Whether you’re a seasoned SXSW Sydney veteran or new to the festival, it helps to have a guide to navigate one of the most exciting weeks in Sydney.
Got a full pass or just a couple of days to spare? No worries - here are our top tips for getting the most out of SXSW Sydney.
1. Do it like the pros
SXSW Sydney comes but once a year so don’t waste your time cherry picking – get amongst it! There’s nothing better than a clear schedule and a ‘choose your own adventure’ approach. Block your calendar for a day (or seven!), dive into the program and keep your mind open to new things. Sessions can fill up fast - we’ve found it helpful to have a few earmarked, just in case. With so many sessions on offer, you certainly won’t come up short on options and finding something new.
2. Game on!
Get your fix at the Games Showcase and sample games from across the world. From early gamemakers to the pros, it’s a celebration of side quests. Check out Quantum Loop to Zoom and dodge your way through space, exploring the quadrant and solving intertwining objectives however you can. While you’re there, have a chat with UTS’s own burgeoning Game Developer, Declan Carveth.
3. Tumbalong park
SXSW Sydney curious? Then get down to Tumbalong Park for SXSW Sydney UNLOCKED, your free taster of all that SXSW Sydney has to offer. Open daily from 10am, it’s packed with immersive brand activations, tech and gaming demos, live music and sunset showcases. Step inside The Ideas Dome for bold conversations, and catch surprise guests, short films and more on the Tumbalong Park stage.
4. Chippendale precinct – let’s get loud!
Who says live music is dead in Sydney? SXSW Sydney is proving that it is alive and thriving! Evening music showcases are happening all through the venues of Chippendale. Looking for an up-and-comer or something different? The Underground and the Loft are set to be hotspots for music this year, but make sure you keep exploring as you’ll be spoiled for choice with our friends across the road. Emerging talents and established artists from around the globe will be popping up at Chippendale venues (and you might even catch a surprise performance from a major act).
5. Must-see sessions
It’s all about the daytime hangs with leading CEOs, killer keynotes and punchy panels. Stand outs include: Alex Poots, Emma Watkins, Antoinette Lattouf and many more. For the big keynote sessions and the bigger names, get down to the International Convention Centre (ICC) early to get in the queue to ensure you don’t miss out.
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Children’s entertainer Dr Emma Watkins is passionate about three things: dance, film and Auslan. Now, in her show Emma Memma, she’s introducing children across Australia to the joy of moving and signing together.
Webpage
We have the tips you need to navigate the early stages, from founders who've been there.
location_on
City campus Building 1 - The Tower 15 Broadway, Ultimo NSW, 2007
attach_money
Free admission
Webpage
Webpage
Children’s entertainer Dr Emma Watkins is passionate about three things: dance, film and Auslan. Now, in her show Emma Memma, she’s introducing children across Australia to the joy of moving and signing together.
Webpage
We have the tips you need to navigate the early stages, from founders who've been there.
location_on
City campus Building 1 - The Tower 15 Broadway, Ultimo NSW, 2007
attach_money
Free admission
Webpage