Showcase Ireland, showcasing design and innovation

Now celebrating its 32nd year, Showcase is an important monitor of evolving trends, an essential platform for launching new products and the arena for emerging designers and small companies to introduce themselves to the wider community of buyers.

A significant consumer trend is the demand for new contemporary products and the 650 exhibitors have responded in style with Showcase 2008 promising to be one of the most dynamic fairs to date. Business is conducted in the convivial and relaxed atmosphere that has made Showcase such a unique and much loved fair. But it is first and foremost an international trade event - a cosmopolitan meeting place for visitors from over thirty countries and the four-corners of Ireland to converge.

Showcase is marketed internationally by Enterprise Ireland. “Showcase provides a barometer for sales in 2008. With research and product development completed - this is where the selling for the year starts. At Showcase 2008 there will be plenty to buy - lots of new and exciting products, presented in the strongest way to buyers from across the world” said Charlie Kelly, Retail Products Manager, Enterprise Ireland.

Key features at Showcase 2008 include: SOURCE, Index 50 and the Enterprise Hall. Exhibitors on the dedicated craft aisle SOURCE have been chosen by a panel of international buyers and media for the high standards of design and manufacture, suitability to market and for overall quality. This highly selective arena is where the best of Irish crafts will be presented and its location in the centre aisle of the main hall will be a focal point at Showcase.

Another highlight of the 2008 event is Index 50 - a display of fifty unique, high quality new products, providing a promotional platform for introducing new and innovative products. Index 50 will present an immediate overview of the best judged 50 new products on display.

One of the most vital and exciting aspects of Showcase is the presentation of fresh talent. The Enterprise Hall is a distinctive focal point for Showcase 2008, where you will find new products, new faces and new ideas. It’s where an eclectic mix of first-time and emerging exhibitors come together to showcase their collections. With its brand new logo and distinctive signposting, the Enterprise Hall within Area J is easy to find and provides the perfect arena for Buyers sourcing fresh, innovative collections.

Up to 10,000 visitors, including a record number of international buyers are expected to visit Showcase 2008, which is organised on behalf of the Crafts Council of Ireland and marketed internationally by Enterprise Ireland. Showcase, the country’s largest trade fair, is the flagship event of the Crafts Council of Ireland and is staged annually as part of the Council’s ongoing promotion of the craft sector at home and abroad. The 560 exhibitors represent all sectors of the craft and design industry and there is a strong representation from Northern Ireland.

Showcase 2008 is organised by Showcase Ireland Events Limited and takes place at the RDS Main Hall, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, from January 20 to 23. It is a trade only event.