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.

Additionally, we all have vast experience working at SXSW, and navigating large events that come through Austin. Let us be your guide to finding you the best hotel accommodation for SXSW 2025 from March 7–15.

Registration and hotel booking both open on August 6 for the 2025 SXSW Conference & Festivals. While you get ready to secure the best rates at the lowest rate of the season, be sure to review SXSW Housing FAQs.

SXSW Housing Tips

Where will you stay?

We understand that navigating the hotel environment in Austin during SXSW can be very daunting. Our team of professionals is extremely well versed in assisting you to find an accommodation that’s the best fit.

All of our partnered hotels are located within a few miles of the Austin Convention Center in varying areas of the city. No matter what part of Austin you'd like to experience, we’ve got an option for you. To get an idea of the area of Austin that appeals to you the most, check out our SXSW Hotel Map. From there, our housing professionals can assist you in choosing the hotel that’s best for you. Each hotel offers unique rooms and amenities to fit your needs. Be sure to check the availability of each hotel leading up to the event.

Are you traveling in a large group?

The SXSW Housing & Travel team can assist your group or company in finding a hotel. We have long-standing relationships with our partnered hotels and are able to work with them to accommodate your group. The SXSW Housing & Travel team assists in facilitating the best rates and will provide a liaison should you need to make any special requests.

Other Need-To-Knows

Flexible Cancellation Policies

SXSW Housing & Travel does not charge a fee to book a hotel room – there are no hotel penalties to change or cancel your reservation until you are within 28 days of arrival. Should you need to reduce your stay or cancel your reservation within 28 days of arrival, SXSW will assess a $50 processing fee to the card on file. Keep in mind, SXSW hotels have either a 7 or 14 day cancellation policy. If you were to cancel your hotel reservation within that time frame, you could be subject to a cancellation fee assessed by the hotel as well.

Best Rates & Hotels in Austin

The SXSW Housing & Travel team helps provide the lowest contracted rates for your SXSW stay. Should you book your accommodation outside SXSW Housing & Travel, you are almost guaranteed to pay a considerably higher rate per night. Additionally, SXSW contracts with the top hotel properties in the area. These properties include the brands of Fairmont, Four Seasons, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, Starwood, and Wyndham. If you are a rewards member for any of these brands you can accrue points during your stay, however rewards points cannot be used in lieu of payment for your stay.

How to Book

There are two ways to book a hotel, from your SXSW Shopping Cart or your SXSW Social account.

If you used the SXSW Shopping Cart to purchase your SX registration you will sign in to the same shopping cart and click Request Hotel for each registration that requires accommodations. If you did not use a shopping cart to register for SXSW, you will use your SXSW Social Account to book your hotel. In addition, housing booking links will now be in your registration confirmation email.

Head over to the Hotel Availability page for more information and detailed steps!

Hotel Availability

Still Have Questions?

Visit the Housing FAQ for more information.

Email housing@sxsw.com, or call 512-467-7979 between 10am–6pm CT, Monday through Friday, and ask for Housing. Please note, email is the best way to get in contact with us in our busier months leading up to SXSW.

Still Need to Register?

SXSW is an essential destination for global professionals and creatives. The annual March event features Conference sessions, Film & TV Festival screenings, Music Festival showcases, Comedy Festival sets, world-class Exhibitions, and much more. Get ready for another exciting event March 8-16, 2024 in Austin, TX!

Your SXSW adventure begins when you've secured your badge. Register early to save off the March walk-up rate and secure the best available hotel selections. Take our handy Badge Quiz and select the Conference Tracks & Festivals that most interest you to discover which badge and arrival date best fits your needs.

Register to Attend

Keep up with all SXSW announcements throughout the season by following us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and SXSW News.

Austin Skyline courtesy of Shutterstock

The post Book Your Hotel for SXSW 2025 – Best Austin Rates & Locations 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.

Field trip! Learning goes beyond the classroom at SXSW and positions you in front of potential future employers, mentors, and creative collaborators.

