What to do at SXSW Sydney 2023 based on your interests
There are countless events, showcases, panel discussions and more happening at SXSW Sydney 2023 to add to your calendar. Whether you're into tech, culture or entrepreneurship, there is something for everyone.
5 can't-miss sessions for tech enthusiasts
1. Tumbalong Park
Throughout the week, there are many events to see at Tumbalong Park, from talks about the future of technology to showcases. Check out the UTS Robotics, Rockets and Motorsport Showcase on Monday 16 October from 1.30-2pm to see creations from UTS students, including next-gen rovers, go karts and rockets.
And then later in the day from 2-2.20pm, UTS Motorsports will be revealing their 2023 UTS Motorsports Electric car, which will compete in this year's Formula-SAE competition.
Find more info about events at Tumbalong Park here (which are free!).
Date: 15 October – 22 October
Location: Tumbalong Park
2. SXSW Sydney Games Festival presented by Suntory
If you're interested in gaming or want to try something new, the SXSW Sydney Games Festival has more 150 new and indie games from developers around the world. It's also your chance to get a peak at some newly announced games, including Enter the Chronosphere, Crypt Custodian and Planet of Lana.
Date: 18 October – 22 October
Where: Mercure Sydney, Eddy Multi-space, and Fortress Sydney
See the full Games Festival lineup here.
3. 'It's 2050 and the robots are among us' panel discussion
The current world population is just over 8 billion. In 2021, the robot population reached 8.6 million — what will it be in 2050? This panel discussion investigates the evolution of robots, both now and in the future, how to utilise this technology ethically, and how we can coexist with robots.
The panel features Distinguished Professor Fang Chen, Ed Santow, Dr. Sarath Kadagoda, and Deborah Szapiro.
Date: 19 October at 11am
Location: International Convention Centre
4. 'The myth of the single user: how XR can help us embrace diverse minds and diverse bodies' panel discussion
Even though there are innumerable ways of being in the world, many approaches to experience and technology design portray 'the user' as a standardised person with a fixed perspective. What biases are contained in our assumptions of this 'user'? How can we create experiences and tools that reflect and support diverse perspectives and ways of being?
This panel will explore how extended reality (XR) and interactive media technologies may provide possible solutions by embracing neurodivergence, disability, and a range of bodily expressions across users.
The event features UTS's Dr Julia Scott-Stevenson, Chancellor's Research Fellow, along with Dr Scott Brown, UNSW, and Michela Ledwidge, Founder & CEO, MOD.
Date: 20 October at 3.30pm
Location: International Convention Centre
5. Future Fashion: Creativity meets technology
Browse selected looks and watch a video of the experimental work of UTS Fashion and Textiles Design Honours students. You'll get a snapshot of how designers are using 3D knitting, artisanal weaving and Jacquard designs to portray AI aesthetics and the future of fashion.
Date: 16 October - 20 October
Location: UTS Tower Building Foyer
4 can't-miss sessions for culture buffs
1. SXSW Sydney 2023 Music Festival
The SXSW Sydney Music Festival is where the world's music scene collides in an electrifying fusion of sound and culture. Featuring more than 300 artists from around the globe, this festival is your passport to a sonic adventure like no other. From the hard-hitting pulse of punk rock to the ethereal trance of indie-pop, immerse yourself in an range of rising stars and seasoned legends.
Date: 18 October – 20 October
Location: Various venues across Sydney, including Tumbalong Park, Hollywood Hotel, UTS Underground and The Lansdowne Hotel
Check out the full music line-up here.
2. SXSW Screen Festival
Grab the popcorn and get ready to unwind with the best content from feature films, TV screenings, shorts, music videos, XR projects and more. The SXSW Screen Festival encompasses an array of global content with a focus on the Asia Pacific region, delving into works that include First Nations and Indigenous People. Key events include: a gala film event of Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles (AU), directed by Sally Aitken and Fraser Grut; an episode premiere of Doona!, a Korean romantic comedy starring retired K-pop star Suzy Bae; and an outdoor cinema at Tumbalong Park. Most events will require a wristband or badge to access all of the screen events around Sydney, such as red-carpet premieres at the ICC's Darling Harbour.
