Raccoon Media Group has officially announced the rebranding of its flagship outdoor lifestyle exhibition, transforming the long-running National Outdoor Expo into OutdoorXpo, set to debut in 2027. The move marks a strategic evolution aimed at delivering a more immersive, experience-led platform for the UK outdoor industry.
A New Direction for the Outdoor Industry Event
The rebrand follows five years of consistent growth and strong industry engagement. According to organisers, the shift to OutdoorXpo has been shaped by extensive audience and exhibitor feedback, with a clear demand for more interactive, hands-on experiences that go beyond traditional exhibition formats.
Immersive Zones Across Key Outdoor Disciplines
OutdoorXpo will introduce specialist, discipline-focused zones designed to reflect the full spectrum of outdoor activities. These will include hiking, trail running, cycling, climbing, camping and bushcraft, adventure travel, watersports, and family-focused outdoor experiences. Each zone will be built to encourage participation, product testing, and live demonstrations.
Experience-Led Format With Active Participation
The new format will focus on turning the exhibition floor into an active environment rather than a passive showcase. Visitors will be able to engage directly with equipment, take part in activities, and experience outdoor disciplines in real-time. This approach aims to strengthen engagement between brands, experts, and consumers.
Strong Growth Behind the Transformation
Since its launch in 2022, the National Outdoor Expo has grown into one of the UK’s largest outdoor consumer events, regularly attracting over 20,000 visitors and around 200 exhibiting brands. Its success has positioned it as a key meeting point for the outdoor and adventure sector.
Core Pillars of OutdoorXpo 2027
OutdoorXpo will be structured around four key pillars: activity-driven community engagement, high-performance outdoor equipment, skills development, and immersive natural environments. These pillars are designed to create a more structured and meaningful visitor journey across the event.
Hands-On Zones for Different Outdoor Disciplines
Each activity zone will be tailored to specific outdoor disciplines. Climbing areas will focus on performance and competition, trail running zones will emphasize endurance training and equipment testing, while camping and bushcraft areas will highlight practical survival skills and field-based learning.
Global Speakers and Outdoor Experts Line-Up
The 2027 edition will continue its tradition of hosting leading global adventurers and outdoor personalities. The speaker line-up includes Jimmy Chin, Ray Mears, Levison Wood, Leo Houlding, and Steve Backshall, among others.
Building a Community-Focused Outdoor Platform
Organisers describe OutdoorXpo as more than a rebrand, positioning it as a community-driven platform designed to bring together brands, professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts. The focus will be on authenticity, participation, and shared outdoor experiences.
OutdoorXpo to Redefine UK Outdoor Exhibitions
With its 2027 launch, OutdoorXpo aims to redefine how outdoor exhibitions are experienced in the UK. By combining retail engagement, live participation, skills training, and storytelling, Raccoon Media Group is setting a new benchmark for immersive industry events.
