At SXSW Sydney, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone, regardless of age or ability. We recognise the importance of accessibility and strive to ensure that all attendees and talent can fully participate in the event.
To support this, we are working in collaboration with Tibi Access, who will provide guidance and assistance throughout the event.For any accessibility enquiries, feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] or call (02) 8240 2131. You can also visit our Accessibility Information Desk on the Ground Level of the International Convention Centre Sydney. Our team will be available to assist you from Monday 14th to Sunday 20th October, 9am to 6pm. We’re here to ensure your SXSW Sydney experience is comfortable and accessible.
Learn more about all of the ways you can attend SXSW Sydney this year.
Outside of the SXSW Sydney conference, where access is flat, there will be two queuing lines: a primary and a secondary. Access is determined by your badge or wristband type.
For more details, contact [email protected] or review the information at the provided link. Ensure you know your access privileges to make the most of your SXSW Sydney experience!
Credentials for the South by Southwest Sydney Conference and Festivals are available for purchase now. Choose from various options tailored to your needs and interests, as ticket types (badges, wristbands or expo passes) determine access levels.
For more information, visit the following link or contact [email protected].
SXSW Sydney offers a companion card program where eligible attendees receive one complimentary companion ticket for each purchased ticket. The companion's badge will match the original ticket holder's credentials, and they must be with the ticket holder to enter SXSW Sydney venues. To arrange, purchase your SXSW Sydney ticket and email [email protected] with your order, companion’s full name, and a clear image of your companion card.
To support individuals with hidden disabilities, SXSW Sydney has integrated the Sunflower Lanyard Program into our planning and training. If you’ve forgotten your lanyard, please visit the ICC information desk or the SXSW Sydney accessible information desk in the ICC Convention Centre for assistance. Our staff is trained to provide support and ensure you have a comfortable festival experience.
We have a range of accessible transport options to help you get around at SXSW Sydney.
SXSW Sydney spans a large area of Central Sydney, with various transport options available including trains, buses, light rail, taxis, Ubers, and driving. Your choice of public transport will depend on your event location each day. Use the Transport NSW Trip Planner HERE to plan your journey. For those driving, multiple car parks (ICC Sydney, Wilson Parking - Market City, Wilson Parking - Sydney Central) around the precinct offer accessible spots, though they fill up quickly. Arriving early will improve your chances of securing an accessible parking spot.
This accessible free shuttle service will be available from Wednesday, 16th to Saturday, 19th, between 12pm and 9pm. To use the service, please prearrange your shuttle by calling the hotline at (02) 9266 4059. Note that the service operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so exact times cannot be guaranteed if slots are already booked. We will make every effort to accommodate your needs and ensure timely transport to your destination.
For any enquiries about accessibility at the event you can reach out to our team via email [email protected], or by phone (02) 8240 2131. Our team will also be located at the accessibility information desk on site at the ICC Sydney.
Location: ICC Sydney, Ground Level.
Open: Monday 14th – Sunday 20th October
Hours: 9am – 6pm
Please note key locations within our SXSW Sydney precinct, including major venues and public transport options. This will help you navigate the festival and easily access all the events and amenities available.
Learn about accessibility at SXSW Sydney and discover how we’re making the festival inclusive for everyone.
A Changing Places facility is available at ICC Sydney, located on Level 2 of the Exhibition Centre. It includes a height-adjustable adult-sized change table, a ceiling track hoist system with constant charging, a right-hand railing ambulant toilet, and an island toilet. The facility also features an automatic door with a 950 mm clear opening and push-button entry/exit, along with a nappy bin sanitary disposal unit and wash station. The Changing Places facility is accessible to ICC Sydney guests at all times, and no MLAK key is required.
Assistance animals are welcome at SXSW Sydney. Given the event's noise, crowds, and lighting conditions, we recommend considering an alternative navigation aid if needed. UTS Building 1 has an assistance animal spending area located outside on Broadway. If required, bowls for water can be provided at the International Convention Centre Sydney upon request to ensure your assistance animal stays comfortable.
Infrared hearing augmentation systems are available in all meeting rooms and theatres at the ICC, including the Darling Harbour Theatre and ICC Sydney Theatre. These systems are designed to enhance your listening experience. Complimentary hearing augmentation devices, also known as hearing loops, can be provided free of charge. To obtain a device, simply visit ICC Sydney’s Customer Service Desk with a form of photo identification. We’re committed to ensuring everyone has the best possible experience at our events.
Auslan interpreters will be available for conference sessions at the Darling Harbour Theatre and Pyrmont Theatre within ICC Sydney. For detailed information on which sessions offer Auslan interpretation, please consult the festival app or reach out to [email protected]. We are dedicated to making SXSW Sydney accessible to all attendees, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to fully participate and engage with the festival.
BindiMaps is an inclusive wayfinding app designed to help everyone navigate complex indoor spaces like offices, hospitals, and shopping centres. It offers turn-by-turn directions via visual maps, audio guidance, wheelchair-friendly routes, and text directions for those with vision impairments. With precise location info, it ensures accessible routes for all. We’re using BindiMaps at ICC and UTS, accessible via the SXSW Sydney app, so you can confidently explore with ease!
The ICC Sydney provides Braille on room door signage and fixed directional signage throughout the venue, along with tactile flooring at egress points. With 80 different venues in the precinct, we recommend bringing a companion to help navigate the site safely. Alternatively, contact our accessibility liaisons to arrange an escort for assistance.
Designated accessible seating will be provided for all conference sessions and film screenings at SXSW Sydney. These seats are allocated based on venue capacity and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure you have the best experience and secure accessible seating, we recommend arriving early. Our goal is to make sure everyone enjoys a comfortable and accessible festival experience.
At SXSW Sydney, some events might feature pyrotechnics, strobes, or intense lighting effects that could affect your sensory experience. To ensure you’re fully prepared, we recommend checking the session and venue pages on the SXSW Sydney app for more detailed information on where these effects might be used. Your safety and comfort are important to us, so please stay informed to avoid any sensory discomfort during the event.
Live Captioning will be available across several conference session spaces at the ICC and the Tumbalong Park Stage, enhancing accessibility for all attendees. To find out which specific sessions will offer live captioning, simply check the SXSW Sydney app for details. This service ensures that everyone can fully engage with the content, making the festival experience more inclusive. Stay connected with the app to participate in sessions that meet your needs.
If you feel overwhelmed or need to decompress, visit our sensory space, equipped with low lighting, comfortable seating, and items like noise-cancelling headphones and fidget toys. Sensory spaces are located at ICC Exhibition Centre, Room E3.5 on Level 3, and UTS Building 1, Level 5 (next to the Great Hall). These spaces are designed to provide a calming environment for you to relax and recharge during the festival.
With numerous venues and sessions across the event, the SXSW Sydney App is your best resource for checking accessibility details. You can filter sessions by their accessibility features. After downloading the app, open the menu by tapping the three horizontal lines in the top left corner. Select 'Schedule' and then 'Filters' to choose sessions based on your interests, credentials, and available accessibility options. This will help you easily navigate and plan your festival experience.
Accessible accommodation options are available throughout the SXSW Sydney precinct. Find convenient, inclusive lodging to ensure a comfortable stay while enjoying all the festival has to offer.