SXSW Sydney 2024 officially solidified its place as a vibrant gathering for creators, innovators, and industry professionals from across the Asia-Pacific region. With over 1,000 events and experiences on offer, attendees had the chance to connect, collaborate, and dive deep into discussions around technology, entertainment, and social impact. This year, the conference was hosted in three iconic venues: ICC Sydney, Novotel Sydney (Darling Square), and UTS Building 8, creating a central hub for the bustling activity. And now, as we recover from the week that was, we leave you with our five best moments from SXSW Sydney 2024.
1. Women Love Tech x SXSW Sydney 2024
Biased? Maybe. However, according to all attendees, the Women Love Tech panel at SXSW Sydney 2024 was a standout event. Held at the Novotel Darling Harbour, the panel discussion, titled “Empowering Women in Tech: Mentorship for Innovation and Leadership,” drew an engaged audience eager to hear from industry leaders. Emceed by Women Love Tech Founder Robyn Foyster, the session featured insights from notable panellists, including Chiara Longhi from Amazon Web Services and Rebecca Zeus, CEO of BizCubed, who discussed the transformative role of mentorship and the importance of building supportive networks. Myles Lawlor of Alternaleaf shared his journey of embracing discomfort as a catalyst for growth, while Elise Strachan of My Cupcake Addiction highlighted the power of mentorship in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.
The discussions emphasised that effective mentorship is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather a dynamic process that fosters curiosity, vulnerability, and meaningful connections. As the event wrapped up, attendees left inspired to cultivate their curiosity and support one another in their professional journeys, contributing to a vibrant community in the tech industry – with a glass of Champagne in hand!
2. Space stuff with Australia’s first female astronaut
Australia’s first female astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg also delivered an inspiring session that intertwined her passion for space with earthly connections. Speaking to a captivated audience, she reflected on her remarkable journey, from devouring the autobiographies of her astronaut predecessors to representing Australia in the European Astronaut Centre. Katherine emphasised that space exploration is not an isolated pursuit but a means to solve pressing earthly challenges. With poignant insights, she noted, “We came all the way to discover the moon. But, instead, we discovered the earth,” underscoring the essential role of satellite technology in monitoring climate change and disaster management. She highlighted the importance of bridging the educational gap in STEM fields, urging young Australians to view the astronaut career path as a gateway to various industries.
Sharing her own experiences, including learning Russian in just eight weeks, Katherine championed the idea that collective efforts in space exploration can foster innovation and community growth. As she prepares for her involvement in the Artemis program, Katherine left attendees with a thought-provoking question: What will be the next defining moment that propels humanity forward in our quest to reach the stars?
3. Melanie Perkins: Making Canva magic
Unsurprisingly, Melanie Perkins, co-founder of Canva, was a crowd favourite as she shared her remarkable journey of building the graphic design platform from the ground up. Her stories were not only entertaining but also filled with invaluable lessons about entrepreneurship. From her early days raising capital to her love for kite surfing – an adventurous passion she took up to open up opportunities with potential investors – Perkins’ authenticity and relatability resonated with aspiring entrepreneurs. Her insights into scaling a tech startup and navigating the challenges of raising substantial funding were both enlightening and motivational.
4. Food for through with Plate it forward
“Plate it Forward; A Quest to Become the First Hatted Social Entrepreneurship” was another engaging session that highlighted the intersection of food, tech, sustainability, and community. The discussions revolved around innovative practices in food production, sustainable sourcing, and the role of technology in shaping a more responsible food industry. Participants left with actionable insights on how to make a positive impact in their own communities through mindful consumption and collaboration.
5. USA! USA!
Finally, The USA House at SXSW Sydney 2024 brought a taste of the Golden State to the Harbour City, transforming Pumphouse Sydney into a vibrant celebration of all things California on October 18th. This free event offered attendees a chance to immerse themselves in the iconic West Coast spirit, featuring surfboards, sunshine, and live music that transported guests straight to the heart of California. From the rejuvenating Greater Palm Springs Desert Oasis Sound Bath to the Oasis Recharge Lounge, where visitors enjoyed free massages and DIY date scrub lip balms, the day was filled with delightful experiences.
Fans of Disney and Marvel gathered for the engaging panel, “The Power of Fandom,” hosted by Visit Anaheim, while aspiring cosplayers honed their craft alongside beloved characters under the guidance of Cosplay Chris. Attendees also savoured the California Wine Masterclass led by Jackson Family Wines, indulging in exquisite vintages from Napa and Sonoma. The event featured invaluable insights into breaking into California’s music and film industries from industry veterans, culminating in an intimate performance by up-and-coming indie pop star Evie Irie.
As night fell, the “West Coast After Dark” dance party kicked off, filling the air with nostalgic 90s West Coast hip-hop and current party anthems, creating an unforgettable atmosphere under the stars. With interactive basketball games and prizes up for grabs, USA House was the ultimate California experience without the long flight, leaving everyone buzzing with excitement and memories to cherish.
