With SXSW Sydney rapidly approaching, Sydney’s Young Henrys are gearing up to take on the role of official music partner. The team have their work cut out for them, with the official music festival lineup including names like Chanel Loren, ADOY, Dylan Atlantis, and Mitch Santiago – amongst many others,
Mediaweek caught up with national marketing manager at Young Henrys, Greg Hall, to chat about how the brand ended up on board, and what punters can expect from Young Henrys at SXSW.
Speaking about how Young Henrys got involved with the festival, Hall says that the connection was made through their existing presence in the local music scene.
“As a brand, we’ve done a bunch of stuff with Handsome Tours before, and Colin Daniels has been heavily involved in that. Being supporters of the music scene, we managed to get a good a good, early conversation in. As a broader brand, supporting music is something we have always done and will always do – but the more we found out about SXSW, the more we saw the length and breadth that it covers, the more it made sense to us.
Young Henrys were on board with SXSW Sydney very early, as one of the first announced partners. Hall jokes that the team “were the kid with their hand up in the classroom saying ‘pick us!’”
“It seemed like such an exciting opportunity, and it was quite reassuring to hear the level of backing that it’s getting from local government. We’ve been calling out for that as a brand through our 11 year history. So when you do see the right infrastructures and resources being put towards something this massive, you think well, let’s get behind that as well.”
For punters on the ground of SXSW, the Young Henrys presence will include inspiration from their own team members who have experienced the Austin festival. Hall says that helping to bring the feel of the Texas original to Sydney felt like “a worthwhile thing for the brand, as well as a worthwhile thing for the arts and culture scene here in Sydney”.
“The experience that a few of our crew have had over there has included the stuff that maybe isn’t in the programme – there are spontaneous pop-up gigs here, there, and everywhere, and it was a really hospitable, welcoming atmosphere.
“As we’re Sydney-based, this is our hometown, so we wanted to make sure we were providing people with a really welcoming experience and different ways and means of being able to get involved with the festival. We’re working on a few different music programmings which will be free to access, and there will be some fun and games too. There’s quite a bit that we’re working on to make sure that when anyone visiting the festival comes into contact with us, it’s a good experience.”
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Top Image: Greg Hall
SXSW Sydney: The latest round of speakers and Session Select Panels
South by Southwest (SXSW) Sydney 2023 has announced the latest in the growing line-up of speakers from around the world joining the conference at the new futurist event, as well as the lastest Session Select Panels.
New SXSW Sydney Speakers Announced
Alison Hurbert-Burns, Executive Director, BINGE
As Executive Director of one of Australia’s biggest streaming services, Alison Hurbert-Burns is at the forefront of the local entertainment industry. Appointed shortly after BINGE launched in Australia in 2020, Hurbert-Burns has taken the brand to new heights, massively growing its audience and delivering highly quality local content including the acclaimed Colin From Accounts and Love Me.
Bruna Papandrea, Film Producer
One of the most successful and in-demand producers in the world, Bruna Papandrea’s credits list is a mile long. An Emmy and Golden Globe winner, Papandrea has steered some of the most successful TV shows and films in recent years, including Big Little Lies, Gone Girl, Wild, Anatomy of a Scandal and the Toni Colette-starring Pieces of Her.
Papandrea is the CEO and founder of Made Up Stories, a production, finance and development company that aims to create unique and impactful stories – primarily driven by women.
His Excellency, Mr Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, Indonesian Minister for Tourism & Creative Economy
Sandiaga Uno has been one of Indonesia’s leading business figures for nearly two decades. Starting out as a young entrepreneur, Uno co-founded PT Saratoga Investama Sedaya Tbk in the mid-2000s, which grew into the largest publicly listed investment firm in the country. Uno has fostered and mentored entrepreneurs and creatives throughout his career, offering microloans to thousands of young Indonesians so they can start making waves themselves.
In 2020 Uno was appointed Indonesia’s Minister for Tourism & Creative Economy, a position which will see him shape the country’s business landscape – and by connection, the entire Asia-Pacific region – for years to come.
Rathi Murthy, Chief Technology Officer and President, Expedia Product and Technology, Expedia Group
Regarded across the business world as a transformative tech executive, Rathi Murthy has dedicated her career to breaking new ground within the world’s biggest companies. In her former role as CTO of Verizon, Murthy spearheaded the company’s global technology strategy and led the way in 5G innovations. Prior to this she was named Top Woman in Cloud Innovation in 2014 and Top Woman in Payments in 2015, while serving as CIO of American Express.
