Menu

Category: Uncategorized

ISPO SPORTS WEEK: WHERE THE BUSINESS OF SPORT MEETS THE PEOPLE DRIVING DEMAND 

Posted on by alfiewilkinson

New global platform connects the business of sport with the people shaping demand, with significant investment in new events, a flagship Sports Week in Europe and regional editions in the Middle East, USA and China. 

London, Tuesday 3 November 2026 – ISPO, the world’s largest sports and outdoor trade fair, has announced the launch of ISPO Sports Week, a new global platform bringing together the entire sports ecosystem, from sourcing and manufacturing to retail, innovation and participation. The initiatives will bring a collection of specialist events together in each city, connecting the commercial engine of sport with the people and communities shaping demand. 

Each regional edition is a week-long programme built around a central industry event. Around that hub, brands and visitors choose from business-to-business trade and networking, consumer-facing participation and brand experiences, and independent fringe events. The regional editions will take place in different markets at different points in the year where partners can choose the activities and editions that fit their objectives and teams. 

The thinking is simple: sport is no longer shaped in the trade hall alone. Clubs, athletes, creators and grassroots communities increasingly influence what people buy and the way they engage with Sport, while brands invest in separate trade shows and consumer activations to reach different audiences. ISPO Sports Week brings these opportunities together. 

Each Sports Week will feature a collection of focused, specialist events, each retaining its own identity, audience and purpose. Exhibitors can reach new audiences, visitors have more reasons to attend, and brands can choose the opportunities most relevant to their business. 

The launch is supported by significant investment in developing new events and experiences around ISPO’s established trade platform. This includes the introduction of PadelXpo and OutdoorXpo, two new events being developed for the Sports Week calendar, alongside opportunities for independent organisers, sporting bodies and brands to contribute their own events, activations and experiences. 

Amsterdam will remain the flagship home of ISPO Sports Week, bringing together the international sports industry and local sporting communities. Anchored by ISPO’s established global trade event, the 2027 programme will include the ISPO Leaders Summit, International Running Expo (IRX), OutdoorXpo and PadelXpo, alongside a wider programme of sporting experiences, brand activations and industry events. 

The Middle East edition will take place in Dubai in September 2027, with a programme developed specifically for the regional market. ISPO Source will connect manufacturing, materials and ingredient businesses with brands looking to develop and expand production, while ISPO Discover will provide a platform for emerging brands to connect with manufacturers, retailers and distributors. At the weekend, The Run Show, PadelXpo and OutdoorXpo will open the programme to consumers, creating opportunities for brands to activate, engage with sporting communities and sell directly to their audiences. 

In Asia, the platform will build on ISPO’s established events in Shanghai and Beijing, with each city hosting its own edition of ISPO Sports Week Asia. Both events already connect manufacturers, brands and retailers across the sports industry, with plans to explore how additional sporting events, brand activations and community experiences could complement the existing exhibitions. This builds on ISPO’s experience of working with local partners to connect trade events with wider sporting activities in China, creating further opportunities for businesses and sporting communities to come together. 

With five sports events already running in the USA, Snowbound Expo, Brand Match, E.L.I.T.E, Match Indoor and Sports Venue Summit, the organisers have plans to bring ISPO Sports Week to the US in 2028 with announcements expected in 2027. 

Mike Seaman, Group CEO of Raccoon Media Group, said: “For over 50 years, ISPO has connected the people and businesses behind the sports industry. ISPO Sports Week builds on that heritage, creating opportunities for brands, manufacturers and retailers to do business while connecting with the athletes, creators and communities shaping demand. 

“Brands already invest in trade shows, product launches, sporting events and consumer activations, often separately. We see a huge opportunity to bring these activities closer together, making it easier for businesses to achieve their objectives while creating a much bigger moment for the industry. 

“We’re making a significant investment in developing new events and experiences to support that ambition. Amsterdam will remain our flagship, with new regional editions in Dubai and plans for an event in the USA, alongside our established events in China. Together, they provide the foundation for a global Sports Week platform, with each region developing a programme shaped around its own industry and sporting communities.” 

