Exciting experiences galore at SXSW Sydney!

October 9, 2024

Our Tumbalong Park hub is back again in 2024 and we can’t wait for you to see all the exciting experiences that are in store. Be sure to add the below stops to your schedule!

CommBank House | SXSW Sydney Super Sponsor

Don’t miss CommBank House at SXSW Sydney 2024. Take on interactive challenges that test your scams and fraud knowledge, while learning key tips to stay safe in the digital age. Discover how to be CommBank Safe and protect yourself from emerging threats.

Stop by for: Free coffee, insightful sessions, happy hours & networking events.

Plus catch these inspiring panels as part of SXSW Sydney Conference (SXSW Sydney badge required to access):

  • · Thu 17 Oct, 1:30 pm | How individuals, households and communities can electrify to support Australia’s net zero transition – Australia is a lucky country with abundant renewable energy sources. Electrifying everything can save Australians $1.7tr each year and be a win for communities if we all do five things, says Saul Griffith, Australian inventor and Founder of Rewiring Australia and Founder of Otherlab, which creates new technologies that help households and businesses to decarbonise. With Saul Griffith and Jo Boundy | Favourite this session
  • · Thu 17 Oct, 3:00 pm | The AI Revolution: How can Australia lead the way? – Artificial Intelligence is changing the world as we know it. As AI accelerates, how do businesses ride the wave. Hear from leaders about how Australia can harness AI to build a brighter future for customers and communities. Explore how with safe and responsible practices, Australia can be at the forefront of AI. With Dan Jermyn, Agne Makauskaite, Bill Simpson-Young, and Laura Faulconer | Favourite this session

ZEEKR | SXSW Sydney Super Sponsor

We’re excited to welcome global premium electric vehicle Zeekr as a SXSW Sydney 2024 super sponsor. Zeekr will be making their brand entrance and vehicle launch in Australia at SXSW Sydney through three exciting experiences.

  • · Z-Track | Introducing a drive beyond limits; The Zeekr cityscape track is a custom-made driving experience for guests to experience the unmatched premium tech innovation and design quality of the highly anticipated Zeekr X Luxury Urban Cross SUV. Overlooking the Sydney skyline on the upper ICC Sydney Event Deck, a qualified driver will chauffeur you around the track, allowing you to experience the electric power and technical innovation. Visit us at the ICC Sydney Event Deck to experience the Zeekr X.
  • · Z-Box | Immerse yourself in a surprise-filled experience designed to engage and delight in the ICC Sydney forecourt. Explore interactive elements, cutting-edge tech and exclusive features of the Zeekr X in a one-of-a-kind environment. Built on the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), the Zeekr X promises an unrivalled balance of luxury design, exceptional performance, premium technology and driving dynamics. Visit the Z-Box to find out how you can win exclusive Zeekr prizes.
  • · Z-Gallery | Witness the Australian debut of the Zeekr 009, a pure electric luxury MPV, and explore the future of e-mobility. See firsthand how Zeekr is transforming transportation into a more connected, luxurious, and sustainable experience at the SXSW Sydney Gallery.

SUNTORY -196 EXTREME VENDING MACHINE

The Suntory Minus 196 EXTREME Vending Machine is back for SXSW Sydney 2024! The epic eye-catching  three-story Vending Machine will again be activated at Tumbalong Park during SXSW Sydney. The machine will transport Aussies into the innovative and intensely Japanese world of Minus 196; with entry on the ground floor, guests will pass through a range of extreme experiences as they ascend to the upper deck — all with a Minus 196 can in hand.

THE GROWTH DISTILLERY

In 2024, we’re excited to introduce ‘The Ideas Dome’, a unique, purpose-built stage located in Tumbalong Park, open to all. Powered by News’ industry-leading research think-tank, The Growth Distillery, The Ideas Dome will showcase some of Australia’s leading media brands as they provide insights into some of the nation’s most impactful initiatives and campaigns. It takes its inspiration from The Australian’s brand platform, Welcome to the Contest of Ideas, where critical thinking is fostered, innovation encouraged and the status quo challenged.

Sessions include:

  • · The Australian presents Innovators: The Next Wave – Explore the future of innovation driven by generative AI, learn about the top 100 innovators transforming lives, and discover alternative funding options for entrepreneurs seeking support without going overseas.
  • · Body+Soul presents From Mates to Soul Mates: Dating in the Digital World – A discussion exploring the unwritten rules of online dating, addressing privacy concerns, managing expectations, and navigating the risks of online stalking.
  • · Vogue presents a Vogue Codes satellite session: From Algorithms to Data, the Future of Shopping – From marketing to the future of our digital footprint and the fashion trends created by algorithms, unpack how creative spaces such as fashion will be upended by incoming technologies.
  • · News.com.au presents Australia, it's About Bloody Time – An in-depth exploration of the advocacy campaign that delivered new specialist support for more than one million endometriosis sufferers and a $49 million investment from the Federal Government.

Another highlight of News’ SXSW Sydney program is The Growth Distillery’s ground-breaking research, Technographics: The Most Influential View Of Your Customer... That’s Hiding In Plain Sight, taking place in ICC Sydney, room E3.7 on Tuesday 15 October. | Favourite this session (popular)

ARN HOUSE

Be sure to check out ARN House and experience the power of audio. ARN House will also be home to an exclusive podcasting experience like no other, giving audio afficionados an opportunity to record their own 15-minute podcast, as produced by iHeart and hosted by ARN's talented breadth of journalists. To show you how it’s done, WSFM’s beloved Jonesy & Amanda will also be recording a special edition of their Cutting Room Floor podcast on Tuesday morning!

