Turning our SX compass south of the equator, creatives from across the Asia-Pacific region are gearing up for another epic convergence of Tech & Innovation, Screen, Music, and Gaming at SXSW Sydney 2024.

Since 1987, SXSW has been a hub of creativity, fueling endless conversations and collaborations beyond the March event. This October 14-20, Sydney takes the baton, bringing together global leaders and innovators in a city where stunning natural beauty meets a vibrant creative scene. With the motto "The future belongs to the curious," SXSW Sydney is set to ignite imagination and inspiration from the harbor to every corner of this Southern Hemisphere hotspot. From sounds to screens and beyond, let's dive into the latest SXSW Sydney 2024 updates!

The SXSW Sydney Conference announced their first Keynotes, Johann Hari, best-selling author of Magic Pill and Stolen Focus, and human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson, known for her work with Julian Assange and WikiLeaks. Newly announced speakers include booking legends Marty Diamond and Larry Webman (Wasserman), A&R manager Samantha Urbani (Secretly Group), iconic Indian composer and musician A.R. Rahman, Singaporean entrepreneur Min-Liang Tan, and more.

Amping up the SXSW Sydney Music Festival, an already stellar lineup just got bigger with electronic Sydney duo 2touch, Mick Jenkins collaborator Heno. (USA), Anthony Fantano co-signed dogworld (VIC), indie rockers GIMMY (NSW), reggae masters Kurilpa Reach (QLD), recently-minted platinum "synth freak" Touch Sensitive (LA via NSW), and many more. Expand your playlist queue by adding these 40+ artists including Grammy-nominated and platinum-selling UK sensation Jorja Smith.

Casting a light on the cinematic scene, the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival revealed program additions including a live commentary from director Warwick Thornton (The New Boy, Samson and Delilah), composer Jed Kurzel (The Babadook), a Q&A with Josey McNamara on Saltburn, and insights from Pixar’s Mark Andrews on his upcoming projects. Leveling up the SXSW Sydney Games Festival, 60 new games round out its 2024 program.

Before you head Down Under, stay up-to-date with the latest event news at sxswsydney.com and explore programming standouts set to take the SXSW Sydney 2024 stage.

Attend SXSW Sydney 2024

Get ready to rock, reel, and innovate this October 14-20! Don't miss this week-long celebration with SX creatives in Sydney, Australia.

Register to attend SXSW Sydney 2024 at a special badge rate available through Friday, August 30 to save up to $400. Secure your Sydney spot at sxswsydney.com.

SXSW Sydney 2024

SXSW Sydney 2023 – Photos by Katje Ford and Jordan Kirk

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All session proposals received during the PanelPicker entry period are eligible for your vote to help shape the 2025 Conference programming for SXSW and SXSW EDU.

How to Vote

Ready, set, vote! To participate in the voting process from August 6–18, visit panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote and sign in or create an account.

Once you are signed in, filter proposals by conference (SXSW or SXSW EDU), format, title, description, tags, and speakers in the search field.

Each voter can vote once per proposal – selecting "arrow up" for yes or "arrow down" for no. Have a question for the organizer? The Comments section is a great place to post all of your questions and leave constructive comments about the proposals you vote on.

Inside the PanelPicker Process

Your input is very important in terms of shaping the look and feel of the March event. Community votes make up 30% of the final programming decision. Plus, input from the SXSW Staff (30%) and PanelPicker Evaluators (40%) helps ensure that lesser-known voices have as much of a chance of being selected to speak at SXSW as individuals with large online followings.

PanelPicker Evaluators consist of 200+ industry experts from around the globe and make up 40% of the PanelPicker final programming decision. Evaluators provide feedback on all submitted proposals. SXSW Staff input comes in at 30% with a goal to fill any gaps in relevant subject matter, striking a balance between new and veteran speakers. Together these percentages help determine the final Conference lineup announced later in the season.

Pro tip: Subscribe to the Conference Community Newsletter to stay in the SX know.

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Amplify Your Brand

Achieve the highest status of promotional partnerships available at SXSW, inspiring tens of thousands of creatives, influencers, and media outlets who descend on downtown Austin each year. As a SXSW Headlining Sponsor, you’ll receive the greatest impact possible in a meaningful and organic way. Bridge the gap between brand presence and brand involvement by adding value to the SXSW experience and highlighting the best in your brand.

Exclusive Partnership Opportunity

Establish your brand as the Official Headlining Sponsor of SXSW. Make the first move and be the only company receiving premium branding opportunities with maximum media and event coverage. Work with SXSW to develop high-level custom engagement and promotional plans that remain exclusive to you.

Extend Your Reach Through Earned Media

Your company will be the leading partner receiving an abundance of genuine impressions that will strengthen brand awareness. The Headlining Sponsor will secure prominent logo placement and high profile brand alignment throughout all SXSW communications and promotions. SXSW will help generate visibility that lasts long after the event concludes.

The gift that keeps on giving! Benefit from the approximately $240M earned media value that's projected for the 2025 season from a variety of social, digital, print, radio, and TV outlets. Build FOMO by having your brand presence circulate through all platforms as the Headlining Sponsor for SXSW. Previous SXSW sponsors have seen increases in customer engagement, loyalty, and brand awareness.

Create Custom Experiences

Be more than just a name in lights, create custom, multi-day experiences with premium activations that will be enjoyed by a high volume of SXSW attendees. Not only will you receive access to unique and high-profile activation spaces within key locations, but you’ll also work directly with our team of professionals to help turn your brand experience vision into reality. Showcase your brand in real time and collaborate on brand integration opportunities that fully immerse your product throughout the entire SXSW experience.

