SXSW Sydney is set to take place from 14 to 20 October 2024 at the International Convention Centre near Darling Harbour. Attendees can expect a week chock full of all things tech, games, music, and film (and more!).
The SXSW Conference is an emerging opportunity for Asia-Pacific creators and professionals to showcase their work on a global stage, as well as give attendees a forum for connecting and collaborating with people from all over the world.
Read on to view the SXSW Sydney lineup and learn about all the incredible people and attractions you can find at the conference!
Keynote Speakers SXSW Sydney
Each year, SXSW chooses keynote speakers who highlight a chosen focus of the conference, setting the tone for the rest of the expo. Of course, the workshops, talks, interactive speeches, showcases, and events cover a wide array of topics, not just what the keynote speakers mention.
However, the role of a keynote speaker is an important one. Their talks aim to inspire, push boundaries, and encourage collaboration. By tackling key global issues and exploring future trends, keynote speakers offer SXSW attendees fresh insights, help them engage with larger industry shifts, and leave them feeling motivated and inspired.
SXSW stands for "South by South West" Sydney. It's a spinoff convention based on the original SXSW event in Austin, TX, USA.
Melanie Perkins and Mary Meeker
Melanie Perkins In Conversation With Mary Meeker
Perkins, one of the visionary masterminds behind Canva, and Meeker, The “Queen of the Internet” technology investor, trendspotter, and venture capitalist get together to talk about the evolution of the Internet. They’ll discuss the past, present, and future of internet-driven opportunities and how you can spot valuable prospects.
Johann Hari
Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention – And How To Get Your Brain Back
Hari is one of the main keynote speakers for SXSW Sydney 2024. He is a well-known ex-journalist and author of several successful non-fiction/self-help books, as well as for his highly-rated TED Talks, and as an Executive Producer for a handful of films and mini-series.
Jennifer Robinson
Challenges To Free Speech - A Global Perspective
Robinson is a human rights lawyer, specifically a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers in London. She specialises in international law, media law and human rights. Having been involved with many human rights and climate cases in various domestic, regional, and international courts, Robinson is an expert in these fields.
The NSW native may best be known for her work as a member of the legal team defending Julian Assange and WikiLeaks as well as for being the author of How Many More Women?, a book exploring how law functions around women’s rights and safety and particularly looking at how the MeToo movement has affected the law.
Robinson is a highly qualified, distinguished, internationally acclaimed lawyer; her speech is sure to get attendees thinking about the implications and machinations involved in international law as it relates to human rights.
The Kid LAROI
The Kid Laroi: Keynote Session
Wrapping up the conference is a talk with 21-year-old Aussie musical artist The Kid LAROI. Aspiring artists and young adults can learn about his inspiring story and gain their own confidence to follow their dreams.
Learn about the origins of SXSW and how the Sydney spinoff came to be.
Other Notable Speakers at SXSW Sydney
Beyond the keynotes, there are hundreds of other speakers delivering valuable and interesting talks over the course of the week.
These talks typically range from 15 minutes to an hour and a half.
Here are some of the most promising speeches on the schedule so far.
Navigating Our Way Around GPS: A Quantum Advantage Is The Path Forward With Michael Biercuk
This featured session will have Professor Michael J. Biercuk, CEO and Founder of Q-CTRL speaking about quantum sensing. Quantum sensing is, at the most basic level, using quantum measurements to detect materials with heightened precision. It has potential to be highly useful in many fields including environmental, navigational, and medicinal.
Biercuk is prepared to discuss the extraordinary GPS applications of quantum sensing.
APAC’s Marketing Masters: The Best Of The Best
Arnott’s and Uber, both Grand Effie winners, discuss their best marketing moments and share how to craft successful marketing campaigns and strategies.
The Effie Awards are given to the top marketing and advertising campaigns in a given year.
Manohar Paluri, VP Of AI at Meta in Conversation With Ryan Patel
Another featured session, prepare to learn about large language models and open-source models in AI. There will be a discussion followed by an audience Q&A.
In the other festivals at SXSW, you can find lots of screenings in addition to other offerings.
Anatomy Of A Rescue; The Week The World Watched On - Richard Harris In Conversation With Adam Spencer
Dr Richard Harris and Adam Spencer discuss the incredible rescue of the 12 soccer players and their coach who became trapped in Thailand’s Tham Luang Cave due to a sudden rainstorm back in 2018 with a documentarian approach.
The Sensitive Organisation: Rethinking AI For Authentic Leadership And Innovation With Martin D. Adams
Join Mr. Adams for a talk about how AI really works and how it can be best applied for productivity within a business.
“But Are You Happy?” With Clare Stephens Live With Olympic Gold Medallist Noemie Fox
Check out this live recording of the podcast “But Are You Happy?” hosted by Clare Stephens with special guest Olympic gold-medallist Noemie Fox.
Reflect + Connect: Become A Part Of Culture With Sofia Hernandez
TikTok's Global Head of Business Marketing, Sofia Hernandez, discusses how to utilise modern media to connect with modern audiences.
Professor Michelle Simmons
Professor Simmons is the founder and CEO of Silicon Quantum Computing, which is the only company currently in the world that manufactures with atomic precision.
Glean insight into the life and career of Professor Simmons, a highly-skilled, renowned figure in the science and tech world.
Esther Nguyen
POPS Worldwide founder Esther Nguyen talks about her experience in the international digital entertainment asset industry and more.
Check out this interview with a different Olympian, Harry Garside.
How To Think Like A Futurist: From AI To Safety With Brian D Johnson
Learn how to prepare for tomorrow regarding AI with world-renowned futurist, professor and author Brian David Johnson.
