South EveleighCredit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a night out in South Eveleigh
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Sydney, NSW - Thursday, June 30: Today, the world’s most iconic futurist conference and festival, South by Southwest® (SXSW®) expands outside of North America for the first time ever to bring its renowned celebration of creativity and innovation to Sydney, Australia from Sunday October 15 to Sunday October 22, 2023.
Secured by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, SXSW Sydney will gather the world’s most inspired thinkers, creators and innovators for an agenda-setting exploration of the best in Music, Screen, Gaming, Technology and Innovation. With keynotes and panel sessions to be revealed soon, SXSW Sydney will be 2023’s must-attend event for those seeking to discover and shape future trends, emerging technology, and access unrivalled international networking opportunities. Sydney will be abuzz with opportunities to attend over 1000 sessions, screenings and performances, activations and parties across the city.
SXSW Sydney will become the official annual Asia-Pacific instalment of SXSW®, which launched in 1987 in Austin, Texas and has included speakers and artists such as Barack Obama, Jordan Peele, Dave Grohl, Michelle Obama, Taika Waititi, Brenée Brown, Steven Spielberg, Mark Cuban, Lady Gaga, Christiane Amanpour, Esther Perel, Jennifer Doudna, Prince, Michelle Yeoh, Ava DuVernay, Maria Ressa, Amy Webb, Billie EIlish, Melinda Gates, Elizabeth Warren and Snoop Dogg.
With a welcoming and vibrant energy, coupled with a uniquely distinct mix of iconic attractions, stunning natural landscapes, and status as the major events capital of the Asia Pacific - there is no better city than Sydney to host SXSW’s next chapter. As Australia’s only truly global city and gateway for international arrivals, Sydney’s cultural diversity makes it the perfect incubator for creative ingenuity. Sydney continues to lead the way in tech-innovation, boasting an eclectic creative footprint, ranking second in Asia for fin-tech development, and sixth globally*.
Sydney secures South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) annual event from 2023. Credit: Destination NSW
The world’s most iconic futurist conference and festival, South by Southwest® (SXSW®) expands outside of North America for the first time ever to bring its renowned celebration of creativity and innovation to Sydney, Australia from Sunday October 15 to Sunday October 22, 2023.
#feelnewsydney
Sydney secures South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) annual event from 2023. Credit: Destination NSW
The world’s most iconic futurist conference and festival, South by Southwest® (SXSW®) expands outside of North America for the first time ever to bring its renowned celebration of creativity and innovation to Sydney, Australia from Sunday October 15 to Sunday October 22, 2023.
Geoff Jones, CEO of TEG, event producer for SXSW Sydney says: “Put simply, SXSW is the Olympics of events for the creator industries, and we are thrilled to bring this legendary festival of gaming, music, screen, tech and innovation to Sydney in 2023. I want to thank the NSW Government, Destination NSW, SXSW, Tavo Hellmund and Cochrane Entertainment for their vital support and vision in bringing SXSW to Sydney.”
Stuart Ayres MP, Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney says: “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. It will put a spotlight on Sydney as the major events and creative industries capital of the Asia Pacific, as well as being its premier business and lifestyle destination.”
Colin Daniels, Managing Director of SXSW Sydney says: “SXSW Sydney will showcase the largest group of inspiring international thinkers, creators, innovators and performers ever seen in Sydney at one time. Focusing on the creator industries in the Asia Pacific region, SXSW Sydney will celebrate what’s next in culture, tech and the regions thriving creative economy. Sydney will play host to more than 1,000 experiences across the city encompassing keynote speakers, inspiring panels and summits, product demonstrations, artists performances, screenings, live gaming sessions and a myriad of networking events and parties. Sydney will be alive with future focused activities like never seen before.”
Roland Swenson / CEO & Co-Founder of SXSW, Austin says: “We couldn’t be more excited and honored to work with TEG and the NSW Government via Destination NSW on an event that brings the professional opportunities of SXSW to Australia. Sydney is the ideal city to serve as a home for the cross-collaboration that exists within the many industries we bring together.”
