The inaugural Sydney South by Southwest has officially kicked off. Here are the hottest events at the festival – spanning music, film, gaming, innovation and more.
SXSW: Monday key events
11:30am – 12:30pm: Innovating for a net-zero Future: The climate tech imperative
This SXSW Sydney conference includes presenters Alex Matthews, Katherine McConnell, Kirstin Hunter, and Paul Hunyor.
They will explore the solutions that start-ups, organisations and investors are using to try and push towards the all-important goal of reaching net zero.
2:00pm – 3:00pm: Featured Session: Robyn Denholm
Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Australia, Sarah O’Carroll will talk to Tesla Chair Robyn Denholm about tech and innovation.
The pair will discuss how Australia can unlock its innovation capability, and the opportunities that lie in the future.
3:00pm – 4:00pm: Trust 2033: The future of employee-employer dynamics
CultureAmp CEO and Founder Didier Elzinga will be speaking on this panel that looks to explore shifting workplace dynamics, and the future of the employment landscape.
4:00pm – 5:00pm: Brain computer interfaces: The future of communication
What are the implications for humanity when brain computer interfaces become an accessible reality?
Delve into the exciting future of medtech in this must-see discussion.
SXSW: Tuesday key events
2:00pm – 3:00pm: Problem-solving to scale
TDM Growth Partners’ Ed Cowan, Adam Schwab of Luxury Escapes and Lucy Liu of Airwallex will unpack the process of problem-solving when growing a business.
6:00pm – 9:00pm: Accenture Music Festival opening party
Hosted at The Starship on the Convention Jetty, this event kicks off the huge roundup of musical acts that will be performing across SXSW.
Flyanna Boss and Ekkstacy will both be performing at this exclusive, first-come, first-served event.
SXSW: Wednesday key events
10:00am – 11:00am: Featured Session: Noelle Russell
Russell has worked as a team leader with Amazon, Microsoft and NPR, and brings a wealth of experience to this featured session.
She will be discussing the power and potential of Generative AI.
5:00pm – 7:00pm: Young Henrys Rock & Roll Circus
A lineup of musical talent that includes Dan Sultan, Wallice, Ben Marwe and so many more will cover fan-favourite rock classics.
Surprise guests will also be announced on the Young Henrys Instagram page in the lead up to the event.
SXSW: Thursday key events
11:00am – 12:00pm: Featured Session: Nicole Kidman & Per Saari in conversation – spotlight on Blossom Films
Award winning producers Nicole Kidman and Per Saari will be appearing at SXSW on Thursday to discuss the company they founded together, Blossom Films.
A great insight into the future of the creative arts with some truly experienced industry experts.
1:00pm – 2:00pm: 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop, ft. Chance The Rapper
Chance The Rapper is a successful American rapper, singer-songwriter, and record producer.
He will be the keynote speaker, discussing the past 50 years of hip hop and providing unique insight from his own lucrative career.
6:30pm – 8:45pm: ‘Hot Potato: The Story of the Wiggles’ World Premiere
For the first time, fans of the iconic Australian children’s entertainers can take a peek behind the curtain, as this music documentary dives into how The Wiggles became world-wide phenomenons.
All members of The Wiggles, past and present, will be in attendance, along with the director Sally Aitken.
SXSW: Friday key events
11:30am – 12:30pm: Featured Session: Dodo de-extinction and other lost animals – Ben Lamm and Andrew Pask in conversation
Could we bring back animals that humanity has driven to extinction? And should we?
This is an absolute must-attend featured session where some of Australia’s leading ‘de-extinction’ scientists discuss the possible future of animal conservation.
12:45pm – 1:45pm: ‘Start up hour’ at SXSW Discovery Stage
This event will showcase some of the most impressive innovation taking place both globally and locally amongst startups.
Start-up hour will be perfect for entrepreneurs and leaders of innovation who care about keeping their finger on the pulse.
SXSW: Saturday key events
3:10pm – 4:00pm: Big Questions with Adam Spencer & special guest Dr Karl Kruszelnicki
Adam Spencer will be hosting a “free-form, no holds barred” conversation with Dr Karl Kruszelnicki at Tumbalong Park.
Kruszelnicki is a science commentator and author, and Spencer is known for his work in comedy. Together, the duo will be sure to make an entertaining and informative watch.
SXSW: Sunday key events
11:00am – 5:00pm: Encore Showcase
To farewell the festival, the Encore Showcase will spotlight the games that were shortlisted in the SXSW Sydney Game Awards.
The event will be hosted in the Mercure Sydney.
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