Tech Diary: South By South West Sydney Event - October 2025
Aussie Intelligence
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Driven by a passion for expanding the tech sector in Australia and internationally, our blog offers a diverse range of content, including expert articles, insightful opinions, and community perspectives.
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On Friday, October 17, 2025, we immersed ourselves in the vibrant chaos of SXSW Sydney, the Asia-Pacific's premier festival blending tech, music, screen, games, and culture. Held across iconic spots like ICC Sydney, Tumbalong Park, and Kensington Street in Darling Harbour and Chippendale, the event pulsed with energy from global creators and locals alike. As Day 5 of the week-long extravaganza (running October 13-19), it featured over 1,000 sessions, mentorships, and free activations. Here's a rundown of our day, highlighting the thought-provoking discussions that left me inspired about the future of creativity and industry in Australia and beyond.
Morning: AI, Venture Capital, and the Music Business Evolution
The day started bright and early at ICC Sydney with a dive into tech and innovation. We caught the "Venture Capital in the AI Age" session at 11:00 AM in Cockle Bay Room 2, where panelists dissected how AI is reshaping investment landscapes. Speakers from Carta and other firms shared strategies for funding AI-driven startups, emphasizing ethical AI deployment and the need for diverse funding to avoid echo chambers in tech. Overlapping was the keynote "Beyond Predictions: From Future Thinking to Future Being" at 11:30 AM in Pyrmont Theatre, exploring futuristic mindsets beyond mere forecasting—think proactive world-building in an AI era.
Nearby, at the UTS Chau Chak Auditorium, the "AI Workshop: Set Your Music Business Up for Success" (11:30 AM–12:30 PM) bridged tech and music. Experts demonstrated AI tools for playlist curation, royalty tracking, and fan engagement, sparking debates on whether AI democratizes the industry or risks artistic dilution. We discussed in the group how Australian artists could leverage these for global reach, with one attendee sharing success stories from using AI in South Asian music markets via the concurrent "The Evolution of South Asian Music Market - LIVE" panel. Coffee breaks turned into impromptu chats about balancing human creativity with machine efficiency— a theme echoing SXSW's Technology & Innovation track.
Midday: Australian Stories and Breaking Geographic Barriers
After grabbing flat whites and avocado toasts from a Darling Harbour café (SXSW's Aussie flair shining through), we headed to "What Is An Australian Story?" at 12:00 PM in Cockle Bay Room 1. This panel unpacked national identity in screen and media, with filmmakers debating authentic storytelling amid global influences. Questions arose about representing Indigenous voices and regional tales in a streaming-dominated world, leading to lively audience Q&A on cultural export.
Networking in the mentorship foyer connected me with music managers. We joined the "Breaking Out of Your Geobubble" panel (12:15 PM–1:15 PM at ICC C2.3), tackling how Aussie artists overcome algorithmic and geographic hurdles to hit global charts. Panelists like Jono Harrison and John Watson (moderated by Zan Rowe) highlighted strategies for international breakthroughs, inspiring side conversations on ARIA charts and linguistic barriers. Lunchtime exhibits showcased indie games and sustainable tech, where we chatted with developers about blockchain for artist rights—echoing broader equity talks.
Afternoon: Merch and Industry Roundtables
The afternoon shifted to practical insights. At ICC E3.6, "Merch or Die: How Merch Became Music’s Most Powerful Marketing Tool" (2:00 PM–3:00 PM) featured experts like Luke Bevans discussing merch as revenue goldmine and fan connector, with tips on sustainable designs. We debated its role in post-pandemic touring, with one group sharing crowdfunding stories via platforms like X.
For screen enthusiasts, "Building Dread: The Art of Body Horror" at 12:00 PM in Palace Central Cinemas delved into VFX and practical effects in horror films, with creators sharing biohacking inspirations. The "International Managers Roundtable" (3:30 PM–4:30 PM) wrapped mentoring sessions, fostering cross-border collaborations. Discussions emphasized inclusivity, like amplifying diverse voices in climate tech and media—tying into the festival's Culture & Lifestyle themes.
Reflecting on October 17, SXSW Sydney wasn't just events—it was a catalyst for connections, challenging us to think globally while rooting in Australian innovation. From AI's creative potential to merch's marketing power, the discussions underscored collaboration in a rapidly evolving world. Can't wait for 2026!
