PARTICIPATION and CREDENTIAL TERMS & conditions
SXSW Sydney Pty Ltd (SXSW Sydney) is proud to produce our family of events at SXSW Sydney® Conference & Festivals (Event) that includes in-person, physical events (Physical Events), and/or events in online formats (Online Events). A reference to the Event includes any individual official SXSW Sydney branded event that is part of the Event, unless expressly stated otherwise. The 2025 Event will be held on 13 – 19 October 2025 (Event Dates)
These SXSW Sydney Participation and Credentials Terms and Conditions (the Terms) apply to you as a Participant, which we define as:
• any registered attendee of the Event;
• any individual or entity that purchases a ticket to theEvent, either form themselves or another person;
any individual or entity that applies to be involved in theEvent (eg, through an awards program, competition, or opportunity to present an original idea, concept or other work at the Event); and
• any individual or entity that is accepted to be involved in the Event (eg, as a sponsor, activation partner, speaker or performer).
By purchasing, obtaining, or using a ticket to the Event; applying to or being accepted to be involved in the Event; or otherwise becoming a Participant, you acknowledge and agree to be bound by these Terms.
Any capitalised words may have defined meaning, which are set out in section 5 (Definitions) at the end of these Terms.
1. Official SXSW Sydney Credentials
1.1 You will require a Credential to access the Event but for any official events in our Free Program. Credentials include:
• Platinum Passes;
• Pro Passes;
• Conference Day Passes;
• Festival Wristbands;
• Innovation Expo Day Passes;
• Single Rush Ticket;
• Venue Cover Charge; and
• any other official permissions whether physical or digital issued by SXSW Sydney (or its agents or representatives) to access the Event (eg, a media pass).
1.2 The benefits and price for each purchasable Credentialare detailed in the Credential Schedule. We reserve the right to change the price of Credentials at any time.
1.3 SXSW Sydney, its agents and representatives are the sole creators, sellers and distributors of SXSW Sydney Credentials. Any Credentials not created by and legally acquired from SXSW Sydney or its authorised agents or representatives will be considered fraudulent and invalid, and subject to revocation. SXSW Sydney reserves the right to pursue any and all legal action or remedy available against any person or entity involved in the actual or attempted creation, dissemination or use of an unauthorised Credential.
1.4 You will not need a Credential to access events thatFree Program. SXSW Sydney reserves the right to determine which events are in the Free Program and may change this at any time.
2. Upgrading or changing your Credentials
2.1 You may upgrade a purchased Credential at the same price tier as your original purchase at any time before the Event Dates. For example, if you purchased a Pro Pass at the ‘Early Bird’ price for $495 (AUD), you may upgrade to a Platinum Pass by at its ‘Early Bird’ price of $995 (AUD) by paying the difference of $500 (AUD) (booking fees may apply). You are not permitted to downgrade your Credential.
2.2 If you have purchased a Pro Pass or Festival Wristband, you may change your choice of Festival (eg, you may swap a Games Pro Pass for aMusic Pro Pass) at any time up until the date seven days before the Event Dates with no additional cost by contacting tickets@sxswsydney.com. After that date, you will not be able to change your Festival choice.
3. Refunds, deferrals and replacements of Credentials
3.1 Save for in accordance with clause 3.2 below, or as required by law (including the Australian Consumer Law), SXSW Sydney does not issue refunds under any circumstances. Any and all payments made to SXSW Sydney are non-refundable, including without limitation, for failure to useCredentials as a result of a change in your personal circumstances (such as illness or loss of employment), travel-related problems, Force Majeure Event, and/or duplicate purchases.
3.2 If the Event in its entirety is cancelled, rescheduled or significantly relocated in its entirety, SXSW Sydney will offer a refund of your Credential, or to defer your Credentials to the next Event, at your discretion. This clause does not apply to variations to the Event made in accordance with clause 5.1.
3.3 If you have a Credential for access to an individual official SXSW Sydney event (eg, a Single Rush Ticket to an individual screening), and the individual event is cancelled, rescheduled or significantly relocated, SXSW Sydney will offer a refund of your Credential, or to defer yourCredential to the next Event, at your discretion.
