NSW SECURES ICONIC CREATIVE CONFERENCE SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST

Sydney has secured its place at the centre of the music, screen, gaming and tech world following the announcement the city has been chosen to host the first South by Southwest® (SXSW®) outside North America from 15–22 October 2023.

Destination NSW has secured a new annual SXSW event for the Asia Pacific from next year, which will be the first time in its 36-year history that the iconic futurist conference and festival of creativity will take place annually outside its North American origins.

Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said: “Sydney is the economic and leisure gateway to Australia and a leader in tech innovation, with a global reputation for hosting major international events that capture the world’s attention.

“SXSW Sydney will provide significant benefits for the NSW visitor economy, with unparalleled networking opportunities to advance our tech and creative industries."

“The very best of the creative and tech industries in the Asia Pacific will be on display during SXSW Sydney, while also drawing thousands of people from around the world to enjoy our spectacular Harbour City.

CEO of TEG Geoff Jones, the event producer for SXSW Sydney, said the event would bring together the most significant group of thinkers, creators and innovators ever seen in Sydney at one time.

“This is the Olympics of events for the creator industries and SXSW Sydney will highlight what’s next in culture, music, screen, gaming, tech and innovation,” Mr Jones said.

“The city will come alive with over 1000 experiences including keynote speakers, inspiring panels and summits, live gaming sessions, screenings, product demonstrations, artists performances and countless opportunities to network at parties and dedicated events.”

Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) CEO Annabelle Herd said: "Such an exciting announcement from Destination NSW! SXSW is an absolute game changer for Sydney and our creative industries here and in the Asia Pacific."

APRA AMCOS Chief Executive Dean Ormston said: “SXSW Sydney is the injection that Australia’s burgeoning music industry needs as global markets seek more of our locally produced music.

“Having SXSW hosted in Sydney is an incredible vote of confidence in local music creators. SXSW Sydney will provide a vital new international platform showcasing the extraordinary talent of Australia’s music creators whether its live, digital, on screen or in new technologies and interactive games."