For brands, ISPO Sports Week creates opportunities to achieve multiple objectives within one week, from meeting manufacturers, distributors and retail buyers to launching products, telling brand stories, building relationships with athletes and creators through unique activations, and engaging directly with consumers. Businesses can choose the events and activities most relevant to them, whether that’s sourcing, trade, innovation, content, brand activation or consumer sales. 

For retailers, it offers the opportunity to discover new products and emerging brands, while gaining a closer understanding of the communities and trends influencing consumer demand. 

The ambition is to establish ISPO Sports Week as a defining fixture in the global sporting calendar, with major events taking place in different regions throughout the year. Bringing together trade, innovation and participation, it will create new opportunities for businesses, brands and sporting communities to connect. 

For more information, visit isposportsweek.com or to discuss opportunities or arrange an interview contact Ashley Cox at Ashley.cox@raccoonmediagroup.com. 

Team of Ladies from Raccoon Media Group set to take on Peak District ultra charity trek for Birmingham Children’s Hospital

Posted on by Sophie Honeywell

On Saturday 2nd August, a team of six ladies from the Raccoon Media Group, organisers of events such as the International Running Expo, National Running Show and many more are lacing up for a challenging 50 kilometre trek over the Peak District as part of the SheRaces trail series, to raise funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

The event, taking place in Hathersage in the Peak District is not only roughly 50 kilometres in length, but also includes approximately 1100m of ascent. Putting this into perspective, Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK, has an ascent 1352m.

The Raccoon Media Group has a long-established relationship with Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Raccoon Team members have undertaken numerous arduous challenges and supported the charity’s important work for many years. Birmingham Children’s Hospital provides a range of specialist services and operates the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services for the city.

The SheRaces trail series, launched in 2025, is the UK’s first female-only trail running series, with the first edition in the Peak District this year and further events taking place in 2026 including the Surrey Hills and Shropshire Hills. SheRaces was founded by campaigner, advisor and ultrarunner Sophie Power. It is a global network of champions, driving change to support female athletes.

Supported by Her Spirit, the Raccoon crew set to take on the challenge includes: Jo Tyler, Hannah Hopwood, Nathalie Davies, Annie Bennett, Sophie Ferrier and Chloe Hyland. Commenting on the challenge, Jo Tyler, Chief Operating Officer at Raccoon Media Group said: “We know it’s going to be tough, and to be honest, I’m a bit terrified. But I’m glad to be doing it with this incredible group of women. We know we have the grit to get through it, even if we aren’t very fast.

Birmingham Children’s Hospital do so much life-changing work with every penny they raise. We have met many of the children and staff and seen the difference that this money will make to young lives and families who are going through the worse challenges in life.  That will drive us forward to keep putting one step in front of the other, and I’m certain the wonderful Peak District scenery will keep us inspired too!”.

To support Team Raccoon and make a difference to children’s live DONATE here: https://www.justgiving.com/team/50kmfor5k

ENDS

Notes to editors
For all media enquiries, contact Senior Marketing Manager, Sophie Ferrier at: sophie.ferrier@raccoonmediagroup.com


About Raccoon Media GroupRaccoon 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.

A Record-Breaking National Running Show

Posted on by Ben Yeo

More than 30,000 visitors gathered at the NEC in Birmingham this weekend for the seventh edition of the National Running Show, a record-breaking turnout. Runners from across the UK came together for the award-winning event. Since its launch in 2018, the show has become a key fixture in the running community’s calendar with the 2025 show featuring nearly 80 speakers, over 250 brands and 26 features which included talks and interactive activations as well as a Guinness World Record attempt.

Adding a new thrilling dimension to the show this year, a Guinness World Record attempt by GB athlete, renowned ultrarunner and campaigner Sophie Power. Sophie is the founder of SheRACES, a charity that champions equity and inclusion for women in trail and ultrarunning. Completing more than 226 miles (365km) on a treadmill in 48 hours, Sophie smashed the previous world record of 211.49 miles (340km). The challenge also served as a fundraiser and awareness opportunity for SheRACES.

