Building on half a decade of success, Raccoon Media Group has unveiled OutdoorXpo – the newly rebranded, reimagined evolution of The National Outdoor Expo, launching in 2027. Shaped by audience and industry feedback, this revamped, interactive event will deliver enhanced value to the UK outdoor industry through specialist, immersive zones focused on key outdoor disciplines: Hiking, Trail Running, Cycling, Climbing, Camping & Bushcraft, Adventure Travel, Watersports, and Family.
More than a new name, this transition marks a definitive ascent into an experience-led platform for those defined by the trail, the peak, and the open water. OutdoorXpo has been engineered around genuine authority and authenticity, curating a line-up of programming and partners who don’t just advocate for the lifestyle – they live and breathe the raw intensity of the wild.
Since its 2022 debut by Raccoon Media Group, the National Outdoor Expo has rapidly evolved from a traditional exhibition into a vital community epicentre and one of the UK’s largest gatherings for adventure enthusiasts. Consistently attracting 20,000 plus visitors and 200 dedicated brands, the event has cemented its reputation as a must-attend fixture for the outdoor sector, blending high-level engagement with a vast showcase of specialist brands.
Following this significant growth, the event is undergoing a strategic evolution, transitioning into OutdoorXpo with a discipline-led format for 2027 that places enhanced retail focus and experiential, activity-based zones at the heart of the visitor experience.
The new experience is anchored by four defining pillars: heart-pounding Activity that drives community passion, rugged and reliable Equipment trusted by explorers, essential Skills forged through experience, and breathtaking Environments where true exploration happens.
OutdoorXpo transforms the traditional exhibition into a dynamic, hands-on ecosystem where every area is an active environment built for use. Climbing zones integrate both high-level performance and competitive play, while the trail running sector prioritises endurance training, technique workshops, and rigorous equipment testing. In the camping and bushcraft space, the focus remains on practical skill-building and field-ready applications. Ultimately, the show’s philosophy has shifted away from passive listening toward a culture of doing, learning, and witnessing real participation in real time.
Reimagined to further champion those who live for the wild, the new-look OutdoorXpo 2027 continues its legacy of hosting world-renowned adventurers as speakers, uniting a heavy-hitting assembly of global industry leaders and outdoor icons. This elite roster features world-renowned pioneers like filmmaker Jimmy Chin, big-mountain skier Jim Morrison, and survivalist Ray Mears, alongside endurance titans such as Levison Wood, Leo Houlding and Russ Cook (the “Hardest Geezer”). Rounding out the stellar line-up are trailblazers including Louise Minchin, Steve Backshall, Alice Dearing, Rhiane Fatinikun, and Squash Falconer, all prepared to share their survival secrets and epic tales in what remains the ultimate guide to the outdoors.
Ready to plot a new course for the industry? Join the OutdoorXpo revolution. Contact the team to align your brand with the premier adventure event of 2027.
Author: Kizzy Allott
Kizzy Allott is Publisher at Event Industry News, where she has been a driving force behind the brand for over a decade. With a deep understanding of the events sector and a passion for storytelling, Kizzy leads the platform’s commercial and content strategy, connecting the industry through news, insights, and meaningful conversations. She is dedicated to championing innovation, amplifying industry voices, and ensuring event professionals stay informed, inspired, and future-focused.
