South by Southwest is widely recognized as an early career hot spot for professional development. Don't miss your chance to develop a network that spans across the globe.

Need assistance making the case to your boss to send you to SXSW this March? We've put together a few tips and an email template to help you convince your boss to fund your SXSW journey.

Step 1: Choose Your Badge

Not sure which badge is right for you, or when to arrive? We’ve got your back. Use our SXSW Badge Quiz as your guide to the best badge and dates for you and your company’s needs. Review the SXSW Timeline for a visual overview of event programming dates.

Step 2: Add It Up

Once you know your badge type and dates, it’s time to crunch the numbers. Current badge prices can be found here, and your team can save even more with our group rates. Use your arrival date to find out an estimate for hotels using our SXSW hotel availability page. Check out our transportation options, and remember most SXSW venues are a short walk or ride from one another.

Step 3: Send The Email

Now to tie it all together. We’ve created a pre-filled email for you. Make sure to fill out the empty fields, and give it a close read before sending it off.

Hi [insert name here],

I’d like to discuss attending the 2025 SXSW Conference and Festivals from March [enter dates here] in Austin, Texas. Thousands of global creatives come together at SXSW for discovery, learning, and networking across the tech, film & tv, and music industries. A SXSW [Platinum, Interactive, Film & TV, Music] Badge will give me access to [remove those which don’t apply]:

- Insightful Keynotes and Featured Sessions from industry experts
- In-depth panels covering a wide range of topics across 24 tracks
- Mentor Sessions offering one-on-one coaching by industry professionals
- Networking opportunities to establish meaningful and lasting connections
- Workshops aimed at fostering professional skill enhancement
- Countless opportunities to discover “what’s next”

Attending SXSW will aid my professional growth, and I will be able to share valuable takeaways and insights with our entire team. The Conference tracks that I’m specifically interested in are:

- [Track 1]
- [Track 2]
- [Track 3]

I have estimated how much attendance costs:

- Travel: [Cost of Airfare/Travel]
- Lodging: [Cost of Hotel]
- Event Registration: [Cost for Badge]

If I register now, I can save the company money off the walk-up rate and have access to the best available hotel rates. SXSW also offers Group Registration rates for teams of 10 or more if we send a larger team. Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to discussing this further.

Sincerely,
[insert name here]

Download Template

Need more help convincing? Hear what others have to say about SXSW.

Good luck and we hope to see you at SXSW 2025!

Discover Additional Discounts

Recent college graduates can unlock the Early Career discount - access 40% off your badge during your first year out of school, and 30% off throughout your second year in the professional world.

Plus, attend as a group to access exclusive group rates for each badge!

See You at SXSW 2025

Register today to lock in the lowest badge rates and best hotel options for March 7-15, 2025 in downtown Austin.

Sign up for SXSW email updates, check out the News feed, watch videos, and follow us on Bluesky, LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok to get the most up-to-date information.

Register Now

SXSW Attendees – Photo by Keira Lindgren

The post Convince Your Boss to Send You to SXSW 2025 appeared first on SXSW.

Introducing a limited badge presale for SXSW 2025. Register early for any badge type for SXSW 2025 at this year’s lowest registration rate through April 15 and you’ll receive early access to hotels this summer.

By taking advantage of the limited presale, you can guarantee your spot at next year's SXSW Conference & Festivals from March 7-15, 2025. You will also get exclusive access to hotels before they open to the general public. This means you can secure your desired accommodations and start planning your itinerary well in advance. This is your chance to lock in the absolute lowest possible rate for next year and get ready for another year full of conference sessions, music showcases, film and television premieres, networking events, and more.

The early bird catches the best SXSW 2025 badge savings and hotel access. Presale ends on April 15 at 11:59pm PT, so secure your spot for the next installment of this global gathering of creatives, innovators, artists, and leaders.

Purchase Your 2025 Badge

Watch SXSW 2024 Coverage

Rewind SXSW 2024 and watch exciting events on repeat on our SXSW YouTube Channel. Get cozy in your SXSW Merch and dive into Daily Highlights, exclusive interviews from the SXSW Studio, Conference Keynotes and Featured Sessions, Film & TV red carpets and screening Q&As, and much more.