Murthy has been praised for the pioneering use of AI to improve traveller experiences in her current role as Chief Technology Officer & President at global travel giant Expedia.
Latest Session Select Panels
SXSW Sydney’s inaugural Session Select programme is made up of local and global talent, exploring and reshaping the very-near and distant futures, answering tomorrow’s issues today; featuring topics to rewire thinking, redirect sustainability policy and change the way you work.
With 1,400 Session Select proposals received for SXSW Sydney, the latest batch have been announced.
See Also: SXSW Sydney announces the first Session Select programme
Addressing The Global E-Waste Crisis
Australia’s waste and resource recovery industry is being increasingly challenged by complex e-waste. Australian Bureau of Statistics’ latest waste estimate figures show the Australian economy domestically generated 539,000 tonnes of e-waste in 2019, with more than 50% going to landfill and only 17.4% being claimed as recycled but much of this goes offshore where outcomes are unknown.
UNSW SMaRT Centre Director, Professor Veena Sahajwalla has pioneered the science of microrecycling and developed a range of MICROfactorieTM technologies, including modules to harness from complex e-waste the valuable materials within. She has teamed up with Renew IT CEO James Lancaster to pilot and commercialise this e-waste MICROfactorieTM technology to increase waste resource recovery and sustainably produce some of the essential materials needed for future manufacturing of electrification components.
AI Fluency: What’s Coming For My Job?
Is it time to rethink your career choice, or simply get excited about a new tool that does the heavy lifting? Join SXSW Sydney for this special live recording of the University of Sydney Business School’s podcast The Future, This Week. The session will have an expert panel featuring Dr Sandra Peter, Kai Riemer, Dr Kellie Nuttall, and host Rae Johnston ready to discuss AI in the workforce and beyond.
Better Than Yesterday With Osher Gunsberg
It’s not always easy to better our best, which is why Back After the Break author Osher Gunsberg brings a live recording of his acclaimed podcast, Better Than Yesterday to SXSW Sydney. Joined by special guests Joff Bush and Diane Young, Osher will guide people through how each person can make today a little better than the day before it.
Big Tech And The Transparency Imperative
There are a lot of big advantages to Big Tech. But are there even bigger accountability and transparency issues? In this must-see SXSW Sydney panel, Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant and others discuss Big Tech’s role in creating unsafe spaces online, and what exactly we can do about it.
Brain Computer Interfaces: The Future Of Communication
Delve into the possibilities of a world where if you think it, it shall be so. Our minds will soon have the ability to sync hands-free with digital devices. SXSW Sydney will cover the implications for humanity and how it might seriously improve the lives of people with severe paralysis, with the ability to control tech through their thoughts.
Changing The Face Of The Tech Industry
The face of Big tech doesn’t have to look like the AI generated lovechild of Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs and Elon Musk. Women, although currently outnumbered, are ready to change the stats within STEM. Come explore ways to reshape the tech industry with Xylo Systems Chief Executive Camille Goldstone-Henry, Missing Perspectives Co-founder Hannah Diviney, Women Rising Founder Megan Dalla-Camina, and Foyster Media Founder Robyn Foyster.
Death And Dying In Video Games
It’s only a game, but is it warping our perspective around dealing with death? What are the implications when games are the primary way in which most people engage with mortality in contemporary society? From game design to the player experience, explore the many ways that games incorporate both serious and playful themes for better or worse.
Divergence or Convergence: Artificial Intelligence vs Spirituality
Dive deep into the transformative intersection of AI, science, technology, and spirituality in SXSW Sydney’s event, Divergence or Convergence: Artificial Intelligence vs Spirituality. The event will explore everything from Ray Kurzweil’s Singularity theory to the profound wisdom of Australia’s Indigenous culture, alongside renowned thought leaders like Christina Gerakiteys, Simone Plante, and Diana Walsh Pasulka, best selling author of “American Cosmic”. This intellectually stimulating conversation will not only challenge our understanding of humanity but also unveil the endless opportunities AI brings to our evolving world.