3.4 If you are entitled to a refund or deferral due to reschedule or relocation under clause 3.2 or 3.3 above and you would like a refund of your Credentials, you must apply for a refund by the earlier of:
(a) 4 weeks after we notify you of the reschedule or relocation; and
(b) 72 hours prior to:
3.5 if the event is relocated only (ie, not rescheduled),the Event Dates; or
3.6 otherwise, the newly rescheduled event dates.
3.7 If you do not request a refund by that date, you will have agreed to defer your Credentials, and will not be entitled to claim a refund.
3.8 If you are entitled to a refund due to cancelation, you do not need to apply for a refund as we will automatically attempt to process are fund back to the original payment method used to purchase the Credentials. In all circumstances, SXSW Sydney’s liability is limited to the amount of consideration paid for the Credentials (including via purchase of theCredentials online, or via alternative arrangement with SXSW Sydney) (including any fees or charges unless otherwise notified at time of purchase). Proof of purchase or entitlement to the Credentials may be required for any refund or deferral.
3.9 Unless required by law (including the AustralianConsumer Law), SXSW Sydney will not be liable for any other losses incurred by you as a result of the cancellation, rescheduling or relocation of the Event, including any individual official event, including any travel and accommodation expenses, and you will have no remedy against SXSW Sydney, at law, in equity or otherwise, including, without limitation, for a refund of payments made, expenses incurred, or any actual, consequential, or punitive loss or damages of any kind, regardless of whether such loss or damage was foreseeable or SXSW Sydney was advised of the same.
3.10 You should carefully consider the refund and cancellation policies of travel, accommodation and other goods or service providers when making arrangements for attendance at the Event. You may also wish to consider taking out a relevant insurance policy to cover for any losses in the event of cancellation, rescheduling or relocation.
3.11 Unused Credentials have no monetary value and cannot be credited to future years or Events unless SXSW Sydney offers a deferral in accordance with clause 3.2 or 3.3 above.
3.12 Discounted Credentials prices are based on the date payment is received in the SXSW Sydney office. SXSW Sydney will not issue refunds or credits due to failure to redeem a discount coupon during the registration or application process.
3.13 SXSW Sydney will only replace lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed Credentials if the authenticity of the Credentials can be verified, including proof of purchase or entitlement to the Credentials, and if you give reasonable notice before the Event. SXSW Sydney may charge a reasonable fee for the replacement of Credentials.
4. Revocation of credentials
4.1 All Credentials are the sole property of SXSW Sydney. If Participant breaches these Terms, SXSW Sydney has the right, in its sole discretion and at any time determined by SXSW Sydney, to cancel, revoke, or refuse all transactions with any individual or entity, including, without limitation, the following: Credentials, and purchases made through SXSW Sydney. SXSW Sydney will not be responsible for any penalty, fee, loss, or expense incurred by Participant that might result from such action, regardless of whether such penalty, fee, loss or expense was foreseeable, or SXSW Sydney was advised of the same.
4.2 Use of Credentials by anyone other than the authorised individual will result in revocation of the Credentials without a refund.
4.3 SXSW Sydney will not issue refunds, deferrals or credits for Credentials that have been revoked.
5. Variations to Events
5.1 SXSW Sydney reserves the right to add, withdraw, reschedule or substitute speakers, performers, panelists, individual official events and/or vary advertised programs, venues, seating arrangements, audience capacity and Credential price. You agree and acknowledge that SXSW Sydney will not offer a refund for such changes.
6. Credentials Transfer Policy
6.1 SXSW Sydney Credentials are issued to, can be picked up by, and used by only the Participant named in the registration.
6.2 Prior to 24 hours prior start date of a Physical Event,SXSW Sydney will accept a request to transfer any uncollected/undeliveredCredentials by changing the Participant name on your Credential. You may change these details by emailing tickets@sxswsydney.com.
6.3 Credentials are non-transferable after they have been delivered to the Credential holder.
6.4 Credentials may not be transferred, and name changes will not be made after Credentials have been collected by the registeredCredential holder.
6.5 Notwithstanding the provisions above, Credentials are non-transferrable.
7. Credentials Required for Entry
7.1 To enter a Physical Event (excluding the Free Program and Affiliate Activity), Participant must wear, possess and present theirCredentials at the Physical Event as follows: (i) passes must be on the SXSW Sydney-issued lanyard around Participant’s neck while participating in PhysicalEvents; (ii) Wristbands must be securely affixed to the Participant’s wrist and remain on the Participant’s wrist throughout the Physical Events; and (iii)digital Credentials for the Physical Events must be presented by the Participant on a digital device in their possession. No other laminates may be worn on theSXSW Sydney lanyard for the badge to be valid. If Credentials are not worn or presented correctly by a Participant, SXSW Sydney reserves the right to deny that Participant’s entry into Physical Events.
