Over 4,000 visitors are expected to descend on the RDS in Dublin later this month when Showcase Ireland returns following a break in 2021.

The international creative expo will feature 300 exhibitors when it takes place from Sunday, 27 February to Wednesday, 2 March.

Showcase Ireland was founded in 1976 by the Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI), and it is delivered with support from Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices.

"Showcase Ireland is a unique trade fair for designers and makers meet retail buyers, show their new work and secure orders for the year ahead," DCCI enterprise and market development director Brian McGee said.

"Buyer registrations are currently two-thirds ahead of 2020, which was the last year that the physical show was held at the RDS Dublin. Already we have a significant increase in Irish buyers showing the rapid improvement in confidence since the lifting of restrictions.

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"There are also strong numbers for USA, Canada and UK. This year there is also a free Digital platform for all exhibitors which enables exhibitors to reach out to the more than 9,000 buyers on the database.”

Sales orders are expected to generate over €20m over the four days of the show, which will take place in a hybrid capacity with both in-person and digital events.

The digital aspect of the show, Showcase Connect, will facilitate attendees who cannot travel and all exhibitors will be made fully accessible to buyers around the clock.

Registered buyers will be able to use the platform to browse products and engage with exhibitors before, during and after the event.

“Showcase has a limited additional number of exhibition spaces available for creative enterprises who wish to engage with the retail trade for 2022. All the details are available on Showcaseireland.com or email info@showcaseireland.com," McGee added.

(Picture (l-r): Ross O’Colmain of Enterprise Ireland; Allied Imports managing director Robbie Scanlan; Jo Browne owner Jo Browne; DCCI market development director Brian McGee; RDS deputy CEO Michele Griffin; and Local Enterprise Offices chair Oisín Geoghegan at the launch of Showcase 2022 in the RDS. Photo: Jason Clarke)