The SXSW Effect: Elevate Your Brand with a Custom Activation at SXSW Sydney 2025

Right now, SXSW 2025 (Austin) is in full swing, filling our feeds with epic brand activations that redefine consumer engagement. From immersive hotel takeovers to AI-powered experiences, the brands showing up at SXSW are setting the bar for innovation, storytelling, and cultural impact.

At SXSW Sydney, we’re bringing that same energy to the Asia-Pacific. Whether it’s a stunning Brand House, an outdoor takeover in Tumbalong Park, or an interactive lounge inside ICC Sydney, this is your opportunity to craft an unforgettable brand moment.

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Outdoor & Pop-Up Brand Activations: Go Big in Tumbalong Park

Tumbalong Park is the beating heart of SXSW Sydney’s free public festival, drawing massive crowds daily. Tumbalong Park and surrounding Darling Harbour high-profile, high-impact spaces are where brands create truly unmissable moments - think breathtaking installations, immersive experiences, and interactive showcases that captivate festival-goers.

Why activate here?

• Unrivalled exposure – Reach thousands of engaged attendees daily.
• Buzz-worthy & highly shareable – Position your brand at the centre of Sydney’s most dynamic cultural event.
• Endless creative potential – Bring bold ideas to life, from interactive playgrounds to live performances and tech-driven experiences.

Case Studies: Suntory -196 at SXSW Sydney 2024 | Intuit Mailchimp at SXSW Sydney 2024
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Brand Houses: Own the Spotlight

Want to create an interactive playground that embodies your brand? SXSW Sydney’s Brand Houses offer the perfect canvas. Take over a premium venue in our bustling precinct and transform it into a dynamic hub for hospitality, creativity, and thought leadership.

Perfect for:

• Immersive Experiences – Engage audiences with hands-on activations and cutting-edge technology.
• Networking & Hospitality – Create a space for VIPs, industry leaders, and attendees to connect.
• Product Demos & Thought Leadership – Host exclusive sessions, fireside chats, and product unveilings.

From ideation to execution, our team will work with you to deliver a seamless, high-impact activation that resonates long after the festival ends.

Case Studies: Paramount+ The Lodge, Reddit, Sharpie x Paper Mate Studio, Tide evo and The Wear House at  SXSW 2024 (Austin)

Brand Lounges: Create a Home Base for Your Brand

For brands looking to engage SXSW Sydney’s conference audience in an intimate setting, a Brand Lounge is the ultimate platform. Located within ICC Sydney, a lounge lets you curate a premium, immersive experience tailored to your brand’s story.

Key Features:

• Bespoke Experience – Customise your space to fit your aesthetic and messaging.
• Networking Hub – Connect with high-profile industry leaders and festival attendees.
• Relax & Recharge – Offer a hospitality-driven space with refreshments, comfortable seating, and work-friendly areas.
• Panels & Talks – Host thought-provoking sessions that spotlight your expertise.

Case Studies: IBM at SXSW 2025 (Austin) | Accenture at SXSW Sydney 2024

The Gallery: The Buzzing Hub of SXSW Sydney

An open, high-foot-traffic space within ICC Sydney, The Gallery is ideal for brands looking to drive awareness through direct engagement. From product demos to interactive showcases, this is where you make an impact.

Why The Gallery?

• Prime Location – Close to key networking zones and registration.
• Pass Holder Access – Open to all badge holders throughout the week.
• Sampling & Giveaways – Delight audiences with branded swag, exclusive giveaways and product.

Case Studies: Who Gives a Crap at SXSW Sydney 2024

Innovation Expo: Where Future-Focused Brands Shine

The Innovation Expo is SXSW Sydney’s central hub for emerging technology, future trends, and boundary-pushing ideas. Across four action-packed days, brands showcase the latest in AI, sustainability, health, entertainment, and more.

What to Expect in 2025:

• Expanded Programming – Two stages featuring must-see talks on AI, sustainability, and the future of tech.
• Public Access Saturday – Reach a broader audience, including families and emerging talent.
• Global Spotlight – Featuring innovations from across APAC and beyond.

Case Studies: B Corps at SXSW Sydney 2024 | Monash Information Technology at SXSW Sydney 2024 | Leonardo.Ai at SXSW Sydney 2023

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The SXSW Sydney Advantage

Every year, SXSW (Austin) showcases how brands can dominate the cultural conversation with immersive, highly shareable experiences. Whether it’s Prime Video’s immersive hotel activation, FX’s large-scale Alien installation, or Dubai Future Foundation’s viral AI-powered chocolate, these activations set the gold standard for experiential marketing.

At SXSW Sydney, we offer a platform to bring that same level of bold, innovative brand storytelling to life - right here in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.

Now’s the time to dream big. Whether you want to create an exclusive Brand House, an electrifying outdoor spectacle, or a high-impact presence within ICC Sydney, SXSW Sydney 2025 is your moment to shine.

Let’s build something unforgettable together.

Get in touch to start crafting your SXSW Sydney activation today.