7.2 Sharing Credentials for access to Online Events is strictly prohibited.
8. Entry and Restrictions
8.1 Credentials allow the Participant entry or other access to specific defined Events, but do not guarantee admission or other access to all elements of an Event. See our Credential Schedule for access details for each credential type.
8.2 SXSW Sydney may, in its sole discretion, revoke aParticipant’s Credentials without refund if SXSW Sydney determines that theParticipant has provided false, misleading and/or inaccurate information at the time of registration of your Credential.
8.3 If SXSW Sydney determines that you have provided in accurate information to obtain a discounted or exclusive offer Credential, you may be required to pay the difference in value of the relevant Credential’s final release price in order for you to receive your Credential and access theEvent.
8.4 Event admission and participation are subject to certain limitations, including, without limitation, venue capacity, geoblocking, technical limitations and age restrictions in compliance with state and local laws. Age restrictions and capacity are specific to each venue and are set by relevant local, state and federal authorities. Venues may each have their own restrictions limiting entry unless Credential holder complies with additional terms and conditions (Venue Terms), certain venue policies, or restricting entry with certain foods, beverages, or other items such as chairs or bags that are non-transparent or do not fit specified dimensions. You may request theVenue Terms from SXSW Sydney at any time
9. Credentials Cannot be Prizes
9.1 Credentials may not be used as a prize or incentive in any form of promotion, contest, game, or sweepstakes without advance written approval from SXSW Sydney.
10. No Tampering with Credentials
10.1 Tampering with any Credentials, including, without limitation, Wristbands (e.g., stretching, tearing, cutting, taping, etc.) is not permitted. If tampering is evident, the applicable Credentials will be invalidated and confiscated, and Participant will not be allowed entry to any/all SXSW Sydney venues and/or Events where the Credentials are required. No refunds will be issued in such case.
11. System Requirements; Content Use; Anti-Piracy
11.1 Participant understands and agrees that access to Online Events and use of any related services provided by SXSW Sydney or its vendors is dependent on Participant’s internet connection, hardware and certain software (including third party software) that may be required or may need updating. SXSW Sydney is not responsible for any streaming lags, interruptions, outages, or Participant’s inability to access Online Event content as a result of Participant’s internet connection or any other technical, hardware, equipment, system, server or technology related issues. Participant is responsible for their own data security while accessing the Online Events. Participant acknowledges that a high-speed internet connection is necessary in order to access the Online Events through a mobile network, and that Participant’s network or roaming network may apply fees for data usage. Participant acknowledges and agrees that the system requirements set forth in this clause 11 are your sole responsibility.
11.2 Participant’s ability to view Event content may vary based on the rights availability of such content, the Credentials purchased, and/or Participant’s geographic location.
11.3 Participant is strictly prohibited from copying, republishing, downloading, transmitting, modifying, renting, leasing, loaning, selling, assigning, distributing, recording, licensing, sublicensing, reverse engineering, or creating any derivative works based on any content delivered by SXSW Sydney as part of the Events, or otherwise using any Event content in a manner that does not comply with these Terms, the SXSW Sydney Terms of Use, or other content usage guidelines provided by SXSW Sydney in writing, unless Participant has obtained express permission from SXSW Sydney and the applicable rights holder(s). Any Participant found in violation of this or any other provision of the SXSW Sydney Terms of Use (available here: https://www.sxswsydney.com/terms-of-use) will be subject to any and all legal remedies available to SXSW Sydney and/or the applicable rights holder(s) of the content at issue.
11.4 Participant agrees to not use any device, software, internet site, web-based service, or other means to remove, alter, bypass, avoid, interfere with, or circumvent any copyright, trademark, or other proprietary notices marked on the Event content or any digital rights management mechanism, device, or other content protection or access control measure associated with the Event content, including, without limitation, any applicable geo-filtering mechanisms. For clarity, Participant may not use any technology or technique that obscures or disguises Participant’s location when accessing the Online Events or related services.
