Kilkenny exhibitors prepare for Showcase – Ireland’s International Creative Expo later this month

Kilkenny businesses will be well represented at Showcase – Ireland’s International Creative Expo, which launched at The Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland this week.

Local exhibitors showcasing their designs and collections include Jerpoint Glass Studio, Nicholas Mosse Pottery, Astra Trading/ Kilkenny Silver, K Kajoux Jewels, Tinnakeenly Leathers, Biddys Good Luck Horseshoes, White Rose Creations, and Siadbh – Jewellery.

With a proven track record of almost five decades, Showcase 2024 returns to the RDS, Dublin, from Sunday, January 21 to Tuesday, January, 23. Blending time-honoured craft with innovative design, Showcase 2024 is set to be bigger and better. Almost 400 exhibitors and more than 4,000 visitors from Ireland and overseas are expected to attend the three-day show.

One of Ireland’s largest trade shows, Showcase is a key destination for domestic and international buyers. This year, Showcase will put a keen focus on the buyer encouraging them to choose Irish products for their craftsmanship, connection to the maker, and provenance. The 400 exhibitors will exhibit their latest collections across four product categories – home and gift, wellbeing, fashion, and jewellery. Sustainability, responsible retail, independent retailers, and sector development are also significant pillars of this year’s event.

A key draw, especially for international retailers is, that at Showcase, the makers behind the products are usually those behind the stands. This gives rise to stories and insights that translate into consumer marketing and selling, as well as benefiting from the charm of being in Ireland.

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. In 2023, Showcase generated over €25 million in sales order during the show for the 400 exhibitors who unveiled their latest collections. Almost 4,000 buyers from 24 countries across four continents attended in person, and many more visited through the digital platform Showcase Connect.

Showcase 2024 will see a continuation of successful features from previous years including a dynamic event that will fuse dance, music and products to convey the heritage and craftsmanship of Irish craft and design. Sectoral development presentations and panel discussions will take place on the Inspiration Stage ranging across topics from insights into aspects of Irish craft and design to retail trends and AI.

The annual Showcase Awards will take place on Sunday 21st January, and The Edit, a curated exhibition of products from the show, will be displayed throughout the venue. Preparing for and attending Showcase will be made more convenient through the Showcase digital platform and app. On it, buyers can search and browse exhibitors and products by categories and location, create wish lists and set up meetings. The introduction of an interactive floor plan on the app will significantly enhance navigation around the tradeshow.

Each year a selection of Irish designers, manufacturers and craftspeople unveil their new season collections from fashion and wellbeing to jewellery and home and gifting. Showcase makes sustainable and conscientious buying accessible, and the trade fair itself has implemented a number of sustainable measures such as hydration stations. Showcase is the home of discovery for new and emerging brands to highlight their unique qualities and stories but also a continued road to growth for existing Irish businesses. Trade buyers can register to attend this boutique design and craft expo at showcaseireland.com.