Austin’s famous South by Southwest (SXSW) is coming to Sydney this October for a week of film screenings, music performances, keynote addresses, panel discussions, networking events and more. The inaugural event is set to feature more than 500 speakers and over 1000 events between 15 – 22 October 2023.
Discover all you need to know about this not-to-be-missed event with our guide to South by Southwest in Sydney.
Founded in 1987, South by Southwest, or SXSW, is an annual event held in Austin, Texas. The multi-faceted event brings together tech experts, business leaders and creatives from various industries to showcase their work, exchange ideas, and network. Each year, SXSW features a range of events, from interactive exhibitions and keynote speeches to film screenings and music festivals. SXSW has become a significant platform for discovering emerging talent, exploring the latest trends in technology and media, and fostering creative collaborations.
South by Southwest Sydney will feature over 500 speakers during the 7-day event, including Amy Webb, named by Forbes as ‘one of the five women changing the world.’ Other notable speakers include Guy Kawasaki, the author of ‘The Remarkable Mindset’ and Chief Evangelist of Canva, Noelle Russell, Global AI Solutions Lead of tech company Accenture and Roxy Young, the Chief Marketing Office at Reddit.
For emerging talent and entrepreneurs, SXSW’s Startup Village provides the ultimate meet-up spot. The village is a presentation and workspace area for up-and-comers from various industries and sectors.
a competition showcasing the next wave of industry-disrupting startups. Finalists will be chosen from the public submissions process and given a chance to pitch their idea to a panel of venture capital and angel investors, industry experts and high-profile media professionals in front of a live audience.
When: 15-22 October 2023
Where: The week-long event will be held at multiple venues across Sydney, including ICC Sydney, The Powerhouse Museum and UTS. Haymarket, Darling Harbour, Central, Ultimo and Chippendale will transform into a hub of activity during SXSW, with exciting experiences and events scattered throughout the city.
SXSW Badges: There are two badge options at South by Southwest Sydney: Platinum and Industry. A Platinum badge grants you primary access to all events throughout the week, while an Industry badge provides access to events within your industry, as well as SXSW Sydney Conference and Expo. Industry badges also provide secondary access to the entire program.
The Woolstore 1888 by Ovolo, located a short 10-minute walk from ICC Sydney, is the perfect luxury base during your South by Southwest experience. The luxury hotel features industrial-chic interiors, boutique accommodation with deluxe amenities, plenty of perks and a prime location near Darling Harbour.
