Frequently asked questions

South By Southwest® dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW Sydney was held for the first time in October 2023. Now, every year Sydney will host a celebration of creativity and culture for changemakers near and far.

Next held across 7 days and 7 nights from October 14-20, 2024, each SXSW Sydney combines innovation, music, screen, tech, games and culture. An essential destination for global professionals, SXSW Sydney features sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, and a variety of networking opportunities – proving that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together.

SXSW Sydney acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land where the event will take place. Representation is important to us and with the guidance of local Traditional Custodians, we are working to ensure the event recognises and respectfully upholds inclusive cultural protocols.

Our program, which is continuously in development, will offer a diverse range of topics, people, and ideas – particularly alongside First Nations creators, entrepreneurs and beyond. After all, we know when these worlds collide, the most wonderful experiences emerge.

Bringing together inspired thought leaders, creators and innovators in Tech & Innovation, Games, Music and Screen from across the world – SXSW Sydney will host a series of festivals, a conference and an expo, parties and more. Anything from 1:1 mentoring workshops to keynote speakers, interactive panels to networking lounges, film screenings to live music performances, tech demos, and of course – plenty of surprises.

SXSW Sydney is a local version of the Austin event, delivering a program and experience that honours the original spirit while bringing Sydney’s own unique flair. As the gateway to Asia-Pacific, expect a whole host of innovation and creativity from the region that you won't find anywhere else! The event will take place across one week – so we'll be packing a mighty punch. If you're a SXSW veteran, you'll notice some of our event formats and badge structures have been tweaked. Whilst we wont be including SXSW Edu we have introduced a new track into conference Education & Training.

The SXSW Sydney website is your first stop for information on the event, including news, the event’s history, and detailed information on the conference, festivals, and exhibitions. Check out the website footer to sign-up for our newsletters – you’ll be the first to know about any important updates about the event. For fresh content and highlights, find us on Facebook, X, Instagram and Linkedin.

The SXSW Sydney Conference will discuss all things Tech & Innovation, Games, Music and Screen through multiple tracks. Each track has been designed for the SXSW Sydney community to experience the latest in forward-thinking ideas within their industry, and unlock the unexpected discoveries made possible when a diverse range of topics converge on stage.

The 2024 Conference tracks have been extended, to include streams that are swiftly evolving and contributing to wider conversations. While AI’s influence will be discussed across most of this year’s 23 tracks, some subjects deserve more focus. The Creator Economy, Cyber & Your Data, Education & Skills, Fashion, Lifestyle & Beauty, and Food are new tracks, and updates have been made to the Future of Work, and Energy, Climate & Sustainability tracks. Speakers will be announced monthly from April, with an even wider variety of formats, from Keynotes, Featured Speakers and Panels to Workshops, Mentorship Sessions and Live Podcast recordings.

SXSW Sydney is about discovery, networking and fun – all within a walkable footprint across Central Sydney and surrounding neighbourhoods. From Haymarket, Darling Harbour, Ultimo, to Chippendale and beyond – many of the city’s cinemas, parks, bars and restaurants will transform into a vibrant interconnected hub of future-focused ideas, parties, unique events and networking opportunities.

Developers are matched with appropriate scouts through an Expression of Interest process. This ensures that the matchmade sessions are tailored to the specific needs and interests of both parties.

Unless specific age restrictions are stated in the SXSW Sydney Online Schedule, all SXSW Sydney Conference and Festival programming may be attended by properly credentialed persons, however venue specific restrictions may apply. Please check with the venue to avoid disappointment.

Children under the age of 15 may attend if accompanied, at all times, by a properly credentialed adult over the age of 18. To ensure the enjoyment of all attendees, it’s important that adults accompanied by children respect the right of all to participate in SXSW Sydney without disruption and without concern for the safety of children.

We ask that adults concerned about age admission policies and age-appropriateness of specific programming use common sense and rely on the online schedule for guidance. SXSW Sydney attendees are subject to the age restrictions of each venue, including clubs and bars.

SXSW Sydney has built a world-renowned brand across its 30+ year history in Austin, Texas. By combining its globally recognised profile with a focus on creativity and innovation in the Asia Pacific, SXSW Sydney holds a place on the global major events calendar; a must-attend annual combination of conference and festivals for creators and innovators of all backgrounds.

Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our community. To ensure that we keep everyone as safe as is reasonably possible, SXSW Sydney will adhere to health regulations and COVID Safety protocols that are in place at the time of the event. These requirements may change based on advice from NSW Health, so please be sure to visit this page for the latest information.

While some sessions may be livestreamed within the event precinct, these livestreams will not be accessible beyond SXSW Sydney venues. SXSW Sydney 2024 will be a live event, with very limited session recording or broadcast after the event.

Video footage is captured during SXSW Sydney 2024 however only 4 venues are recorded in their entirety. Some of these sessions or segments of sessions may be shared after the event through a range of digital and broadcast channels, with permission. There are currently no plans to share a significant number of recorded SXSW Sydney 2024 sessions in their entirety after the event.

A Badge is your chance to discover what happens when different people come together to inspire the unexpected. The only way to attend the SXSW Sydney 2024 Conference is with a Badge. Different Badges unlock different events and levels of access.

Each Badge gives you different levels of access at SXSW Sydney. A Platinum Badge gives you access to the Conference and primary access to all other events, including exclusive VIP experiences. Music, Games, Screen and Tech & Innovation Badges include are designed to prioritise access to Festival and Tech & Innovation specific events, networking sessions and festivals. All Badge holders gain access to the Conference, however Platinum Badge holders receive 3 Xpress Passes a day to use to gain priority access to Conference sessions.

Throughout SXSW Sydney, some events will be busy and reach capacity quickly. Festival events will have a Primary and Secondary line to manage crowds. If you want primary access for every Festival event – the Platinum badge is the way to go. All other Badges will get you primary access to all of the events specifically relating to the specific type of Badge. For example a Music Badge gives primary access to Music Festival events, as well as access to the Conference, and secondary access to everything else. There'll be hundreds of exciting events to join with any Badge, so you’ll have endless opportunities to get inspired, meet new people and discover the unexpected.

A Badge provides access to the Conference as well as primary access to at least one Festival. Platinum Badges provide pimary access to all Festivals. So if you want to go to the Conference, as well as take in some music, a screening or two and check out the some games, you will need a Badge. You can choose either a Music, Screen, Games or Platinum Badge.

Wristbands do not provide access to the Conference. They allow access to one specific Festival, and the Tech & Innovation Expol.
A Music Wristband provides access to every SXSW Sydney Music Festival Showcase events, after Badgeholders have been granted access.
A Games Wristband provides the same access to the full Games Festival Showcase, and Screen Wristbands provides the same level of access to every Screening at SXSW Sydney 2024. Wristband holders may attend the Tech & Innovation Expo any day it is open.

You can come for as few or for as many events as you have time for, however the Conference can only be accessed by a multi-day Badge. Along with Free Events cost effective options include the Tech & Innovation Expo (Day Pass, $40), Rush Tickets to specific Screen Festival screenings ($25) or to access Music Festival venues directly where there may be a $25 cover charge on the door, subject to venue capacity and giving priority access to SXSW Sydney Badge and Wristband holders.

When picking up your Badge, you must have your digital ticket. Your digital ticket can be resent to you using this link: https://tickets.lup.com.au/help/resendticket/2420

You will also need one of the following forms of ID: Driver or rider license or permit issued by an Australian State or Territory or any foreign country; NSW Digital Driver Licence; Australian or other passport; NSW photo card; Proof of age card issued by a public authority of the Commonwealth or of another State or Territory for the purpose of attesting to a person's identity and age; or a Keypass (over-18) identity card issued by Australia Post. If you have any questions, contact info@sxswsydney.com with e-mail subject line ‘Badge Collection Query.’

Badges need to be collected at the Convention Centre at the ICC.
Monday 14: 08:00am - 20:00pm  on Level 2 in The Gallery
Tuesday 15: 08:00am - 20:00pm  on Level 2 in The Gallery
Wednesday 16: 08:00am - 20:00pm  on Level 2 in The Gallery
Thursday 17: 09:00am - 19:00pm on Level 2 in The Gallery
Friday 18: 09:00am - 17:00pm on Level 2 in The Gallery
Saturday 19: 09:00am - 17:00pm (in ICC Convention Centre Foyer)
Sunday 20: Closed

Please remember Badges are non-transferrable and you cannot pick them up on behalf of someone else.

