax North America, Nordica, OOSC, Parlor Skis, Rossignol, Salomon, Scarpa, Ski The East, Teton Gravity Research, Whitespace plus U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and USASA. The full list can be found at this link. www.snowboundexpo.com/exhibitors

The range of resorts grew significantly for this year’s expo and visitors saw reps discussing their passes and upgrades for the coming season; Burke Mountain, Cannon Mountain, Chic-Chac, Cranmore Mountain Resort, Gore Mountain, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Jay Peak Resort, JTB-Hokkaido, Killington Resort, King Pine Ski Area, Loon Mountain Resort, Nashoba Valley Ski Area, Pats Peak Ski Area, Ragged Mountain Resort, Woodstock Inn & Resort Whiteface Wachusett Mountain Visit Big Sky Valle Nevado, Saddleback Maine, Tenney Resort and Recreation Sugarbush, Sugarloaf, Smugglers’ Notch Resort and more listed.

Inspiration at every corner
The weekend packed a punch when it came to offering inspiration and talent at a ski show. The expo offered live-action and interactive features for families to enjoy. Highlights included Shaun White’s talk which attracted thousands of fans asking questions and receiving autographs from the legendary snowboarder. The Inspiration Stage welcomed the most decorated cross athlete of all time Lindsey Jacobellis, Olympian Ted Ligety, US Biathlon legend Jan Reynolds, Burton’s Athletes Rob Roethler and LJ Henriquez, Founder of Share Winter Foundation Constance Beverly plus so many more.

Skis and boards were tried out on the indoor slope and new rails were fitted and were used by the more advanced riders. The debut of the Gilson Snowbound Rail Jam came to life on Friday night where visitors saw a showcase of professional snowboarders and skiers displaying their prowess on a crafted rail setup.

Birdie Blue worked in collaboration with Subaru of New England to host a Revive, Reuse & Recycle Zone to elevate sustainability in snow sports. This was a chance for visitors to drop off pre-loved gear which is no longer functional or fashionable and will be upcycled into gear. Any usable gear in good working order will be donated to a local charity.

New features for 2023 included Live Community Painting with Lamont Joseph White, The US Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame displayed a section featuring stories and photos of the Class of 2023 and The Share Winter Trail invited children to collect stamps throughout the expo and collect stickers along the trail. Apres Ski was not forgotten with more bars than before including the Ikon Pass Alpine Mountain Bar, The Fat Tire Beer Garden and Harpoon & Long Trail joined the expo with their merch and ale. CB Sports built a runway in the hall and scheduled fashion shows of their apparel throughout the day with a DJ attracting the crowds and creating an incredible atmosphere.

Stephen Morgan, Managing Director of Snowbound Expo commented “What a show that was! We are so thankful and stoked that the brands, resorts, sponsors, media supported this ski and snowboard show and can’t wait to deliver another even bigger expo in 2024. We’re extremely proud to deliver an expo which is accessible and inclusive for new beginners to try out winter sports and is equally supported by the large snow sports community in the Northeast.”

The visiting crowd snagged individual prize giveaways, competitions and discounts including 2 IKON Pass giveaways, Birdie Blue Sling Bags and Fanny packs prizes,  $1400 competition with Ortovox, re-waterproof your gloves with Nikwax, $400 giveaway with deuter, $100 off with J Skis and much more.

The visitor feedback the team are receiving supports the reason Snowbound Expo exists. An email sent post show said “Thank you Snowbound Expo. It was a fun show, a lot of games, great information, outstanding speakers and some cool swag. It has to be one of the best ski shows I’ve been to! I cannot wait to see you all next year! See you all on the slopes this season”

The show will return in November 15-16, 2024 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.

If you are interested in exhibiting or sponsoring the show, please contact Stuart Dacre – stuart.dacre@raccoonmediagroup.com

The National Equine Show’s second event took place last weekend (2^nd-3^rd March) at the NEC and recorded just under 15,000 people through the doors across the two days of the show. This shows an increase of 50% from the first show last year.

Even before the doors opened, queues were snaking their way through the NEC with thousands of people excited to enjoy the shopping, stages, immersive experiences, and a chance to absorb everything equestrian.

“We are delighted with the show and what a success it was, not just for us but also the brands, partners and sponsors we work with,” said Liz Ormesher, Event Director. “The event saw flash mobs to launch our safety partner, Evoke Equestrian, excitable queues at the GS Equestrian Meet & Greet where we had influencers like Harlow Luna White and Megan Elphick alongside riders such as Charlotte Dujardin and Natasha Baker, a packed Skills Theatre sponsored by Animal Web, an incredible Inspiration Stage with the most awe-inspiring guests, it was amazing. The best thing of all though was the buzz in the hall from visitors enjoying the show, that’s what it is all about.”

