Why you should attend SXSW Sydney

Unlock Marketing Magic

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The countdown is on! SXSW Sydney 2024 is just around the corner, and from October 14–20, the city will transform into a playground for marketers, advertisers, and PR professionals eager to connect, collaborate, and discover what’s next in the industry.

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This year's festival is packed with fresh insights, innovative ideas, and a vibrant community ready to inspire and challenge the status quo.

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Check out these highlights from the program and start planning your experience!

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Featured Session: Sofia Hernandez

In this session, hear from Sofia Hernandez, Global Head of Business Marketing at TikTok. Sofia helps brands around the world tap into the power of TikTok by challenging them to build innovative marketing strategies that drive culture on and off the platform. With over 18 years of experience leading iconic global marketing campaigns for Fortune 500 companies like P&G, J&J, Netflix, and Spotify, Sofia's insights on authenticity and inclusivity in marketing are not to be missed.

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Featured Session: EYstreem aka Jordan Barclay

Meet Jordan Barclay, AKA EYstreem, the CEO and founder of Spawnpoint Media. Jordan’s session will delve into his journey of creating the most-watched gaming channel in Australia and how he maintains ‘safe-viewing’ practices for youth-oriented content. With over 120 million views per month, his insights on creating supportive spaces in digital media will be invaluable.

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Dive into the Attention Economy

Be sure to catch "From Eyeballs to Influence: Introducing the Attention Opportunity in Out Of Home Advertising," featuring the brilliant Dr. Karen Nelson-Field from Amplified Intelligence. In a world where attention is the new currency, this session dives deep into groundbreaking research that connects human attention in Out Of Home (OOH) advertising to the brand metrics that matter most. If you’re looking to optimise your campaigns and harness the power of attention, this is the place to be.

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Future-Proof Your Marketing Strategy

Ever wondered how to think like a futurist? Rohit Bhargava, a #1 Wall Street Journal best-selling author and SXSW favourite returns in 2024 to premiere his new book exclusively at SXSW Sydney. This isn’t just another trend report; it’s a masterclass in identifying trends and recognising patterns that can help you stay ahead of the curve. Bhargava’s insights will empower you to curate and leverage trends that can transform your marketing strategy for 2025 and beyond.

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Building Trust in a Changing World

Join Mike Schneider, MD of Bunnings, for a thought-provoking discussion on "The Plausible Future of Trust." In an era where trust is more valuable than ever, Schneider will share his perspectives on how brands can build and maintain trust amidst rapid technological and social changes. This session is essential for anyone looking to deepen their brand's connection with consumers.

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Navigating Ethical Marketing

In the session "Brilliant marketing or Dark Art: Are you convincing or conning your customers?" you’ll explore the delicate balance between persuasion and manipulation. This interactive panel features behavioural economics expert and Hardhat founder Dan Monheit, ADMA’s regulatory expert Sarla Fernando and moderator Alex Hayes (Clear Hayes Consulting), who will dissect common marketing practices, helping you understand what’s ethical and what crosses the line. Equip yourself with the knowledge to ensure your marketing strategies are both effective and responsible.

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Can Advertising Save the Planet?

As the climate crisis intensifies, the question arises: can advertising reshape the narrative? Join experts like Claire O’Rourke and Dan Ilic to tackle the big and burning question "Climate change needs a rebrand – Can advertising save the planet?" This session will challenge you to think critically about the role of advertising in addressing global issues and inspire you to use your platform for positive change.

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Mastering Trend Analysis

"Beyond the Buzz: Navigating the New Frontiers of Trend Analysis" will bring together thought leaders from Meta, Google, and Reddit to discuss how they study human behaviour and social change. This is your chance to gain insights into how trends should inform your strategies, helping you cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters.

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The Art of Communication

Finally, don't miss "17 seconds to win or lose," where you’ll learn the science behind impactful communication. This session will arm you with techniques to craft compelling introductions and pitches, ensuring you make a lasting impression in any interaction.

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Authenticity Sells in Social Media

Join Jemma Sbeg, the host of the hit show "The Psychology of your 20s," to learn how you can leverage authenticity in your pursuit of podcast and media success. Jemma’s podcast began from a place of obscurity and has grown into one of the biggest self-help podcasts in the world. Discover the secrets of organic growth and tapping into hidden markets in this insightful session.

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Ideas come to life at SXSW Sydney. By attending, you’ll immerse yourself in a world of inspiration, connect with industry leaders, and walk away with actionable insights that can transform your work. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible journey—join us this October and be at the forefront of marketing innovation!

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The SXSW Sydney Conference is organised into 23 programming tracks presented in a variety of session formats, spanning Advertising & Marketing; AI & Robotics; Culture, Society & Media; Design; Energy, Climate & Sustainability; Future of Work; Creator Economy and more. Find out more here. 

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