Showcase, Ireland’s International Creative Expo at the RDS in Dublin, was officially opened by the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton TD on Sunday. The annual fair, which is run by the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland, attracts trade visitors from all over the world each year, driven by ongoing direct marketing in partnership with Enterprise Ireland’s network of offices abroad. Showcase generates up to €20 million in sales orders over the four days of the show, making it a critical event in sustaining Ireland’s vibrant design and craft sector. Showcase 2016 sees over 450 exhibitors across Fashion, Jewellery and Home & Giftware unveil thousands of high quality products, many of which are unique to the show.
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, met with trade buyers from companies including QVC and University of Rotterdam when he visited Showcase yesterday. He also met with established Irish designers, manufacturers and craftspeople from across Ireland and emerging Irish entrepreneurs supported by his Department through their Local Enterprise Office (LEO) who are participating in the Enterprise Zone at the show. Showcase, which celebrates its 40th year this year, is one of the country’s largest international trade fairs, welcoming over 5,000 buyers from Ireland and more than 20 countries including the UK, North America, Germany, France, Italy, Japan and UAE.
The LEOs are supporting 97 individual designers and craftspeople from 22 counties within the dedicated Enterprise Zone area.
Commenting as he visited the showcase yesterday, Minister Bruton said: “Since their establishment in April 2014, the LEOs have been a great addition to the suite of supports for start-ups and small businesses in Ireland. Helping micro and small craft and design companies take part in major trade events like Showcase, is just one of the supports available to the sector through the Local Enterprise Offices.”
“From my meetings with buyers here at Showcase, it is clear that there is a strong appetite internationally for the work of Irish designers and makers, especially following the year-long Irish Design 2015 initiative. Our design and craft sector is innovative and creative and its contribution to jobs, exports, and tourism is very significant. This annual trade show plays a crucial role in helping Irish companies develop their business and expand their client base, particularly in the export market, which is a central tenet of our Action Plan for Jobs. Since the first Action Plan was launched more than 135,000 extra people are at work, hitting our target 21 months ahead of schedule. With strong implementation of our solid plan, we can see a continuation of the progress we have seen and keep the recovery going.”
According to Stephen Hughes, Consumer Retail Manager, Enterprise Ireland: "Showcase is a valuable route to international markets for exporting Irish companies in the design and craft sectors. This year Enterprise Ireland's teams at home and abroad will deliver over 200 quality international buyers and journalists to Showcase, many who are visiting the show for the first time. The calibre of international buyers attracted to Showcase by Enterprise Ireland is truly impressive and a testament to the quality and exceptional design that Irish consumer companies have to offer on a global stage. We look forward to welcoming new and returning international buyers from markets as diverse as Canada, France and the UAE. Our ambition is to showcase what is new and innovative in Irish design, craft and craftsmanship and, ultimately, to win export orders."
Karen Hennessy, Chief Executive of the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI) said: “Over the last 40 years, Showcase has established itself as a professional, world class trade fair. The strength of the show lies in offering visitors a unique opportunity to see the very latest quality, design-led work emerging from Ireland each year. The designers and makers participating in the show are encouraged to focus on innovation, new product development and craftsmanship and their work keeps both Irish and international buyers coming back to Showcase year after year. Over the four days of the show, we will see sales orders of up to €20 million being placed, making this annual fair critical to the exhibiting small and medium sized enterprises, particulary those who have the ambition to expand their international presence. Together with our colleagues in Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Office, we want to support talented Irish designers and makers and give them the greatest opportunities to compete and win in competitive markets both here in Ireland and abroad.”
Showcase 2016 runs until Wednesday 27th January and is for trade attendance only. For further details on the event and to register to attend, please visit: www.showcaseireland.com
