Road to SXSW Sydney: The final countdown to the festival

Mediaweek announces extensive SXSW Sydney content slate

Mediaweek is excited to announce its extensive coverage of SXSW Sydney brought to readers, listeners and viewers by Ryvalmedia and News Shorts. 

Mediaweek‘s coverage will include a pre-SXSW podcast that will launch next week – Heavy Hitters SXSW – a special edition of the existing Heavy Hitters series and hosted by Mediaweek editor and GM, Trent Thomas. The first episode will feature SXSW managing director Colin Daniels, and Ryvalmedia’s Sydney strategy lead Cameron Roberts as they talk about the best ways to maximise a first time attendees’ SXSW experience. The series will also feature Seven’s Mel Hopkins & Kurt Burnette, Pinterest’s Lottie Laws & Mecca Brands Hannah Fillis, Osher Günsberg, and News Corp’s Paul Blackburn & Vudoo’s Nick Morgan.

During SXSW Sydney, Mediaweek will be producing both extensive written and video coverage of the event daily, with a video series MW @ SXSW Sydney presented by Anita Anabel.

This level of extensive and premium content would not be possible without the support of our sponsors, Ryvalmedia and News Shorts.

Lou Barrett, managing director national sales at News Corp Australia, said:

“We’re thrilled to join forces with Mediaweek, bringing all the colour and excitement of SXSW Sydney to our valued clients and industry partners. With a marked increase in mobile video consumption in Australia, this partnership reinforces our commitment of delivering engaging content to audiences in new and innovative ways. Presented through the lens of ‘News Shorts’ – the latest iteration of our Total Video product offering – marketers can better engage their audiences across our network through the growing power of short-form vertical video formats”

Bianca Falloon, general manager of Ryvalmedia Sydney said:

“Ryvalmedia is delighted to support Mediaweek’s partnership with the inaugural SXSW Sydney festival, and its celebration of the convergence of tech, media, music, education, and culture.

“SXSW is the most forward-thinking event around for global professionals, it’s a coup for Sydney to be hosting the first event outside Texas, and it offers the industry a world class opportunity for discovery, learning and inspiration from the world’s leading creative talent, brands, and next-generation start-ups.

“The Ryvalmedia team is excited and eager to attend the festival to spark our imaginative thoughts, find meaningful digital and future trends, and ultimately, to help our client partners accelerate their connection to culture to build stronger memories for their brands.”

See Also: Heavy Hitters SXSW episode 1: SXSW’s Colin Daniels and Ryvalmedia’s Cameron Roberts
See Also: Heavy Hitters SXSW episode 2: Osher Günsberg
See Also: Heavy Hitters SXSW episode 3: Seven’s Mel Hopkins and Kurt Burnette

SXSW Sydney: Paul Martin, Sulinna Ong and Derrick Gee to share trends and predictions at the futurist festival

SXSW Sydney 2023 will see screen and sound hitmakers and creative minds come together at the futurist festival to share trends and predictions of the screen and music industries this October.

The newest names to join the growing line-up of entertainment hitmakers include Box to Box founder and producer of Netflix series Drive to Survive, Paul Martin, Spotify’s Sulinna Ong, Stan’s showrunner and actor Kick Gurry, Sarah Christie from Prime Video Australia, and Kylie Watson-Wheeler from The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand.

Tan France will no longer be able to attend SXSW Sydney 2023 due to unavoidable scheduling conflicts.

Sessions delving into the future of Australian television and film production and a reveal of triple j’s “What’s Up in Australian Music” survey results round out these fresh additions to the screen and music conference, shaping the SXSW Sydney Conference as a gateway to creative excellence.

New featured speakers joining the line-up include:

• Paul Martin (Drive to Survive, Full Swing, Break Point)
• Sulinna Ong (Global Head of Editorial at Spotify)
• Derrick Gee (content creator) 

New sessions:

• ‘Local is Global -The Ingredients to Make a Hit Australian Series’featuring Netflix ANZ director of content Que Minh Luu, Prime Video Australia Senior Development Executive Sarah Christie, and The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand’s Senior Vice President & Managing Director Kylie Watson-Wheeler
• ‘Advancing & Amplifying Australian Stories in conversation with Stan, moderated by Google TV,’ featuring Stan’s Head of Originals Amanda Duthie, Google Head of M&E APAC Partnerships Rohan Tiwary and showrunner, director, producer and star of C*A*U*G*H*T, Kick Gurry
• triple j sharing their ‘What’s Up In Australian Music?’ survey results

Que Minh Luu

Seven Network reveals its lineup of speakers, stars and senior executives for SXSW Sydney 2023

The Seven Network has announced its lineup of speakers, stars and senior executives for the Seven House during South by Southwest Sydney 2023.

