Showcase officially opens at Dublin's RDS
Showcase® – Ireland’s International Creative Expo® today officially opened at Dublin’s RDS with almost 400 exhibitors showcasing their unique products and some 4,000 buyers from Ireland and overseas expected to visit the event over the next three days.
Months of preparation has paid off for everyone involved as colour and creativity abounded on opening day as the show was officially opened by Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development who stressed her personal love of the annual event as well as its importance to the Irish design and craft sector.
Speaking at the launch of the event on the Inspiration Stage, Minister Humphreys said: “I’m delighted to be here this morning at Showcase 2024, to see some of the incredible products on display from our craft and design sector. I’m also thrilled to welcome such a diverse group of buyers from all across the world. Ireland is globally renowned for its craft and design, and Showcase truly is the international launchpad for so many Irish makers to achieve this recognition.”
Stressing the importance of the design and craft industry in Ireland, particularly in rural areas where it provides employment to sole traders and those running SMEs, many of them women, she said: “The majority of craftspeople live and work in rural areas outside our capital city of Dublin. My department is working hard to ensure that we continue to support the rural development of these areas and encourage the growth of this sector for many years to come. Craft plays an integral part in Ireland’s economy, and I wish everyone the best of luck over the next couple of days.”
One of Ireland’s largest international trade fairs, upwards of €25 million in sales orders is expected to be transacted over the next three days. This year sees a strong focus placed on sustainability. While many of the brands exhibiting at the show are already well placed to capitalise on the demand for sustainable, ethical and handmade products, sustainability is now also an award at the show - the inaugural Sustainability Award being presented at last year’s show. A key draw for retail buyers each year at Showcase is the opportunity for them to meet the face behind the brand name and to speak directly to those people who are designing and making the products on show.
Also speaking at the official opening event were Mary Palmer, Chair of Showcase Ireland; Rosemary Steen, CEO of Design & Crafts Council Ireland; Michael Carey, Chairman of Enterprise Ireland and Tom Rooney, Head of Craft & Design, Local Enterprise Office (LEO).
“For almost five decades, Showcase has been a platform for Irish makers to highlight their work to both a domestic and global network of buyers,” said Mary Palmer, Chair of Showcase. “The products produced and on display are high-quality and unique and will be seen by more than 4,000 buyers over a three day period. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in Showcase 2024, you are helping to support and grow our sector.”
Rosemary Steen, CEO of Design & Crafts Council Ireland commented: “Showcase is Ireland’s largest international trade show, known worldwide for the high standard of Irish design and craft exhibited. We are delighted to return to our 2020 numbers of almost 400 exhibitors at the RDS participating over the three day period. This shows the strong sector performance of our community as we welcome over 4,000 buyers to Dublin this weekend.”
“We are expecting sales in excess of the €25 million achieved last year, driven by strong US and European interest in the event,” she went on. “DCCI is so proud of all its makers involved and I want to thank all the team at Design & Crafts Council Ireland for all the hard work in bringing Showcase 2024 to life. We thank our partners, Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Office, and of course the RDS, for supporting us in running such an important event in the Irish creative sector’s calendar.”
Read more about the 2024 winners of the annual Showcase Awards here.
