In its desire to serve a larger segment of the disability community, Abilities Expo—the premiere event for people with disabilities, their families, caregivers, seniors and healthcare professionals—has agreed to be acquired by Raccoon Media Group, a global leader in community-based events. This strategic move marks a significant milestone for both organizations, opening up new avenues for growth and opportunity in the health and well-being markets.
Founded in 1979, Abilities Expo has long been recognized as the leading live and online platform for showcasing disability information, products, services and technologies through its digital platform and live events in Los Angeles, Metro New York, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Ft. Lauderdale and Dallas, and now intends to reach further into the community with bigger resources and major support from Raccoon Media Group.
Raccoon Media Group Ltd was founded in 2016 with the launch of the multi-award winning National Running Show in the UK and has expanded significantly as a dynamic, high-growth media business focused on enabling healthy and active lives. Their US entries include such active lifestyle and sustainable events as Snowbound Expo, The Boston Run Show and The Boston Outdoor Expo.
David Korse, CEO of Abilities shared, “Raccoon will enable the Abilities shows to reach a much larger audience than before because of its commitment to health and wellness and its motivation to lead Abilities onto greater strengths.” Abilities Chairman Lew Shomer added, “Community is at the heart of our Abilities Expo events, and we’re delighted that building sustainable and engaged communities is a core value of what the Raccoon Media Group team brings to the table.”
Lew Shomer confirmed, “The Abilities team will remain in place and, with the merging of the skills and knowledge from our two companies, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Abilities Expo,” said Mike Seaman, CEO of Raccoon Media Group. “This strategic acquisition aligns with our mission to create pathways to achieving healthy and active lifestyles for widely diverse audiences. Abilities Expo’s dedication to the disability community aligns strongly with our values, and we are excited about the growth potential that this collaboration will bring.”
About Abilities Expo:
Abilities Expo is the nation’s leading event for people with disabilities, their families, caregivers and healthcare professionals. For more than four decades, the disability community has gathered at Abilities Expos all over the country to discover the latest, life-enhancing products & services, access experts in info-packed workshops and engage in fun, adaptive activities like sports, fitness, dance, service dog demonstrations and more. This event is designed to increase independence for people with disabilities and admission is always free.
About Raccoon Media Group:
Raccoon Media Group is a dynamic, high-growth media business focused on enabling healthy and active lives. Their media properties deliver year-round content and advice to specialist, self-identifying consumers that share a love of being outside, healthy, and active. Their 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.
Get the details for the 2024 Abilities Expo coming to Los Angeles here!