Stay Connected

SXSW 2025 applications open late this summer beginning with PanelPicker® on June 25. Stay tuned for updates on participation opportunities and 2025 registration information throughout the year.

Subscribe to SXSW Event Updates and explore SXSW News to stay up to date on all things SX. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

SXSW 2024 Attendees – Photo by Tico Mendoza

The post Limited Presale: Register for SXSW 2025 by April 15 appeared first on SXSW.

SXSW is an event packed full of conference sessions, music performances, film and television screenings, startup competitions, exhibitions, tacos, networking events, interactive art, more tacos, awards ceremonies, comedy showcases, mentor sessions, and beyond.

A Platinum Badge gives you the ultimate freedom to experience all of SXSW spontaneously - so go with the flow, try something new, and make the most of the nine days of SXSW from March 8-16, 2024.

Best Chance for High-Demand Events

While we do our best to accommodate all badgeholders, the extreme popularity of some events makes it infeasible to ensure that everyone interested can be ensured entry.

Some parties, Mentor Sessions, and Workshops are only open to select badge types. When you go Platinum, you always have Primary Access, which puts you in front of any Secondary Access lines, and increases your chances of accessing your desired events.

Your Key to ALL SXSW Programming

Enjoy everything that SXSW has to offer with a Platinum Badge, which provides Primary Access to ALL of these events (capacity permitting):

• Conference programming including Keynotes, Featured Speakers, and hundreds of sessions across 24 tracks
• Mentor Sessions & Workshops
• Compelling daytime and evening networking experiences at Meet Ups, Lounges, and Special Events
• Opening Parties
• Film & TV Festival Screenings & Events
• Music Festival Showcases & Events
• Comedy Festival Showcases & Events
• Word-class Exhibitions
• Esteemed competitions and Awards ceremonies
• SXSW Closing Barbecue and Softball Tournament
• Access to Best Hotel Rates & Booking Assistance
• And much more!

Browse all confirmed programming for SXSW 2024 on the SXSW Schedule to begin adding events to your Favorites list.

Stay tuned for even more announcements from the Conference & Festivals in the lead up to March 8-16. Follow us on social media, subscribe to newsletters, and tune into SXSW News for the latest.

Extra SXXPress Passes Each Day

SXXpress (South by Express) Passes allow badgeholders to request priority access to individual Conference sessions and parties, Music Festival Showcases, Film & Festival Screenings, and Comedy Festival Showcases. Best of all, they’re free to all registrants!

When you go Platinum, you receive a total of five passes per day. SXXpress Pass holders may proceed to the front of the Primary Access line for priority entrance.

Explore more resources for navigating the event on the Attendee Services Hub.

Closing BBQ & Softball Tournament

The SXSW Closing Barbecue and Softball Tournament is the traditional closing social event of SXSW. Platinum and Music Badges can claim one free meal per badge – and even sign up to play in the tournament.

Enjoy an authentic Texas barbecue spread with all the trimmings (vegetarian options as well) on the final day of SXSW 2024 on Saturday, March 16.

The SX Early Bird Catches More

New for 2024, all SXSW EDU programming will be open to SXSW registrants for Crossover Day on Thursday, March 7!

Plan your arrival date to Austin with the Registration timeline and Schedule Overview. Badge pickup is open March 3-16 in Exhibit Hall 1 at the Austin Convention Center.

Upgrade to Platinum

Already registered for a SXSW Film & TV, Music, or Interactive Badge? No worries, you can upgrade to Platinum at any time!

Visit your Purchase History and log-in with the credentials used to purchase your original registration. Find the registration you wish to upgrade, select 'Upgrade to Platinum', and then complete the checkout process.

See you soon!

SXSW 2023 – Photo by Tico Mendoza

The post Go Platinum: Gain Primary Access to All SXSW 2024 Events appeared first on SXSW.

Fostering creative and professional growth alike, SXSW is the premier destination for global professionals and discovery. During SXSW 2024 take your company to the next level while saving big on registration rates for groups of 10 or more.

From March 8-16, experience Conference sessions and Keynotes, Music showcases, Film & TV screenings, world-class networking, Exhibitions, and the unexpected discoveries that are always a part of SXSW.