12. Applications
12.1 Any application forms, submission requests, proposals or other offers not located on official SXSW Sydney channels are not official SXSW Sydney applications and will not be considered or fulfilled.
12.2 You represent and warrant that the information and materials provided in your application are not misleading and/or inaccurate and that SXSW Sydney may rely on the representations made in your application.
13. Photo and Video content
13.1 Participant agrees that (without prior approval, and applicable media specific Credentials issued by SXSW Sydney) no form of professional camera equipment may be used at the Event to capture content(including, without limitation, videos, clips, photographs, audio recordings, text, graphics, logos, icons, images and software made available to the Participant during the Events).
13.2 Participant may use personal digital cameras (excludingSLR/DSLRs) at the Event for capture of content for personal, non-commercial(non-sponsored and non-monetised) use, subject to the following non-permitted uses:
• standing in the press area, obstructing views, using any sort of device like a tripod or selfie-stick, or using a flash after the session begins;
• live streaming; and
• taking photos or shooting video where it is unsafe or disruptive such as in doorways, fire exits, expo floor aisles, hallways, sidewalks, etc. Not complying with a request to move or stop capturing content could result in the Participant being removed from the venue or Event.
13.3 Participant may not record (video and/or audio) or livestream the Online Events. The Participant may not display any Online Event content in a group settling, copy, republish, download, transmit, modify, rent, lease, loan, sell, assign, distribute, record, license, sublicense, reverse engineer, or create any derivative works based on any Event content.
14. Image Release
14.1 Photographs and/or audio/video recordings taken at theEvents by SXSW Sydney, SXSW Sydney partners or sponsors, or others on behalf of SXSW Sydney, may include Participant’s image, name, voice, statements (whether in writing or orally), performance (or part thereof) and/or likeness. By attending and/or participating in the Events, Participant hereby grants SXSW Sydney permission to perpetually use, and to sublicense to third-parties any such photographs and/or audio/video recordings for any purpose, including, without limitation, commercial purposes, without approval from, compensation or credit to, the Participant, in any and all media, worldwide, now known or hereafter devised.
15. SXSW Sydney Lost and Found
15.1 SXSW Sydney is not responsible for lost or damaged items. As a courtesy only, and without assuming any legal duty or liability, aLost and Found may be located on site at the Physical Events. Participants can email a description of the item and the location it was lost/found to info@sxswsydney.com. After ninety (90) days following the Event, unclaimed lost and found items may be disposed of at SXSW Sydney’s discretion.
16. Code of Conduct
16.1 Participant hereby agrees to abide by our Code of Conduct (available here: https://www.sxswsydney.com/code-of-conduct) and all local, State and Federal laws (including in relation to criminal offences, liquor licensing and health and safety).
16.2 SXSW Sydney may, in its sole discretion, revoke a Participant’s Credentials without refund if SXSW Sydney determines that a Participant has
• contravened our Code of Conduct or a local, State andFederal law;
• provided false, misleading and/or inaccurate information at the time of registration of the relevant Credential; or
• behaved inappropriately at the Event, including, but not limited to, engaging in any form of written, verbal or physical abuse or threats, the use of derogatory or discriminatory language, gestures or actions, any form of harassment, racism, sexism, or any other targeted comments which may cause harm to another SXSW Sydney participant before, during or after theEvent, whether in-person in Sydney, NSW or at satellite events, via the SXSW Sydney mobile app, through social media channels, using any SXSW Sydney digital platforms (including the SXSW Sydney Submissions Portal), while engaging in any online aspect of the Event, or any other method of communication.
17. Health and Safety
17.1 Participant agrees to comply with all Government advice, directions, orders and regulations relevant to attending the Event which may be in place at the time of the Event.
17.2 When attending the Event including any individual official event, you agree to assume all risks associated with COVID-19 or other such communicable diseases.
18. Additional SXSW Sydney Policies
18.1 Participant has read, understands, and agrees to the following policies (which can be found on the SXSW Sydney website): Terms ofUse and Privacy Policy applicable to the Event in which Participant is participating or for which Participant has obtained Credentials to attend.
19. Personal Information
19.1 The SXSW Sydney website uses cookies as a collection tool along with personal information that you share with SXSW Sydney to tailor marketing to your interests, deliver the goods/services you purchase from SXSW Sydney, and to enhance and customise your experience on the SXSW Sydney websites and at the Events. The SXSW Sydney Privacy Policy (available at: https://www.sxswsydney.com/privacy-policy) contains more information about howSXSW Sydney collects, uses, stores and discloses personal information.
