Showcase – Ireland’s International Creative Expo® returns to the RDS, Dublin from Sunday, 22nd January to Tuesday, 24th January, with over 365 exhibitors and more than 3,000 visitors from Ireland and overseas expected to attend.
Showcase was officially launched today (Wednesday, 11th January) by Dara Calleary T.D. Minister of State for Trade Promotion and Digital Transformation; Teri Smith, Department Manager of Retail, Consumer and Online, Enterprise Ireland; Oisin Geoghegan, Head of Enterprise, Fingal, Local Enterprise Office; Mary Palmer, Chair of Showcase®; and Mary Blanchfield, Head of Operations, Design & Crafts Council Ireland. It launched at the National Concert Hall in Dublin, with a photocall including fashion from Irish designers. Styled by Aisling Farinella and photographed by Leon Farrell, the photocall reflected the traditions and heritage of Showcase, as well as bringing in new elements and a fresh feel to the landmark event.
The styling was inspired by the Irish dancehall, the culture of which dates back to the 1800s, and which will inspire the dynamic fashion and design event that will take place on the opening day of Showcase. The theme of storytelling and tradition that is intrinsic to the event reflects the stories and provenance behind the makers and products at the show. This makes it a key destination and calendar fixture for buyers from Ireland and all over the world.
Showcase was founded in 1976 by Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) and is delivered with support from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices. It generates over €20 million of sales orders during the show. At Showcase 2022, over 300 Irish designers, manufacturers, and craftspeople from all over Ireland unveiled their latest collections. Thousands of buyers from 24 countries across four continents attended in person, and many more visited through the digital platform Showcase Connect.
Showcase 2023 will see a continuation of successful features launched at Showcase 2022 including the Talks Stage hosting industry talks and panel discussions; and The Edit, a curated selection of exquisite products exhibited at the show. The annual Showcase Awards will take place on Sunday 22nd January, and on Tuesday 24th, the Design & Crafts Council Ireland Academy will be launched.
Launched in 2022, Showcase Connect, the online platform listing exhibitors and products enabling buyers to browse, connect and book meetings with exhibitors online or at the show has become even more useful. This year it includes an interactive floorplan tool to enhance the onsite experience.
Showcase is an annual destination for retail buyers from Ireland and more than 20 other countries, including the UK, North America, Middle East, Asia and Mainland Europe, all keen to see the very latest designs from Ireland’s top brands and craft producers. The fair is an international launch pad for the Irish designers, manufacturers and craftspeople who unveil their new season collections across fashion, health & wellbeing, jewellery, home and giftware. Each year, a particular emphasis is placed on new products to market, providing retailers with opportunities to discover and stock up on the latest design-led products, many of which are unique to the show.
Trade buyers can register to attend this boutique design and craft expo at showcaseireland.com.
Dara Calleary T.D., Minister of State for Trade Promotion and Digital Transformation said: “I am delighted to be here today to mark the launch of Showcase®, which continues to open up a huge audience for Irish businesses every year. The Irish craft and design sector plays an integral role in our culture and crucially, in our economy too. I’m looking forward to seeing the unique designs and creations from this year’s makers and wish them the best of luck with trading during the expo.”
Mary Palmer, Chair of Showcase ®, says: “Showcase® marks one of the most important events in the design and crafts sector’s calendar. For many, this is their first trade show of the year, a chance to launch their new collections and secure orders for the year ahead. Attracting buyers from Ireland and around the world, Showcase’s strength lies in its unique identity and high-quality display of Irish design and crafts.”
Mary Blanchfield, Head of Operations of Design & Crafts Council Ireland said: “Now in its 48th year, Design & Crafts Council Ireland is delighted to see the return of Showcase in January 2023 at the RDS. Showcase gives designers and makers’ the opportunity to meet and do business with buyers from Ireland, the UK, North America, Mainland Europe, Asia and Middle East. With the help of the RDS, this event offers Irish makers an international platform to grow their businesses and the chance to come together to celebrate the creativity, the impact and the importance of the heritage of the Irish craft and design sector globally. We look forward to supporting our clients as well as our national, international and online visitors at the show.”
Teri Smith, Department Manager Retail Consumer & Online at Enterprise Ireland, said: “Showcase is a hugely important date in the calendar for our international retail buyers and a significant annual event for Enterprise Ireland as it provides a platform for our clients to reach their export ambitions. Irish craft and design companies are consistently bringing forward new products and this event offers them the opportunity to launch their products on a global stage – meeting, engaging with, and presenting to international buyers in person.”
Oisin Geoghegan at Local Enterprise Offices said: “The Local Enterprise Showcase area gives small craft and design businesses a terrific opportunity to promote themselves in a highly professional and quality environment, in which they will be exposed to buyers from across the world. We have been working closely with our over 100 clients on sales techniques, marketing and merchandising their stands to ensure they maximise these three days and no doubt it will be a fantastic event.”
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For further press information, please contact:
Suzy O’Keefe, Head of Digital & Communications at Design & Crafts Council Ireland on 087 457 6147/ [email protected] or Emma Kelly or Claire Feely on +353 (0)1 662 5652 or [email protected] / [email protected].
About Showcase
Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo® is one of the country’s largest international trade shows. The annual event is attended by over 3,000 buyers from across the world, including Ireland, the UK, North America, Middle East, Asia and Mainland Europe, generating sales orders of over €20 million during the show. Supported by the Department of Trade, Enterprise and Employment, Showcase is presented on behalf of Design & Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally through their network of offices overseas, and the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide. More than 300 Irish brands are exhibited at the fair, including emerging Irish businesses supported by their Local Enterprise Offices. Showcase is for trade attendance only.
@showcase_ireland
About Design & Crafts Council Ireland
Design & Crafts Council Ireland is the national agency for craft and design in Ireland, we support designers and makers to develop their businesses in a sustainable way, and advocate for the societal benefits of craft and design. DCCI’s activities are funded by the Department of Trade, Enterprise and Employment via Enterprise Ireland. DCCI currently has 66 member organisations and over 3,500 registered clients.
@dccireland
About Enterprise Ireland
Enterprise Ireland is the government organisation responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets. We work in partnership with Irish enterprises to help them start, grow, innovate and win export sales in global markets. In this way, we support sustainable economic growth, regional development and secure employment.
http://www.enterprise-ireland.com
Local Enterprise Offices
The 31 Local Enterprise Offices located in the local authorities and funded through Enterprise Ireland support thousands of small Irish businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide. Since their establishment in 2014 they have been for the first stop shop for entrepreneurs and small businesses and providing a range of supports including financial, mentoring, training and sector specific expertise to help guide businesses at any stage of their development. For more information on the Local Enterprise Offices go to:
