Keynote Speakers
Showcase Ireland 2025's Inspiration Stage is set to feature three exceptional guest speakers who bring a wealth of expertise and insight to the event.
Ken HughesKen Hughes, known as The King of Customer Experience, is now acknowledged as being one of the world’s leading authorities on consumer behaviour, blending his understanding of consumer & cyber psychology, digital anthropology, behavioural economics and retail futurology to explore the needs of the new consumer and predict the changes to come.
Mary Portas Businesswoman, broadcaster, author and activist Mary Portas OBE made her name creating change. Aged 30, she became a board member at Harvey Nichols before founding her own retail consultancy. Mary has since worked with some of the biggest names in global retail. In 2024, Mary made the King’s New Year Honours list, being awarded an OBE for her services to business, broadcasting and charity.
Sara Davies Sara Davies MBE is an entrepreneur, business leader, mentor and media personality. Sara founded a highly acclaimed and successful retail business specialising in crafts while enrolled at University. Her keen sense of economics and business has made her a highly sought-after speaker who is beloved for her warm, engaging and informative nature.Day 1
Showcase Ireland 2025: Day One
Showcase is 50! Showcase - Ireland's Creative Expo opened its doors for the 50th year in the RDS, Dublin.
Showcase Ireland 2025 Official Launch
Minister Peter Burke, TD, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment officially opened Showcase Ireland 2025 at the RDS, Dublin.
Ateliers d'Art de France
Discover the vision of French crafts through the lens of Mr. Stéphane Galerneau, President of Ateliers d'Art de France. This special event marks the beginning of an exciting collaboration between Ireland and France, fostering new dialogues around creativity and artistic exchange.
Showcase Ireland 2025: Showcase Awards
Day 2
Showcase Ireland 2025: Day Two
Unlocking the Potential of online Marketplace
This session will explore the transformative power of online marketplaces for businesses of all sizes. Attendees will gain insights into what marketplaces are, their role in eCommerce, and the opportunities they present for expanding distribution and building direct-to-consumer channels. The presentation will guide businesses through key considerations, from selecting the right platform to ensuring product, company, and brand readiness. Whether you’re new to marketplaces or looking to optimise your presence, this session will provide actionable strategies to help you succeed in this dynamic digital space.
Homo Faber Fellowship Programme / EU Craft Booster Showcase - Panel Event
Honouring Heritage, Inspiring Innovation: Wool and Donegal
Join us for an insightful panel discussion on how Donegal is taking its wool heritage into exciting new directions. From the quest for Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status for Donegal Tweed to the growing demand for sustainable, innovative uses of Irish grown wool; discover how local businesses are blending tradition with forward-thinking ideas. Our panelists will dive into the unique opportunities emerging for wool in Donegal and beyond to discuss how this mix of craftsmanship and creativity is shaping the future for Irish grown wool.
Panel includes Patrick Temple; Magee Weaving, Chris Weiniger; Donegal Yarns, Léila Worth, Designer & Trainee Weaver, Kevin Dooley; Dooleys Wool. Moderated by Alison Gault, Ulster University and Interim Chair, Irish Grown Wool Council.
Donegal Makers
Day 3
Trinity Tangent /DCCI Accelerator Programme
Showcase 50 Panel - Celebrating 50 years - Past, Present, Future.