Plans are already afoot for the 2025 event which will be across two halls at the NEC on the 1^st and 2^nd March 2025. At the show, over 70% of the new floorplan sold for next year’s event, proving how well the event worked for the brands too.

This year, the event was sponsored by Boys Ride Too, Charles Owen, EqueSoul Fitness, Equitex, Evoke, Farm & Stable, Flying Changes Mindset, GS Equestrian, Jelka, Jo Hansford Photography, JockeyCam Ltd, Lunar Eclipse, Nail Bus, PB Movement, PolyJumps, Red Gorilla, Sacha & George, SJB Performance Training, Smart Grooming, Sorbeo Horse Bedding, The Dressage Coach, The Equestrian Index, The Ice Bath Co, and The Knights of Middle England. It was supported by partners including British Equestrian, British Equestrian Trade Association, Evoke, Forces Equine, Horse & Country TV, Horse & Hound, Horse & Rider Magazine, Outside & Active, PONY Magazine, Summerfields Stables, The Equestrian Index, and Your Horse Magazine.

“We’re really grateful to all the sponsors, partners and brands who supported us, and every person that came to the show,” said Liz. “We’re busy planning next year and will be releasing speakers and more over the next few months.”

Tickets for the 2025 event will be available from September but interested parties can sign up to the newsletter to be the first to hear when the tickets get released. See www.nationalequineshow.com

Raccoon Media Group has announced the latest addition to its rapidly expanding portfolio with the launch of its first B2B conference – the Allergy & Free From Business Event, scheduled to debut alongside the highly anticipated Allergy & Free From Show at Olympia, London, in June 2024.

Set to take place on Friday 21^st June 2024, the Allergy & Free From Business Event is a pioneering one-day event designed to unite industry leaders, influencers and innovators within the allergy and free-from sector. The conference will precede the Allergy & Free From Show (22^nd – 23^rd June) providing a dedicated platform for brands and manufacturers to connect with healthcare professionals, wholesalers, distributors, influencers and specifiers. The Business Event will close with the annual Free From Food Awards, which will co-locate with the event on the Friday evening, rounding off a full day of insight, celebration and networking.

The Allergy & Free From Business Event aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities in the allergy and free-from market. Attendees can expect insightful discussions, a first-class speaker panel and networking opportunities that will contribute to the growth and development of this rapidly expanding industry. Speakers at the event include Audry Head, Head of Food & Beverage at Virgin Atlantic, Dr Paul Turner Clinical Scientist and Hon. Consultant at Imperial College London and Dr Adam Fox, Professor of Paediatric Allergy at Guys & St, Thomas’ Hospital.

Mike Seaman, CEO at Raccoon Media Group commented: “We are thrilled to introduce the Allergy & Free From Business Event as part of our commitment to providing valuable platforms for industry players to engage, share insights and build meaningful connections. This B2B event is a testament to our dedication to facilitating growth and innovation within the allergy and free-from sector and to our overarching aim as a business to support and grow the industries we work in.”

Key highlights of the Allergy & Free From Business Event include:

• In-depth industry discussions: Engage in thought-provoking discussions led by experts, addressing current trends, challenges and opportunities in the allergy and free-from market
• Networking opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals, industry leaders and potential collaborators during dedicated networking sessions, fostering meaningful relationships within the sector
• Sampling and Product Demonstrations: Explore the latest innovations and products from leading allergy and free-from brands and manufacturers. Buyers, bloggers and healthcare professionals can experience the latest products coming to market
• Market insights: Gain valuable insights into consumer trends, market dynamics and regulatory updates impacting the allergy and free-from industry.

As part of Raccoon Media Group’s strategic initiatives for 2024 and beyond, the Allergy & Free From Business Event marks the first in a series of B2B launches planned for the year. The organisation is committed to creating dynamic and impactful events that contribute to the success and advancement of the industries it serves.

For more information about the Allergy & Free From Business Event head to www.allergyandfreefrombusiness.com or to enquire about opportunities contact Annie.bennett@raccoonmediagroup.com.

The organizers of The Boston Run Show have announced that runners should mark their calendars for the 2025 edition, March 1-2, in a new location The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in the Seaport, Boston. Adding to a new date and different venue, the offering at the expo is set to double as the running expo will be held at the same time as The Boston Outdoor Expo.  