Located in the heart of the SXSW Sydney precinct in Sydney’s Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour, Seven House will host a packed program of speakers, workshops and experiences set to ignite conversations and change the way the industry thinks about audience connection and content.

From 16 to 20 October, the Seven House will invite advertisers, agencies and brands to experience in new ways the huge cultural moments that grip the nation on Seven, discuss game-changing innovation and explore ideas that challenge perspectives.

Seven’s line-up of headline speakers include:

• Amy Webb – Ffturist, founder and CEO, Future Today Institute (private event)
• Adrian Lawrence – executive creative director, FutureDeluxe
• Tanya Curnow, executive producer, FutureDeluxe
• Michelle Klein – chief customer and marketing Officer, IAG
• Chris Brown – SVP and chief customer officer, McDonald’s Australia
• Yash Murthy – head of creative and consulting, Australia, VaynerMedia
• Peter Chun – senior vice president, global head of partnerships and growth, VaynerMedia
• Rebecca Gilling – CEO, Planet Ark
• Brooke Donnelly – general manager sustainability, Coles
• Kellie Nuttall – lead AI partner, strategy and business design leader, Deloitte Australia
• Rob Pickering – general manager, Technology, AFL
• Adrian Lawrence – executive creative director, FutureDeluxe
• Tanya Curnow – executive producer, FutureDeluxe

Seven House will also feature experts from across the industry, alongside Seven Network stars and senior executives, including:

• Ant Middleton – chief instructor, SAS Australia
• Natalie Barr – co-host of Sunrise
• Matt Shirvington – co-host of Sunrise
• Mark Beretta OAM – Sunrise sport presenter
• Larry Emdur – host of The Chase Australia and co-host of The Morning Show
• Michael Usher – 7NEWS presenter
• Gemma Acton – Seven Network finance editor
• Chris Reason – 7NEWS presenter
• James Warburton – managing director and chief executive officer, Seven West Media
• Melissa Hopkins – chief marketing and audience officer, Seven West Media
• Kurt Burnette – chief revenue officer, Seven West Media
• Mark Llewellyn – executive producer, 7NEWS Spotlight
• James Pember – product manager, Komo Technologies
• Nikki Perguni – global head of Uuser experience, Accedo
• Justin Van Emmerik – senior manager, Solution Engineering APAC, Brightcove

Breakfast program, Sunrise, will stage live crosses during the SXSW Sydney week and the 7NEWS.com.au news team will be based at the festival for the week.

Melissa Hopkins, Seven West Media chief marketing and audience officer, said: “Seven House at SXSW Sydney is going to be massive. We are bringing together a dynamic blend of leading speakers, industry experts and our very own Seven Network stars and people, to deliver inspirational and must-watch sessions for our customers and consumers. 

“Engaging with audiences through mass cultural experiences in new and transformative ways is at the core of what we do at Seven. At Seven House, we are charting the future of content and connection and will set the stage for conversations that matter and experiences that will leave a mark. It’s an event not to be missed,” Hopkins added.

SXSW Sydney will be the first South by Southwest held outside Austin, Texas, in the festival’s 37-year history.

The Sydney event will feature more than 1000 events, speakers and music acts, including more than 700 panels and sessions and over 300 artist performances.

TikTok unveils House of Music Discovery and artist lineup for SXSW Sydney

TikTok Australia has announced the lineup for its House of Music Discovery at the inaugural SXSW Sydney, taking over the eccentric cultural hub, Pleasures Playhouse, on Wednesday, 18 October. 

TikTok’s House of Music Discovery will bring the magic of music exploration to life by transcending the digital realm and making it a real-world experience. Guests will have the opportunity to witness some of the most exciting emerging and re-establishing acts from TikTok play live.

