SXSW Sydney has revealed more than 500 new speakers, workshops, artists, screenings, games and experiences for this year’s event, taking place 14-20 October.
SXSW Sydney chair and TEG Group CEO Geoff Jones said: “SXSW Sydney’s uniqueness lies in the breadth of content, topics and experiences on offer, and this October we are excited to welcome a diverse group of speakers and talent from a range of industries to the SXSW Sydney stage.”
Leading the announcement of new speakers appearing is Reed Jobs, founder of venture capital firm Yosemite, which has raised more than $200 million to finance innovation in cancer care.
Badge holders will also hear from Google DeepMind AI researcher Clare Bycroft, managing director of Bunnings Mike Schneider, founder of BuildClub Annie Liao, deputy associate dean education, UTS Business Dr Amanda White OAM, founder and lead of the first National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA) Professor Christopher Lawrence, CEO of Andromedia Robotics Grace Brown plus more.
New sessions include:
• The Genomic Transformation of Medicine: The panel will discuss the current state and future opportunities for these transformative technologies, and grapple with the impending challenges of cost, data privacy, and equity in the genomic era.
• Betting Big on Bio – Why the Future of the World Will Be Defined By Biotech: In this session, Reed Jobs, Emily Casey and a panel of biomedical experts examine how and why the future of the world, and business, rests on the shoulders of biotechnology.
• The Plausible Future of Trust: A discussion with managing director of Bunnings Mike Schneider, interviewed by Nadine Parkington from Think Nimble. As the leader of one of Australia’s most trusted brands, how is Mike thinking about the future of trust?
• Move Fast and Fix Things: Tech Driving Thoughtful Social Impact: Australia’s most successful founders and tech businesses are consciously — and with urgency — using their resources for maximum social impact. Moderated by Antonia Ruffell (StartGiving), along with impact experts including Tash Keuneman, (Keuneman Foundation).
• Democracy Under Fire: The Threat of Deepfakes, Disinformation and Fake News on a Global Scale: Hear from leading experts as they go through the social, political and economic implications of deepfakes, disinformation and fake news, and the impact they’ll have in 2024’s record-breaking year for global elections.
• How Changing Your Clothes Can Change Your Life: Fashion profiler and multi-Emmy Award-nominated TV journalist, Kathryn Eisman, and celebrated journalist and television presenter Jessica Rowe discuss the fascinating truth about our clothing choices and their profound influence on subconscious minds.
• Pioneers and Prodigies: The Next Generation of Venture Capital: This panel will uncover the dynamics between experienced investors and newcomers, discussing their coexistence in the art of investing into startups.
• X Marks The Spot: Inventives Fuelling Innovation: This session moderated by Prof Catherine Ball will discuss technologies that map the ocean floor, creating a tricorder, and how robots are becoming our avatars.
The full list of sessions can be found on the SXSW Sydney schedule. The conference takes place from 14-20 October 2024.