Connect your team with the latest professional development tools and new collaborators amid endless networking opportunities.

• Keynote and Featured Speaker Presentations – Powerful presentations from some of the world’s most inspired thinkers during the SXSW Conference.

• Professional Development – Sharpen your professional skills from curated sessions to networking opportunities, all geared toward providing in-depth and specialized education.

• Panels – Industry experts will offer deep dives into targeted topics from the ever-evolving worlds of tech, film, music, and more.

• Exhibitions – Meet some of the world’s most innovative companies and watch product demonstrations at SXSW Exhibitions.

• Mentor Sessions – One-on-one coaching by professionals from all areas of the tech, film, and music industries.

• Meet Ups – Seek out inspiration and find collaboration opportunities across a wide range of industries, interests, and groups.

• Film & TV Festival Events – Exclusive SXSW Film & TV premieres, Q&As, and screenings including Features, Shorts, Episodics, XR Experience, and more.

• Music Festival Events – New, developing, and established artist showcases curated by the SXSW Music Festival in collaboration with record labels and booking agencies.

• And Beyond! – Stay tuned for programming announcements throughout the season.

Browse all confirmed programming for SXSW 2024 on the SXSW Schedule to begin adding events to your Favorites list.

Fill out the Group Registration Form below to join us March 8-16, 2024! If you haven’t decided who will be attending yet, you can still purchase group registrations and assign names later once you assemble your SX squad. The more people you bring, the more you can save – making SXSW the perfect professional development and team building opportunity for your entire team.

See You at SXSW 2024

Assemble your SX squad today to join us for the 2024 SXSW Conference & Festivals from March 8-16 in Austin, Texas.

Check out our Schedule Overview for a daily snapshot of programming. Stay tuned for more announcements throughout the season on our News feed.

Flying solo? Go Platinum and gain Primary access to All SXSW 2024 Events! Enrolled students planning to join us in March can also apply for a special discounted rate.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and SXSW News to stay current with all things SXSW.

Photo by Tico Mendoza

The post Bring Your Team to SXSW and Save with Group Registration Rates appeared first on SXSW.

For SXSW 2023, we’re honored to bring you a lineup that features an abundance of LGBTQ+ programming, where we aim to uplift queer creative voices and advance awareness and discussion of critical issues facing our communities. From the SXSW Conference to the Music and Film & TV Festivals, LGBTQ+ leaders and creators will take to the stage and screen to share their unique insights, stories, and talent with us.

Big Queer Kickoff Party

Produced by the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, this is the 10th anniversary, and as such, there will be some special surprises. Come celebrate the start of SXSW in the most queer fashion at Rain on March 10!

Add to Your Schedule

Sessions

A variety of Conference sessions across multiple programming tracks offer insights into important issues within the LGBTQ+ community. These sessions offer queer and allied creative community leaders an opportunity to educate and support each other, bring difficult conversations to the forefront, and take a look at what the future holds for the LGBTQ+ community. Check out a few sessions on vital subjects you won’t want to miss:

Don't Be a Drag, Just Be a Queen

2022 saw a record number of anti-LGBTQ bills introduced across the country, and we’ve already seen one Texas lawmaker announce that he will introduce a bill to ban youth from attending drag shows next year. The heated political discourse has led to threats against Pride celebrations and drag shows around the world. We know these debates are negatively impacting LGBTQ youth — and that access to affirming spaces and representation is crucial to mental health. Amid these relentless attacks on the LGBTQ community, top drag queens from RuPaul's Drag Race will join The Trevor Project to discuss drag’s historical roots and cultural significance today, why promoting self-expression is so important, and how we can all help create a more accepting world.

Add to Your Schedule

Safeguarding Social Media for Marginalized Groups

For people marginalized by their gender and sexuality, social media platforms serve as a tool for free expression, organizing and activism. However, female and LGBTQ media users face targeted harassment and trolling online and images of trans and non-binary bodies, particularly during gender transition, are often subject to inconsistent moderation. In this panel, a diverse group of experts will discuss how social media companies can create best practices and offer additional tools to protect marginalized people online. Panelists include the Executive Director of PEN America and Meta Oversight Board Member, a leading voice on inclusionary tech policy, a scholar working at the intersection of technology and LGBTQ rights, and an international human rights lawyer.

