ICC Sydney Ready to Showcase SXSW 2024’s Visionary Festival with 300 Sessions and Networking Events

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In an exciting development for both attendees and the creative industries, SXSW Sydney 2024 is set to deliver an expanded and more dynamic festival program. Anchored at the ICC Sydney, the festival will span seven days and nights from October 14 to 20, offering a vibrant array of events and experiences. This year’s packed conference lineup features over 1,000 globally renowned speakers across 300 sessions, covering 23 thematic tracks. Attendees can also participate in workshops, mentoring sessions, networking events, and more.

Kicking off the festival on October 14, Canva co-founder and CEO Melanie Perkins will deliver the opening keynote. She will be joined by legendary investor Mary Meeker for a much-anticipated conversation that will delve into Canva’s journey from concept to becoming a global leader in design and visual communication.

In addition to Perkins and Meeker, other high-profile speakers include bestselling author Johann Hari, prominent human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson, and GRAMMY®-nominated Australian music sensation The Kid LAROI. Their participation promises to inspire and engage audiences throughout the week.

The SXSW Sydney Tech & Innovation Expo, running from October 16 to 19, will showcase cutting-edge technologies from innovators such as Andromeda Robotics, B Lab, and Charitabl. The event will also host the SXSW Sydney Pitch 2024, where 22 startup finalists will compete live before a prestigious panel of judges.

Music enthusiasts are in for a treat with Grammy-nominated UK artist Jorja Smith, who will bring her ‘falling or flying’ Australian tour to Sydney on October 15 for an unforgettable performance as part of the SXSW Sydney Music Festival. Additionally, the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival will light up Darling Harbour with daily film premieres and exclusive screen launches.

Building on the success of its inaugural event, SXSW Sydney continues to attract both trade and consumer audiences, creating a platform for Sydney’s communities to discover new talent, explore innovative ideas, and forge meaningful connections.

Steve Cox, CEO of Destination NSW, praised ICC Sydney for its world-class facilities and event professionals, highlighting the venue’s pivotal role in showcasing Sydney as a creative industries hub during SXSW Sydney 2024.

“As the anchor venue for SXSW Sydney, the outstanding event facilities at ICC Sydney contribute immensely to the success of the festival and to the event experience of attendees who will be visiting from around the world. With the support of the ICC Sydney team, SXSW Sydney 2024 will once again elevate Sydney’s reputation as the major events and creative industries capital of the Asia Pacific,” Mr Cox said. 

ICC Sydney General Manager, Adam Mather-Brown, expressed confidence in the venue’s dedicated team of passionate professionals, emphasizing their readiness to welcome SXSW Sydney attendees while making a positive impact on the community.

“Beyond providing an extraordinary experience for the diversity of SXSW Sydney visitors, we welcome the opportunity to collaborate on delivering a positive legacy for years to come – from the economic benefit across our dynamic city to environmental sustainability solutions and facilitating connections with First Nations Peoples and culture or our local, entrepreneurial and creative community – every area of our corporate social responsibility strategy is brought to the fore through SXSW Sydney,” Mr Mather-Brown said. 
 

SXSW Sydney Chair and TEG Group CEO, Geoff Jones said: “TEG has partnered with ICC Sydney on the delivery of hundreds of events over the years. We are looking forward to again hosting SXSW Sydney in this world-class and state-of-the-art venue to showcase thought-provoking speakers, and the newest in games and entertainment from across the globe.” 

As the premier venue for SXSW Sydney, ICC Sydney has been selected for its world-class facilities and prime central location, solidifying its role as a key player in hosting major international events. In addition to SXSW Sydney, ICC Sydney is set to host prestigious gatherings such as the Global Positive Nature Summit 2024 and Salesforce World Tour 2025, reinforcing its reputation as a global events hub.

Since its inception in Austin, Texas, in 1987, South by Southwest (SXSW®) has been dedicated to helping creative individuals realize their potential. SXSW Sydney, the official Asia-Pacific installment of the iconic festival, continues this legacy by offering a global platform to showcase the talents and ideas from across the region.

ICC Sydney is also committed to supporting the NSW Government’s Creative Communities 10-year policy, which is centered around five core principles:

• Prioritizing First Nations culture
• Embracing the arts, culture, and creative industries
• Advocating for the value of culture
• Supporting sustainable growth
• Showcasing local creativity to the world and bringing global stories to our local communities

With these values at the forefront, ICC Sydney is driving forward both the local and global creative industries, fostering meaningful connections and sustainable growth.