SXSW is offering students a special registration rate for the 2024 SXSW Conference & Festivals from March 8-16 in Austin, TX. If you are currently enrolled as a college undergraduate, postgraduate, or in high school grades 9-12, read on!

Find inspiration in powerful presentations by diverse visionaries at the Conference. Featuring a variety of programming tracks and session formats, the Conference explores what’s next in the worlds of film, culture, music, and technology.

Lay the groundwork for your career with expert advice and one-on-one coaching by industry professionals at Mentor Sessions. Connect with other students and the larger creative community moving the conversation forward across a wide range of industries, interests, and groups during Meet Ups and other networking opportunities throughout the event.

Discover what's next – from buzz-worthy film and tv screenings and tech startup competitions to future-focused exhibitors and global emerging artists. Whether you're looking to find what career is right for you or to connect with creatives from around the world, SXSW programming is aimed at fostering creative and professional growth.

Check out our event timeline for a daily snapshot of programming. Start exploring the SXSW Schedule and save your favorites to start planning your journey.

Explore the latest announcements, programming highlights, and event updates on the SXSW News feed. Stay tuned for more big announcements throughout the season including RSVPs for Mentor Sessions, Workshops, and more professional development opportunities.

Currently enrolled students may apply today to join us March 8-16, 2024 at a special student rate. Get a headstart on your career and save 50% on Interactive, Film & TV, and Music Badges, while supplies last.

Complete the SXSW Student Discount Application form and attach a valid copy of your official transcript from your registrar's office. After we receive and verify proof of enrollment, you will be sent an email with a registration coupon. When you are registering, please note the Company Name that is printed on the badge will be the school you are affiliated with.

Don't miss the opportunity to join us from March 8-16, 2024 at an exclusive student rate!

Apply Now

More Ways to Attend

Bringing a group of 10 or more? Learn more about our Group Registration deals. If you haven’t decided who will be attending yet, you can still purchase registrations using placeholder names.

Recently graduated from school, but still looking to join a supportive community of creative professionals? We're now offering an Early Career Badge Discount for folks in the first two years of their career.

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Facebook for the latest SX coverage.

Photo by Tico Mendoza

The post Exclusive SXSW Badge Discount for Enrolled Students 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.

Join us for SXSW 2024 from March 8-16 in Austin, TX to experience Conference sessions, Film & TV Festival screenings, Music Festival showcases, world-class Exhibitions, tech competitions, Awards ceremonies, and much more. Plus, vast networking and learning opportunities, inspiring programming, a wonderland of tacos, and more unexpected discoveries. Register and book your hotel today for the best savings of the season!

Badge Access

The Platinum Badge is your key to everything SXSW has to offer with primary access to all events.

Each of the other SXSW Badges – Interactive, Film & TV, and Music – grant you primary access to the respective Conference tracks and events of your badge type as well as entry into Exhibitions and Comedy Showcases.

You'll also have secondary access to other tracks and events outside of your badge type for the opportunity to experience programming and connect with creatives across the many industries that SX serves. All registrants receive access to SXSW's online programming.

Check out the SXSW Timeline for a snapshot of daily programming from March 8-16 including Conference tracks, Festivals, and Exhibitions.

New for 2024, you can buy now and pay later with PayPal. Just use the PayPal option when checking out in the SXSW Cart.

Exclusive Savings

Bringing a team of 10 or more? Explore our exclusive group rates. Connect your team with the latest professional development tools and new collaborators amid endless networking opportunities at SXSW.

Learning goes beyond the classroom at SXSW with student badge discounts. Currently enrolled students – college undergraduate, postgraduate, or high school grades 9-12 – may apply for this special offer while supplies last.

Book Your Hotel

After you're registered, book your Austin stay! SXSW hotel rooms and rates are available exclusively to registered attendees through SXSW Housing & Travel. Explore the Hotel Availability page to see all available hotels from a wide selection of downtown Austin options at the lowest rates.

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