20. Voluntary Participation and Assumption of Risk
20.1 Participant understands and agrees that participating in the Events is voluntary and may involve certain risks of physical injury, damage to property, whether physical property or intellectual property, and other damages or losses that may be sustained by Participant, and Participant assumes all risk of damage, property loss, and/or personal injury which may occur as a result of participating in the Event and/or any individual official event, including, without limitation, exposure to pandemic level communicable illnesses (including Covid-19). Participant hereby releases SXSW Sydney, SXSW Sydney owners, SXSW Sydney sponsors and SXSW Sydney official venues, and each of their respective officers, directors, managers, employees, volunteers, contractors, suppliers and representatives (the “released parties”) from any liability associated with participating in the Event and/or any individual official event, including liability for the negligence of any released parties, unless such liability is due to the gross negligence of the released parties, in which case the release will still apply to any of the released parties that were not grossly negligent.
21. Limitation of Liability
21.1 In no event shall SXSW Sydney be liable to any participant, or any other person or entity for any personal injury or damages to property, data loss, damages for loss of business profits or other pecuniary loss, including any direct, consequential, incidental, special, punitive or similar damages, arising out of any participant’s use of Credentials and/or participation in the events, even if SXSW Sydney or participant has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
22. No Warranties
22.1 Except as may be expressly set forth in these terms and to the maximum extent permitted by law (including Australian Consumer Law),
• Participant’s participation in the Event, and all services and products provided in connection with the Event, are provided “as is”without any warranty of any kind; SXSW Sydney expressly disclaims all express, implied, or statutory warranties, representations or conditions, whether written or oral, including any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, security, reliability, integration, safety, or any warranties that may arise from course of dealing;
• SXSW Sydney expressly disclaims any warranties not expressly stated herein and has made no representations or warranties to participant about the suitability, condition or safety of the SXSW SydneyEvents, SXSW Sydney platform or digital transmission of the Events, your ability to access or use SXSW Sydney content or services, any equipment provided by SXSW Sydney or its vendors, SXSW Sydney services or products supplied as part of the Events or that the Events, including any streaming, will operate without interruption or be error free.
23. Indemnification
23.1 Participant agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold SXSW Sydney and its affiliates, and each of their respective officers, directors, managers, employees, volunteers, contractors, suppliers, and representatives and SXSW LLC, harmless from and against any and all claims, demands and all other liabilities, including, without limitation, costs and attorneys’ fees, made by any third party arising directly out of or in connection withParticipant’s participation in the Events, use of the Credentials, or any violation of these Terms by Participant.
24. Choice of Law and Jurisdiction
24.1 These Terms are governed by the laws of the State ofNew South Wales. Both you and SXSW Sydney agree to submit to the jurisdiction the New South Wales courts for the purpose of litigating all Claims or disputes relating to these Terms.
25. Updates to Terms
25.1 SXSW Sydney reserves the right to make changes to these Terms as posted, so be sure to check back and review these Terms from time to time by updating them. Any variations will only apply to Credentials purchases made after these Terms and Conditions have been updated.
26. General Provisions
26.1 Nothing in these Terms establishes an agency, partnership or joint venture between the parties, or relationship of employer or employee, between the parties (or between either party and the other party’s personnel). Headings are included for convenience only and will not be used to construe these Terms. If any term or provision of these Terms is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other term or provision hereof (which will remain in effect), and the parties agree thereafter to use their best efforts to substitute a provision of similar economic intent and effect. SXSW Sydney may assign this agreement to a third-party at its discretion.
27. Definitions
Affiliate Activity means any event or activation held during, immediately before, or after the Event, that is not part of the official Event program or accessible to Credential holders but appears SXSW Sydney-affiliated through the use of SXSW Sydney Marks, talent, speakers, or messaging.
Credential Schedule means https://www.sxswsydney.com/attend as updated from time to time.
Free Program means the official SXSW Sydney events that are open to the public and do not require Credentials to attend.
Force Majeure Event means an event not reasonably within a party's control including but not limited to fire, storm, flood, earthquake, act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), acts of terrorism, industrial dispute, blockade, lightning, explosion or meteor, governmental restraint, expropriation or prohibition, epidemic or pandemic.
