- 3,500 buyers from over 20 countries expected over three days
- Almost 400 exhibitors expected to generate over €20m in sales
- Independent research shows that the orders generated by buyers at event have grown at an average rate of 18% year on year
- The fair is an international launch pad for the Irish designers, manufacturers and craftspeople
Wednesday, 8th January 2025: Today, Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo® launched at The Mansion House Dublin with models, Emma Rose and Renz, styled in fashion and accessories from Showcase 2025. Showcase will return to the RDS Dublin from Sunday, 19th January until Tuesday, 21st January 2025. This year is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Showcase, one of Ireland’s largest international trade shows that offers manufacturers, designers, and craft makers the opportunity to exhibit their new collections. In a global context, Showcase outperforms other UK and European trade shows based on the Net Promoter score, which looks at visitor satisfaction and loyalty.
Showcase was established in 1975 by Design & Crafts Council Ireland and began life as the National Crafts Fair. Over the past 50 years, Showcase has grown from a show for domestic buyers alone to a show for buyers from over 20 countries. This year, Showcase expects to welcome 3,500 visitors, including many who return year on year.
Analysis from Showcase 2024 estimated that the purchasing plans, as reported by visitors to the event, exceeded €20.5m and this independent research also shows that the orders generated by buyers to the event since 2015 have grown at an average rate of 18% year on year. These figures also indicate the increase in the quality of the buyer now regularly attending the event.
Last year’s Showcase welcomed almost 400 exhibitors, a significant incline from the 50 exhibitors that took part in the launch almost 50 years ago. Almost 90 brands will exhibit for the first time, and in celebration of 50 years, some brands will be returning to the show. Showcase is the first big event in the calendar for the design and craft sector in Ireland. It is a big revenue generator for the almost 400 exhibitors that attend the event each year, as well as significantly contributing to the national economy and Ireland’s export market. The Irish design and craft sector directly employs over 59,000 people, mostly outside of Dublin, which highlights the sector’s importance in regional employment and economic development. A successful three days at Showcase, is the first step in a positive trading year for many of Ireland’s design and craft businesses.
While celebrating 50 years of showcasing Irish craft and design, sustainability, responsible retail, independent retailers, and sector development are also significant pillars of this year’s event. Winners of the annual Showcase Awards at Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo®, will also be announced on Sunday 19th January. In addition to the ever-growing number of exhibitors and new products at the tradeshow, an array of events will take place on the inspiration stage including keynote speeches by Dragons’ Den panellist and entrepreneur, Sara Davies, and leading consumer behaviouralist, Ken Hughes which are not to be missed.
Launching Showcase 2025, Emer Higgins, T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for Business, Employment and Retail said: “I’m delighted to be part of the Showcase 2025 launch, the largest international trade show of its kind, while also marking a significant milestone – the 50th anniversary of this event. Over the past five decades, Showcase has evolved into a vital platform connecting both domestic and international retailers with exceptional Irish designers and craftspeople. Retailers play a crucial role in bringing these unique products to the global market, helping to strengthen Ireland’s reputation for quality and innovation. We know that the retail sector is a cornerstone of our national economy and a key partner in supporting the growth of Irish design and craft. Over the years, Showcase has been instrumental in fostering these connections, driving success for retailers, designers and makers both at home and abroad.”
Mary Blanchfield, Interim CEO, Design & Crafts Council Ireland commented: “Design & Crafts Council Ireland is proud to celebrate the 50th year of the establishment of Showcase. This event provides an invaluable platform for Irish designers and makers to show their craft and design to both domestic and international audiences and it is a major revenue generator for these businesses to really set them up for the year ahead. This year’s Showcase is set to be even bigger and better as we host a series of panel discussion as well as bringing industry insights to the exhibitors at the show from experts including ‘The King of Customer Experience’, Ken Hughes, and BBC Dragons and entrepreneur, Sara Davies, over the three-day show.
Mary Palmer, Chair of Showcase Ireland said: “As Showcase prepares to open its doors for the 2025 event, we are thrilled to mark its 50th year since it’s establishment. What began five decades ago as a celebration of Irish craftsmanship has grown into Ireland’s largest international trade show, showcasing the exceptional creativity and innovation that define our industries. This milestone highlights not only the enduring spirit of Showcase but also the remarkable journey of Irish designers and makers, whose work continues to inspire and captivate a global audience. We’re proud of the event’s evolution and excited for what’s ahead, as we continue to provide a dynamic platform for the creative talent that drives Ireland’s success on the world stage.”
Tom Rooney, Head of Craft and Design, Local Enterprise Offices, said; “The Local Enterprise Offices are delighted to be back at Showcase again for 2025 to highlight over 100 of the LEO supported companies that will be taking part. The fact that we are all celebrating the 50th anniversary of Showcase is a testament of how successful this has been for our craft and design companies over the years. It is very much the set piece event of the year for them and we work extremely hard with our colleagues in the Design & Crafts Council and Enterprise Ireland to add real value for our clients. For them it can be the difference between a good year and a great year, so we work to ensure all our clients gain from the event.”
Karen Conroy, Senior Development Adviser, Consumer and International Education, Enterprise Ireland stated: “Enterprise Ireland is delighted to partner with Design & Crafts Council Ireland on Showcase, a key event in the consumer retail calendar. Our network of international offices has engaged with key buyers from markets all over the world who wish to source quality Irish knitwear, textiles, craft, jewellery and giftware in this 50th year of Showcase. By connecting international buyers with innovative, sustainable and high-quality Irish products, Enterprise Ireland looks forward to delivering international market success for Irish businesses at Showcase 2025. The consumer products sector is highly export focused and has shown impressive double digit growth in recent years. Showcase 2025 provides an important platform for Irish companies to highlight this success and to strengthen new and current opportunities with global buyers.”
Showcase is the largest inter-agency tradeshow of the year for the craft and design sector, and a unique and ‘must attend’ show in buyers’ diaries. Showcase is led by 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. It is supported by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Showcase 2025 is for trade attendance only and will take place from Sunday, 19th January to Tuesday, 21st January 2025 in the RDS Dublin.
Showcase’s digital offering – ShowcaseIreland.com and Showcase Connect app – provide invaluable resources in the lead up to and during the tradeshow, enabling buyers to browse, connect and book meetings with exhibitors online or at the show.
For further details on the event or to pre-register to attend, please visit www.showcaseireland.com.
ENDS
For more information, please contact Eimear Harding, Communications and Public Affairs Manager, DCCI, [email protected]
For further press information please contact Emma Kelly, Claire Feely, Oonagh Cahill, Laura Daly or Katie O’Reilly at Elevate PR, 01 662 5652 or email [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 thousands of buyers from across the world, including Ireland, the UK, USA, Mainland Europe, Asia, and Africa generating millions of euros of sales orders during the show. 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. Almost 400 Irish brands are exhibited at the fair, including emerging Irish businesses supported by their Local Enterprise Offices. Showcase is for trade attendance only.
www.showcaseireland.com / @showcase_ireland
About Design & Crafts Council Ireland
Design & Crafts Council Ireland is the national agency for design and craft in Ireland, we support designers and makers to develop their businesses in a sustainable way, and advocate for the societal benefits of design and craft. DCCI’s activities are funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment via Enterprise Ireland. DCCI currently has 64member organisations and over 3,500 registered clients.
www.dcci.ie / @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 / @enterprise_ireland
About 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: www.LocalEnterprise.ie / @local_enterprise_offices
