PanelPicker® is the official SXSW user-generated session proposal platform developed to encourage the community to pitch their proposals for our Conference programming for SXSW 2025 from March 7-15. This easy, two-step process allows the SXSW community to have a voice in what creative and thought-provoking programming is selected.

Tips for PanelPicker Success

• Follow the instructions and read the FAQ. Reading the PanelPicker FAQ will give you important information about SXSW and more valuable tips for creating a great proposal.

• Create a future-focused, original proposal that shows what you’re passionate about. Often SXSW previews what you’ll be talking about next year and beyond in tech, culture, music, and film. Give us your perspective on what lies ahead and why.

• Depth and specificity. SXSW attendees want advanced, in-depth information, so be sure to delve into the particulars of a topic. The more specific a proposal is, the better. Drill down to what really matters.

• Your title should reflect your description. Your title is going to be fighting for attention with hundreds of other titles in PanelPicker, so it’s important for your title to be direct and explanatory. The community should be able to understand what the proposal will cover without reading your description. Remember: think simple, accurate, and succinct. Tip: Avoid using ALL CAPS in your title and proposal.

How can you ensure that your session idea stands out? Dive into our tips for constructing the perfect proposal and mark your calendar for upcoming webinars from the SXSW Conference team.

To kickoff applications, SXSW Programmers will host a special virtual PanelPicker Best Practices & AMA Webinar this Thursday, June 27. RSVP and fill out the questionnaire in advance with your specific questions.Throughout July, gain even more advice and answers to FAQs from SXSW Programmers during PanelPicker Office Hours.

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The SXSW Pitch Competition continues to be one of the most impressive culminations of skill, creativity and ingenuity brought together on one stage. March 9-10, 2024 SXSW will feature 40 interactive technology companies from 8 different categories, to pitch their industry game-changer in front of a panel of judges and audience of event attendees. While participants compete for funding options with investors, media exposure, coaching by industry experts; registrants can catch a glimpse of the future in tech and innovation unfold in front of their eyes.

WHY APPLY

Opportunity for product validation and funding options with investors.
Take advantage of media exposure during the SXSW event.
Polish your elevator pitch with pre-event coaching by industry experts.
Sharpen your skills and gain lasting connections while doing it.
Read more about What Makes A Good Startup Pitch.

DATA

Of the 572 companies that participated in SXSW Pitch between 2009 and 2020, over 82% received funding, with combined funding over almost $14.5 billion (does not include undisclosed grants, angel and seed funding). Of these 572 companies, 17% have been acquired by Google, British Telecom, Huffington Post, Apple, Live Nation, OpenTable, Constant Contact, and Harmon. Some of our prestigious alums you may know include Klout, ICON, Hipmunk, Wildfire, Tubemogul, Siri, Foodspotting, and Tango.

For more inspiration, explore the SXSW Pitch Archive to browse winners, finalists, and other participants from previous seasons.

Browse Archive

ELIGIBILITY

The company's product and / or service must have been conceived no earlier than March 11, 2021. Each company may only enter one product or service to SXSW Pitch.
A company that enters more than one product or service will not be eligible to participate in SXSW Pitch.
Each applicant is only eligible to present in one of the SXSW family of startup innovation events (SXSW Pitch, SXSW Innovation Awards, or SXSWEDU Launch). If you would like to apply for SXSW Pitch and Innovative Awards, please note you will only be eligible to participate in one.
Founders of the company applying must retain some portion of ownership in the company.
The company must not have raised over eight (8) Million Dollars in funding from combined funding sources.
The product or service must fall into one of the SXSW Pitch categories.

For questions about eligibility and the selection process, read the FAQ before you begin your application to ensure you meet the minimum requirements.

APPLY NOW

Think your Startup has what it takes? Do you happen to be available March 9-10, 2024? Does your team have a pension for breakfast tacos? You belong at the SXSW Pitch 2024. – apply early to save on applications fees!

Application Deadlines:
Early Deadline: September 11, 2022
Final Deadline: November 13, 2022
All deadlines end at 11:59pm PT.

Apply Now

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2023 SXSW Pitch – Photo by Miguel Esparza

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Playing at one of Austin's famous music venues with industry professionals, international media members, new fans and fellow artists in the crowd is an experience like no other.

We encourage new, developing, and established artists to apply to showcase – every genre, signed or unsigned. Not only is it an opportunity to get your music in front of a global audience, it is also a chance to learn and connect.

Check out the first wave of Showcasing Artists announced for the 2024 SXSW Music Festival. Are you ready to join the lineup?

Apply for an Official Showcase

Don't miss your chance to take the 2024 SXSW stage – apply before the early deadline of August 25, 2023 at 11:59pm PT.

Learn more about the application process on the Showcasing Artist Applications page and read through the Music Showcase FAQ.

Tips from the Music Fest Team

Be Thorough When Describing Current Developments – When we invite artists to showcase at SXSW, we want to make sure they're in a position to maximize their time here. To put it simply: there should be a reason for the artist to be here other than simply checking off a box. Really consider how SXSW fits in with your timeline and goals as an artist. Will you have new music to promote? Is SXSW going to be the kick off for a larger tour? Are you setting yourself up to advance your career in a meaningful way at SXSW?

Tell Us Where You Have Been Featured – One of the most important parts of your application is showing us where your music has been featured. It can be anything from playlists, blogs, magazines, TV, movies, or video games. It doesn't even need to be a Spotify editorial playlist either, user-curated playlists are just as important.

