Category: News

Guildford, 27 July 2026 – Raccoon Media Group, organiser of leading trade events across sports, outdoors, animal health and accessibility sectors, will take on the South Downs Way in a gruelling 100-mile relay challenge this September, raising funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity.

A team from Raccoon will run and walk in stages across one of England’s most iconic trails, starting in Winchester and finishing in Eastbourne. The relay begins on Friday 18 September 2026 and continues through the night, with the team aiming to complete all 100 miles by lunchtime on Saturday 19 September.

Birmingham Children’s Hospital cares for some of the most seriously ill children in the UK, and funds raised will go directly towards improving facilities and supporting families during difficult times.

“Over the years we have taken on many challenges for Birmingham Children’s Hospital as part of our commitment to give back to the community in and around the NEC. To date we have raised over £42k and add another £10k to the pot for them with this latest idea. This one is a real team effort as we incorporate as many Raccoons as possible to run, walk, hike, crew and even DJ our way along the South Downs.” said Jo Tyler, Group COO at Raccoon Media Group.

The team has already raised over £1,000 towards their fundraising goal, with donations open to the public via JustGiving.

Members of the press interested in following the team’s progress, arranging interviews, or covering the event on the day are invited to get in touch.

n.b. image is not entirely without AI generation – https://www.dropbox.com/t/g1EQ7gNYM0VeQHCH

Media contact: Jo Tyler, jo@raccoonmediagroup.com

About Raccoon Media Group Raccoon Media Group organises a portfolio of international trade events spanning sports, outdoors, animal health and accessibility markets, including ISPO, IRX (International Running Expo), BETA International, PATS and Snowbound Expo.

About Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity raises funds to enhance the experience of patients at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, providing state-of-the-art medical equipment and facilities and creating a child-friendly environment for young patients and their families.

The UK padel market will take a major step forward in 2027 with the launch of PadelXpo, the first large-scale event designed to bring together the full ecosystem of the sport at scale. Taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 5–6 June 2027, the event will unite players, fans, brands, clubs, operators and industry leaders in one high-energy setting.

Launching with an impressive line-up of sporting stars, celebrities and industry partners already confirmed, PadelXpo is set to become the UK’s definitive celebration of one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.

Padel has seen rapid growth across Britain, with participation more than doubling in the past year to over one million players and more than 1,500 courts now in operation nationwide. Awareness of the sport continues to accelerate, with millions more expected to discover the game in the coming years. Despite this momentum, the UK has lacked a single platform that connects the sport’s consumer audience with its commercial landscape.

PadelXpo has been created to fill that gap, providing a central meeting point for the UK padel market and a space where participation, culture and commercial opportunity come together.

Across two days, the event will combine demo courts, tournaments and coaching with a large-scale exhibition featuring more than 200 brands spanning equipment, apparel, technology, nutrition, wellness and lifestyle. Alongside the consumer experience, a curated networking programme will facilitate meetings between buyers, operators and brands, creating a focused environment for business development and partnership building.

A dedicated Show Court will sit at the heart of the event, hosting a programme of exhibition matches and tournaments featuring a mix of professional players, elite athletes, creators and celebrity guests competing for a charity prize pot.

Already confirmed to appear are Brit Award Winner & Rapper, Aitch, comedian Jason Manford, former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan OBE, Olympians Chemmy Alcott, Montell Douglas and Gail Emms, alongside GB padel player Nikhil Mohindra and Sky presenters Gail & Jo, with further names to be announced in the lead-up to the event.

The event has also secured strong support from across the industry, with founding partner Palair joined by Inclusive Padel Tour, The Padel Foundation, JM Academy, Sports Insight, PadelNation, Eutopia Agency and ISPO as confirmed partners, underlining the sector-wide backing for a dedicated national event.

PadelXpo is being launched by Raccoon Media Group, the award-winning events and media business behind a portfolio of leading sport and participation events across the UK, Europe, the USA and the Middle East.

Mike Seaman, Group CEO of Raccoon Media Group, said:”Padel is one of the most exciting sports stories in the UK right now, with strong participation growth, a highly engaged audience and increasing international attention. The market has reached a point where it needs a central platform that brings everything together.

PadelXpo is our investment in that next phase. The calibre of players, personalities and partners who have already committed demonstrates the appetite for an event that represents the entire sport. We’re creating an experience that reflects the energy and accessibility of padel while providing a serious environment for business, partnerships and growth. It will give the UK padel community a focal point and a place to build from.”