TikTok’s House of Music Discovery will feature revered music content creator and curator Derrick Gee who’ll guide guests through his insights into connecting with fans in 2023 during a panel discussion, with live performances from emerging artists, including YNG Martyr, Go-Jo, ASTON & ASHWARYA who have connected with new audiences through TikTok, and legendary Australian artist Ben Lee who has found a whole new audience with TikTok.

All SXSW Sydney badge and wristband holders can immerse themselves in the exceptional Australian talent that was discovered on TikTok, and the future of music discovery.

Host Derrick Gee, best known for sharing his unique music discoveries, breaking down songs and sounds, and imparting his music and tech knowledge to his engaged TikTok audience, Gee will lend his experience to the“The Art of Music Discovery” discussion.

Gee will also delve into how fans uncover and consume new music, as well as the ways in which artists are now connecting with their followers and audiences in 2023. he will be joined by the showcasing artists who will share their experiences and how they’ve connected with global audiences through TikTok.

The panel discussion will be followed by an industry networking event, where Gee will take us on a sonic journey of music discovery inviting artists, industry, and guests to mingle and share the floor with the TikTok music team ahead of the live showcase.

YNG Martyr and ASHWARYA

A diverse lineup of Australian artists who have found global audiences on TikTok will take to the stage for an eclectic showcase reminiscent of scrolling through your For You Feed. Hailing from Townsville, QLD, YNG Martyr has soared to online stardom thanks to his breakout track, “Nike Ticks”, a song that has provided the soundtrack for nearly 50,000 TikTok videos. Impressively, this Wiradjuri rapper has built a dedicated following by infusing his signature hip-hop style with references to internet culture.

Adding a classic twist to the lineup is Australian music legend Ben Lee, who has recently garnered a whole new following on TikTok. A long-standing figure in Australian music, he now engages over 35,000 fans on TikTok by sharing the stories behind his classics, and offering insightful takes on today’s music scene.

Lee’s unique perspective is set to bridge generations of music fans through TikTok, with live performances of Catch My Disease, Cigarettes Will Kill You and We’re All In This Together, alongside his latest EP, 2 songs I wrote in 1993 and recorded last week at TikTok’s House of Music Discovery.

Go-Jo, the emerging pop sensation from Western Australia with over 600,000 TikTok followers, will bring his harmonious fusion of guitar-driven pop, hip-hop, and R&B to the live showcase. Fresh off the heels of his viral Billboard charting hit Mrs. Hollywood with over 16,000 videos on TikTok, Go-Jo’s meteoric rise to fame has marked him as a breakthrough artist that cannot be overlooked.

Y2K pop prodigy known to over 1.5m TikTok followers for her original takes on classics, ASTON, will bring her unapologetically ‘in your face’ sound to electrify the audience from the raw Middle Fingers, to the recently released heater Boy Problems.

Melbourne’s ASHWARYA, who is known to invigorate deep dance pop beats with her eclectic vocal presence, will join the line up. Masterfully captivating listeners with her production, vocals, songwriting and sound that’s truly unique, ASHWARYA will own the stage with hits like Up In My Head and Best Friend which has featured in over 93,000 TikTok created worldwide.

Ollie Wards, director of music, TikTok Australia and New Zealand, said: “With countless artists now connecting with fans on TikTok, we can’t wait to take that experience to a live stage by launching TikTok’s House of Music Discovery at the inaugural SXSW Sydney®. Both TikTok and SXSW are known for being destinations to discover the culture defining artists of tomorrow, so we’re excited to bring them together for an unmissable celebration of Australian music.”

Beating in the heart of SXSW Sydney®, TikTok House of Music Discovery delivers an unparalleled journey, seamlessly blending the worlds of online and real-world music experiences. It’s a must-see event for those interested in the ever-evolving integration between music and social media. TikTok House of Music Discovery is open to SXSW Sydney® badge and wristband holders.

Warner Music Australia and ADA unveil official SXSW Sydney showcase events

Warner Music Australia and ADA have announced their official showcase events as a part of the inaugural SXSW Sydney program.

Taking place at KYIV Social on October 18 and 19, Warner Music Presents Blare Live with thanks to Tripadvisor – two evening showcase events featuring Australian, New Zealand and Asian WMG artists Blusher, Oliver Cronin, PANIA, Gareth.T, Dear Jane, Stevan, slchld, Carla Wehbe, BOY SODA and RIIKI REID.