Abundant crowds were drawn to listen to and meet their sporting heroes and inspirational idols across three stages and numerous bespoke spaces, including the new ‘Village Green’ run by Ultra Awesome’s Allie Bailey and The Green Runners. Speakers across the weekend included Dame Denise Lewis, Jasmin Paris MBE, Sir Mo Farah, Scott Jurek, Russ Cook ‘The Hardest Geezer’, Deo Kato, Spencer Matthews, Nicky Spinks, Bryony Gordon, Damian Hall, The Running Channel team and many more thought leaders from all corners of the running community.

CEO of Raccoon Media Group, organisers of The National Running Show, Mike Seaman commented: “This has been the best show so far. The energy all weekend was palpable. There were smiles, hugs, cheers, fan photos and standing ovations. A personal highlight for me was seeing Sophie Power obliterate the World Record, she is so tough, a real inspiration and an absolute legend!”.


Plans are already in the making for the 2026 instalment of The National Running Show. Before then, outdoor lovers and trail runners will benefit from visiting The National Outdoor Expo, taking place at NEC, Birmingham 22-23 March.

National Cycling Show 2024 Event Highlights

Posted on by Ben Yeo

Take a look back at the action from the National Cycling Show 2024, taking place at the NEC in Birmingham.

The show featured headline speakers such as Bradley Wiggins, The Athertons, Mark Beaumont, and many more! The National Cycling Show is an immersive retail experience enabling consumers to try and buy everything from bikes to accessories.

The show aims to normalise cycling, attract new audiences and show that there is a bike for everyone. This arena allows all levels and disciplines to purchase exactly what they need to achieve their cycling goals.

The show brings together the industry to educate, inspire and motivate, from road bikers, gravel, mountain and commuters. It will also inspire those who already have a passion for exercising outdoors to invest in cycling.

The geographical location of the event attracts more of the UK, therefore making cycling more accessible.

To stay up to dat with thge latest show updates and news, follow us on Insatgram or Facebook. Or subscribe to the show newsletter.

Raccoon Media Group and Snowsports Industries America partner to transform Snowbound Fest into Snowbound Expo

Posted on by Darren Pinder

Guildford, UK and Park City, UT (March 16, 2022) – Raccoon Media Group (Raccoon) and Snowsports Industries America (SIA) are delighted to announce a long-term partnership in conjunction with the B2C event Snowbound. The partnership is a huge win for consumers and exhibitors alike and combines Raccoon’s proven success as a consumer show organizer with SIA’s know-how and reach as the leader of the winter outdoor industry. Set to take place at the Hynes Convention Center, Boston, Massachusetts, on 18 – 20 November 2022, The Snowbound Expo will be an oasis for winter outdoor enthusiasts providing a comprehensive retail experience, a first-class speaker line-up and a plethora of impressive interactive features.

Industry excitement is high, with the following exhibitors already confirmed, including 686, Burton Snowboards, Darn Tough, Deuter/Ortovox, FERA, Helly Hansen, Hestra Gloves, Jay Peak Resort, Killington Resort, Kulkea, Phunkshun Wear, Salomon, SCARPA North America, Seirus Innovations and Tecnica Group brands of Blizzard, Nordica & Tecnica.

While SIA members will still have access to preferential pricing, all exhibitors will benefit from Raccoon’s consumer-oriented approach to winter outdoor shows both in the US and in the UK. Raccoon’s guiding principles are based on sustainability, inclusion and a premium in-season retail experience.

The three-day event is set across 112,000 sq ft of space. It will play host to some of the snow scene’s biggest names, including six-time Olympic medalist Bode Miller, ski legend Dan Egan, alpinist Philip Henderson, ice climber Lindsay Fixmer, mountain athlete and storyteller Dani Reyes-Acosta, downhill World Cup racer Douglas Lewis and backcountry adaptive skier Vasu Sojitra, who will lead a packed schedule of talks on the Seirus Inspiration Stage. There will also be a series of workshops in the Snow Skills Theater, providing new and experienced winter enthusiasts with an armory of information and advice to get started or advance in their chosen winter sport.