Discover the Power of Partnership

Join us and contribute to an unforgettable experience while creating a lasting impact for your brand. SXSW is offering this exclusive marketing solution to help your business expand its audience and achieve advancement goals. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to unite your brand with SXSW. Contact us through the Marketing Contact form to get started. See you at SXSW 2025!

Courtesy of David Brendan Hall

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Additionally, we all have vast experience working at SXSW, and navigating large events that come through Austin. Let us be your guide to finding you the best hotel accommodation for SXSW 2025 from March 7–15.

Registration and hotel booking both open on August 6 for the 2025 SXSW Conference & Festivals. While you get ready to secure the best rates at the lowest rate of the season, be sure to review SXSW Housing FAQs.

SXSW Housing Tips

Where will you stay?

We understand that navigating the hotel environment in Austin during SXSW can be very daunting. Our team of professionals is extremely well versed in assisting you to find an accommodation that’s the best fit.

All of our partnered hotels are located within a few miles of the Austin Convention Center in varying areas of the city. No matter what part of Austin you'd like to experience, we’ve got an option for you. To get an idea of the area of Austin that appeals to you the most, check out our SXSW Hotel Map. From there, our housing professionals can assist you in choosing the hotel that’s best for you. Each hotel offers unique rooms and amenities to fit your needs. Be sure to check the availability of each hotel leading up to the event.

Are you traveling in a large group?

The SXSW Housing & Travel team can assist your group or company in finding a hotel. We have long-standing relationships with our partnered hotels and are able to work with them to accommodate your group. The SXSW Housing & Travel team assists in facilitating the best rates and will provide a liaison should you need to make any special requests.

Other Need-To-Knows

Flexible Cancellation Policies

SXSW Housing & Travel does not charge a fee to book a hotel room – there are no hotel penalties to change or cancel your reservation until you are within 28 days of arrival. Should you need to reduce your stay or cancel your reservation within 28 days of arrival, SXSW will assess a $50 processing fee to the card on file. Keep in mind, SXSW hotels have either a 7 or 14 day cancellation policy. If you were to cancel your hotel reservation within that time frame, you could be subject to a cancellation fee assessed by the hotel as well.

Best Rates & Hotels in Austin

The SXSW Housing & Travel team helps provide the lowest contracted rates for your SXSW stay. Should you book your accommodation outside SXSW Housing & Travel, you are almost guaranteed to pay a considerably higher rate per night. Additionally, SXSW contracts with the top hotel properties in the area. These properties include the brands of Fairmont, Four Seasons, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, Starwood, and Wyndham. If you are a rewards member for any of these brands you can accrue points during your stay, however rewards points cannot be used in lieu of payment for your stay.

How to Book

There are two ways to book a hotel, from your SXSW Shopping Cart or your SXSW Social account.

If you used the SXSW Shopping Cart to purchase your SX registration you will sign in to the same shopping cart and click Request Hotel for each registration that requires accommodations. If you did not use a shopping cart to register for SXSW, you will use your SXSW Social Account to book your hotel. In addition, housing booking links will now be in your registration confirmation email.

Head over to the Hotel Availability page for more information and detailed steps!

Hotel Availability

Still Have Questions?

Visit the Housing FAQ for more information.

Email housing@sxsw.com, or call 512-467-7979 between 10am–6pm CT, Monday through Friday, and ask for Housing. Please note, email is the best way to get in contact with us in our busier months leading up to SXSW.

Still Need to Register?

SXSW is an essential destination for global professionals and creatives. The annual March event features Conference sessions, Film & TV Festival screenings, Music Festival showcases, Comedy Festival sets, world-class Exhibitions, and much more. Get ready for another exciting event March 8-16, 2024 in Austin, TX!

Your SXSW adventure begins when you've secured your badge. Register early to save off the March walk-up rate and secure the best available hotel selections. Take our handy Badge Quiz and select the Conference Tracks & Festivals that most interest you to discover which badge and arrival date best fits your needs.

Register to Attend

Keep up with all SXSW announcements throughout the season by following us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and SXSW News.

Austin Skyline courtesy of Shutterstock

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Calling Austin entrepreneurs and creatives from all backgrounds! Join us for Mix It Up, an inclusive networking mixer designed to bring together the vibrant community of creatives and business owners in Austin, TX.

"SXSW is renowned globally for its Conference & Festivals, where diversity in expression and the convergence of cultures serve as the bedrock of our success," said Jason Ottley, SXSW Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director. "Yet, the imperative of DEI extends far beyond the stage; it is woven into the very fabric of our corporate ethos and reflected in our year-round initiatives."

On August 22, get ready for an evening of networking and collaboration at AFS Cinema (6259 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752) from 5 to 7pm CT. SXSW business mixers are all about celebrating diversity in business and connecting with like-minded professionals. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this is the perfect opportunity to meet new people, share ideas, and forge valuable connections. Experience guest speaker presentations, interactive activities, refreshments, and entertainment. Attendees are also encouraged to bring business cards, portfolios, and promotional materials to showcase their talents and services.

RSVP today!

Special thanks to Sunday Afternoon Project and Austin Film Society for co-sponsoring the event.

Stay tuned all year long for even more opportunities for business professionals and creatives to connect, collaborate, and celebrate diversity. Keep it tuned to SXSW News and our social media channels for the latest updates.

RSVP

The post Mix It Up: SXSW Summer Business Meetup on August 22 appeared first on SXSW.

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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