ADA Australia, WMG’s independent distribution & label services arm, will hold an afternoon showcase event, ADA Presents on Thursday October 19 at the Lord Gladstone, with performances by JessB, Mwayz, Miko Mal (FKA Babyface Mal), Park Road and Matilda Pearl from 1.30pm.

The Warner Music SXSW Sydney showcase events solidifies the globally connected nature of the label, with artists from Hong Kong, Korea, New Zealand, and Australia represented – reinforcing the company mission to make our local artists global, and global artists local.

The SXSW Sydney showcases will be a unique opportunity for SXSW Sydney badge and music wristband holders to discover some of the most exciting Warner Music and ADA artists to come out of our region in live settings.

Pania

With music discovery, artist authenticity and fan engagement in mind, Warner Music Presents Blare Live (with thanks to Tripadvisor) officially launches Warner Music Australia’s new media platform Blare, a creative content engine for artist stories to be amplified by Australia’s best & emerging creators.
 
Blare hit the scene with a content piece featuring Budjerah and Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese record shopping in Sydney on Record Store Day. The platform has since featured the stories of 50 artists, told by 24 creators, landing over 8 million video views.

In a world where new music and artist discovery happens largely through social and video content, Blare will help local and global WMG artists find and reach new fans through compelling video content.

slchld

Other highlights to date include ‘Cooked In A Hotel Room’ with creator Nat’s What I Reckon and US artist Teddy Swims and Jessica Mauboy with creator Millie Ford for with ‘Mrs Brown’s Record Report’.

Alongside the live music showcase events, Dan Rosen WMA’s president will be moderating a SXSW Sydney Sport & Music panel featuring Nina Las Vegas and Adam Goodes on Wednesday 18 October at the ICC from 10am. The panel will delve into the dynamic relationship between music and sports, exploring the ways they intersect and influence one another.

This official SXSW Sydney showcase is open to Platinum Badge and Industry Badge Holders, Wristband Holders plus a limited amount of General Admission door tickets will be available. Make sure to add this showcase to your schedule.

JessB

WARNER MUSIC PRESENTS BLARE LIVE:

WEDNESDAY 18TH OCTOBER (6PM-11PM)
BLUSHER
STEVAN
DEAR JANE
RIIKI REID
BOY SODA

&

THURSDAY 19TH OCTOBER (6PM -11PM)
OLIVER CRONIN
PANIA
SLCHLD
CARLA WEHBE
GARETH.T

ADA PRESENTS:

THURSDAY 19TH OCTOBER (1:30PM– 5:30PM)
JESSB
MWAYZ
MIKO MAL [FKA BABYFACE MAL]
MATILDA PEARL
PARK RD

Lineup announced for Spotify House at SXSW Sydney

Spotify House is coming to SXSW Sydney and along with it, a line-up of artists from across the APAC region who will light up the stage across four nights of music showcases to celebrate the culture and creativity of the region. 

See Also: Mediaweek announces extensive SXSW Sydney content slate

Spotify House will take over Sydney’s Lansdowne Hotel from 18 to 21 October. By day, the venue will host a series of panels, networking sessions and fireside chats.

By night, Spotify House will transform into an exclusive music hub, providing front-row passes to the best-emerging talent across four showcase themes: K-night, RADAR, EQUAL and Hip Hop. 

The first of the four nights begins with a special K-night evening on Wednesday 18 October, highlighting why this market’s music scene is being exported, supported and enjoyed all around the world. The showcase will host performances from So!YoON!, JUNNY and Sam Kim.

Taking to the stage for the RADAR Showcase on Thursday, 19 October will be Vv Pete, Blusher and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers. The three acts are also the latest to join Spotify’s transformative RADAR program for Australia, which helps rising talent at all stages of their development and strengthens their connection to audiences.

Spotify Australia head of music, Alicia Sbrugnera, said: “RADAR is all about expanding audiences through organic discovery and fan growth for local artists and we can’t wait to use our presence at SXSW Sydney to spotlight and welcome this latest set of emerging talent to the program.

“We are constantly looking for new ways to help artists find and sustain new audiences both in Australia and overseas, and Vv Pete, Blusher and Teen Jesus are an outstanding snapshot of the diversity of musicians making their way through the RADAR program each year.”

