INSIDE THE LOUNGES AND HOUSES OF SXSW SYDNEY 2025

Across SXSW Sydney, brand houses and lounges are transforming spaces into immersive worlds of innovation, culture, and connection. From AI-powered art to future-shaping conversations, these destinations are where bold ideas come to life, and where the brightest minds meet to recharge, collaborate, and create what’s next. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, networking opportunities, or simply a place to unwind, these hubs are the pulse points of SXSW Sydney 2025.

Accenture Innovation Gallery
Monday 13 October – Friday 17 October, 9am to 5pm, ICC Sydney, Room C3.2

Step into the Accenture Innovation Gallery – where creativity, technology, and the art of the possible meet. Discover a space crafted for inspiration, exploration, and connection. Wander through interactive experiences and exhibits that bring the concept of artificial intelligence to life, including Thom Muir’s striking artwork, Total Synthesis, a powerful symbol of reinvention. Whether you’re keen to relax and recharge, network with fellow change-makers, or dive into the latest insights at our exclusive Accenture Insight Sessions, our gallery is your gateway to what’s next. Experience real-world stories of transformation, witness the convergence of human imagination and machine intelligence, and see how today’s bold ideas are shaping tomorrow’s enterprises.

KPMG Futuresphere
Tuesday 14 October – Thursday 16 October, various times, Pumphouse

KPMG brings a future-ready, trusted perspective to today’s technologies and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. 

At Futuresphere, you’ll explore how artificial intelligence, smart systems, and radical innovation are reshaping industries and the human experience. Discover four immersive zones designed to challenge perspectives and excite curious minds: A Better World, Intelligent Performance, Trusted Forever, and Frontier Today. Unpack global change, rethink work, rebuild trust in a digital-first world, and go beyond generative AI into the next wave of innovation.

Just scan your SXSW Sydney pass to enter and experience a space to reimagine, engage, and shape the future we choose to create.

Open Tuesday 8am - 7pm; Wednesday 9am - 9pm; Thursday 8am - 4pm.

Cyber CX Lounge
Monday 13 October 13 – Tuesday 14 October, 10am to 5pm. ICC Sydney, Room E3.5 

The CyberCX Lounge will host an exciting mix of panels and talks, a live podcast, and an interactive lock picking workshop where attendees can learn how locks work and practice opening them - much like a puzzle or brain teaser - with the help of our security experts. 

CyberCX is the leading provider of end-to-end cyber security and cloud services. With a workforce of 1,400 cyber security professionals, CyberCX is a trusted partner to private and public sector organisations, helping customers confidently manage cyber risk, respond to incidents, and build resilience in an increasingly complex and challenging threat environment.  

Le Checkpoint Lounge
Monday 13 October, 9am to 5pm. ICC Sydney, Room C2.4

Publicis Groupe ANZ in partnership with Reddit, invites you to Le Checkpoint – a space at SXSW Sydney 2025 designed to help brands navigate the next step in their tech and marketing transformation journey. 

With curated content from across the Groupe, including Publicis Sapient, and supporting partner AWS, expect hands-on demos and talks during the day, client-only events, and discussions that turn complexity into clarity and action. 

MIK Studio presents Show Notes
Tue 14 October – Thursday 16 October. ICC Sydney, Room E3.3

Join us at the inaugural SXSW Sydney Podcast Industry Lounge, where experts and creators come together to decode the Australian podcast landscape.

Expect raw conversations about what actually works: platform executives revealing growth secrets, beloved podcast duos sharing their winning formula, managers turning shows into multimedia franchises, and creators rewriting the rules of sports media, storytelling, and audience connection. We're covering everything from revenue streams and IP strategy to video podcasting and the power of authentic voices.

This isn't just about making better shows, it's about understanding how podcasts are reshaping media, culture, and business in Australia and beyond. Find out where we’re at, and where we’re going.

Awesome Black Lounge
Mon 13 October – Friday 17 October, 9am to 5pm. ICC Sydney, Room C2.2

This new ally-friendly hub will spotlight First Nations sessions and speakers, programmed in collaboration with SXSW Sydney, giving them the visibility, audiences, and promotion they deserve.

