PRESENTING THE BEST OF IRISH CREATIVITY: Irish Designers & Craftspeople Showcase to the World
4th January 2010
 Nadia Forde at the launch of Showcase 2010 wearing a dress by
Heather Finn, jewellery by Helena Malone Goldsmith and handbag
by Hope & Benson.
The event is organised on behalf of the Crafts Council of Ireland and promoted internationally by Enterprise Ireland.
In the current economic climate, it is more important than ever to highlight entrepreneurship and demonstrate excellence in innovation & new product development. To this end, Showcase will feature Creative Island, an exclusive new hotspot of beautifully crafted products imagined, designed and made in Ireland. The 58 designers and makers in Creative Island were successfully selected by an independent retail jury for their creativity, innovation and craftsmanship. They include: Colm de Ris Irish Pottery; Cushendale Woollen Mills; Inti Leathers; Linda Wilson Knitwear; Moth to a Flame candles; Anna Nielson Prints and Saba Jewellery.
Several county & city enterprise boards such as Westmeath, Laois, Louth and South Cork will showcase many first-time exhibitors at special County Enterprise Stands, allowing
buyers to ‘spot the future’ in craft design while 200 leading Irish brands and makers will
exhibit their product in the Central Main Hall. For the first time at Showcase, an Artisan Food Area will allow quality Irish food producers to exhibit giftable food products to buyers from home and abroad.
The Showcase Awards will take place on the second day of Showcase – Monday 25th January – with honours given to the best new products at the four-day event including an inaugural Exporter of the Year Award to recognise excellence in customer service from Irish companies trading overseas.
Showcase will also provide a special Seminar Programme offering presentations and free clinics by a panel of senior retail executives in, amongst others, branding, business development, merchandising and trends forecasting.
“Showcase is Ireland’s largest international trade fair and the most important annual event for the Irish craft and gift sector. This year more than ever, retailers are seeking out innovative designs to grow their sales. At Showcase 2010, we have brought together Ireland’s most creative and exciting craftspeople to wow international buyers with their unique new products”, said Úna Parsons, CEO, Crafts Council of Ireland.
“For many Irish companies Showcase is a pivotal event in their business calendar as it presents Irish companies with the opportunity to further develop long term relationships with international buyers, said Charlie Kelly, Manager Consumer Retail Markets, Enterprise Ireland.
Showcase takes place in the RDS (Main Hall), Dublin from Sunday 24th January to Wednesday 27th January, 2009. Further details are available on www.showcaseireland.com
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About Showcase Ireland
Showcase Ireland is the country’s premier craft, gift, fashion and interiors trade fair featuring quality design products from Ireland’s leading craft makers and designers. The initiative attracts up to 350 exhibitors and 5,000 buyers from around the world. Showcase Ireland is organised by Showcase Ireland Events Ltd. on behalf of the Crafts Council of Ireland and is promoted internationally by Enterprise Ireland.
To download the Press Release click here: http://www.ccoi.ie/press/index.php
For further information contact:
Alma Feeley, Midas PR Mob: 087 8204934 E: alma.feeley@midaspr.com
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