On Friday, 20 October Spotify House will spotlight its EQUAL program, which amplifies the voices of women musicians and creators locally, regionally, and internationally. Local artists Jem Cassar-Daley, Charley and Spotify Australia’s first ever EQUAL artist TKay Maidza, will perform alongside Thai rapper MILLI. 

Bringing Spotify House to a huge close on Saturday 21 October, will be a nod to the alternative side of rap and one of the biggest genres from the region, Hip Hop. From Korea to New Zealand and Australia, it will feature Huh, lilbubblegum and 1300.

Amex X Universal Music House reveal its line-up and program for SXSW Sydney

Amex X Universal Music House has unveiled its diverse line-up of voices across three nights of live entertainment during the inaugural SXSW Sydney from October 18 to 20.

The Amex X Universal Music House will feature leaders in music and brand marketing who will share their unique perspectives on how to win in the world of music.

Video hosting service Vevo will also share an inside look at how they have become a leading player in Connected TV on 19th October

Charley – a 2023 ARIA-nominated “Breakthrough Artist of the Year” – will also join Vevo for an exclusive performance following the presentation.

Adam Ireland, managing director of BRING Universal Music for Brands, said: “We have been collaborating deeply with SXSW Sydney on how we can bring the best stories in music and brand marketing to the festival for the first time.

“Our second iteration of the BRING Artist X Brand Summit (BABS) will host three inspiring panels designed to showcase the power of how brands and music artists can collaborate to win in culture today, and we welcome SXSW badge holders to our House to experience those stories told alongside some of Australia’s leading marketers.”

The live music line-up also includes UK pop star Caity Baser, US alt-pop icon Sarah Kinsley, Australian artists Middle Kids and Kiwi group Drax Project, First Nations rappers BARKAA & Kobie Dee, plus Ben Swissa, Cat & Calmell, Eliott, Telenova, Sgt Slick and Sophie Hutchings.

The line-up will be capped off with a historic music moment: Universal Music will be hosting a global first listen of The Rolling Stones’ hotly anticipated new studio album, Hackney Diamonds, on Thursday, October 19th at 9:00PM.

The collaboration between Amex x Universal Music House was announced in August and affirms the music-based entertainment company’s position in market heading into the festival’s Southern Hemisphere launch.

The landmark announcement marks the evolution of BRING’s partnership with American Express, which most recently saw the creation of a deconstructed city-wide festival post-Covid through their “Back The Night” program in March 2022.

See also: BRING announces Amex x Universal Music House collaboration as part of SXSW Sydney

Kat Clark headlines Clear Hayes House lineup for SXSW Sydney

Clear Hayes Consulting has announced that Australian creator Kat Clark is set to join a slew of media and marketing industry execs on stage in a two-day takeover called Clear Hayes House. Held in the heart of the SXSW Sydney, the house will be located at Harajuku Gyoza Beer Stadium in Darling Harbour.

Topics from ethical business to life as a top creator, the agency/client relationship, promoting small agencies and the future of media are all set to be debated on Wednesday, whilst Thursday sees a career-focused takeover from ADMA and meetups to discuss climate-change and SXSW Austin. 

Both days end with parties, with subscription PR service CHPR taking over the venue on Wednesday and Yahoo bringing duelling pianos to drive donations in aid of charity MMAD on Thursday. 

Kat Clarke

Joining more than 30 speakers on stage across October 18 & 19 are:

• Kat Clark, creator with 5 million followers on TikTok
• Sian Whitnall, Co-CEO at OMD; 
• Lara Thom, Global CMO, Guzman y Gomez; 
• Liana Dubois, CMO, Nine;  
• Yaron Galai, Co-Founder of Outbrain; 
• CMC’s Liam Loan-Lack; 
• Behavioural science expert Dan Monheit; 
• Supermassive founder Laura Aldington;  
• Glamazon creator Alright Hey;
• Nik Robinson, Co-Founder of ethical sunglasses brand Good Citizen

Partners helping to bring the space to life over the takeover are: ADMA, Amplify, MOOD Tea, Outbrain, Samba TV, StudioSpace, Yahoo and On Device Research, 

Clear Hayes Consulting Principal Alex Hayes says: “I’m really proud that alongside our partners we’ve curated a space which will stand up alongside any other at SXSW Sydney. The on-stage content is going to be thought provoking, our meetups will be impactful and the evening parties will be talked about for years to come – for all the right reasons.