Raccoon Media Group has a strong track record of launching and scaling events in high-growth sectors, combining live experiences with content, community and commercial opportunity. PadelXpo follows that approach, offering a format that supports both participation and industry development at scale.

Exhibitor bookings and partnership opportunities for the inaugural event are now open, with a limited number of founding positions available.

Exhibitor bookings and partnership opportunities for the inaugural event are now open, with a limited number of founding positions available. For more information, visit www.padelxpo.com or contact the team at Raccoon Media Group at info@padelxpo.com

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:

About Raccoon Media Group

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.

The world’s leading sports and outdoor trade fair creates an independent foundation to channel lasting positive change across the globe

Founded by ISPO, the world’s leading sports and outdoor trade fair, the ISPO Impact Foundation was unveiled today, alongside eagerly-awaited details of the €1 million global grant fund it will be distributing annually. The independent foundation will harness the power of outdoor recreation and sport as a force for good, in pursuit of a healthier planet and more active, inclusive communities.

Through ISPO’s landmark annual donation, the Foundation will channel funding into initiatives across the globe that protect and restore the planet’s vitally important natural environments, whilst also building stronger, more active communities. It is a statement of intent from a trade fair that has long championed the outdoor and sports sectors, whilst recognising that those sectors have both the responsibility, and the unique ability, to drive real-world change.

Mike Seaman, Group CEO of Raccoon Media Group, said: “ISPO has always been more than a trade fair. It is a platform that brings together the people who care most deeply about sport, the outdoors, and the natural world. Creating the ISPO Impact Foundation felt like the natural next step: a way to turn that passion into lasting, practical change. But it was always our intention that the Foundation would operate with full independence. The decisions about where this money goes, and the projects it supports, belong entirely to the trustees, the advisory council and the communities they serve, which is exactly as it should be.”

Chair of the Trustees and CEO of the UK’s Outdoor Industries Association, Andrew Denton, said: “Healthy natural environments and widespread participation in outdoor recreation and sport are fundamental to the future of our sectors, as well as to the health of our planet and the communities within it. The ISPO Impact Foundation represents a powerful opportunity to put that belief into action, internationally and at scale, year after year. We are grateful to ISPO and Raccoon Media Group for their vision and generosity in making this possible, and we take the responsibility of stewarding this fund very seriously.”

The Foundation will be accepting project applications from non-profit organisations around the world from 1–30 June. A wide range of grants will be available, designed to ensure that no project with genuine impact is too small, or too creative, to be considered. Micro grants of €2,000 will support grassroots local clubs, groups and teams making a difference closer to home, while multi-year grants of up to €100,000 will be available for larger, more established organisations with the potential for significant, and potentially global, impact.

General Manager of the ISPO Impact Foundation, Tanya Kenrick, said: “The potential of this Fund to catalyse lasting change, for our planet and for the health of the communities that depend on it, is genuinely extraordinary. We are building something that will grow in impact every single year, and the Trustees, the Advisory Council and I are tremendously excited to begin partnering with the innovative, passionate organisations that will help shape what this Foundation becomes.”

About the ISPO Impact Foundation

With charitable formation imminent, the ISPO Impact Foundation is an independent grant-making organisation founded by ISPO, the world’s leading sports and outdoor trade fair. Funded by an annual donation of €1 million from ISPO, the Foundation distributes grants to non-profit organisations across the globe, supporting initiatives that protect and restore the planet’s natural environments and build stronger, more active and inclusive communities.

The Foundation is governed by an independent Board of Trustees, comprising Andrew Denton (Chair), Mark Held and Hannah Lewis. The Trustees are supported by an Advisory Council of experts drawn from across the outdoor recreation, sport, and sustainability sectors, encompassing brands, suppliers and retailers: Katrin Bauer (Ortovox), Ben Blishke (Intersport), Yasmin Dufournet (Salomon), Julian Lings (Specialized), Marie Måwe (WL Gore), and Debbie Read (Eqiup Outdoor Technologies).

The Foundation will accept grant applications each year, with four levels of funding available ranging from €2,000 to €100,000. For full details and application information visit ispoimpactfoundation.org.

