SXSW Sydney 2025 opens submissions for its biggest festival yet

SXSW Sydney is back, and the call is out for creators, innovators, and game-changers to now be part of the action.

From October 13-19, 2025, Sydney’s creative heart - Darling Harbour, Chippendale, and Broadway - will transform into a playground of ideas, music, film, tech, and culture.

After a record-breaking 300,000 attendees from 56 countries in 2024, the 2025 edition promises to go even bigger.

Last year’s program featured more than 1,600 events, including industry-defining conference talks, live music, film screenings, games showcases, and brand activations.

Now, submissions are open across all pillars of the event, giving creators the chance to take centre stage.

SXSW Sydney returns between 13-15 October, 2025

How to be a part of SXSW Sydney

With 23 diverse tracks spanning Tech & Innovation, Business & Leadership, Marketing & Media, Culture & Lifestyle, Sustainability & The Future, and Creative Industries, the event is a platform for game-changing ideas and thought-provoking discussions.

Aspiring speakers can submit proposals via Session Select, where entries undergo a public vote, expert evaluation, and industry review before final selection.

Submissions close March 23, 2025, with public voting opening in March and successful applicants notified by the end of June.

For those keen to help shape the conversation, SXSW Sydney is also seeking Conference Evaluators to be part of the review process.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 19: RIAH performs at SXSW Sydney 2024 on October 19, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for SXSW Sydney)

Key dates for SXSW

• Conference Submissions close: 23 March, 2025

• Music submissions close: April 6, 2025

• Screen Submissions close: 1 May, 2025

• Games Submissions close: 30 June, 2025

With thousands of industry leaders, media, and fans from across the Asia-Pacific attending, this is a rare opportunity to be discovered, make connections, and leave a mark on one of the world's most dynamic creative festivals.

For details and to apply, visit sxswsydney.com.

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