Add to Your Schedule

Perspectives on the Corporatization of Pride

Join the It Gets Better Project for a presentation about the evolving role brands play in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality -- and their impact (both positive and negative) on the queer youth experience. This session will offer insights from case studies, supplemental research, and LGBTQ+ young people themselves to inform how brands can authentically connect with LGBTQ+ youth in an increasingly complex, and politically charged, environment.

Add to Your Schedule

How Will TV Evolve for the Queerest Generation Yet

Oh, how far we’ve come. Media has made progress with inclusive content- we have dedicated LGBTQ+ platforms, and mainstream networks have shows and characters that are more inclusive. Hit shows like Orange Is the New Black, Pose, and Euphoria are examples. Yet just 25 years ago, Will & Grace was considered "risky". Progress has been made, but there is more to do. Today LGBTQ shows can have short runs or are canceled with limited promotion and little runway to allow growth. What’s more, inclusion has often meant same-sex relationship narratives, leaving other sexual orientations and gender identities invisible. Gen Z is “the queerest generation ever,” and they demand that content accurately portrays their lifestyles. So what does this mean for the future of TV and streaming content?

Add to Your Schedule

Affirming Trans Rights: Actions for Business Leaders

Now is the time to assemble and amplify support for transgender people. More leaders in business, politics, and culture are identifying proudly as transgender and non-binary. sparks & honey is bringing together leaders from medicine, politics, and business to define the current state of gender-expansive advocacy and offer critical actions needed from business leaders.

The outcomes of this conversation are not solely focused on hiring and retaining trans employees at your company, but how we build a safer, expansive, and more creative future. We have a responsibility to use our influence, scale, and voice to establish the needed support and celebration of transgender people. We’re excited to accelerate this important work at SXSW in 2023.

Add to Your Schedule

Films

The 2023 SXSW Film & TV Festival will feature a number LGBTQ+ stories with wholly unique perspectives that take a lens to the importance of identity, found family, togetherness, and the strength of queerness. This year’s lineup includes programming across a wide spectrum of genres and topics: from queer music history, to incisive (but often humorous) takes on issues we face as queer people on a daily basis.

Explore 2023 Films

Artists

Queer musicians are breaking barriers in historic ways, on and off the stage. The SXSW Music Festival highlights voices from a number of LGBTQ+ artists that not only take pride in their identity, but also elevate their community through music.

Explore 2023 Showcasing Artists

Check out the SXSW 2023 Pride Playlist on Spotify.

Meetup

We're Here, We're Queer — LGBTQIA+ Meet Up

Alicia Roth Weigel (intersex author, activist and partner at The Pride Fund) and The Cookie Gays, Luis Gramajo and Hans Schrei (founders at Wunderkeks, gay immigrants / entrepreneurs / multi-hyphenates) have teamed up with the goal of creating a "Safe Space" to escape the craziness of SXSW...

Come as you are on March 14 to this official SXSW "kiki" -no code switching needed! If you're looking to have meaningful conversations and make authentic connections or just recharge your fabulous energy at a drag show by Austin's very own Queen, Vylette Ward. Please drop by and slay with us.

Add to Your Schedule

Explore the Schedule

Dive into additional LGBTQ+ programming at SXSW 2023 by browsing the LGBTQ+ tag in the SXSW Schedule, or searching the schedule for relevant events.

Browse LGBTQ+ Programming

Join Us for SXSW 2023

Don't miss your last chance to save off the walk-up rate when you register by March 4 at 11:59pm PT for SXSW 2023! Get ready to celebrate the convergence of the tech, film, television, and music industries across a variety of programming formats and special events from March 10-19 in Austin, TX.

Save with our Group Registration rates for teams of 10 or more. Plus, currently enrolled students may apply for a discounted rate.

Book your hotel through SXSW Housing & Travel for the best available rates and locations.

Register Now

Keep up with us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

Photo by Jamie Miller

The post Explore LGBTQ+ Programming at SXSW 2023 appeared first on SXSW.