“It’s a place for people to come and network, listen, learn and indulge in a couple of gyozas, a MOOD tea, Samba TV coffee or something a little stronger, and I can’t wait to welcome the whole industry in when doors open.” 

Clear Hayes House will operate between 9am -11pm on Wednesday, October 18 and Thursday, October 19 at the Harajuku Gyoza Beer Stadium in Darling Harbour.

Clear Hayes House SXSW Sydney Schedule

Wednesday, October 18

10am: Business: it doesn’t have to be this way

For the last 50 years, good business has been primarily about continued growth, which has created some interesting side effects for the wider world – among them staff burnout and environmental damage. Increasingly we’re seeing the rise of more companies where good business is fundamentally about the impact they have on the world, not their bottom line. 

Can doing good really be good for business? In this session, meet companies blazing a different trail and examine why and how they’re doing it, and ask if it is worth the fight to go against the grain and take the path less trodden?

Speakers:

• Nik Robinson, Co-Founder and Creative Director, Good Citizen 
• Chris Freel, CEO, UnLtd
• Anna Yanatchkova, Senior Manager Global Goals Planning & Engagement, Sydney Opera House
• Tim Hodgson, Founder, My Net Zero

11am – 1pm: Welcome to the Creatorverse! with Amplify

Session 1: Creator, the career of the 21st Century

Kat Clark, Alright Hey and Ella Watkins boast more than 6 million followers between them. Moderated by talent manager Alex Reid, dive into what it takes to build a career out of content and community on TikTok with some of the world’s biggest creators.

Speakers:

• Moderator: Alex Reid, Co-founder, Amplify
• Kat Clark, creator
• Alright Hey, creator
• Ella Watkins, creator

Session 2: Creating content at scale on social and TikTok

Creating content at scale for any platform is a prerequisite for success for any modern brand – but it can be daunting to get started on, particularly if you’re not a native to that channel. 

In this session, deep-dive on brands on TikTok and look at how they are overcoming the perceived barriers, address myths and facts and share some surprising tips on success. Most of all, examine how you can cost-effectively start to maximise the channel and create real business impact. 

Speakers:

• Moderator: Tom Maynard, Co-founder, Amplify
• Kelly Collier, Media Manager, Universal Pictures
• Michelle Melky, Creative Director, Amplify 

2pm: Cracking the Client & Agency Chemistry Code

Client-side business leaders responsible for digital, marketing and innovation need to deal with an increasingly complex and fragmented landscape of fast changing trends, technologies and skills in order to succeed. And with that, the range of external partners and specialist agencies that position themselves to support those clients has also exploded. 

So how do you get the right ‘match’ between client and agency? What are the benefits of working with deep specialists and how do you choose them with confidence? And what role does culture and chemistry play in getting the best results?

Speakers:

• Robin Scarborough, Co-founder & MD Australia, StudioSpace 
• Kristina Craig, Head of Innovation, News Corp Australia 
• Kelly Gilsenan, Director of Marketing, MA Financial Group 
• Paul Hewett, CEO, In Marketing We Trust

3pm: Through the looking glass: What’s going to happen in media and marketing?

The decisions marketers, lawmakers and media businesses make today will shape the world we’re living in for years to come, but what is that likely to look like? 

A top CMO will grill a panel of execs on the thinking behind some of the bold moves and big bets being made across the industry. From AI to VR and privacy to publishing, the panel will examine the factors shaping thinking and the likely future implications on us all.

Speakers:

• Yaron Galai, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Outbrain 
• Sian Whitnall, Co-CEO, OMD Australia 
• Nicole Bardsley, CMO, CashRewards 
• Matt Rowley, CEO, Pedestrian Group

4pm: Indies unleashed: How to elevate smaller advertising agencies

There are over 9,000 advertising agencies in Australia. Why do we only hear from the same ones over and over? Diversity also means diversity of voices, and in this crowded industry, smaller agencies may struggle to cut through the noise. But often these companies are the true innovators, able to move more nimbly than their larger counterparts. 

In this discussion, look at how independent agencies and smaller players are microcosmic of wider changes affecting the marketing and advertising industry, yet rarely get the showtime and recognition they deserve. The panel will share ways in which these companies can better advocate for themselves, as well as addressing the everyday challenges that may prevent indie agencies from giving their own self-promotion the dedication it needs.

