BIGGER THAN TEXAS: The massive South by Southwest festival is coming to Sydney

One of the world’s biggest tech, innovation, music, film and gaming festivals, South by Southwest (SXSW), is coming to Sydney next year.

In a major coup for the NSW capital, the first international version of the famed annual event from Austin, Texas, will run October 15-22, 2023 in Sydney.

SXSW Sydney will bring together some of the world’s most inspired thinkers and creatives annually to explore future trends and emerging tech.

SXSW Sydney is a collaboration with TEG, the NSW government & Destination NSW. It will be the annual Asia Pacific instalment of the 36-year event, held every March in Austin.

TEG CEO Geoff Jones, SXSW Sydney’s producer said the event is without equal internationally that has launched the careers of so many creative professionals.

“Through showcasing the creator industries of the Asia Pacific to the world, SXSW Sydney will establish a new SXSW touchpoint, enabling the international and cross-sector connections that deliver the most innovative products and content,” he said.

“This is the Olympics of events for the creator industries and SXSW Sydney will highlight what’s next in culture, music, screen, gaming, tech and innovation. The city will come alive with over 1000 experiences including keynote speakers, inspiring panels and summits, live gaming sessions, screenings, product demonstrations, artists performances and countless opportunities to network at parties and dedicated events.”

Part of the Texan original is the SXSW Pitch competition for startup founders. The 2023 SXSW Pitch will feature 40 interactive technology companies from eight different categories: Artificial Intelligence, Voice, & Robotics; Enterprise & Smart Data; Entertainment, Media & Content; Food, Nutrition, & Health; Future of Work; Innovative World Technologies; Metaverse & Web3; and Smart Cities, Transportation & Sustainability.

SXSW co-founder and CEO Roland Swenson said: “The purpose of SXSW is to help creative people achieve their goals, and Sydney is the ideal city to serve as a home for the cross-collaboration that exists within the many industries we bring together.”

Industry professionals, talent, partners and more can register their interest in the event here.

NSW enterprise, investment and trade minister Stuart Ayres said SXSW Sydney is the biggest event to come to Australia since Vivid.

“Sydney is the economic and leisure gateway to Australia and a leader in tech innovation, with a global reputation for hosting major international events that capture the world’s attention,” he said.

“SXSW Sydney will provide significant benefits for the NSW visitor economy, with unparalleled networking opportunities to advance our tech and creative industries.”