Press contact: Tanya Kenrick, General Manager, tanya@ispoimpactfoundation.org

PATS 2026 – the Trade Show – will stage an expanded and enhanced New Product Awards programme at this year’s event, taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 27–29 September 2026.

Sponsored by PBWnews, the 2026 awards will feature more categories than ever before, with a total of 16 honours up for grabs, including nine pet product awards and three aquatic categories judged from entries to the New Product Showcase.

The winners will be revealed and presented with their awards at a special gala dinner – another exciting addition to PATS 2026 – in the Concourse Suite at the NEC during the exhibition. As well as the New Product Awards, the evening will also feature three dedicated UK Retailer Awards, an International Retailer Award, and a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

The awards will be decided by an expert panel of retail professionals and independent retailers, ensuring that winning products and businesses are recognised by those at the forefront of the industry.

Positioned during PATS 2026, the New Product Awards and Dinner will be open to industry professionals and award entrants with more information on how to enter and attend available in Spring.

PATS is shaping up to be the largest event in its history with over 400 exhibitors, over 8,000 visitors and has increased by over 2,000sqm in the last year. Commenting on its growth, Ian Reynolds, Event Director at PATS (pictured below right) said: “This is a fantastic addition to the event and gives another opportunity for the industry to come together, celebrate incredible innovation and importantly, to connect brands, retailers and the broader industry.”

Event organiser Raccoon Media Group has partnered with Profile Exhibitions & Events to elevate the profile and impact of the awards. Profile Exhibitions & Events is led by former PATS show director Gordon Thomas and includes respected industry professionals Jo Scotting and Jo Bladon – all well known to PATS exhibitors and visitors. Gordon and his team will oversee the organisation of the New Product Awards and Dinner, using their expertise to ensure they run smoothly – managing entries, coordinating the awards, and delivering the gala dinner.

Talking about the partnership, Mike Seaman, Group CEO at Raccoon Media Group pictured below left), said: “It is great to be working with Gordon and his team once again and we are very excited about this opportunity. The New Product Awards and Dinner will be an absolute highlight of PATS 2026, further cementing its position as the must-attend event of the year for everyone involved in the pet industry.”

Gordon Thomas (above centre) commented: “I’m really excited to be involved with PATS again and I’m looking forward to working with Mike and his team on what promises to be a superb occasion.

“The New Product Awards have always been a focal point of PATS and now we have the opportunity to elevate them even further with increased recognition for the trade and a fantastic celebratory dinner.”

The enhanced awards programme reflects PATS’ continued growth and commitment to championing innovation, retail excellence and outstanding contributions to the pet and aquatic sectors.

Further details about award categories, entry criteria, and ticket information for the gala dinner will be announced in due course.

For more details about the PATS 2026 New Product Awards and Dinner email gordon@profileexhibitions.events and for all the latest information on PATS 2026 visit patshow.co.uk

Raccoon Media Group is celebrating a record-breaking year for its flagship event, The National Running Show. The eighth edition, held at the NEC Birmingham, welcomed a record number of 30,893 running enthusiasts from across the UK and beyond.

Building on a landmark 2025 during which The National Running Show swept the AEO Excellence Awards for Consumer Show and Marketing Campaign of the Year, alongside an EN Award for Best Content Programme – the event reached new heights in 2026. With over 300 premier brands in attendance and a record-breaking 70% rebook rate, the show continues to demonstrate industry-leading loyalty and high-value retention among Tier 1 partners. The diverse content programme spanned dedicated spaces and stages, hosting a world-class line-up of 100+ speakers from celebrities to athletes, and community leaders to industry experts. Those featured included: Carl Lewis, Laura Muir, Dean Karnazes, Tom Evans, Phily Bowden, Harry Judd and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. The 2026 show featured almost 30 interactive sessions with returning classics such as the Travelator and Pilates Studio which sat alongside exciting new debuts, including the Fordy Runs Rave Run and an immersive British Orienteering Trail. “To match our record-breaking investment in the 2026 show, we curated a premier roster of talent. The result was a non-stop, two-day schedule of elite-level sessions and immersive, engaging experiences,” said Kate Jamieson, Content Director of Raccoon Media Group.

Plans for The National Running Show 2027 are already in motion, “there will be a 30% increase in show floorspace to meet demand,” said Craig Hanratty, Portfolio Director, Raccoon Media Group, “our 2027 roadmap features an expanded portfolio of engaging activations, highlighted by

collaborations with Guinness World Records, the My Home Gym installation, and a signature Obstacle Challenge.”