If you have purchased a Badge on behalf of someone else, you MUST have it transferred into their name by Friday 11^th October. To do so please email tickets@lup.events with your original order number and the details of who you are transferring this badge to (Full Name & Email Address) - please ensure this person is cc’d on this email. There is no official resale platform for SXSW Sydney credentials.

No, instead SXSW Sydney invites attendees who will be aged 25 years and under at the time of the event to take advantage of a 40% discount on current Tech & Innovation, Music, Screen or Games Festival Badge pricing. Valid ID ie Driver's Licence will need to be presented when collecting any 25 & Under Badge at SXSW Sydney 2024. To purchase please use the following link.

American Express and SXSW Sydney are giving AMEX Card Members an exclusive Early Access Offer on Platinum and all other Badges including 25 & Under Badges when they check out using their American Express Card until 22 April 2024, or until sold out. T&Cs Apply.

We will be releasing an exclusive offer for wristbands once this goes on sale.

Information about our policies regarding refunds and use of credentials can be found here in our terms and conditions. Please make sure to read and understand these before making any purchases.

Our ticket provider LUP store the collected images securely and with encryption on Amazon S3. Access to these images is restricted to authorised personnel only, based on their role and the necessity to access such data for verification purposes. We employ industry-standard encryption technologies to protect these images both in transit and at rest, ensuring that they are safeguarded against unauthorised access or disclosure.

A Music Wristband provides access to every SXSW Sydney Music Festival Showcase events, after Badgeholders have been granted access.
A Games Wristband provides the same access to the full Games Festival Showcase, and Screen Wristbands provides the same level of access to every Screening at SXSW Sydney 2024. Wristband holders may attend the Tech & Innovation Expo any day while it is open for visitors.

When picking up your Wristband, you must have your digital ticket. Your digital ticket can be resent to you using this link: https://tickets.lup.com.au/help/resendticket/2420

You will also need one of the following forms of ID: Driver or rider license or permit issued by an Australian State or Territory or any foreign country; NSW Digital Driver Licence; Australian or other passport; NSW photo card; Proof of age card issued by a public authority of the Commonwealth or of another State or Territory for the purpose of attesting to a person's identity and age; or a Keypass (over-18) identity card issued by Australia Post. If you have any questions, contact info@sxswsydney.com with e-mail subject line ‘Badge Collection Query.’

Wristbands can be collected at one of two locations: 

The Convention Centre at the ICC
Monday 14: 08:00am - 20:00pm  on Level 2 in The Gallery
Tuesday 15: 08:00am - 20:00pm  on Level 2 in The Gallery
Wednesday 16: 08:00am - 20:00pm  on Level 2 in The Gallery
Thursday 17: 09:00am - 19:00pm on Level 2 in The Gallery
Friday 18: 09:00am - 17:00pm on Level 2 in The Gallery
Saturday 19: 09:00am - 17:00pm (in ICC Convention Centre Foyer)
Sunday 20: Closed

UTS Building 1, Foyer1/15 Broadway, Ultimo NSW 2007
Tuesday 15: 10:00am - 20:00pm
Wednesday 16: 10:00am - 20:00pm
Thursday 17: 10:00am - 22:00pm
Friday 18: 10:00am - 22:00pm
Saturday 19: 10:00am - 22:00pm
Sunday 20: 10:00 - 13:00pm

Please remember SXSW Sydney Wristbands are non-transferrable. You are able to pick up Wristbands on behalf of somebody else. It is important that you have the digital ticket/s for each wristband you are picking up. There is no official resale platform for SXSW Sydney.

You can come for as few or for as many events as you have time for, however the Conference can only be accessed by a multi-day Badge. Along with Free Events cost effective options include the Tech & Innovation Expo (Day Pass, $40), Rush Tickets to specific Screen Festival screenings ($25) or to access Music Festival venues directly where there may be a $25 cover charge on the door, subject to venue capacity and giving priority access to SXSW Sydney Badge and Wristband holders.

You don't need to pick up your Pass or Rush Ticket at the ICC or UTS Registration areas. You can use your Digital Ticket directly to access the Tech & Innovation Expo or the specific Festival Screening you have a Rush ticket for.