Eat meat, save the planet: A conversation on lab-grown meat
Not a single cow was harmed in the making of this discussion. Join AFR Journalist Yolanda Redrup, Vow Co-founder George Peppou, Blackbird Partner Samantha Wong, and others to discuss the future of lab-grown meat. This one will challenge your conventions and give you an appetite for positive change in the food industry that can grow a more sustainable future for all.
Head & Heart: The Art Of Modern Leadership
Great leaders are always 10 steps ahead. In this session, Dr Kirstin Ferguson AM argues that we need to rethink our century-old ideas around leadership, to ensure we don’t fall behind in a modern, complex world. She shares how our head and heart can be our greatest assets when it comes to having a positive impact on those we lead.
Hiring For The Future Looks A Bit Like Dating Apps
Join world leading Social Psychologist Sandra Matz and Adam Jacobs Co-Founder of Hatch and Co-Founder of THE ICONIC as they delve into the future of hiring. They’ll explore matching people and jobs, using computational psychology and AI to unlock better matches.
How Survivor-Led Solutions Can Heal Trauma
Join Australian activist and 2021 Australian of the Year, Grace Tame, alongside fellow survivor advocates Louise Edmonds, Lula Dembele and Harvard grad Matt Tyler, as they explore the root causes of gender violence, the emotional abandonment of children in Australia, and how survivor-led solutions can heal trauma.
Money Don’t Move, Data Does
If we want a vibrant global economy, the continued free-flow of data is critical. Join EPAA chief executive Camilla Bullock, Payments NZ executive Jane-Renee Retimana, PayPal Government Relations Director Holly Dorber, and Independent Director Jane Drak-Brokman on how increasing protectionism hinders free trade, and how open data is the key to economic success.
Mythbusters: Aussie Startup Culture Edition
From half-truths on how companies were built, to straight up falsities, uncover the impact of the ‘tall ones’ we tell around achieving success as a founder, operator or investor. Hear from AfterWork Ventures Co-founder Alex Khor, Marketing Consultant and Advisor Gemma Clancy, Techstars Managing Director Kirsten Hunter, and Venture Capitalist Chris Gillings.
NFTs: Sizzle Or Fizzle?
Unless you’ve had your head under a desk, you’d know the crypto crash has been a brutal reckoning for both the blockchain industry and the NFT space. We’re in serious need of a debrief. Join Culture Vault Co-founder Michelle Grey, Web3 Writer, Angel Investor and Creative Joan Westenberg, Artist, Serwah Attafuah and Artist, Alex Seton as they weigh in on the ups, downs and future of NFT space.
Paul And Andrew Bassat: In Conversation
Seek and you shall find brothers Paul and Andrew Bassat in an exclusive talk about what it takes to build a successful ASX-listed tech company. They’ll touch on how to crack the venture capital game (Square Peg and Seek Investments), and how entrepreneurship is decentralizing beyond Silicon Valley.
Protecting Our Oceans, So They Can Protect Us
It’s not just pretty to look at, the ocean is also a powerful climate solution. Yet less than 3% of it is protected from human-driven damage, globally, and Australia is lagging behind. Listen to Dave Rastovich, Patagonia Global Sports Activist and co-host of Waterpeople podcast, as he chats with ocean-loving friends on why, and how, we must protect precious saltwater paradises.
Reimagining News Media and Business
Can institutions navigate the fine line between expressing viewpoints and fostering unity? Or do they risk contributing to further polarisation? Join Guardian Australia editor Lenore Taylor and business leader Marina Go as they uncover the pressing issue of declining trust in news media and the quest for positive change.
Save Game: Video Game Collecting At The National Film And Sound Archive Of Australia
The race is on to locate and preserve critical artifacts from the early days of the 21st century’s preeminent form. As we bring games into contemporary cultural and archival practice, members of the NFSA, Screen Australia, and the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA) are here to guide us through this exciting new initiative, and on the intersection of video games and government.
The Art of Experience: Beyond The Instagram Wall
Do we continue to design for personal broadcast or course correct for connection, and discovery? Join creatives and producers Alex Tran and Jemma Cole as they discuss how to sculpt meaningful experiences that drive culture instead of just ‘likes’.
