The Must-See Conference Events at SXSW Sydney 2024

SXSW (South by Southwest) Sydney brings together thought leaders, artists and trailblazers, fostering an environment where ideas flourish and connections are made. With a diverse lineup of events, SXSW Sydney offers something for everyone, from inspiring keynote addresses to hands-on workshops. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking investment or a creative professional looking to expand your network, this year's conference delivers sessions designed to ignite your passion and propel your career forward. We've picked out the eight must-see events from this year's Conference program you don't want to miss. Get ready to dive into a world of innovation and creativity by adding these to your diary.

Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention – and How to Get Your Brain Back with Johann Hari

Wednesday, October 16, 10–11am
ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour Theatre

New York Times best-selling author of Magic Pill and Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention, Johann Hari, joins SXSW Sydney 2024 as a Keynote Speaker. Johann Hari is a British journalist and author known for his thought-provoking work on topics such as addiction, mental health, and societal issues. He gained prominence with his books, including Chasing the Scream, which examines the war on drugs and advocates for a more compassionate approach to addiction. His TED Talks and articles often challenge conventional narratives, encouraging readers to reconsider the underlying causes of societal problems. Hari's writing combines personal anecdotes with extensive research, aiming to foster understanding and empathy.

Character Customisation — Identity in Video Games

Saturday, October 19, 5–6pm
Fortress Sydney, Alienware Arena

This engaging discussion explores the complex world of character creation in video games, highlighting how these narratives can empower underrepresented groups. This diverse panel of experts will examine the shift from traditional binary storytelling to the expansive possibilities of inclusive narratives. Dive into the challenges, successes and ethical considerations involved in representing dynamic characters in gaming, aiming to foster empathy, understanding and empowerment in virtual spaces and discover how intentional design and narrative choices can lead to richer, more authentic gaming experiences for all players.

How moments create a movement with Katherine Bennell-Pegg

Wednesday, October 16, 12–1pm
ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour Theatre

From the launch of Sputnik to man's first footsteps on the moon, the defining moments of 20th-century space exploration have each radically transformed the ways we, as a species, view our place in the universe. So, what will be the next moment that shifts humanity's perspective and urges us to move beyond? Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg will challenge you to reflect on why Australians need to get involved in the impending global space renaissance. With a background in aerospace engineering, Bennell-Pegg has been involved in various missions, focusing on scientific research and technology development. She is also an inspiring advocate for STEM education, advocating for young Australians to pursue careers in space.

Innovation Showcase

Monday, October 14–Sunday, October 20

Broaden your horizons and open your mind at Tumbalong Park. With cutting-edge tech demonstrations, unexpected performances on the Main Stage, and a visit to The Dome by The Growth Distillery, visitors can get up close and personal with the bleeding edge of next-gen tech. Highlighting advancements in rocketry, robotics, engineering, and more, this is a must-see for anyone interested in the ways technology will remake the world in the coming decades.

AI as Your Next Co-Worker: Transforming Collaboration in the Future of Work with Armand Ruiz

Monday, October 14, 3:45–4:45pm
ICC Sydney, Cockle Bay 2

Delve into the rapidly changing role of AI in the workplace and how AI Agents are poised to transform collaboration. As AI technology advances, the future of work will include not just human colleagues, but specialised AI that enhances productivity, creativity, and decision-making. This timely discussion on the evolution of AI, the emergence of AI co-workers, and their implications for teams and organisations will feature live demonstrations to showcase real-world applications of AI. Offering insights on how these technologies will revolutionise the workplace, Armand Ruiz will draw on his experiences as an innovative entrepreneur and technology expert known for his work in digital transformation and startup development.

The Inaugural Games Jam Showcase

Monday, October 14–Sunday, October 20

This new initiative aims to showcase the limitless creativity and innovation of game developers worldwide. Over 30 days, participating teams will work around a unique theme to inspire their game development journey, pushing the boundaries of design and presenting groundbreaking concepts. Selected projects will be featured and rewarded with exclusive opportunities. More than just a competition, this event celebrates creativity, facilitates networking with industry experts, and offers a chance for recognition on a prominent stage.

History of Virtual Celebrities

Thursday, October 17, 5–5:30pm
Fortress Sydney, Alienware Arena

Teddy Dief, Co-Designer of Hyper Light Drifter and Game Director of We Are OFK, explores the evolution of virtual identity since the 1960s across television, music and games. He'll then explore the conception and creation of the virtual band OFK, discussing the design principles, techniques, and social priorities that shaped Team OFK and how they continue to operate as a band. Discover the potential and challenges of designing virtual characters and parasocial relationships while learning the right approaches, the pitfalls to avoid, and how to foster positive connections instead of causing harm.

The Genomic Transformation of Medicine

Venue and date: TBC

Driven by significant advances in three key areas, the field of medicine is currently in the throes of a period of rapid transformation. These include recent developments in genomics, which provides high-resolution insights into the human body; data science, which analyses this data to deepen our understanding of disease; and therapeutics, which facilitates precise molecular interventions to prevent or cure illnesses. This panel discussion features leading experts from each of these domains, moderated by Sarah Murdoch, a champion of genomic medicine and child health. Joining her are genomics specialist Daniel MacArthur, DeepMind AI researcher Clare Bycroft, and stem cell therapeutics innovator Enzo Porrello. Together, they will explore the current landscape and future potential of these groundbreaking technologies, addressing critical challenges related to cost, data privacy, and equity in the genomic age.

For the full SXSW 2024 Program, visit the website.