International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) is counting down until the inaugural South by Southwest (SXSW) Sydney 2023 hits the city in October, marking the first time ever the famous entertainment, technology and gaming event has been hosted in Australia.
The event will run for seven days and nights (15-22 October), and will include the SXSW Sydney Conference, SXSW Sydney Tech & Innovation Expo, SXSW Sydney Pitch competition for startups, and the SXSW Sydney Games Festival, including the Intel Extreme Masters esports championship.
The breadth of the conventions during the event means that SXSW Sydney will be a rare opportunity for those involved in film, TV, digital, gaming, VR, AR and consumer technology to come together.
NSW Minister for the Arts, Music and the Night-Time Economy, Jobs and Tourism, The Hon. John Graham said the timing of SXSW Sydney couldn’t be better as it coincides with the launch of the state’s creative industries policy.
“SXSW is a great embodiment of the excitement and potential of the creative industries. After a decade of lockouts and lockdowns the city is coming back to life – as the anchor venue for SXSW Sydney, ICC Sydney will greatly contribute to the event by showcasing the city,” Minister Graham said.
Destination NSW chief executive officer, Steve Cox, said Sydney secured the event thanks to its proximity to facilities adjacent to the anchor location, ICC Sydney (including the Powerhouse and University of Technology), as well as the breadth of transport, accommodation and dining facilities.
“As a world-class major event venue and the festival hub, ICC Sydney will contribute immensely to the success of SXSW Sydney and to the enjoyment of festival goers’ from around the world, helping further cement the Harbour City’s enviable reputation as the events and creative industries capital of the Asia Pacific,” Cox said.
ICC Sydney chief executive officer and group director – Convention Centres, ASM Global (APAC), Geoff Donaghy said the venue’s well-resourced team of passionate professionals were ready to welcome the diverse, discerning patrons of SXSW Sydney.
“With only three months to go, our team is looking forward to delivering this special, future-focused event and once again reaffirming ICC Sydney as a powerhouse destination for major events,” Donaghhy said.
“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 into our local community – every focal area of our corporate social responsibility strategy will be brought to the fore through SXSW Sydney.”
SXSW is one of the largest tech conventions in America and has been an instrumental part of the American conference scene since 1987. Last year, the combined conferences and associated events drew an attendance of approximately 230,000.