Plus catch their daily educational series including these insightful panels:

  • · Tuesday 15 October | Live & Local: The Significance of News with Head of News & Information Fiona Ellis-Jones and Senior Journalist Brooklyn Ross 
  • · Wednesday 16 October | Digital Audio Myths & Truths with National Podcast & Digital Sales Director Denis Donati 
  • · Thursday 17 October | Convergence of Tech & Audio with Creative Director Kade Robinson  
  • · Friday 18 October | Neuro AI: A New Frontier for Optimising your Audio Advertising with Director of Research and Insights Justin Stone 

INTUIT MAILCHIMP

Intuit Mailchimp brings you Email is (not) Dead, an immersive experience that challenges our perceptions of email, at Tumbalong Park from Monday 14 October through Sunday 20 October.

Email is Dead takes visitors a multi-dimensional journey of how email looks, feels, sounds, and smells. By providing a 360-view of the feelings and sensations that email evokes, the experience urges contemplation on email’s transformative influence on societal norms, the business world, and our personal lives. Visitors will be immersed into the many facets of email—from life-altering emails sent in real-life to a predictive email personality machine to expert predictions for the future. Check out the groundbreaking experience throughout the week at Tumbalong Park.

DESTINATION DEFENDER

Explore the Defender collection, learn about the latest in technology, connectivity and capability. See one of our friendly ambassadors to book into a test drive adventure around Sydney each curated to a unique playlist to inspire the most curious minds and adventurous hearts. Serving out Harry’s Bondi cans (juices) in AM.

Plus, read more about Defender House, where you can immerse yourself in the sound of adventure through a program of engaging experiences, here.

Destination Defender will also debut at Tumbalong Park where you can book in for an epic adventure test drive to experience the Defender Collection – BOOK NOW.

ALL.COM LOBBY LOUNGE

Engage with a world of food, wellness, music, travel, sport and entertainment and interact with iconic ALL.com brands like Pullman, Novotel and ibis at the The ALL.com Lobby Lounge. Start each day with complimentary West End cold-pressed juices provided by Novotel between 8–9am, PLUS indulge in a drink on ALL.com during Happy Hour from 4:30– 5:30pm daily and relax in the ALL.com Lobby Lounge in between events.

Be sure to get down to the Tumbalong Park Main Stage to witness live performances from UK sensation ENNY and South African superstar Moonchild Sanelly on Wednesday night from 6:00pm in celebration of ibis’ 50th anniversary (kicking of the evening at ALL.com Happy Hour from 4:30pm, of course!).

Plus catch these inspiring sessions:

  • · Tue 15 Oct | Protecting whale superhighways through creative collaboration, big data and AI – Learn about the vital role whales play in our oceans and about the partnership between WWF and Novotel. Chris Johnson (WWF) will discuss the importance of whales for both nature and people. | Favourite this session
  • · Tue 15 Oct | The Road Ahead - Trends shaping travel in the next ten years – Join industry leaders Jess Small (Tripadvisor), Kathryn Illy (Destination NSW), Carolyn Childs (MyTravelResearch.com) and Quentin Long (Australian Traveller Media) for a panel discussion on travel trends shaping the next decade. Moderated by Adrian Williams (Accor Pacific). | Favourite this session
  • · Wed 16 Oct | Headbanging the Hard Way: Do’s and Don’ts for Touring Musicians – Kaja Quinn from Skeletal Harmonics shares essential tips to avoid injuries while touring as a musician. | Favourite this session
  • · Thu 17 Oct | The New Definition of Fandom: What, Where, When and How do fans want to be engaged? – James Ellender (AFL) and Matt Hart (Commercial Venues NSW) discuss strategies for engaging fans both online and offline. 
  • · Fri 18 Oct | Project32 with Meg Harris – Get an exclusive look behind the scenes of the Paris Games and learn about project32, a unique athlete partnership program. Featuring two-time Olympic gold medallist Meg Harris and Rohan Sawyer (Bastion Experience). | Favourite this session

PAPA SALT BAR

Stop by the Papa Salt bar daily to celebrate the debut of their all-new premix can the Papa Salt Paloma. Stop by the Papa Salt bar daily to celebrate the debut of their all-new premix can the Papa Salt Paloma. Head down for Sunset Hour 5–7pm for $10 serves.

Plus, do your Saturday night right and get ready for all things surf and salt, with a screening of the 1966 cult classic film Endless Summer –  rejuvenated and digitally remastered, presented by Papa Salt. Followed by live music from SXSW Sydney Music Festival Acts Balthvs & Touch Sensitive. | Favourite this session

IHG Mind Lobby

Step inside the Mind Lobby with IHG Hotels & Resorts! Experience a groundbreaking new way to plan your next holiday. IHG Hotels & Resorts invites you to let your mind wander with a first-of-its-kind journey, where cutting-edge eye-tracking technology lets your subconscious guide you to your dream destination. With 19 hotel brands, 6,000+ properties across more than 100 countries and one global loyalty program, IHG Hotels & Resorts offers something for everyone.

Keep on reading for more exciting SXSW Sydney events and experiences, including Tumbalong Park programming and the iconic Houses SXSW is famous for! 

Tumbalong Park is a publicly accessible area, inviting members of the public and badgeholders alike to come together and enjoy a taste of SXSW Sydney from Monday 14 October – Sunday 20 October.

Tumbalong Park Opening Hours

Monday–Friday: 8am–10pm

Saturday: 10am–10pm

Sunday: 11am–7pm

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