Date: 15 October – 21 October
Location: Various venues around Sydney
See the full SXSW Sydney 2023 screen line-up here.
3. Featured Sessions: Chance the Rapper, Paul Tollett, and Charlie Brooker
SXSW Sydney 2023 featured sessions invite us to celebrate 50 years of hip hop with Chance the Rapper, uncover the cultural phenomenon of Coachella with founder Paul Tollett, dive into the success of Black Mirror with creator Charlie Brooker, and so much more. Spanning cultural icons to distinguished professionals, featured sessions aim to celebrate, inspire, and educate, providing a once-in-a-lifetime scoop from key actors of change.
Date: 15 October – 22 October
Location: Various venues across Sydney
The full schedule, including all speakers, can be found here.
4. The next 60,000 years of design with Alison Page
Dive into the cultural, social and environmental importance of integrating ancient systems and knowledge of Australia's First Nations with the future of design. Alison Page is a Walbanga and Wadi Wadi woman from Tharawal and Yuin nations and is an award-winning designer and film producer. Drawing from her personal experiences, this thought-provoking conversation will inspire a movement of designing with country, putting Aboriginal culture at the centre of the future of design.
Date: 18 October at 4pm
Location: Powerhouse Museum Theatre
Read more about this exciting and insightful session here.
Whether you want to immerse yourselves in the rich narratives of First Nations storytellers or surrender to the energy of a rock band at the main stage, SXSW Sydney 2023 is not short of cultural experiences that will embed long-lasting memories and ignite your inner change-maker.
5 can't-miss sessions for entrepreneurs
1. Screw Silicon: Welcome to the global south
Ready to build your startup or invest in the future of Australian entrepreneurship? Learn about investments, innovation and pathways to success in the global south at this session featuring: Joel Connolly, Creative Director and Head of Blackbird Foundation; Katrina Konstas, EVP, Country Manager and Head of Sales APAC, Afterpay; Susan Travis, Research Manager, Tech Council of Australia; and Glenn Wightwick, Deputy Vice Chancellor – Enterprise, UTS.
Date: 17 October at 11am
Location: International Convention Centre
Learn more about this session here.
2. SXSW Sydney Pitch
Witness startups from around the world presenting their big ideas to a panel of industry experts and investors. The theme for the event this year is ‘Big Shifts’, and the winners will get an exciting opportunity to present their ideas at SXSW 2024 in Austin. Different sessions are scheduled based on future industries – from generative AI and robotics, to biotech and healthcare, space exploration, cyberspace and sustainability. And then the grand final is scheduled to take place
Date: 18 October - 19 October
Location: International Convention Centre
Explore the SXSW Sydney Pitch sessions here.
3. SXSW Mentor Sessions
For anyone looking to get tips on how to succeed in different industries, this is a perfect opportunity to receive one-on-one coaching from professionals in the areas of tech, film, games and music. Each mentoring session lasts 75 minutes, with five 15 minute one-on-one meetings. It's a great opportunity for you to learn from some of the brightest minds in creative and tech industries, but move fast – you need to sign up in advance for each session.
Date: 15 October - 18 October
Location: Various venues around Sydney
4. Workshops
If you're someone who likes hands-on learning, you can join any of the interactive workshops with activities relating to professional growth and development. Available to badge holders, these sessions require advance sign-up and will range from one to two hours. This is a great opportunity for participants to network, learn and gain some valuable experiences.
Date: 18 October
Location: Various venues around Sydney
5. Panels and featured speakers at the SXSW Conference
Hear from innovators and creatives at the top of their game sharing ideas, processes and expertise in the hopes of inspiring a better world. With a stellar line-up of speakers – as well as various conference session tracks ranging from design to health, media, money, robotics and more – the SXSW Sydney 2023 conference line-up is one you don't want to miss out on.
Date: 15 October - 22 October
Location: Various venues around Sydney
These are just a few of the many things you can see and do at the SXSW Sydney 2023 Festival, happening from 15-22 October. To find out more about sessions, speakers and all the exciting activities happening around the city, click here.