Show Your Strengths – Focus on adding emphasis on the sections of the application that reflect where you do your best. Be sure to take advantage of the "Artist Bio" field in the application – a thorough bio will make it much easier for the Music Festival team to get familiar with your music.

Get Inspired by SX Alumni

Turn up your application soundtrack. Listen to our Apple Music and Spotify playlists, and surf our YouTube Music Video playlist while you get your application together.

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Every year, music enthusiasts, industry moguls, and budding artists alike gather in Austin, Texas for an event that has become a cornerstone of the music world. The SXSW Music Festival is a convergence of creativity, innovation, and raw talent. It has launched countless of artists to new heights turning unknowns into superstars and has reshaped the musical landscape. If you’re an aspiring musician with big dreams, there’s no better opportunity to catapult your career than by becoming a showcasing artist at the SXSW Music Festival. We’re pulling back the curtain to reveal invaluable insights straight from the heart of the SXSW Music team. Whether you’re a solo singer-songwriter, a dynamic band, or an electronic music producer, the chance to be a part of this electrifying event could be a game-changer for your music journey. Get ready to learn from the experts themselves, as we delve into a treasure trove of tips that will not only guide you through the application process but also help you stand out in a sea of aspiring artists.

What is the SXSW Music Festival? The SXSW Music isn’t just a lineup of musical artists nor just a collection of concerts; it’s a cultural phenomenon that brings together music, technology, and innovation on a vast scale. This annual event is a mecca for artists, industry professionals, and music enthusiasts from around the globe. With its inception in 1987, SXSW has evolved from a local gathering into an international showcase that sets trends, fosters collaborations, and serves as a launchpad for artists aiming to break into the mainstream. The music festival is a vital component of the broader SXSW experience, alongside its film and interactive counterparts. It’s a place where established legends and emerging talents share the same stages, where genres blur and collide, and where magic happens both in and out of the spotlight. But what makes the music festival truly special is its dedication to providing a platform for showcasing artists to make their mark.

The Benefits Being selected as an Official Showcasing Artist at the SXSW Music Festival isn’t just about getting your name on a lineup; it is a pivotal opportunity that can shape the course of your music career. The benefits are vast and far-reaching, making the application process well worth the effort. The festival draws a diverse and influential audience, including music fans, industry insiders, and media representatives. This exposure can lead to valuable connections and collaborations that might have otherwise been out of reach. Networking is another key advantage of showcasing at SXSW. The music industry thrives on relationships, and the festival offers an environment for forming connections with fellow musicians, managers, agents, and A&R representatives. The interactions you have during SXSW can result in future gigs, partnerships, collaborations, and even record deals. Moreover, the platform provides a unique chance to build your fanbase. Performing in front of passionate music lovers who are hungry for new sounds can help you garner a dedicated following that will continue to support you long after the festival ends.

Tips For A Succesful Application The SXSW Music Fest team is a group of industry insiders with a keen eye for talent. They have shared some valuable advice to help aspiring artists create standout applications. Their guidance revolves around the concept of making the most of your time at SXSW, and it starts with being thorough when describing your current developments. The team emphasizes the importance of showcasing a well-defined reason for your presence at the festival (beyond a simple checkbox). Consider how SXSW aligns with your musical journey. Will you unveil a new album? Is it the launchpad for an upcoming tour? Think about how SXSW can truly propel your career forward.

The music team also emphasizes the significance of highlighting where your music has been featured. It’s not limited to major platforms like Spotify; even user-curated playlists, blogs, magazines, TV placements, movies, or video games can make a strong case for your music’s appeal. The diversity of exposure underscores your music’s relevance and broadens its allure to a wider audience.

It is recommended to artists to focus on showcasing your strengths within your application. This involves placing emphasis on sections that truly represent your best work. The “Artist Bio” field holds a strong importance, as a comprehensive bio helps the SXSW Music Festival team become intimately acquainted with your musical identity. Make sure to craft a bio that captures your essence, achievements, and aspirations, allowing the team to swiftly grasp you artistic uniqueness. By implementing these insights, you’ll be better equipped to craft an application that resonates with the festival’s essence and maximizes your potential to shine on this global stage.

Your Journey Starts Now The road to becoming a Showcasing Artist at the SXSW Music Festival is filled with potential and possibilities. Armed with insider tips from the SXSW Music Fest team, you’re now equipped to navigate this path with confidence and purpose. Remember, SXSW is not just a festival, it’s a middle ground of innovation, creativity, and connections that can elevate your music career to new heights.

From understanding the significance of SXSW in your musical journey to showcasing your strengths and unique identity, every step of the application process is an opportunity to stand out. Craft a compelling narrative that demonstrates why you belong on the SX Stage, backed by your achievements, press coverage, and most importantly, your passion for your craft. Keep in mind the immense exposure, networking, and fanbase growth that await you at SXSW. By implementing the strategies shared by the music team, you’re positioning yourself not just for a remarkable performance but for a meaningful step forward in your artistic evolution.

So, aspiring artist, seize this chance to showcase your talent on a global platform. Let the melodies you craft reverberate through the city of Austin from March 11-16, 2024, inspiring, captivating, and leaving an indelible mark on everyone who listens. The SXSW Music Fest team has spoken– now it’s your turn to make your music heard.

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