The Board - Executive

Mike Seaman

CEO

Mike is the CEO and one of the founders of Raccoon Media Group. He's organised exhibitions for most of his working life and he's passionate about creating live event experiences that are community-led, cutting edge, and fun.

Mike's vision for Raccoon Media Group is to continue their rapid growth by attracting and retaining a diverse range of talent in order to build a trusted company that delivers on its promises, supports flexible working and minimises its environmental impact. In his spare time he's a keen runner and loves being outdoors at any opportunity.

Jo Tyler

COO

Jo is the COO for Raccoon Media Group working across all of the event brands. With over 20-years’ experience in the events industry, her speciality is launching new products and enhancing user experience.

In her spare time she also runs to keep fit (with the occasional half marathon) and loves enjoying the great outdoors with her husband and two kids.

Mark Wilderspin

CFO

Mark trained and qualified with KPMG London and has subsequently spent 20 years as a Group Finance Director for worldwide Exhibition and Events Organisers. Mark has considerable experience in business planning, cash flow management and has advised a number of start-up businesses and MBOs.

Non-executive

Doug Emslie

Chairman

Douglas was most recently CEO of Tarsus Group, having joined the business when it was launched in 1998. He previously held senior positions at Blenheim Group plc and after its takeover, United Business Media plc. He is a past Chairman and Director of the Association of Event Organisers (AEO), as well as past Chairman of the Events Industry Alliance. He is a board member of US industry advocacy body, the Exhibition & Conference Alliance (ECA) and was also the first international board member of the US industry trade body, SISO, where he went on to serve as Chair. Douglas oversaw the acquisition of Tarsus Group by Informa plc where he now acts as Senior Advisor on the combination of the two businesses.

Dan O'Brien

Non-Exec Director

Dan was COO / CFO at Tarsus Group for 12 years until the group's sale to Informa. He also acts as Senior Adviser to Pendragon International Media and is a Trustee of the charity School-Home Support. Dan qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte in 1991, and has also held the role of CFO at TV production company Shine Group and at the listed B2B publisher Huveaux plc. He has previously held senior finance roles at Hanson plc, computer games company Eidos and Digital Theatre.

TEAM RACCOON

Nathalie Davies

MD

Nathalie is Managing Director of the run, equine and digital portfolios at Raccoon Media Group. She has worked in the events industry for the past 12 years, running events in a variety of sectors including technology, marketing, building and franchising.

She is a big fitness fan and skier and loves working on active consumer events. When she is not working in the events world she is a busy mum to 2 little ones.

Stephen Morgan

MD

Steve is Managing Director of the snowsports, cycling and outdoor portfolios at Raccoon Media Group. His main focus at the moment is launching and delivering National Snow Week with events in Birmingham and London, The National Cycling Show, National Outdoor Expo, Boston Outdoor Expo and Snowbound Expo in Boston. He has over 11 years experience in the events industry mainly centred around the active lifestyle categories and is all about content driven passion-led events that deliver.

Steve is a keen snowboarder, mountain biker, skateboarder, longboarder and axe thrower. Steve will always take the outdoor option, unless it is to go to an indoor climbing wall…

Katy Roberts

Portfolio Director

Katy is the Portfolio Director of Abilities Expo, a series of events across the USA dedicated to the disability market. Katy has worked in exhibitions for over 15 years across construction, fashion and lifestyle shows in the UK and China. Outside of work Katy can often be found at the beach with her two young kids and husband and is a regular sea swimmer even in the winter months. Katy is also a keen netball player, playing in a weekly social league.

Ashley Cox

Marketing Director

Ashley is Marketing Director at Raccoon Media Group. She has over 18 years’ experience in the world of marketing, PR and communications working across consumer, corporate and third sectors.

She loves the sun, the ocean and being outdoors with her family.

Matthew Lambert

Operations Director

Matthew has spent over 25 years in the exhibition industry, working across the ‘holy trinity’ of organiser, venue and contractor. His team currently manage a portfolio of over 50 events annually and have established themselves as one of the ‘go to’ company for organisers looking to outsource their operations.