Jann Baskett, Chief Brand Officer of SXSW, Austin says: “The purpose of SXSW is to help creative people achieve their goals. When we’re able to connect people and provide content that celebrates emerging topics and industries, we are fulfilling this purpose. Sydney, and its future-focused culture, is the perfect place to extend that reach and share the inspiration and unexpected discoveries that make our event unique.”
As one of the world’s most vibrant cities, Sydney is the leading connector to innovation and creativity in the Asia-Pacific region and will become the must attend hub for uncovering what’s next in Music, Screen, Gaming, Tech and Innovation at SXSW Sydney in October 2023. Industry professionals, talent, partners and more can register their interest now to discover the unexpected ideas and diverse discussions SXSW Sydney makes possible when creative people come together.
For more information on the host city of SXSW Sydney go to www.sydney.com. Get social using @sydney #feelnewsydney #ilovesydney
Sydney secures South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) annual event from 2023. Credit: Destination NSW
The world’s most iconic futurist conference and festival, South by Southwest® (SXSW®) expands outside of North America for the first time ever to bring its renowned celebration of creativity and innovation to Sydney, Australia from Sunday October 15 to Sunday October 22, 2023.
#feelnewsydney
Sydney secures South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) annual event from 2023. Credit: Destination NSW
The world’s most iconic futurist conference and festival, South by Southwest® (SXSW®) expands outside of North America for the first time ever to bring its renowned celebration of creativity and innovation to Sydney, Australia from Sunday October 15 to Sunday October 22, 2023.
About SXSW
SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of tech, film, music, education, and culture. An essential destination for global professionals, the annual March event features sessions, music and comedy showcases, film screenings, exhibitions, professional development and a variety of networking opportunities. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together.
About Destination NSW
Destination NSW is the champion and voice for the visitor economy within the NSW Government. Spearheading a whole-of-government approach to visitor economy growth, Destination NSW is responsible for leading the delivery of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 in partnership with government and industry. Destination NSW influences and shapes the visitor economy through strategic research, policy and thought leadership, stakeholder engagement and consultation, commercial partnerships and investment in visitor experiences, business support, marketing and events. Destination NSW is also the major investor in Business Events Sydney (BESydney) for the purpose of securing more international and domestic conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions.
*Source: Australia is now ranked second in Asia for fintech development, and sixth globally. Why Australia 2021 Benchmark Report
For press inquiries contact:
Aniela Swiatek | aniela@thinkingloud.com.au
Georgia Madigan | georgia.madigan@thinkingloud.com.au
Elissa Tyrrell | elissa.tyrrell@dnsw.com.au
Sydney secures South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) annual event from 2023. Credit: Destination NSW
The world’s most iconic futurist conference and festival, South by Southwest® (SXSW®) expands outside of North America for the first time ever to bring its renowned celebration of creativity and innovation to Sydney, Australia from Sunday October 15 to Sunday October 22, 2023.
#feelnewsydney
Sydney secures South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) annual event from 2023. Credit: Destination NSW
The world’s most iconic futurist conference and festival, South by Southwest® (SXSW®) expands outside of North America for the first time ever to bring its renowned celebration of creativity and innovation to Sydney, Australia from Sunday October 15 to Sunday October 22, 2023.
More News
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
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Destination NSW has teamed up with the popular YouTube channel Yes Theory, with its impressive 9.2 million subscribers, and Qantas, to fulfil 102-year-old San Franciso local, Dorothy Smith’s lifelong dream of visiting Sydney, Australia, completing her remarkable journey to every continent in the world.
Yes Theory producers Ammar Kandil and Staffan Taylor first met Dorothy in October 2024 when they moved into The Redwoods Retirement Village for 48 hours. Moved by Dorothy’s heartfelt regret of not yet reaching her final frontier, Australia, Ammar and Staffan felt compelled to help her complete this remarkable journey.
