Overview
When the first-ever SXSW Sydney took place in 2023, we were there as history was made. We didn't just check out the talks, gigs, films, TV shows and games on offer — Concrete Playground was part of the conference programming, which is called Session Select. When we took to the stage, we did so to dive into youth, information and the digital age. In 2024, we're keen to do it all over again.
At the end of 2023, after the inaugural SXSW Sydney proved a success, the Australian event confirmed that it'd be back in 2024. This year's dates: Monday, October 14–Sunday, October 20. Earlier in April, SXSW Sydney also revealed that Session Select candidates are currently vying for your love, because that's how this part of the program is chosen — and we'd like your help.
SXSW's Down Under leg lets the community get behind the microphone at Session Select. More than that, it allows you to choose what makes it into this portion of the fest's lineup. All you need to do is vote, which is now open for 2024 until Monday, April 22.
We've submitted two sessions for consideration in 2024 — here's what we're planning, both of which you can vote for via the SXSW website.
Brittany Hallberg
Appetite for Distraction: Youth, Information and the Digital Age in 2024
Call it a comeback. Call it a sequel. Either way, we're not done with this topic yet. Backing up our 2023 SXSW Sydney session, we'll host a discussion on how young people are consuming news and information in online spaces.
This panel will bring together industry-leading communicators to discuss where Gen Z and young millennials are getting their news from, what's grabbing their attention, the importance of online communities and where the future of journalism and information-based content is headed.
Vote for the Appetite for Distraction: Youth, Information and the Digital Age in 2024 panel online.
Brittany Hallberg
New Rituals: The State of Socialising and Hospitality
How is going out changing? How are consumer expectations changing? How is the hospitality industry changing to meet those demands? What trends are we seeing and how are hospitality businesses, food and beverage businesses adapting to meet them?
In this panel, we'll share five minutes of insights and consumer trends from ongoing annual research into socialising, events and going out, which will be conducted in August 2024 for the second year in a row.
Then, a panel of experts will discuss some of the key themes and trends, talking about their experience within their businesses, and how they are changing their products and services to meet changing consumer expectations.
Vote for the New Rituals: The State of Socialising and Hospitality panel online.
If you're be interested in attending our panels, please visit the voting pages for New Rituals: The State of Socialising and Hospitality and Appetite for Distraction: Youth, Information and the Digital Age in 2024 to show your support. Voting closes on Monday, April 22, 2024.
SXSW Sydney 2024 will take place from Monday, October 14–Sunday, October 20.
Top image: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for SXSW Sydney.