Hard Working Class Heroes is changing its name, the showcase festival and music conference will now be known as Ireland Music Week.

Ireland Music Week will continue to project a confident and inclusive sense of responsibility for Irish music in an international context, showcasing 50 of the most export-ready emerging Irish talent to the best of our national and international industry. For artists of all levels, the conference will give them a chance to learn and develop their craft and create new opportunities with agents, labels, bookers, music supervisors and services from all over the world. Additions to this core programming will include a dedicated B2B day to facilitate the needs of the newly formed FMC-founded AIM Ireland, along with other offerings from new strategic partners introducing new audiences for Irish music around Europe, as well as more networking and masterclasses to be announced closer to the dates.

First Music Contact, who run Ireland Music Week work with Irish acts from the very beginning of their careers. This annual showcase is an opportunity to offer Irish acts some vital exposure provided by the stellar mix of influential Irish and international delegates who attend including avenues for agent, label, management deals and more. FMC also run Music From Ireland, the Irish music export office. Since its inception in 2003, the festival has showcased many of Ireland's best-known acts including Fontaines DC, David Keenan, Soulé, Daithí, whenyoung, Bitch Falcon, Jafaris, Chasing Abbey, Saint Sister, Wyvern Lingo, Jealous of the Birds, Fangclub, Touts, The Academic, Choice Music Prize winners Rusangano Family, Villagers, 2013's breakthrough act Hozier, along with Girl Band, Jape, The Coronas, Soak, Talos, Le Boom, Loah, Ham Sandwich, All Tvvins, Otherkin and many more.