Raise your hand if you are going to SXSW Sydney?
There is much anticipation and interest with SXSW going outside of Austin, Texas, USA for the first time, and headed down under to Sydney, Australia.
Having been to the mind-blowing SXSW in Austin, Texas, USA since 2015, there are a few things that I do to get ready, including downloading the app and checking out the schedule, favourite sessions (pick multiple at the same time slot) that you might like to go to.
Now don’t be too strict about it, but make sure you know which sessions are your must go to ones, and try to have consecutive sessions in the same room/area or at Tumbalong Park, so you don’t miss out by having to walk back and forth. Think practically about how your day will work, be open to serendipity and wear comfortable shoes.
Read> Unmissable speakers coming to SXSW Sydney this October and I’m working on my schedule so look out for a future block on what are standout sessions and activations.
You won’t have a real SXSW Sydney experience unless you check out the numerous ‘Houses’ hosted by Participating Brands and supporters. Check out the map of Tumbalong Park as this is where the following activations will be based:
- Stage presented by The Daily Telegraph
- Young Henrys Bar
- Porsche
- Commbank
- Seven Network
- Suntory-196
I always suggest registering in advance where you can and getting updates for example:
SevenHouse @ SXSW Sydney, Tumbalong Park
These sessions look cool and I’m sure that Happy Hour will be popular too!
Some Participating Brands have Meetups, programmed sessions, happy hours and events. A good way to search is for posts on Facebook, Google, or LinkedIn with ‘SXSW Sydney houses’, and often you’ll find amazing speakers, with food, and drinks.
Take a look at:
NSW House, Collider, 477 Pitt Street, in the heart of Sydney’s Tech Central, from 17-19 October 2023
@WPP House at @SXSW Sydney in Sydney’s iconic Powerhouse Museum
Open House: WhiteGrey: Elevating accessibility with Dylan Alcott
TikTok Australia takes over the eccentric cultural hub, Pleasures Playhouse, on Wednesday, 18 October and mediaweek article
Dr. Martens at The Chippo Hotel from 2.00 pm on 20.10.23
House of Vans Showcase on 18.10.23 at 6.00 pm – guess which shoes I’ll be packing in my suitcase!
Spotify House, at Sydney’s Lansdowne Hotel from 18 to 21 October. By day, the venue will host a series of panels, networking sessions and fireside chats.
Snapchat, on October 17-19, 2023! 🌟 Join Snapchat for three days of fun and innovation at ‘The Snapchat House’, at the Chinese Garden of Friendship Forecourt
Clear Hayes House, Harajuku Gyoza Beer Stadium, Darling Harbour – 14 Darling Drive
Canada House @ SXSW Sydney, 14 Kensington St, Sydney over 18-20 October 2023
Conversation Corner on Future of Education – Canada House @SXSW Sydney
Soho House, From Sunday 15 to Sunday 22 October, Soho House will take over The Old Clare Hotel in Chippendale, which is situated in the heart of Sydney surrounded by art galleries and design studios.
DEPT® Garden House from 18 – 20 October
Something a bit different is a Tech Central – Walking Tour
If you are staying in and around Darling Harbour, Haymarket or the CBD, check out these four Sydney Culture Trails.
And more of those practical topics, 13 no less:
- Take a light backpack or easy to carry bag and a drink bottle
- Bring a jacket in case the venues are a little chilly
- Dress is usually business casual
- Get to poplar sessions early
- Check the SXSW Sydney app regularly as things will change on the day
- Share about SXSW Sydney and the fact that you will be there on socials #SXSW #SXSWSydney
- Follow major brands and connect with speakers beforehand
- Find out who is going from your city/town and/or state
- Networking is important and be ready for some late nights
- Have your LinkedIn on point, QR code ready to scan, business cards or ecard so it makes it easy to connect with people
- Make notes as you go on who you’ve met so follow up is smooth
- Enjoy yourself, be open to out there ideas
- Ensure you carve out time to check out the expo too
If you are going to be at SXSW Sydney, please reach out and get in touch via wendy@workforceblueprint.com.au, LinkedIn, Facebook, thanks.