The Expo, which is expected to play host to over 10,000 winter outdoor consumers and over 140 exhibitors, will provide brands and retailers with the perfect opportunity to speak directly to consumers, helping kit them out with the right gear for the winter season ahead. In addition to 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.

“This is an exciting development for our US business and is a sign of our continued ambition to deliver exciting and engaging B2C events for specialist self-identifying consumers passionate about health and well-being,” says Raccoon Media Group CEO Mike Seaman. “SIA is the perfect partner in this venture and shares our vision to create an inclusive event that is environmentally sensitive and built around a premium start-of-season retail experience.”

SIA President Nick Sargent adds, “Consumers are a major initiative for SIA. This partnership allows us to serve our members with best-in-class consumer show opportunities both here and abroad and offer a premium experience for the consumer and the entire winter outdoor community. We are excited to partner with Raccoon to grow and evolve the Snowbound experience.”

For more information about The Snowbound Expo, please visit snowboundexpo.com. To discuss opportunities to exhibit or partner with the Expo, contact stephen.morgan@raccoonmediagroup.com.

About Raccoon Media Group

Founded in 2016, Raccoon Media Group is a dynamic UK events business run by a group of exhibition and digital marketing experts with experience in organising consumer expos worldwide, including the successful National Snow Show held annually in the UK. The company is headquartered at 2 Bell Court, Leapale Lane, Guildford, GU1 4LY, UK. info@raccoonmediagroup.com, +44 0203 770 9303, www.raccoonmediagroup.com @snowboundexpo

About SIA

Snowsports Industries America (SIA) is the trade association of the winter outdoor industry. Through SIA membership, brands, destinations, retailers, service providers and non-profits solve urgent business problems, adapt to changing pressures, save and grow. Together SIA and its members spot trends that matter, facilitate industry-wide strategy and innovate to ensure the winter outdoors thrives for future generations. Founded in 1954, SIA is based in Park City, UT. We are #UnitedByWinter. For more information and to become a member, visit snowsports.org.

Raccoon Media Group sets out ambitious net zero plan at COP26

Posted on by Darren Pinder

Raccoon Media Group’ CEO Mike Seaman spoke at COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference on Wednesday (10 November), setting out a pathway for a more sustainable industry. Speaking at the event, Seaman put forward a strategy that emphasised the need for forward motion and a conscious approach to meet the industry’s net zero aspirations.

Raccoon Media Group, which employs 22 staff in the UK and US, has set the ambitious goal to get the company and its UK and US events to net zero by 2025. Seaman spoke as part of a panel discussion about the JMIC event industry net zero pledge and explained that the first step in the company’ process was to set up a sustainability working group comprising internal and external organisations including ecollective, sustainable travel partner Ecolibrium and Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol). Together the consortium is working to assess and reduce the environmental impact of Raccoon Media Group’ own business practices, its suppliers and exhibitors and to develop tools to support visitors in reducing their environmental impact before exploring offsetting opportunities.

Speaking at COP26 Seaman set out that the company is currently finalising the ‘measurement’ phase of the plan: “It’s quite frustrating as a small business that just wants to act, but actually the measurement phase is the most important and we have put a lot of time, effort and money into measuring the total impact of our events. We’ve now measured our first two events and are already actioning the ‘reduce’ part of the strategy.

Seaman continued: “There is a lot of fear out there – fear of costs and fear of getting it wrong. This can sometimes cause paralysis – if something feels too big and too hard then it’s almost impossible to tackle. I certainly don’t have all the answers and as a business we’ve had to accept that whatever solution we come up with will be an imperfect one. But we didn’t want to sit still either, so we made a collective decision that we would just start, do something now, learn as we go and keep evolving.

“What we have learned so far gives us insight that we can share with our suppliers and stakeholders so that we can follow a pattern of measuring and then reducing the impact of our actions. We then develop a process of continuous improvement, every year measuring and reducing until we get to 2025. Once we get to 2025, we will then offset whatever the remaining balance is, but we continue the process of measuring and reducing every year and the hope is that we continue to reduce the amount we have to offset.”

