Since 1987, ‘South by Southwest’ (or SXSW as it’s colloquially known) has been a major player in creative industries, dedicating its platform to helping creative people achieve their goals through week-long conferences and festivals that celebrate the power of tech, film, music, education, and culture.

Now, for the first time in its illustrious yet short history, SXSW is braching out beyond its spiritual home of Austin, Texas to bring its famed creative celebrations to Sydney, Australia across seven days and nights in 2023.

Much like SXSW in Austin, the recently announced SXSW Sydney will gather together some of the world’s most inspiring thinkers, creators and innovators for an exploration of the best in Music, Screen, Gaming, Technology and Innovation. SXSW presents itself as the pre-eminent, must-attend event for creators and professionals seeking to shape and discover future trends and emerging technology, as well as have direct access to unrivaled networking opportunities.

SXSW Sydney is a collaboration with TEG, The NSW Government and Destination NSW, and will be the official annual Asia Pacific installment of SXSW, which has taken place every March since 1987 in Austin, Texas.

“We couldn’t be more excited and honored to work with TEG and the New South Wales Government via Destination NSW on an event that brings to Australia the professional opportunities and unexpected discoveries that make SXSW unique,” said Roland Swenson, CEO & Co-founder of SXSW.

“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.”

“SXSW is an event without equal internationally that has launched the careers of so many creative professionals,” added Geoff Jones, Group CEO TEG, Event Producer for SXSW Sydney.

“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.”

Over the years, SXSW has been celebrated for its iconic moments from iconic speakers and artists its hosted. In 2016, former US President Barack Obama sat down for an in-depth discussion about his presidency and the hopes for the future in America (which is looking quite bleak). Musicians such as Prince, Bruce Springsteen, Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish have all participated in past SXSW events, as have film heroes in Michelle Yeoh, Taika Waititi and Jordan Peele.

But more than just celebrity hype, SXSW provides a great platform for creaitves to voice their opinions, have their ideas heard and garner meaningful relationships for future endeavours – SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together.

If you’re an industry professional, talent or partner and would like to participate in next year’s SXSW Sydney event, you can register your interest at sxswsydney.com.

SXSW will take place in Austin, Texas from March 10 – 19, 2023, followed by the innuagural Sydney event from October 15 – 22, 2023. For more information, visit sxsw.com