Launched in 2018 as Raccoon Media Group’s flagship event, The National Running Show has evolved from a grassroots start-up in a garden shed into a global powerhouse. Since its inception, the company has scaled organically, now boasting an international portfolio that includes the International Running Expo (IRX), Run Show (Dubai), and ISPO. Raccoon Media Group has cemented its position as a premier specialist event organiser within the global sports and outdoor sectors. Recognised as the definitive partner for launching or scaling industry exhibitions, the group now manages some of the world’s most influential events.

Raccoon Media Group, organisers of ISPO the world’s most influential trade event for the sporting goods, outdoor and winter sports industries, confirms its commitment to ensuring an enduring impact by joining the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) as a Sustaining Member and revealing more details of the newly established ISPO Impact Fund.

Recognising that sustainability is non-negotiable, these announcements underscore ISPO’s long-term dedication to environmental responsibility, industry stewardship and collaborative action across the global outdoor community.

Tracy Bebbington, Managing Director, ISPO at Raccoon Media Group, said; “As ISPO enters a new era under new management and prepares for its next chapter in Amsterdam, it is essential that sustainability sits at the heart of everything we do. Joining EOCA and launching the ISPO Impact Fund reflect our belief in collective action and our responsibility to drive direct and meaningful change. We’re not just advocating for change; we are committed to making it happen. Not only that, we have appointed an external agency to closely analyse the carbon footprint of the event itself and we will make a solid commitment to being transparent about the footprint and, from day one, actively take steps to reduce it.”

Respecting and safeguarding the natural environments in which we play

ISPO is proud to announce its formal commitment as both a member and Sustaining Member of the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA). By becoming a Sustaining Member, ISPO will provide ongoing funding and strategic support to EOCA’s mission to conserve and restore wild places, support biodiversity, and enable outdoor participation that respects and safeguards nature. The partnership further aligns ISPO’s environmental values with those championed by brands, retailers and industry associations across the sector.

Dan Yates, Executive Director of EOCA, said: “We are delighted to welcome ISPO, and the newly expanded team at Raccoon Media Group, as a member, and importantly, a Sustaining Member of EOCA. Their commitment sends a powerful message: that major industry platforms must not only showcase innovation but actively support the landscapes and ecosystems that inspire it. ISPO’s involvement will allow us to reach more organisations, fund more conservation projects, and amplify the urgency of protecting the wild places the outdoor community depends on.”

The €1 million ISPO Impact Fund

As part of their long-term commitment to supporting positive change, ISPO is investing one million euros into a new charitable organisation, the ISPO Impact Fund. The fund will support grassroots, charitable and non-profit initiatives that originate within the sports, outdoor and winter sports communities, or that have a direct and meaningful connection to these sectors.

The ISPO Impact Fund has been established as an independent organisation to ensure transparency, structure and the highest levels of governance expected of grant awarding bodies. The three founding trustees, Hannah Lewis, Finance Director at Raccoon Media Group, Andrew Denton, CEO at the Outdoor Industries Association, and Mark Held, founding Secretary General of the European Outdoor

Group are responsible for shaping the ISPO Impact Fund to ensure high standards of fairness, transparency and responsibility.

The Impact Fund will focus on three core areas:

· Nature Conservation & Environmental Stewardship – Supporting projects that protect biodiversity, restore natural environments, and reduce the environmental impact of sport and outdoor recreation.

· Equitable Access & Participation – Enabling more people – regardless of gender, ethnicity, ability, income, or background to access and enjoy sport, winter sports and outdoor recreation.

· Fair, Ethical & Responsible Supply Chains – Investing in initiatives that improve the welfare of workers throughout the supply chain and strengthen the processes through which sport and outdoor products are made, marketed and sold.

An independent advisory panel of industry experts and community representatives is currently being recruited to oversee the allocation of the €1 million fund, assessing all applications, reviewing their potential impact, and awarding grants based on clear and transparent criteria.

The team are actively recruiting members of this panel and welcome applications from the Sports, Outdoor and Winter sports industries. To apply, please contact hello@isposportsbusinessevents.com

“Our advisory panel will help ensure that the funding is fairly and appropriately allocated across projects which get more people active, protect the places in which we play and ensure products are ethically created. From local community initiatives to huge global projects, we expect hundreds of applications. It’s important that these are assessed for their impact so that funds can be carefully allocated, and more importantly actually invested correctly to impact change on an individual level.” said Andrew Denton.