Seaman continued: “I’m sure our strategy isn’t perfect and the danger of speaking on a platform like this is that people might pick holes and criticize the mistakes you make along the way. That is inevitable but my main focus is to create a business that has an ethical consideration for the planet and I think we are starting to get towards that.”

To learn more about Raccoon Media Group’ sustainability plan visit the website or contact mike@raccoonmediagroup.com

Sports Tours International Partner with Raccoon Media Group

Posted on by Darren Pinder

 

Sports Tours International has partnered with Raccoon Media Group as the official tour operator for its flagship event The National Running Show at Birmingham’s NEC, plus The Run Show Los Angeles and The National Outdoor Expo in 2022.

Founded nearly 50 years ago Sports Tours International is the UK’s leading mass participation travel operator. The Manchester based team specialise in taking runners, cyclists and triathletes to leading events around the world, including the world famous TCS New York City Marathon and the Tour de France.

With travel and events making a triumphant return with the recent success of the BMW Berlin Marathon and the Virgin Money London Marathon, the tour operator is looking to the future with optimism as 88% [1] of customers having said they would like to take part in an overseas sporting challenge by the end of 2022.

Chris Bird, CEO of Sports Tours International said: “Travel is back, and we are already seeing an enthusiastic return from our customers. So we are really excited to be teaming up with the team at Raccoon who share our values and purpose to bring more awareness of the benefits of an active lifestyle, and it is great to be working with them not only on events both here in the UK but also at the Running Show in LA.

“We can’t wait to share our passion for travel and events with the Raccoon events’ community.”

The partnership with Raccoon Media Group will include the National Running Show 22-23 January and National Outdoor Expo 18-19 March, both at the NEC Birmingham; and Run Show USA held in Los Angeles 24-25 September. The partnership will also include content collaboration on Raccoon’s digital platform www.outsideandactive.com.

Mike Seaman from Raccoon Media Group said “Our team and our community enjoy living an active lifestyle, and many of our events, especially our flagship event, The National Running Show, aligns with everything that the team at Sports Tours offer customers; the world’s biggest events delivered with fantastic customer service. We look forward to working with Chris and the team and sharing everything that they offer with our community.”

The Sports Tours International family of brands also includes Club La Santa in Lanzarote, Freewheel Holidays and Whereabouts active holidays.

 

Iwan Thomas takes on ultra-running challenge in honour of his son who has born with Group B Strep infection

Posted on by Darren Pinder

Former European, Commonwealth and World Champion 400m sprinter Iwan Thomas MBE, is ditching the track in favour of the trails as he announces he is taking on his first ever 100-mile ultra-marathon in a bid to raise awareness and donations for Group B Strep Support, the world’s leading charity working to eradicate Group B Strep infection in babies.

 

Thomas has spent months training with endurance running legend Susie Chan and Mike Seaman, CEO of Raccoon Media Group Ltd (organisers of the National Running Show) and Running Mayor of Guildford to prepare for the 100-mile ultra in the South Downs Way Centurion in June 2021. His journey is being documented and will be released on the YouTube channel Run Show TV this Summer – the trailer is now available to view: https://youtu.be/ytLsIezzGCE

 

Stretching from Winchester, Hampshire to Eastbourne, East Sussex with about 4,150 m of elevation change, the magnitude of the challenge is not lost on Thomas who commented: “I suppose I should have known that being friends with Susie Chan would result in some crazy challenge at some point! The furthest distance I have covered to date is 26.2 miles and these days anything over 5 miles is a push! It is not lost on me that this challenge is 400 x 400ms and that is slightly unnerving! I have eight months to prepare myself mentally and physically for what I am sure will be one of the biggest challenges I have faced. I am doing this for Group B Strep Support after my newborn son Teddy was diagnosed with the life-threatening condition and spent 10 days in ICU. You will be able to follow my journey on Run Show TV and on my Instagram – I am going to need all of the support I can get!”

 

Iwan will also be speaking about his experience at National Running Show South held 17-18 July at Farnborough International Exhibition Centre.

