SXSW drops teaser trailer ahead of 2020 launch

South By Southwest (SXSW) is ramping up for its official 2020 launch.

The wheels will be set in motion on July 1, for the annual conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries, which returns to Austin, Texas from March 13—22

Organisers have released a trailer with past speakers spruiking the importance of the event.

“It reminds me of when I was young,” Garbage singer Shirley Manson equates the atmosphere with her own teen days of hitting the clubs to see acts and make friends.

“Everyone had their own style and everyone was hungry and people were full of dreams,” she recalls.

“A glorious mash-up of people,” describes UK musician, author and record label founder Martin Atkins.

Others on the trailer include Wyclef Jean, Amanda Palmer, filmmaker Jessica Brillhart, basketball champion Chris Bosh, women’s activist Musimbi Kanyoro, TV presenter Dan Rather, Chinese deputy minister of culture Celest Hsiao-ching Ting, singer-songwriter Lauren Mayberry, folk singer and violinist Gaelynn Lea, South Korean singer Chung Ha, comedian and writer Amber Ruffin, and futurist and author Amy Webb.

Comments include “brings together all kinds of amazing backgrounds and interests”, “pulls similarities out of people that didn’t exist before” and “any moment you can turn the corner and find something new.”

Aside from applying to showcase or be delegates at its music, films and technology panels, Australians can also be involved in SXSW through the user-generated PanelPicker.

This is by pitching proposals for sessions for the daytime conference programming.

It’s a two-step process to apply via sxsw.com

Among topics for pitches are the future of music, start-ups, climate and social action, monetising music, advertising and brand experience, and connection & culture.

PanelPicker connects us with the thousands of creative professionals, experts and decision-makers from the many disciplines in the global SXSW community,” explains SXSW chief programming officer Hugh Forrest.

“This interface helps us identify the most compelling new ideas within the many different industries we serve and, in so doing, keeps SXSW exciting, timely, and relevant.”

The following dates have been set aside for official Meet And Greets, with speakers to be announced shortly:

• 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.