SXSW 2020: Key dates and multi-state Meet & Greets confirmed
The Australian campaign for SXSW 2020 officially began on Monday (June 17).
Showcase applications for SXSW Conference & Festivals (Interactive, Music & Film) open on July 1 and delegation registration on August 1.
Also announced on Monday were details of the Meet’N’Greets, where SXSW veteran attendees offer tips to newcomers.
Band applications close in October, but historically Aussie acts have tended to be successful – a record 70 invites this year – because they get in early.
“Because we strategise applying early for showcases, we turn in our music and promo while the eyes and ears of SXSW reviewing staff are fresh,” says Phil Tripp, SXSW senior business development manager for Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii.
“We are prepared for the necessary visas and budgeting when we get early notice of acceptance.
“Most other bands from the US and UK wait until the last days of deadline when ears are crisped, eyes are weary and the volume is overwhelming with latecomers.”
The Australian government, through G’Day USA, have committed itself for a third year to its Australia House hub initiative at the renovated Lucilles club.
This year Secret Sounds and Laneway Festival threw private parties, while Sounds Australia – which ran the music showcases – also worked with Screen Queensland, Victoria’s tech trade Global Victoria and Victorian Music Development Office (VMDO) and the South Australia premier’s office to provide additional shows for artists from their respective states early in the week.
In 2018, Metropolitan Groove Merchants (MGM), Secret Sounds and FutureClassic launched partnership showcases.
In terms of music, SXSW is seen as a major trade fair for Australian acts and businesses finding a global foothold.
Interestingly, the breakdown of Australian delegations is 65% tech, 25% music and the rest for films.
“Our tech and interactive prowess has grown Australia’s brand so dynamically,” says Tripp.
“We have a huge presence of startups, developers, VR/AR/MR producers, AI pioneers, advertising and marketing agencies & creatives, games and multimedia alchemists who have used SXSW as their launching pad into the creative content global market.
“2019’s winner of the SXSW Interactive Innovation award for Music and Audio is Melbourne-based Nuraphone, the world’s only headphone that automatically self-learns and adapts to your unique hearing.
“Their packed stand presence throughout the Trade Fair had a huge impact on sales and media attention at a crucial time in their growth.”
2019 Meet & Greets:
Melbourne (July 15) The Gem – 289 Wellington St. Collingwood.
Sydney (July 16) Upstairs Beresford – 354 Bourke St, Surry Hills.
Brisbane (July 17) Fortitude Music Hall 312 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley.
They run 5.30 –8 pm, are free and no RSVP is required.