SXSW 2015 has opened registrations and meet-ups have been set for Sydney and Melbourne next week.
Within 24 hours of opening up registrations August 4 for the 29th annual South by Southwest Music, Film & Interactive Festivals & Conferences to be held in Austin Texas March 13-22, more than 70 paid registrants had signed up and gotten their choice of CBD hotels for the event.
By the end of the week more than 110 were registered and a few dozen bands have already submitted for showcases. A total of 240 Australian bands applied in 2014, 9000 globally.
SXSW 2015 estimates are over 75,000 industry professionals from 80+ nations for its conferences, exhibitions and festivals. With registrants and band members/crew this past March over 1000 Australians attended–the largest Australian presence in North America in one place since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
“It’s the largest opening day and week we’ve ever had!” says Phil Tripp, 12 year veteran representative of SXSW based in Coffs Harbour. “When I started there were only 20 delegates and five bands; in 2014 we had over 730 registrants across all three shows, 72 bands invited of which over 50 played and four major trade show stands splite between music and interactive clients.”
Following on the momentum of the first week, Tripp has arranged two free SXSW Meet ‘n’ Greet networking events in Melbourne & Sydney next week geared to first time attendees, those deciding to come, bands and SXSW veterans who will share their tips and secrets with the crowds from their multi-trip experiences.
First up is Melbourne’s Corner Hotel 5:30 Tuesday August 12 (57 Swan St., Richmond) starting at 5:30 with networking drinks and then 6:30-9 for the panel below with Q&A. No RSVP necessary.
Melbourne Speakers include:
Brad Thomas SXSW Travel Agent-Entertainment Travel Partners
Alex Lefley–Group Account Director of Edelman PR
Millie Millgate-Executive Producer Sounds Australia
Paul Cashmere-Executive Producer Noise11.com
Andrew Mast-Managing Editor TheMusic
The following night in Sydney 5:30 Wednesday August 13 at the Newtown Social Club (387 King St., Newtown) also starts at 5:30 with the same schedule for panel with Q&A 6:30 to 9. No RSVP necessary.
Sydney Speakers include:
Gregg Donovan Manager-Airbourne, Grinspoon, Boy & Bear, Josh Pyke & more
Brad Thomas SXSW Travel Agent-Entertainment Travel Partners
Shaun O’Connor Technologist-Publicis Mojo, formerly TBWA
Glenn Dickie Export Music Producer-Sounds Australia
Larry Heath Founder & Editor-The AU Review
Jackie Kralj Digital Music Strategist-Digirascal
Sophie Blachford Client Partner–Facebook
Details are at http://philtripp.com/south-by-southwest-sydney-melbourne-free-meetups/
REGISTER TO ATTEND & SECURE A HOTEL: http://sxsw.com/attend
Band Showcase Submission–NOW to October 12 http://sxsw.com/music/festival/apply
Submit a Film–Feature, Short, Music Video or Title Sequence http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/submit
Interactive Awards Entry–http://sxsw.com/interactive/awards/interactive-awards