The Battle For Brand: Do You Need A Trade Mark In Today’s Rapidly Evolving World
The protection of ideas, inventions, and creative works is more volatile than ever, with rapid advancements in technology and an interconnected global market. Get ready to delve into the current state of the trademark industry with Owen Raskiewicz from Rask Media, Tracey Berger from IP Australia, Brandon Gien Deputy Chair of Australian Design Council, and Maiko Sentina from Canva.
The Forever Reef Project, A Living Backup For The Biodiversity Of Coral Reefs
Take a deep dive on The Forever Reef Project – a living coral biobank providing a backup plan for the planet’s precious corals. Of 800 known species, the bank currently holds 200, an impressive feat no doubt, but time is ticking to gather and protect those that remain. Hear from conservationists and marine scientists on their plan to safeguard these ecosystems before it’s too late.
The Future of Journalism, Publishing and Truth in the age of AI
In a newfound world of generative content, the boundaries between “real” and “fake” are blurring. Glean from Professor Mary-Anne Williams, an expert in artificial intelligence and digital transformation, Julian Delany, Chief Technology Officer, Data and Digital at News Corp Australia, Outbrain’s Chief Strategy Officer, Gilad de Vries and tech journalist Tegan Jones to discover AI’s impact on the publishing industry.
The Future of Love
You’ll definitely want to swipe right on this one. It’s all about how technology is swiftly changing our relationships – with friends, family and romantic partners. Dr Sandersan Onie from the Black Dog Institute will join Rob Brooks from the University of New South Wales to offer insights on creating successful and enriching relationships well into the future.
The Future Of Music Tech
With an increasing number of home studios, laptop producers and AI algorithms taking over the industry, technology has well and truly hit a high note. Hear from visionary founders and investors on the future of music and technology, as we look ahead at a world of sonically sensational possibilities.
The Myth Of The Single User
In law, there’s the “reasonable man”. In commerce, the “rational consumer”. In tech, it’s the “single user”. Join our panel of academics and creators as they examine how extended reality and interactive media technologies could offer possible solutions to the “single user” problem – through embracing neurodivergence and bodily expressions across all users.
The Next 60,000 Years Of Design
The future of design is connecting with Country, but is Australia mature enough to place First Nations cultures at the crux? Hear about the cultural, social and environmental importance of looking to the ancient systems and knowledge of Australia’s First Peoples, and how this will shape the next 60,000 years of design.
The Next Gen Blak Storytellers
Meet the First Nations storytellers who are all about representing ‘modern’ Blak stories. These writers and directors demand space to showcase stories and characters that break the norm of First Nations depictions in the screen industry, moving beyond history and traditional culture. With Kodie Bedford, Jub Clerc and Leah Purcell, moderated by Brooke Boney.
The Truth About Reinvention
What happens when you face retirement at 36 after winning seven world titles? Have you peaked too early? Is the ride well and truly over? Hear from Mental Wellness advocate, and 7x World Surfing Champion Layne Beachley, as she shares her personal account of reinvention and breaking the mould.
Three Elephants In A Room: Sex, Money, And Power
Yep, SXSW Sydney is going there. Tackle the taboo as this panel discusses three of the most complex and charged topics in our society – sex, money, and power. This session brings together three gutsy panelists and a moderator to seize these elephants by the tusk, with an open and honest discussion that’s no holds barred.
Voices Of Change For The Next Generation
As the largest generation to have ever existed, Gen Z accounts for over 30% of the world’s population. Which means they’re big enough drive some really meaningful change. Founder of Social Good Platform, Woven Threads, Michi Marosszeky will lead an engaging discussion with social entrepreneur and founder of Australia’s leading food rescue charity, OzHarvest, Ronni Kahn AO, Indigenous rights activist, Thomas Mayo and non-binary host, model and influencer, Christian Wilkins.
What Can Music’s History Tell Us About AI’s Future?
In the 80s and 90s, hip-hop used samples to push the boundaries of music. But who owned what in a world of copyright calamity? Grand-master-flash-forward to today, and it’s a same-same but different problem, with generative AI. Join our panelists to explore fairness, humanity, and creativity in leveraging new technologies, with a diverse panel of experts in law, AI, technology, and music.
What Will Venture Capital Look Like In 2050?
