Raccoon Media Deepens Investment in Disability Market With New Conference Series
March 28, 2025
Raccoon Media Group, organizers of the Abilities Expo held annually in seven major U.S. cities across the U.S., is launching three Abilities International Accessibility Conferences, which will be held in Los Angeles, New Jersey, and Chicago in 2026. The two-day conference, held Thursday and Friday alongside the consumer-focused Abilities Expo (open from Friday to Sunday), will offer a comprehensive learning experience for industry professionals.
Why it matters: Designed to unite the entire community of disability care providers, service providers, and innovative product developers, this conference will be an international platform to network, learn, and discover the latest advancements in mobility therapy.
Zooming in: Attendees can participate in CEU sessions and hands-on workshops for practical, real-world knowledge. Product developers, manufacturers, dealerships, and vendors will also have the opportunity to build alliances through networking and engage in interactive sessions focused on market dynamics, FDA requirements, product distribution, and consumer needs.
Context: "Abilities Expo offers those with disabilities, their families and caregivers the chance to get together as a community and discover new products and resources that can lead to more independence and empowerment in their day-to-day lives,” said Portfolio Director Katy Roberts.
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What they’re saying: “As event organizers, we want to expand this mission, bring the wider community together, and work with incredible associations and their members to galvanize education, business, distribution, and networking opportunities across the sector on a national and international level,” Roberts said. “By creating this new series of conferences alongside our existing events, we believe we can bring the industry together and ultimately support the community of consumers we already serve.”
Zooming out: “These launches represent a strong commitment and investment from Raccoon Media Group in the disability sector, bringing together unmatched opportunities for consumers, businesses, and professionals across the U.S. and beyond,” explained Mike Seaman, Group CEO at Raccoon Media Group. “In just one year, we have taken an event with an 80-year legacy and expanded all seven shows to better serve the communities they support.”
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What’s next: “Now, with the addition of the Abilities International Accessibility Conferences, we are creating an even greater platform for industry collaboration, education, and business growth,” Seaman added. “We look forward to shaping a much larger opportunity for the B2B sector while continuing to champion the needs of the consumers who are at the heart of everything we do.”
Looking ahead: The first Abilities International Accessibility Conference will be held in March 2026 in Los Angeles.
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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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