Whilst the runners are kitted out with new gear, enthused with new inspiration, and have found new connections in the community from The Boston Run Show held last weekend, the organizers have already got plans to bring more brands, features and partners onto the floorplan for visitors in 2025. With over 200 brands on site, visitors will get to shop more. Not only will runners find the latest gear, tech, nutrition, apparel and hydration products they need for their year of running but an entire second expo offering outdoors adventure products will be available next door. At The Boston Outdoor Expo, runners will be able to find products for hiking, trail running, mountain biking, climbing, mountaineering, camping, fishing, swimming, adventure travel and nature photography.

A Winning Weekend

Last weekend, the Hynes Convention Center welcomed close to 10,000 runners to The Boston Run Show as it kicked off its biggest, most successful event yet. The annual celebration of running welcomed thousands of families, beginners through advanced, marathon, track and trail runners across New England.

The weekend kicked off with the first ever shake-out run led by Boston Marathon’s Race Director, Dave McGillivray, International marathon and travel expert Kelly McLay, Coach Becca Pizzi and America’s run streaker Hellah Sidibe. Swag, smiles and running along the Charles River was enjoyed by over 50 runners before the expo opened Saturday morning. With endorphins pumping, the mood was high as the entrance giveaways started for the early to arrive visitors, prizes included Wahoo GPS watches, Marathon Sports gift cards, Puma shoes, Skechers cooling towels, Sam Adams hats, Marathon Sports tops – it was an energetic opening!

Throughout the weekend, inspiration was in abundance as headline speakers shared anecdotes from their careers, skills knowledge and selfies with the running audience. The 2-day line-up included Olympian Michael Johnson, Barkley Marathon finisher John Kelly, ultrarunner legend Scott Jurek, Comedian Laura Green and many more. The inspiring and immersive experience for runners of all abilities, featured a multitude of exciting new features, world-class speakers, over 100 brands, expert advice, and community initiatives.
Stephen Morgan, Managing Director of Raccoon Media Group USA commented with certainty “We are thrilled to have a new plan to share with the communities we’re building. By co-locating two expos in the city, we are bringing two active communities together and offering a bigger offering for brands, partners and visitors involved. The strategic move enables us to curate a great day out for families who can immerse themselves in the world of getting outside and active. We aim to create healthy active lifestyles and encourage consumers to try new sports in an inclusive space with inspiration, education, and camaraderie. Visitors will find that at both expos co-located in Boston, 2025.  We can’t wait to see you there”

The two expos will return March 1-2, 2025, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. There is opportunity to book booth space, sponsor features and create marketing partnerships to reach an active audience in Boston. Contact info@thebostonrunshow.com or info@thebostonoutdoorexpo.com for more information.

ENDS

For all media enquiries, contact Senior Marketing Manager Chloe Hyland at chloe.hyland@raccoonmediagroup.com

Almost 30,000 runners laced up for the sixth National Running Show at the NEC, Birmingham this weekend, a record-breaking number of runners for the annual event. With over 250 brands, over 50 speakers, 25 features and runners from every corner of the country, the event was the perfect kick-start to a great year of running.

Running royalty including Sir Mo Farah, Dame Kelly Holmes, Eilish McColgan, Vassos Alexander, Jasmin Paris and record-breaking winner of Spine Race 2024, Jack Scott, graced the three stages at the show to packed audiences of avid runners who queued in their hundreds to hear from and meet their #runninginspo in real life.

With over 250 brands on site, visitors shopped their favourite kit, tech, nutrition and hydration products, getting face-to-face bespoke advice tailored to their needs. Runners shopped brands including adidas, Altra, Asics, Science in Sport, Hoka, Hilly, Mizuno, Salomon and more.

Co-Host Iwan Thomas commented: “I have been hosting The National Running Show since the first year and I am continuously blown away by how much energy, enthusiasm and excitement there is in one room. To bring this many people together who choose to spend their time doing the same activity is really special, it’s certainly become the only way for runners to kick start their year.”

Susie Chan, Co-Host of National Running Show commented: “Another year, another Run Show and what a Show it was. I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever seen an event so busy. I loved meeting old friends and being introduced to new brands and I always come away feeling a little bit more excited about my year’s running adventures.”

The Show also saw the launch of the first ever National Running Show Awards that recognised and celebrated outstanding contributions to the community. 10 individuals and brands were recognised in the closed evening presentation, winners included Kevin Sinfield for ‘Inspirational Runner, Allie Bailey for ‘Coach of the Year’ and Food Bank Run for ‘Best Charity Initiative’.

Plans are already underway for a bigger Show in 2025 with speakers including Dame Denise Lewis, Scott Jurek and Shakira Akabusi already announced to speak. For visitors who love trail running, The National Outdoor Expo takes place at NEC, Birmingham 23-24 March and caters to people who love hiking, camping, watersports, trail running, climbing and cooking outdoors.