It will also host dedicated preparation and support opportunities for Mob — providing a safe base on the conference floor to regroup, recharge, and connect. Attendees can expect deep-dive conversations, international Mob meet-ups, and focused gatherings such as the Mob Music Meet-Up and the Creative Industries Meet-Up.

Mob and friends are encouraged to use the hub at any time during the conference — a welcoming space to pause, connect, and find community amid the energy of SXSW Sydney.

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American Apparel House
Wednesday 15 October – Saturday 18 October, 5pm to midnight at The Chippo.

Located at the iconic Chippendale Hotel during SXSW Sydney, the American Apparel House is a four-day celebration of music, culture, and community. Catch exclusive sets from emerging artists, including winners of the American Apparel StAArt Up Fund. With pop-up printing, limited-edition merch, and surprise collabs, this is where culture is crafted from the ground up. 

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The Impact Stage, presented by Charitabl.
Wednesday 15 October – Friday 17 October, 9am to 5pm, ICC Sydney, Room E3.5

The Impact Stage is proudly presented by Charitabl. in partnership with Minderoo Foundation and Microsoft. 

Charitabl. is revolutionising giving technology to ensure generosity remains at the core of the human experience.Charitabl. empowers people, charities, workplaces, creators, and brands to embed generosity wherever they show up - turning culture, content, and communities into forces for good.

In a world that’s fast-moving, and digital-first, we’re building the infrastructure that keeps generosity relevant, digital, and powerful. Charitabl. is rethinking how giving happens - and designing it for how people actually engage digitally in today's world. 

Our tech is barrier free, digitally secure and cost effective, because we believe philanthropy shouldn’t be reserved for the old, the wealthy, or the few.Charitabl. is for everyone - with an internet connection and a desire to do good.

We’re here to modernise giving, scale generosity and make sure it never gets left behind.


Clear Hayes House
Monday 13 October – Friday 17 October at the Harajuku Gyoza Beer Stadium.

In just two years, Clear Hayes House has become the hub for media and marketing professionals at SXSW Sydney. What began as a bold experiment is now an unmissable industry destination where leaders meet, ideas spark and brands take the spotlight.

Clear Hayes House is open to everyone. SXSW Sydney passholders can walk straight in; all others can pre-register for free. Join leaders from across the industry for a week of sharp content, new connections and plenty of laughs at the most accessible House at SXSW Sydney.

DEPT® Garden House
Tuesday 14 October – Thursday 16 October in the Chinese Garden of Friendship

DEPT® is heading to SXSW Sydney and bringing the good vibes with us. From October 14 to 16, we’re taking over the Chinese Garden of Friendship for connection, conversation, and curated experiences.
Think daily panels that challenge the status quo, lunches designed for unexpected collisions, golden hour gatherings, and the return of the memorable cocktail party and DEPT® Friends dinner.

Join DEPT® by registering here: https://www.deptagency.com/en-apac/event/sxsw-sydney-2025/

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Johnnie Walker Black Ruby House
Wednesday 15 October – Saturday 18 October at The Underground Sydney 

Johnnie Walker Black Ruby is proud to partner with SXSW Sydney in 2025 to hero and support the next wave of music talent. As part of this collaboration, the Johnnie Walker Black Ruby House will take over UTS Underground from 14-18 October. The activation underscores Johnnie Walker’s commitment to championing the next generation of music talent, helping them progress and take bold steps forward on their creative journey - from Sydney to the world stage.

NSW House

Tuesday 14 October – Thursday 16 October at Darling Pavillion in Tumbalong Park 

Connecting curious minds across music, screen, digital games and technology, this year you'll find us at the heart of the action - based at Darling Pavilion in Tumbalong Park from 14 to 16 October.

Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/explore-nsw-house/tickets

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Removery House

Wednesday 15 October to Friday 17 October at The Loft on Broadway, upstairs. 

Tattoos aren’t forever anymore. Removery are the world’s tattoo removal experts, with qualified and expert technicians, together with the most advanced laser technology, we will provide the most effective treatment for your tattoo removal. Removery exists to empower you to become who you want to be by giving you choices over your tattoos. Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality service and care at every stage of your tattoo removal or fading journey — whether it's fading, complete removal of unwanted work or making room for new arrivals.

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