On Wednesday, 13th November 2024, The Alex Hotel in Dublin played host to Dublin OPEN 2024, a pop-up exhibition held as part of Irish Design Week. The exhibition became a hub of creativity, showcasing the best of the UK and Irish commercial interiors market. With an impressive lineup of exhibitors and engaging discussions it truly delivered on its promise to inspire and connect.
A Showcase of Excellence
Dublin OPEN 2024 featured an impressive lineup of exhibitors, including Agua, Artisan/BITA, Astro Lighting, Burgess Furniture, Camira, CDUK, Chieftain, Curtains Direct, Edmund Bell, Ege Carpets, Franklite, Galerie Wallcoverings, Grohe, Indorama Ventures, John Lewis Contract, Knightsbridge Furniture, Kronospan, Lincrusta, Malone, Muraspec, Newmor, Panaz, Sanderson, Spires Art, Spradling, Sunbury Design, Telegraph Contract, Ulster Carpets, Warwick Fabrics, Waterbury, Winroy, Agent for Milliken.
Attendees had the opportunity to view high-quality products and services tailored to sectors like hospitality, healthcare, education, and workplace design. The event showcased the intersection of luxury and practicality, offering solutions for a range of commercial interior needs. The event was supported by a host of prominent supporters, cementing its reputation as a cornerstone of the commercial interiors calendar.
A big thank you to the UK Department of Business and Trade, BITA, Interiors Association Ireland, Institute Designers Ireland, Irish Design Week and Design Insider.
Inspiring Conversations and Insights
One of the event's standout features was the Design Insider Talks Programme, which brought thought leaders and industry experts to the stage. The carefully curated panels addressed key issues and trends shaping the design world:
- "Real Estate’s Reckoning in a Remote Era" explored the evolving dynamics of workplace real estate, featuring insights from professionals like Alison Redmond from Savills Ireland, Orla Wilson from Eaton Wood Architects, Billy Griffin from Artisan and Caroline Shannon from Indeed.
- "Blurred Lines: Are the Boundaries Between Design Sectors Really Dissolving?" sparked a lively debate about the merging of design disciplines, with thought-provoking contributions from John-Henry Boyle from 21SPACES and Liz Hughes from Anam Design Studio.
- "Cultural Symphony: Integrating Art, Music, and Cuisine into Hospitality" captivated the audience with discussions on enriching guest experiences through cultural elements, with Freddie Stevens from Brennan and Stevens and Emma McNickle from 21SPACES.
The talks not only informed but also inspired attendees to think differently about the future of design.
Dublin OPEN wasn’t just about presentations and products—it was about people. The event provided an ideal environment for building connections, with multiple opportunities to mingle and engage:
- A welcoming buffet lunch set a warm tone for the day, allowing attendees to network over a variety dishes.
- Afternoon tea, served mid-day, offered a chance to recharge and reflect.
- The evening reception, allowed attendees to continue conversations in a more informal setting which was kindly sponsored by the UK Department of Business and Trade.
A Positive Response
Dublin OPEN 2024 was well-received by attendees, who praised the quality of the exhibitors, the relevance of the discussions, and the overall organisation of the event. Many commented on how Dublin OPEN is one of their go to events across their yearly calendar.
Looking Ahead
Dublin OPEN 2024 successfully reinforced its importance as a key event in the design calendar, providing a platform for innovation and collaboration. As Irish Design Week continues to grow in prominence, Dublin OPEN will undoubtedly remain a vital part of its success story.