ICC Sydney, managed by ASM Global, will become a hub for the innovative festival for creatives that will boast an expanded program across seven days.

The lineup features more than 1000 speakers across 300-plus sessions, as well as workshops, mentoring and networking events.

Melanie Perkins, founder of desktop publishing software Canva, will deliver the opening keynote address, and she will be joined by investor Mary Meeker for a conversation about Canva’s evolution from an idea to a world-leading design and visual communications business.

Other speakers include the author of Stolen Focus, Johann Hari, prominent human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson, and Australian musician The Kid LAROI. 

The SXSW Sydney Tech & Innovation Expo will take place at ICC Sydney’s Exhibition Halls from 16-19 October, 2024, showcasing groundbreaking technologies from exhibitors such as Andromeda Robotics, B Lab and Charitabl.

ICC Sydney will also host Grammy-nominated artist Jorja Smith on 15 October as part of the SXSW Sydney Music Festival.

Additionally, headline film premieres and screen launches will take place each day in Darling Harbour as part of the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival. 

Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox credits ICC Sydney’s world-class infrastructure and skilled event professionals for creating the perfect environment to showcase the harbour city 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,” he says.

“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.”

ICC Sydney general manager Adam Mather-Brown says the venue’s team of passionate professionals are ready to welcome patrons of SXSW Sydney while making a difference to 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, and our local, entrepreneurial and creative community, every area of our corporate social responsibility strategy is brought to the fore through SXSW Sydney,” he says.

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

Photo at top: SXSW main stage at Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour. Credit: Paul McMillan and Accor.