Raccoon launches Europe’s first B2B running expo

Raccoon Media Group is on track to launch Europe’s first running B2B expo.

It has been announced that International Running Expo will be held next year between November 4 and 5, bringing together key stakeholders in the sport’s industry. Read more about it below.

Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:

• Raccoon Media Group on track to launch Europe’s first B2B running expo
• Europe’s largest property trade fair expands to Asia
• Messe Frankfurt strengthens logistics partnership for sustainable tradeshows

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Raccoon Media Group on track to launch Europe’s first B2B running expo

Raccoon Media Group has announced plans to launch Europe’s first business-to-business running expo.

The International Running Expo (IRX 2025) will be held at RAI Amsterdam between November 4 and 5 – targeting retailers, brands and industry professionals in the sector.

The event organizer, known for UK’s National Running Show and Boston Run Show, expects to host more than 300 exhibitors and 6,000 delegates from across Europe.

The expo will feature a hosted buyer program connecting senior buyers with brands, alongside product demonstrations and networking events.

Mike Seaman, CEO of Raccoon Media Group, said: “The running industry has expanded massively in recent years, now representing a global market worth billions and impacting every facet of health, lifestyle, and community.

“Despite this tremendous growth, there hasn’t been a dedicated B2B event in Europe to bring together the innovators, brands, and leaders driving the industry forward—that’s where the International Running Expo comes in.

“This event is absolutely essential for fostering meaningful connections, exchanging ideas, and igniting business opportunities that fuel both the industry and the running community.

“We’re creating a space where brands can make a real impact, industry professionals can gain insights that will push their businesses forward, and we can all work together to shape the future of running.”

Raccoon unveiled the initiative at a launch event on Nov 6 in Amsterdam, which included a trail run led by Yoshi Groen and a track session with ultra-runner Susie Chan.

Ultra-running competitor Dean Karnazes headlined the evening reception.

Meanwhile, the group also expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of two major trade shows and the creation of a new Animal Health Division.

It acquired Pets & Aquatics Trade Show (PATS) – the UK’s leading trade show for the pets and aquatics industry – and BETA International, adding to its existing National Equine Show operations.

Nicole Cooper brings 30 years of events sector experience and will lead the new division as CEO.

Gordon Thomas will continue as PATS director, working alongside Cooper to develop the three-day event.

BETA International, a 40-year-old equestrian and country trade fair, will hold its first Raccoon-managed event at the NEC, Birmingham in September 2025.

The acquisitions build upon Raccoon’s National Equine Show, launched three years ago, strengthening the company’s position in both business-to-business and consumer equestrian markets.

Europe’s largest property trade fair expands to Asia

Europe’s largest property trade fair EXPO REAL will expand to Asia with its first Singapore event.

The new EXPO REAL Asia Pacific will run between June 15 and 17 2026 alongside the World Cities Summit, a gathering of government leaders and urban development experts.

Pic courtesy: EXPO REAL

Stefan Rummel and Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, CEOs of Messe München, said: “With EXPO REAL Asia Pacific, we are expanding our international network and creating a platform for the growing real estate market in the Asia Pacific region in Singapore from 2026.

“In an environment characterized by new urban development projects and growth, we offer relevant players an ideal opportunity to exchange ideas about markets and projects in the region.

“Our aim is to tap into an exciting market and promote long-term partnerships.”

The expansion targets the Asia Pacific real estate market – projected to grow at 7.6% annually through 2030.

The event will focus on real estate, infrastructure and investment opportunities across the region.

EXPO REAL Asia Pacific will coincide with the World Cities Summit, which is organized by the Centre for Liveable Cities and the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

It will showcase urban development plans from cities and national pavilions, featuring opportunities for global investment and public-private partnerships.

Messe Frankfurt strengthens logistics partnership for sustainable tradeshows

Messe Frankfurt and DSV have announced an expanded logistics partnership aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving efficiency at one of Europe’s largest trade show venues.

Starting next year, DSV will become the exclusive logistics partner for the Frankfurt exhibition grounds and handle approximately 3,600 orders and 8,000 packages annually through Messe Frankfurt’s Cargo Center.

Pic courtesy: Messe Frankfurt

Messe Frankfurt CEO Wolfgang Marzin said: “Together with our long-standing partner DSV, we are continuing to work on making trade fair logistics sustainable.

“We are very happy to take this successful cooperation to the next level and to optimise the complex processes on our site – which will benefit our customers, local people and our environment.”

Bart Peeters, vice president of DSV Solutions Deutschland, added: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to further expand our long-standing partnership with Messe Frankfurt and to be its sole official logistics service provider for the next five years, beginning on 1 January 2025.

“Together, we will look at a wide range of innovative and sustainable ways of meeting the logistics requirements on the Frankfurt exhibition grounds and will find new ways forward in the future as well.”

The Danish logistics company plans to replace gas and diesel-powered forklifts with electric models to reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution.

During peak periods, DSV operates up to 200 forklifts and employs 240 workers on-site.

The partnership includes plans for an Advanced Warehouse project in 2026-27, which will consolidate shipments at an external DSV facility before transport to the exhibition grounds using carbon-neutral trucks.

DSV employs 5,300 workers across Germany and has provided logistics services to Messe Frankfurt since 1976.

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