The application process for the ISPO Impact Fund will open online in Spring 2026, with the awarded grants being announced in November at ISPO 2026 at RAI Amsterdam.

*** ENDS ***

For further information please contact: ispopress@raccoonmediagroup.com

ABOUT ISPO

First hosted in 1970, ISPO is the world’s premier sports, outdoor and winter trade event welcoming over 50,000 global attendees annually. From 2026, ISPO enters a new chapter led by Raccoon Media Group, in partnership with Messe München. The joint venture combines the heart, agility and entrepreneurial spirit of Raccoon Media Group with the competence, scale, and global reach of Messe München. The refined strategic direction addresses the cost base to make attendance more affordable, aligns the event with global buying cycles, and ensures accessibility for a broader international audience.

ISPO organisers Raccoon Media Group and Messe München today announce that INTERSPORT, a global leader in sporting goods retail, is the FIRST major retail partner to confirm attendance at the reimagined expo in 2026.

As the doors close in Munich, the world’s most influential trade event for the sporting goods, outdoor and winter sports industries enters a new chapter with relocation to Amsterdam on earlier November dates. The signing of INTERSPORT, which has a long standing relationship with ISPO, is a mark of confidence in the future of the event by the industry.

Mike Seaman, Group CEO of Raccoon Media Group said; “Partnering with INTERSPORT as our first confirmed retail partner for ISPO 2026 is a major milestone for the event and for the entire sports industry. INTERSPORT’s global influence, deep consumer connection, and commitment to innovation make them the perfect collaborator as we build a future-focused ISPO. This partnership allows us to bring brands and retailers closer together – and sets a powerful foundation for what ISPO 2026 will represent.” 

The collaboration will bring the global retailer and brands together seamlessly. With 5,464 specialist stores across 42 countries, the improved accessibility and earlier dates of ISPO 2026 make attendance more practical and valuable for INTERSPORT. ISPO 2026 will host a dedicated INTERSPORT Members Lounge at the Rai Amsterdam, bringing INTERSPORT’s buyers from all over the world to the event as part of the £1M expansion and intensification of the global hosted buyer programme.

Seaman continued: “ROI is everything, our exhibitors want meaningful business outcomes. This is driving our strategic emphasis on lead-gen, buyer meetings and metrics that demonstrate value. Our Hosted Buyer Programme is central to this and INTERSPORT clearly recognise the potential ROI to be gleaned by hosting multiple meetings in one location.”

“Confidence is clearly high in our new strategic direction and investment commitment. To have INTERSPORT confirm their attendance at such an early stage reinforces that ISPO remains THE premier global trade fair to attend.”

The synergies between ISPO and INTERSPORT are more deep-rooted than business ROI and longevity.  As multi-category and multi-brand specialists, INTERSPORT and ISPO are both committed to connecting the world to the benefits of sport, health, and well-being, ensuring that everyone can enjoy and benefit from the joy of sport.

ISPO 2026 promises to be more than a trade show. Exhibitors and attendees will experience an immersive, inspiring and commercially vibrant gathering. The three days of will feature carefully curated content, learning and activations that transcend traditional display booths, ISPO 2026 parties and organised networking will bring INTERSPORT buyers and brands together beyond business hours fostering greater relationships going forward.

*** ENDS ***

For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact: ispopress@raccoonmediagroup.com

Translated versions of the release are available here in  French, German, Spanish and Dutch 

About Raccoon Media Group

Raccoon Media Group is a dynamic, high-growth media business dedicated to serving passion-led communities across both B2C and B2B markets worldwide. Through its impactful events and media properties, Raccoon delivers year-round content, education and growth and networking opportunities to specialist, self-identifying audiences. Founded in 2018 the company has rapidly expanded its portfolio across health, wellbeing and specialist passion-led markets. Entrepreneurial and disruptive, Raccoon challenges the status quo, invests in exceptional people and creates sustainable events that foster industry growth and meaningful connections. Connect with us at www.raccoonmediagroup.com or for all media enquiries, contact Ashley Cox ashley.cox@raccoonmediagroup.com.