Ever since its boom time in the 1990s, Venture Capital has grown exponentially in Australia. Join Jessy Wu from AfterWork Ventures, Tom Humphrey from Blackbird, Craig Blair from Airtree and Kylie Frazer from Flying Fox Ventures as they discuss the challenges and opportunities in the industry today, and cast an eye forward to what venture capital will look like in 2050.
When Music Videos Meet AI
Forty years on from when “Video killed the Radio Star” the music video is still a powerful tool for promotion. And is becoming even more mind-bending, thanks to cutting-edge technology and your own creative vision. Join Silverchair’s Ben Gillies as he and a panel of AI industry experts deliver a crash course in creating music videos with AI.
Coachella CEO, Queer Eye star, and Co-founder of Slack join SXSW Sydney
SXSW Sydney is just around the corner, and the festival has announced another batch of speakers making their way Down Under.
Joining the Speaker Lineup:
Paul Tollett
Since its inception more than two decades ago, Coachella has become much more than just a music festival. It’s a cultural phenomenon, having hosted the biggest artists in the world and delivered some of the most spectacular live performances ever seen (see: Beyoncé in 2019).
The man behind the phenomenon is Paul Tollett, CEO of Goldenvoice, the promoter behind Coachella. Beginning his career as a rock promoter in the ‘80s, Tollett has expanded Goldenvoice’s offering to include the beloved Stagecoach country festival, which has hosted artists like Willie Nelson and Carrie Underwood.
Tan France
Fashion designer, best-selling author, content creator and life-changer, Tan France has worn many hats. Growing up gay in a traditional South Asian family in Yorkshire, France knew from a young age that a makeover comes from more than a new set of clothes; it’s addressing real-life issues, tackling change and ultimately acceptance on all sides. From humble beginnings, to leading the fashion department on the Emmy-winning Queer Eye (Netflix) he’s making America fabulous again.
Along with his time on set, France has written a New York Times best-selling memoir, released the first season of the viral hit Dressing Funny (YouTube), co-hosted Next In Fashion (Netflix), hosts the Queer Icons podcast, and started his own gender-neutral clothing line: Was Him.
Cal Henderson
Not many people around the world can claim they have changed the way we work but that’s exactly what Cal Henderson has done, as the co-founder and CTO of messaging platform Slack.
Henderson is an expert in web scalability and created the basis for OAuth and oEmbed, frameworks that changed the face of the internet. In 2019, he was named a Fortune 40 Under 40 honouree and a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. Few are better placed than Henderson to speak on tech that’s building the future.
WPP to sponsor SXSW Sydney’s Marketing and Advertising track
WPP will be at SXSW Sydney, as the event debuts down under. In the lead-up to the first-ever Australian South by Southwest (SXSW) conference and festivals in October, WPP has been named sponsor of the conference’s Marketing & Advertising Track.
As part of the partnership, WPP will take over Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum to create a central hub called WPP House, where new ideas and current and future issues within the industry will be explored.
WPP House will host WPP’s agencies and partners throughout the week-long event (15-22 October), focusing on the power of creative transformation, providing five days of creative provocation, emerging ideas and open conversations. WPP House will bring together partners and clients, international guest speakers, local innovators, futurists, and the most influential thought leaders under one roof.
WPP House will also host a raft of local and international speakers, including:
• Acclaimed New Zealand artist Gabby Malpas
• Volvo’s Managing Director for Australia, Stephen Connor
• WARC’s Regional Editor for APAC, Rica Facundo
• Livewire’s Chief Strategy Officer, Gareth Leeding
• Rip Curl’s Chief Customer Officer, Michael Scott
• Partners TikTok, Pubmatic and Treasury Wines
• BCW’s Polka Yu, Deputy President and Head of Integrated Communications, Asia-Pacific
More speakers are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Rose Herceg, WPP country president in Australia and New Zealand, said: “We are thrilled to be part of SXSW’s first time in Australia. As the creative transformation company, we couldn’t think of a better partner than SXSW Sydney to demonstrate our belief in creativity as a force for growth – and a force for good. WPP House will spotlight our industry-leading communications, experience, commerce and technology capabilities in new and unexpected ways and showcase our best talent from across the globe.”
Colin Daniels, managing director of SXSW Sydney, added: “We welcome WPP and its agencies to our first SXSW Sydney this year. The WPP House will be a must-visit part of the festival, and we look forward to celebrating an engaging, innovative, and productive experience together.”