SXSW Sydney returns in 2024 following the success of the inaugural futurist conference and festival

SXSW Sydney will return in 2024 following the success of the inaugural festival, which welcomed 287,014 attendees over seven days.

Organisers of the futurist conference and festival revealed the event will be back in 2024 from October 14 to 20.

Geoff Jones, SXSW Sydney chair, thanked the SXSW team for pulling together a grand-scale event that brought together APAC’s creative communities. He said: "To say SXSW Sydney left a mark on the city in its inaugural year is an understatement."

Jones added they look forward to bringing SXSW Sydney 2024 in partnership with the NSW Government and opening the door for innovators across the tech and innovation, Music, Screen, Games and creative industries.

This year's event saw 1,178 sessions and events held across Darling Harbour to Chippendale from 15-22 October 2023. The festival brought together inspired thinkers, creators and industry innovators from across music, screen, games, tech and creative industries from all over the world.

Among the highlights of this year's SXSW Sydney was Rolling Stone AU editor Poppy Reid's sit down with rapper and philanthropist, Chance The Rapper at the ICC's Darling Harbour Theatre.

The pair discussed his career and what he has done to get to the position he’s in now, from humble beginnings growing up in Chicago to being discovered by artist Childish Gambino at funnily enough, SXSW Texas over 10 years ago.

Aussie icon Nicole Kidman also took to the stage along with her producing partner Per Saari, moderated by Kidman’s close childhood friend, Peter Overton.

See also: SXSW Sydney 2023: Mediaweek recaps Thursday

Applications for 2024 Session Select and Music, Screen and Games showcases will be live in the new year and is an open invitation to the community to get involved and champion the ideas that will shape the future.

See also: Mediaweek's coverage of SXSW Sydney 2023