Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo is returning to the RDS Dublin from Sunday, 21 January to Tuesday, 23 January 2024.
One of Ireland’s largest international trade shows, Showcase offers manufacturers, designers and craft makers the opportunity to exhibit their new collections. It celebrates their highly crafted and creative products that have become synonymous with Irish design and makes Showcase such an important destination for buyers.
Showcase 2024 sees a further emphasis on sustainability and the retailers, often independent, that support Irish makers and designers and responsible retail. One such champion of this is Ruth Ní Loinsigh of Om Diva on Drury Street, Dublin, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Under the umbrella of its Atelier 27 and Maker’s Market strands, it is an incubation lab and sales showroom for over 75 Irish designers, makers and craftspeople, ranging from new graduates to established artists.
In keeping with this, Showcase 24 will broaden its sector development through themed days and talks on training, development and trends by domestic and international speakers including partners from the DCCI Academy which was launched at Showcase 23. It will also host buyer events including a state reception to mark the significance of Showcase in Dublin Castle on Monday the 22 January
Showcase was founded in 1976 by DCCI and is the largest inter-agency tradeshow of the year for the craft and design sector, presented by DCCI, Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Offices and supported by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. For further details on the event or to pre-register to attend, please visit www.showcaseireland.com.
At Showcase 2023, exhibitors met with up to 4,000 Irish and international buyers. The opening day launched with The Dancehall – a dynamic performance which fused the fashion and design of Showcase makers with music and dance. The event focused on the theme of storytelling and tradition that is intrinsic to Showcase, reflecting the stories and provenance behind the makers and products at the show. Also launched was the Design & Crafts Council Ireland Academy (DCCIA), a new education programme designed to support the growth of design and craft businesses in Ireland. With this new academy, DCCI is taking the knowledge and skills from the past 52 years and marrying it with emerging technologies to deliver and serve the design and craft communities of the future.
The digital marketplace, Showcase Connect, which features all exhibitors, proved an invaluable companion tool to buyers before, during and after the tradeshow and will see further enhancement for Showcase 24.
Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Neale Richmond TD said: “I am delighted to be here today announcing the return of Showcase to the RDS in January 2024. Showcase not only highlights the impact of the Irish craft and design industry on our cultural landscape but the huge impact the sector has on our economy. Design & Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Offices, delivers an excellent expo each year and I’m looking forward to visiting again in January. The expo is a hugely important moment for showcasing Irish talent to an international audience here in Dublin.”
Rosemary Steen, CEO of Design & Crafts Council Ireland commented: “We are thrilled to announce the much-anticipated return of Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo® hosted again at the RDS. Showcase remains an important event in the design and business sector, uniting Irish craftsmanship and design heritage with national and international buyers. Showcase will continue to foster new global connections this year, all while proudly spotlighting the best in Irish design and craftsmanship with a particular focus on our retailers who support this creativity and entrepreneurship.”
Teri Smith, Retail Consumer & Online Manager, Enterprise Ireland spokesperson said:
“Showcase provides an important and unique platform for Irish designers, manufacturers and craftspeople to unveil their new season collections to domestic and international buyers from more than 20 countries, delivering significant exposure and sales potential to the featured brands.
“Enterprise Ireland’s global market teams are seeing growing demand for innovative, sustainable and quality products from Irish companies and brands across all international markets. We are delighted to collaborate with Design & Crafts Council Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices once again to deliver further market success for Irish businesses at Showcase 2024.”
Thomas Rooney, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Offices spokesperson said: “The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) network is proud to present 105 new and diverse design and craft business across Home & Gift, Fashion and Jewellery at Showcase 2024. It is a national representation of emerging designers and craft makers from across the country The growth in the establishment of new craft and design businesses reflects the continued support and commitment that LEO have for the sector which is growing from strength to strength each year.”
Showcase is organised by DCCI, with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally through their network of offices overseas, and the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide. This investment in growing buyer participation is supported by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Showcase 2024 is for trade attendance only and will take place from Sunday, 21 January to Tuesday, 23 January 2024 in the RDS Dublin.
For further details on the event or to pre-register to attend, please visit www.showcaseireland.com.
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