Speakers:

• Alex Hayes, Principal, Clear Hayes Consulting 
• Laura Aldington, Co-Founder, Supermassive 
• Matt Lawton, Managing Director, Five by Five Australia 
• Alisha Buaya, Agency Editor, Mediaweek

7pm – 11pm: The CHPRty

Not invited to that glitzy upfront? Us neither. So Clear Hayes is throwing a party to celebrate the other 99% of the industry.  

There will be a lineup of DJs briefed to bring the fun, and the team will be slinging a few complementary gyozas and beers your way too (the clue is in the name of the venue).

Thursday, October 19

9.30am:  The Climate Changers Meetup

Something has to give. Australia is a global poster child for climate change, oscillating from catastrophic bushfires to generational flooding and storm events in just hours. We can all do more as individuals, but industrial-scale changes are where the real effects will be felt.

Launching at Clear Hayes House this inaugural meetup of The Climate Changers is organised by The Payback Project and aimed at anyone within the media and marketing industry who is motivated to reduce their carbon footprint. Come and chat to people who are already leading the charge and get some useful tips and allies in the ongoing battle to make a positive impact, and become part of the movement for Climate Change.

11.30am: Official SXSW Austin Meetup

Bringing together anyone who has attended or is interested in learning more about the original SXSW Austin, this meetup will allow punters to share and compare tips and tricks as well as the great things heard and seen in the first ever SXSW Sydney.

Come along and meet some of the SXSW Austin crew, a host of industry veterans and find out how you can get involved in the OG SXSW event in 2024.

2pm – 5pm: The ADMA Takeover

Session 1:  AITA? The client/agency edition

Relationships can be hard, especially when you’re working with partners you didn’t have a say in choosing. Yet having good chemistry and the right rapport is essential to creating good work and making the impact you need to move your business forward.

This session channels Reddit and ask ‘Am I the a*#hole?’, posing some hypothetical* scenarios and asking a panel of seasoned agency leaders for their take to get a better understanding of what’s fair play, and what’s unreasonable. 

So if you’ve ever wondered whether asking for changes at 4pm on a Friday, launching a pitch before heading off for Christmas break or tweaking the logo in the 27th round of creative was really ok, come and find out for yourselves.

*By ‘hypothetical’ situations we mean real things that have happened but we’ve anonymised to protect identities.

Speakers:

• Gemma Anderson, Marketing Lead, ADMA 
• Dan Monheit, Founder, Hardhat 
• Liam Loan-Lack, Head of Commercial APAC and Canada, CMC

Session 2: How not to fuck up your marketing career

Mistakes, we’ve all made a few. Most are small, whilst others trigger that icy dread in your veins and the thought ‘I’m going to get fired for this’. So just how do you come back from those major gaffes?

If ‘feedback is a gift’, how forthright can you really be with your boss? And how open should you really be about your career aspirations? This session opens the floor to some experienced marketers to share about the times they’ve nearly ended their careers, the lessons they learned from those situations and how they take them with them now.

Speakers:

• Andrea Martens, CEO, ADMA 
• Liana Dubois, CMO, Nine
• Lara Thom, Global CMO, Guzman y Gomez

7pm – 11pm: Groove for Good with Yahoo

Come for a night of duelling, dancing, dedicating and donating as Yahoo brings a taste of the Austin party vibes to the heart of SXSW Sydney. 

Witness a real-life rap battle, request a tune from Australia’s best duelling piano players and indulge in a little karaoke in this not-to-be-missed extravaganza, all to raise money for Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD). 

Snap gives a peek into what to expect from SXSW Sydney’s Snapchat House

Snap Inc. is preparing to open Snapchat House, inviting both SXSW Sydney delegates and the wider industry to join in on an immersive experience.

Open from Tuesday 17 October until Thursday 19 October at the Chinese Garden of Friendship Forecourt, Snapchat House will bring the connection of Snapchat to life through interactive experiences such as a AR tower, and a beauty bAR where you can get your AR make-up look recreated by a make-up artist.

Team Snap will also be running an AR workshop for creatives, hosting industry sessions for agency groups, facilitating discussions about the intersection of creativity and technology, and giving away swag.

Snapchat House

A SXSW badge is not required to visit Snapchat House.

