Ireland Music Week has announced the schedule of music industry professionals for its conference strand. The international showcase and conference, which is organised by First Music Contact, is taking place online for the second year running, from 5 to 8 October. In addition to artist showcases, the event will present a programme of talks and discussions with speakers working in the fields of PR, booking, artist management, publishing and more. 

Over the four days, the conference will host sessions on the topics of funding for artists, working with labels, music and mental health, becoming export-ready, music media, copyright, releasing music, radio, TV and more. Speakers such as Dev Sherlock, Music Festival Programmer at SXSW; Berenike Guilliard, Artist and Repertoire Manager of Warner Music GSA; Laura McCabe, Artist Manager with Jawdropper Music; Derek Turner of the Spirit Store venue; Niall Byrne of Nialler9; Priscilla Kotey, Director of Marketing and Promotions at Warner Music Ireland; and Ed Smith of Today FM are among the conference speakers. Dublin City Council’s Deputy Head of Economic Development and Enterprise, Mary MacSweeney; Eoin Egan, Head of Production Planning at Netflix; and Pizza Pizza Records’ A&R and Label Manager Joey Edwards will also feature. 

There are also a number of artists among the line-up of conference speakers, including indie-folk singer Dani Larkin, Faye O’Rourke of Soda Blonde, pop singer Tolü Makay, and singer-songwriter Ailbhe Reddy. 

Angela Dorgan, CEO of First Music Contact commented:

We are delighted once again to present a record number of international professionals to the Irish market at IMW 2021. The last year has offered so many challenges to our industry, and it is perhaps a glimmer of a silver lining, that we are able to attract so many buyers, labels, publishers, agents and more to our virtual showcases and conference workshops and panels. As we head back towards full reopening, in the meantime, there are workshops and panels to attend, delegates to learn from, and showcases of the best emerging talent to attend.

Ireland Music Week showcases and conference sessions will be presented on the Hopin online platform which enables interaction from fans and participants of the conference. 

Artists performing at the event include Niamh Regan, Pretty Happy, Emma Langford, Míde Houlihan, Lowli, Cherym, and Dyvr. 

For further information and tickets, visit www.irelandmusicweek.com