Chloe Hyland

Senior Marketing Manager, USA

Chloe is the Senior Marketing Manager for the USA portfolio of Events in Chicago, Boston and LA and comes with a background and passion for events marketing. She studied Event Management at Plymouth University and now has over 8 years’ experience in the world of events. Chloe loves the outdoors, whether that’s hiking, running or her post lockdown hobby, cycling for coffee or cake!

Hannah Hopwood

Senior Marketing Manager

Hannah is the Senior Marketing Manager for the National Running Show and National Outdoor Expo. With years of experience, Hannah has worked across a range of social media campaigns for B2B and B2C events, as well as a number of community projects.
When Hannah isn’t working she loves running (pretty slowly) in the countryside and swimming in the sea.

Monique Taylor

Finance Manager

Monique is Finance Manager at Raccoon Media Group. She comes from a Fashion Business background of 12 years, where she headed up her own Retail Stores , Manufacturing House, Brand Consulting, and all things creative and analytical. With a keen eye for detail and finding value in the dynamics of all the working parts of a business.

When not working Monique can be found running after her toddler or alongside her teenager navigating family and adventure. She is passionate about Natural Medicine and Holistic Therapy and Yoga is her go-to after a full day of numbers.

Kate Jamieson

Head of Content

Kate is the Head of Content for Raccoon Media Group. She has over 20 years’ experience in the world of Publishing, Marketing and Communications.
Passionate about sport and activity in all its forms, she loves to run (especially with her dog), cycle and is always up for a fun challenge.

Kevaleen Lara

Marketing Director for Abilities Expo

Kev is the Marketing Director for Abilities Expo. With more than two decades in event marketing and multiple award-winning campaigns under her belt, she is especially thrilled by today’s heightened awareness to accessibility issues and the possibilities of greater inclusion for the disability community. When she’s not working, Kev mercilessly pries screens from her teenagers’ clutches and makes them spend as much time outside as possible with her, her husband and their giant dog.

Debbie Barbieri

Operations Director for Abilities Expo

Debbie is Operations Director for Abilities Expo. For more than 20 years, Debbie has immersed herself in all things trade show and hospitality, including production, operations, logistics, budget creation/management, contract negotiations and developing/implementing best practices. When she is not working or exploring with her two adult children, you’ll find her hiking, crossfitting, spa-ing or hanging out with a beautiful blonde…her dog, Sammie.

Craig Hanratty

Event Director

Craig brings a wealth of events experience to Raccoon, having worked across a variety of business and consumer events in his 20 year events career. Craig is driven by collaboration with new and exciting brands along with creating partnership opportunities, he’s worked across sectors including fashion, technology and food innovation.
When not at work Craig enjoys running around his local Wimbledon common, tennis and trying to beat his son at a game of footy.

Tom Whitfield

Event Manager

Tom is the Event Manager for The National Outdoor Expo. He has worked in the sports industry for the past 28 years, Working with a number of brands throughout the outdoor sector. He is excited to now be working on the National Outdoor Expo which promotes a wide range of activities in such a positive consumer space. When not working, he enjoys Triathlon, particularly Long course racing. Walks in the Mendip hills, coaching the local ladies football team & generally being outdoors as much as possible.

Addie Brake

Commercial Director

Addie is the Commercial Director at Raccoon Media Group. After spending 7 years working for The NEC she joined Raccoon Media Group to work as an organiser, launching a successful portfolio of consumer shows.
She loves being involved in shaping and building the foundations of successful community focussed exhibitions.

Stuart Dacre

Commercial Director, Snowbound Expo

Stuart is the Commercial Director for Snowbound Expo, Raccoon Event’s latest acquisition to truly unite the Winter and outdoor sporting community.
With over 20 years of senior commercial roles within the media/event sector Stuart is driven by creating outstanding outcomes and experiences through the medium of live events.
Although not permitted to play in the Snow due to Rugby League requirements in his younger days this is now work in progress. Stuart can be found when not managing his ‘2 under 5’ clad in Lycra on the drops. If he can’t be reached, then the hills were calling and he had to go.

Liz Ormesher

Event Director, The National Equine Show

Liz is the Event Director for the National Equine Show. With 20 years experience in sales, marketing and event management, Liz is also a passionate equestrian and so bringing her passion for all things equine to launch this show is a dream come true. When she's not working she can be seen charging around the great outdoors with her young horse and her partner and 2 young children. She also loves photography and yoga and when a spare minute arises she might be seen squeezing in a run (plod) or bike ride around the country roads or even throwing a few weights around.