Reed Jobs & Wesley Chan In-Conversation
Professional investor Wesley Chan and history/security/health expert Reed Jobs (founder of Yosemite) share experiences and ideas with each other and the audience.
Better Than Yesterday With Osher Günsberg
Join famous Australian TV show host Osher Günsberg for an optimistic view of life.
There will also be lots of free events at SXSW available to the public.
Insider Advice For Entrepreneurs Wanting To Expand To The U.S.
Learn how to navigate the highly competitive US market with Marisa Warren (Founder & Managing Partner @ ALIAVIA Ventures), Doug English (CTO and Co-Founder of CultureAmp), Wesley Chan ( Co-founder & Managing Partner of FPV, Google Analytics and Google Voice founder) and Karen Jacobsen (Australian voice of Siri).
Transforming The Australian Open To Match The Future Of Events With Craig Tiley
Listen to Craig Tiley talk about his life experiences as a CEO and beyond.
Paving The Path Forward For Australian Music With Will Page
Will Page offers an instructional speech for aspiring and accomplished musicians alike as the Australian music industry has become more competitive in recent years.
Space – How Moments Create A Movement With Katherine Bennell-Pegg
Take this opportunity to listen to and engage with Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg as she discusses the impending global space renaissance.
Dan Clancy - Twitch CEO
Highly accomplished Dan Clancy will discuss what he has learned over his years in various industries and positions relating to the tech side of companies.
Professor Genevieve Bell
Recently appointed as Vice-Chancellor at ANU, Professor Bell is best known for her expertise in the intersection of cultural practice and technology development.
Superagent Lucy Dickins In Conversation With Susan Heymann
Learn from Lucy Dickins, award-winning head of WME’s music department.
Former UK Spy Chief, Sally Walker, Says Diversity In Australia’s Cyber Workforce Is A Strategic Imperative
Learn about cyber security from Sally Walker, Former Director Cyber at GCHQ.
How To Self-Publish Your Book
Bestselling author Matt Rogers will walk you through the writing process and how to craft great novels, as well as how to approach publishing.
How To Build An Iconic Brand From Scratch
Join Charlie Maas (CEO of Papa Salt) and Professor Byron Sharp (Director of the Ehrenberg Bass Institute and author of How Brands Grow) as they discuss the keys to creating an iconic brand.
Schedule of Events - Speeches
| Date | Event Name / Speaker | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 14 October | Melanie Perkins and Mary Meeker | 10:00 - 11:00 AM |
| Monday 14 October | Michael Biercuk: Navigating Out Way Around GPS (Quantum Sensing) | 11:00 - 11:30 AM |
| Monday 14 October | APAC’s Marketing Masters: The Best Of The Best | 12:00 - 1:00 PM |
| Monday 14 October | Manohar Paluri, VP Of AI at Meta in Conversation With Ryan Patel | 12:00 - 1:00 PM |
| Monday 14 October | Anatomy Of A Rescue; The Week The World Watched On - Richard Harris In Conversation With Adam Spencer | 12:15 - 1:15 |
| Monday 14 October | The Sensitive Organisation: Rethinking AI For Authentic Leadership And Innovation With Martin D. Adams | 2:00 - 3:00 PM |
| Tuesday 15 October | Jennifer Robinson: Challenges To Free Speech - A Global Perspective | 10:00 - 11:00 AM |
| Tuesday 15 October | “But Are You Happy?” With Clare Stephens Live With Olympic Gold Medallist Noemie Fox | 10:00 - 11:00 AM |
| Tuesday 15 October | Reflect + Connect: Become A Part Of Culture With Sofia Hernandez | 1:30 - 2:30 PM |
| Tuesday 15 October | Professor Michelle Simmons | 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM |
| Tuesday 15 October | Esther Nguyen | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM |
| Tuesday 15 October | How To Think Like A Futurist: From AI To Safety With Brian D Johnson | 4:00 - 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday 15 October | Reed Jobs & Wesley Chan In-Conversation | 4:30 - 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday 16 October | Johann Hari: Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention – And How To Get Your Brain Back | 10:00 - 11:00 AM |
| Wednesday 16 October | Better Than Yesterday With Osher Günsberg | 10:00 - 11:00 AM |
| Wednesday 16 October | Insider Advice For Entrepreneurs Wanting To Expand To The U.S. | 11:30 - 12:30 PM |
| Wednesday 16 October | Transforming The Australian Open To Match The Future Of Events With Craig Tiley | 12:00 - 1:00 PM |
| Wednesday 16 October | Paving The Path Forward For Australian Music With Will Page | 12:00 - 1:00 PM |
| Wednesday 16 October | Space – How Moments Create A Movement With Katherine Bennell-Pegg | 12:00 - 1:00 PM |
| Wednesday 16 October | Dan Clancy - Twitch CEO | 12:00 - 12:45 PM |
| Wednesday 16 October | Professor Genevieve Bell | 4:00 - 5:00 PM |
| Thursday 17 October | Superagent Lucy Dickins In Conversation With Susan Heymann | 12:00 - 1:00 PM |
| Thursday 17 October | Former UK Spy Chief, Sally Walker, Says Diversity In Australia’s Cyber Workforce Is A Strategic Imperative | 2:00 - 2:30 PM |
| Friday 18 October | How To Self-Publish Your Book | 11:45 - 12:45 PM |
| Friday 18 October | How To Build An Iconic Brand From Scratch | 3:15 - 4:15 PM |
| Saturday 19 October | The Kid LAROI: Keynote Session | 2:00 - 3:00 PM |
With over 1000 planned events, it’s impossible to list them all in a simple article. Check out the official SXSW Sydney website to find out more about all the planned activities and more!
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
