The Creative Connect study tour to Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo® offered acorn creative entrepreneurs a valuable opportunity to experience first-hand how creative businesses successfully position, present, and commercialise their products in a highly competitive international trade environment.

Showcase highlighted the scale of opportunity available to creative entrepreneurs willing to think beyond local markets. With buyers attending from Europe, the UK, North America, and beyond, participants gained a clearer understanding of global demand and the importance of aligning products, pricing, and production capacity to international expectations.

One of the strongest learnings was the critical role of an impactful trade stand. In a busy exhibition hall filled with exceptional design, visibility matters. Entrepreneurs observed how well-designed stands — with clear branding, strong visual identity, and confident product presentation — helped businesses cut through the noise, attract buyers, and start meaningful conversations. A trade stand is not just a display; it is a strategic sales and marketing tool.

The tour also reinforced the importance of commercial readiness. Discussions with exhibitors and buyers highlighted the need for strong pricing structures, healthy margins, and a clear understanding of costs when selling at scale. Entrepreneurs gained insight into how successful creatives balance craftsmanship with commercial realities, ensuring their products remain profitable while meeting buyer expectations.

Brand storytelling also emerged as a powerful driver of sales. Buyers were drawn to products that communicated a clear story — rooted in heritage, sustainability, and creative process — adding value beyond the product itself and supporting stronger price points.

Innovation was evident across the exhibition, with many brands blending traditional craft skills with contemporary design and new market thinking. This approach demonstrated how creativity and innovation support product differentiation and long-term competitiveness.

Overall, the Creative Connect visit to Showcase Ireland was both inspiring and practical, equipping acorn creative entrepreneurs with increased confidence, sharper commercial insight, and clear strategies to strengthen margins, enhance product positioning, and take confident steps toward global markets.