Lindsey Coleman

Event Manager

Lindsey has joined our team to deliver National Snow Week. She is a highly driven and commercially minded events professional with over 13 years’ experience managing a variety of events across multiple industries, including travel, hospitality and lifestyle. Having worked for some of the leading media companies within the UK, she has a history of successfully delivering results, focusing on increased revenues, quality audiences.

Annie Bennett

Event Manager

Annie is Event Manager on the Allergy & Free From Show at Raccoon Media Group. She has over 10 years' experience working in events across several industries, such as sustainability, facilities and security. Outside of work, you will find Annie running around after her two young children, enjoying the latest musical at her local Theatre or training for her next Half Marathon.

Eloise

Senior Finance Executive

Ellie has been taking on the challenge of managing the budgets and accounts payable responsibilities since she started working for Raccoon Media Group.

Amy Sheridan

Business Operations Manager

Amy is the Business Operations Manager for Raccoon Media Group, working across all the porftfolios.
She is your point of call for all things Raccoon!
Amy loves socialising with friends, catching up with family and is kept busy being a dog mum to Hugo, her crazy Dalmatian.

Samantha Davis

Account Manager

Samantha is the Account Manager for The National Running Show. With 8 years experience in the service and sales industry, she is passionate about providing an excellent customer experience and building long term working relationships. Samantha loves spending time with friends and family and finding new and unique places to wine and dine.

Tom Keating

Sales Manager

Tom is the Sales Manager for Outside & Active and our digital marketing solutions. With many years experience in sales he is looking forward to the new challenge within the events industry. Tom enjoys lifting weights and keeping fit, when he is not working you will find him being a busy dad to 2 children, at the gym or performing in a play.

Dominic Brown

Digital Communications Manager

Dominic is the Digital Communications Manager for Outside & Active. He is a keen sportsman and gym-goer with a background in promoting the benefits of physical activity to mental health and wellbeing. Dom is the go-to for anything social media or O&A!

Alex Hayman

Content Producer

Alex is a Content Producer at Raccoon Media Group. He graduated from university in summer 2021 and is looking to pursue a career in sports events. When he’s not at work he’s most likely doing something outdoors. He loves snowboarding, road cycling, rowing and, in the last couple of years, has taken up rock climbing.

Ben Yeo

Senior Marketing Executive

Ben is a Senior Marketing Executive at Raccoon Media Group. After graduating from university in the summer of 2021 he is keen to work within the sports industry and enhancing his marketing skills. He enjoys playing football regularly too and has recently run his first marathon.

Sophie Honeywell

Marketing Executive

Sophie is the Marketing Executive for Raccoon Media Group. She Graduated in 2020 is now keen to progress in the marketing and events industry. Sophie enjoys leading a healthy lifestyle and feels passionate about the positive effects health and fitness has on our mental and physical well-being. When she’s not at work, you can either find her getting stuck into a book or exploring the great outdoors (weather dependant!).

Hannah Warren

Senior Office Administrator

Since Hannah started working at Raccoon Media Group she has quickly progressed in her career from when she graduated from university with a degree in sociology in the summer of 2021. She loves socialising with friends, going to concerts and festivals when she can.

Hannah Rouse

Office and Finance Assistant

Hannah is the Office and Finance Assistant for Raccoon Media Group.
She graduated from Portsmouth University with a degree in English Language in 2020.
She likes going to the gym, socialising with friends and going on walks with her dog.

Daniel Catt

Customer Service Assistant - Marketing

Dan is the customer service assistant at Raccoon Media Group. He graduated from university in the summer of 2022 and is keen to pursue a career in the sports events industry. Outside of work Dan enjoys playing football, golf and running.

Stefan Parker

Sales Executive

Stefan is our sales executive working across the Snowbound Expo & The Boston Outdoor Show. Stefan graduated from the University of Exeter and worked for 3 years for Unilever as a global project manager. Outside of work, he is always active outdoors with a passion for football, nutrition, and being a regular gym goer.