Highlights at Snapchat House, SXSW Sydney include:

• Beauty bAR: Immerse yourself in AR try-on technology and explore creative makeup looks in augmented reality, then have your favourite one applied IRL by professional makeup artists. October 17, 18 and 19, 10:00-6:00 daily, no badge required.

• Giant augmented reality photo tower: Experience augmented reality with your friends on the big screen. The five-metre-high tower lets Snapchat House visitors play with an interactive body tracking lens and share portraits of their mega AR moment to their phone. October 17, 18 and 19, 10:00-6:00 daily, no badge required.

• Media agency workshops: Team Snap will host bespoke creative sessions for GroupM, IPG, PHD, OMG and more, in a purpose-built space at Snapchat House. Tuesday 17 October and Wednesday 18 October, invite only.

• “Turn on the Happiness Machine”: Moderated by tech journalist and Queens of the Drone Age podcast host, Tegan Jones, Snap is bringing together panellists Jason Davey, Chief Experience Officer at Ogilvy Australia, Yusuf Omar, Co-Founder of Seen.tv and Haran Ramachandran, Head of Creative Strategy, Snap Inc. APAC, to reveal how technology is being used to amplify the most precious elements of humanity. Thursday 19 October, 11:00-12:00. SXSW badge holders only.

• Get Hands-On with AR tech: Dive deep into augmented reality and see its power up close through an interactive, hands-on session. Instructors will guide you, ensuring AR creators leave with a newfound mastery of this technology. Thursday 19 October, 1:30-2:30pm, no badge required. Register here.

Tony Keusgen, Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand, Snap Inc., said: “South by Southwest is renowned globally as the most important and exciting showcase of creativity and innovation, and we’re thrilled to be a part of the inaugural Sydney event.

“For our part, Snapchat House will be a place to celebrate the magic that happens when technology and creativity come together. We’re creating a space that showcases interactive AR experiences, from playful lenses to immersive beauty transformations, highlighting the fusion of technology and personal expression. We can’t wait to welcome our partners, creators, and industry friends to Snapchat House.”

See Also: Snap Inc. appoints Tony Keusgen as managing director ANZ, replacing Kathryn Carter

QMS names brand partners set to be feature on the City of Sydney network during SXSW Sydney

QMS is working with a collection of brands across the City of Sydney network during the week-long “festival of festivals” as Sydney prepares for the start of SXSW Sydney 2023 in less than a week.

Six QMS partners will be featured on the digital City of Sydney street furniture network during the event: Suntory -196, NAB, BMW, Visit Victoria, Universal Pictures Group (Five Nights at Freddy’s), Live Nation and The Lott.

Running from 15 to 22 October, the inaugural SXSW Sydney will celebrate creativity, with over 1,000 scheduled events and large interstate and international crowds expected to visit the Harbour City and its 33 surrounding suburbs.

Olivia Gotch, QMS general manager – City of Sydney, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to work with our commercial partners during such an exciting and unique week in Sydney. With so many local and international visitors keen to celebrate the latest in creativity and innovation within the stunning streetscape of the City of Sydney, our network is the perfect creative canvas for connecting with consumers and maximising our clients’ impact.

“Our audience data has shown that previous major events such as Sydney WorldPride 2023 and Vivid Sydney 2023 have proven to be successful in driving significantly increased audience uplift. Key Vivid precincts that included our bespoke advertising packages saw audience numbers rise by 113% on weekend evenings, with Circular Quay assets seeing an increase of 215%.

“We are very excited about the opportunity SXSW Sydney presents to our City of Sydney commercial partners and look forward to helping them achieve their brand goals,” she said.

QMS is presenting partner of the SXSW Sydney Media Industry Conference Track running 16 to 20 October with programming that covers the media landscape, the power of the companies who currently control the message, and the players bringing new ideas to the table.

SXSW Sydney has been featured across QMS’ national digital network including digital large format, Impulse and the City of Sydney network to raise awareness and promote ticket sales ahead of the start of the festival.

As the official outdoor media partner of the Australian Olympic Team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, QMS has also partnered with AUSBreaking to present a breaking battle and panel discussion on the opening day of SXSW Sydney at Tumbalong Park on 15 October.

HP in partnership with Intel is named brand partner of SXSW Sydney 2023