Reflecting on her motivation to travel and time in Sydney, Dorothy shared, "Travel is important to me because it’s a big world, and each country is different and has something different to offer; I want to see them all and I don’t want to miss anything!
“I loved visiting Sydney; it’s a beautiful city. The people are charming, the food is good, the scenery is just wonderful, and even the weather is nice! We saw the little koala bears, of course the Sydney Opera House, we went to the Botanic Gardens, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, good restaurants, and the lovely Bondi Beach where we got our feet a little wet and the water was really cold! And the people – they are all so nice, and so friendly!”
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn Credit: Ethan Rohloff; Destination NSW
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn featuring Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney CBD and Opera House
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Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn Credit: Ethan Rohloff; Destination NSW
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn featuring Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney CBD and Opera House
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
#feelnewsydney
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
A living link to history, Dorothy is more than twice the age of the Sydney Opera House. In 1922, the year she was born, the NSW Government passed the Sydney Harbour Bridge Act, laying the foundation for the construction of the iconic bridge. Today, the Sydney Harbour Bridge stands as a powerful symbol of Australia’s resilience and connection to the world—a fitting backdrop for Dorothy’s own journey of exploration and discovery.
With Qantas’s support, Dorothy embarked on her adventure to Sydney in comfort, and received an exclusive invite to the cock-pit to meet the pilot, before she was warmly welcomed at Sydney Airport with personalised displays and a crowd of Yes Theory fans eager to celebrate her arrival. Her stay at the luxurious Shangri-La Sydney became a “home away from home,” offering Dorothy the chance to wake up to the breathtaking view of the Sydney Opera House—a landmark she had always dreamed of seeing firsthand.
Ammar Kandil, co-founder of Yes Theory, was driven to support her adventure saying, “Dorothy’s story is a powerful reminder that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and we’re incredibly happy to help her achieve this lifelong dream to visit Sydney and tick of Australia as her seventh and final continent.
“Our mantra is ‘seek discomfort’ and embrace adventure, and Dorothy’s journey truly embodies the spirit of our channel. Her incredible story is set to inspire millions around the world to pursue their own adventures, no matter the obstacles.”
The Rocks, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Family exploring The Rocks in Sydney
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The Rocks, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Family exploring The Rocks in Sydney
Sydney Luxury Cruise, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney Luxury Cruises operates on Sydney Harbour exploring the harbour beaches, waterfront mansions and icons.
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Sydney Luxury Cruise, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney Luxury Cruises operates on Sydney Harbour exploring the harbour beaches, waterfront mansions and icons.
Dorothy’s time in Sydney has been nothing short of iconic, filled with experiences that capture the heart of NSW. Her itinerary included:
- An afternoon cruising on Sydney Harbour, marvelling at the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House
- An up-close encounter with Australian wildlife at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo in Darling Harbour, where Dorothy met koalas, and even a kangaroo named Dorothy.
- A tour of the Sydney Opera House adding yet another milestone to her journey.
- A visit to the iconic Bondi Beach, where Dorothy enjoyed splashing her feet in the waves and seeing one of the world’s most famous beaches.
And Dorothy’s secret to a long, healthy life? “You have to exercise, you have to eat lots of fruit and vegetables and stay hydrated. And also, FUN! You have to have fun so you’ll stay healthy, and you can also enjoy 102 years! And if there’s anything else you want to try, go ahead and try it!”
To follow Dorothy’s journey and see Sydney through her remarkable perspective, check out Yes Theory’s latest video at youtube.com/@YesTheory.
For inspiration for your own Sydney adventure, visit sydney.com
Australian Wildlife Tour Credit: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Australian Wildlife Tour at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
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Australian Wildlife Tour Credit: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Australian Wildlife Tour at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bondi coastline in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
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Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bondi coastline in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.