The new way of working isn’t necessarily new! – by Mike Seaman

Posted on by Darren Pinder

One of the (few) positive side effects of the pandemic seems to be a new openness from employers around flexible working culture and I hope that this continues as we emerge from lockdown. There has been a lot of coverage in the news over the last few weeks about a shift in static office based employment versus a more flexible and dynamic way of treating staff. We’ve been operating a flexible working policy for the last 4 years and I think it is one of the main foundations of our success. We are ‘accountability based’ and not ‘hours based’ which means that as long as you do your job well, then we don’t mind when, where or how you do it.

A high percentage of our team are working parents who fit their job around their role as parents. We also have lots of fitness enthusiasts who like to take exercise during the daylight hours. I believe that allowing those people to perhaps take a walk in the hills on a sunny day or leave to watch the school play makes staff happier and more effective in the workplace. We have built a business that feels like a family on the back of this principle and it’s something that we are very proud of.

For our business, technology makes it easy to work from anywhere and to monitor outputs so perhaps we don’t need an office at all? My view is that the office is still essential but it’s purpose has changed. Remote working is efficient and transactional but having your team together in one place inspires creativity, facilitates learning and  builds culture. We allow our employees to choose the days they come in and they tend to do so in clusters to be with their local teams or their friends. I believe that the office days often have softer outputs than the days working from home but we value both as equally important. There is certainly power in allowing a mix of hyper-productivity at home, combined with a social and collaborative approach in the office.

As employers, we believe that maintaining an office is very important as we don’t want to presume that someone has a suitable working environment at home. However, if you want to work from home a few days a week, that is fine by us! As I said at the beginning – as long as you do your job well, we don’t mind when, where or how you do it! I think it is important for other employers to recognise that, for the most part, if you treat staff with respect and as the adults they are, then the rewards will follow. I think we may be saying goodbye to a very prescriptive and controlling way of working and instead adopting a more grown up, healthier approach to our working lives. It has certainly proved very successful for us.

Mike

Sound good? We are hiring so why not come and join the family: https://raccoonmediagroup.com/job-vacancies

Raccoon Media Group launches new digital Outside & Active Festival

Posted on by Darren Pinder

Following the postponement of the inaugural National Outdoor Expo which was due to take place in March 2021, the company behind the Expo, Raccoon Media Group, has announced it is launching a new brand-new online hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Outside & Active will launch at 6pm on 27th March 2021 with a week-long digital Festival, packed full of inspirational sessions, ‘how to’ workshops and all the latest kit, tech and gear from a host of the industry’s top brands.

The Festival, providing on-demand sessions available 24-7 with live sessions at 6pm each night for the first 8 days, is aimed at ramblers, hikers, climbers, runners, outdoor enthusiasts, families looking for new excursions and adventurers looking for fresh inspiration and new products. This is also an opportunity for those who are relatively new to exploring outdoors, who are looking for some practical advice. The Festival will provide informative and motivational content from famous faces including Ben Fogle, Roger Black, Anna McNuff, Susie Chan, Sean Conway, Ed Stafford and many more.

Mike Seaman, CEO at Raccoon Media Group commented: “The Outside & Active Festival will provide a much-needed opportunity for the outdoor community to come together and be inspired. We had more than 16,000 people register to attend The National Outdoor Expo at the NEC in March and felt we had a duty to provide an interactive dose of inspiration, timed perfectly for those starting to plan their re-entry into the world as lockdown eases.

“People can expect to hear from industry veterans over the course of the eight days, with informative how-to workshops, beginner 101s and community sessions. The timetable will be shared on the website soon so keep your eyes peeled! We look forward to bringing the community together in the best way we can at the moment so ‘bring a friend’ and let’s ride out the end of lockdown together.”

Ticket holders will have access to some of the top brands in the industry including Ultra X, Salomon, Cicerone, Fulfil Nutrition, Yamatune, Dometic, Splashmats, DryRobe, Cycle England, Arnicare, Andorra Travel Service, Biolite and Jetboil.

Tickets to the Festival are free of charge – to register for access go to outsideandactive.com/login 

If you are interested in being involved, please contact Addie Brake  addie.brake@raccoonmediagroup.com or tel. 07931 528418