Messe München

As one of the world’s leading trade fair organisers, Messe München showcases the world of tomorrow at around 90 trade fairs worldwide. These include twelve leading global trade fairs such as bauma, BAU, IFAT, and electronica. The portfolio covers trade fairs for investment and consumer goods as well as for new technologies. Together with its 1,300 employees in the group and its subsidiaries, it organizes trade fairs in China, India, Brazil, South Africa, Turkey, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the USA. With an international network of subsidiaries and foreign representatives, Messe München is active worldwide. More than 150 events each year attract around 50,000 exhibitors and approximately three million visitors domestically and abroad. This makes Messe München a key economic driver, generating purchasing power effects worth billions.

Organizers of Snowbound Expo are celebrating a standout year, with the 2025 edition setting new records reinforcing the show’s position at the heart of the winter sports community. As New England’s leading consumer event for winter sports, Snowbound Expo returned to the MCEC in the Seaport district from 14–16 November, surpassing expectations across every key metric and delivering exceptional engagement for brands, athletes, and enthusiasts alike.

Attracting a record number of 23,420 skiers, snowboarders and winter sports enthusiasts, a 10% increase from 2024, with 42 states represented, visitors coming from Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut and travelling from as far afield as Colorado. Organizers welcomed 234 vendors to the expo, an increase of 14 more exhibitors in comparison to the previous year.

A strong rebook rate of 70% already secured for Snowbound Expo 2026 attests to importance of the event for brands and resorts on the East Coast of America. Demonstrating that the recently announced relocation of the event to Earth Expo & Convention Center, Mohegan Sun, Connecticut from 2026 will not adversely affect industry support and interest.

Speakers at the expo, the majority of whom graced The Inspiration Stage sponsored by IKON Pass across three days included snow sports adventurers Zeb Powell, Amie Engerbretson, Donny Pelletier, Noah Dines, Julie McGuire, Blotto, Shannon Dunn, Gary Land, Todd Ligare and Dan Egan. In addition, there were joint discussions featuring the Protect Our Winters panelists and the Technically Doing It crew, including LJ Henriquez, Rob Roethler, and Luis Medearis.

Dynamic on-site activations included The Inspiration Stage sponsored by IKON Pass, the Epic Pass Winter Arcade where visitors could compete in Xbox and Wii games, the Resorts Village with a host of New England ski resorts and the Colorado Ski Shop Retail Zone, a magnet for winter sports shoppers with thousands of products from leading brands, showcasing cutting-edge technologies, innovative apparel and an array of exclusive show-only bargains.

Steeped in a 40-year legacy Snowbound Expo is a community-led event which connects winter sports enthusiasts and businesses. The organisers cultivate a dynamic atmosphere where thousands of passionate skiers, snowboarders, and outdoor enthusiasts converge to discover new gear, score exclusive deals, meet world class athletes, and plan their next adventure. The ultimate kick-off for winter, brands value the expo as a platform to showcase products, drive sales, and engage directly with a loyal, high-value audience in the heart of New England’s snow sports market. Snowbound Expo 2026 will return to Mohegan Sun, Earth Expo & Convention Center, a premier convention destination in the Northeast. Snowbound Expo 2026 is set to return Nov 14-15, 2026 to increase proximity to 52+ New York City and Connecticut resorts, expand to a wider East Coast audience and to grow the expo with larger activations, increased investment into speakers and all in an accessible and flexible venue.

Potential sponsors and exhibitors for Snowbound Expo 2026 are strongly advised to get in touch with organizers as early as possible to secure prime opportunities and avoid disappointment.

ENDS

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

Notes to Editors:

Snowbound Expo #SnowboundExpo

Website: https://snowboundexpo.com/

The home of winter and outdoor sports, this retail-led experience brings together inspiring athletes and expert coaches with the latest kit and technology all under one roof.

About Raccoon Media Group

Raccoon Media Group was founded in 2018 with the launch of the multi-award-winning National Running Show and over the next few years went on to launch many popular consumer events in health and wellbeing markets. The business has expanded significantly since its inception and is now a dynamic, scaled, high-growth media business focused on mobilizing passion-led B2C and B2B communities across the globe. Our events and media properties deliver year-round content and advice to specialist, self-identifying audiences. Raccoon is entrepreneurial, fast-paced and disruptive. As a business we question the status quo, we invest in exceptional people, we operate with a clear purpose and deliver sustainable events that directly meet the needs of our audiences in a way that ignites and bolsters the industries in which we operate.