SXSW Sydney ends after three years

Potential pathways forward were discussed with the NSW Government and SXSW’s global owner Penske Media Corporation but “prevailing market conditions mean the Sydney edition will not being going ahead at this time”, according to the organisers.

In 2022, Destination NSW had spent a reported $12 million on securing the rights to SXSW Sydney but has faced criticism from the Australian startup sector for not representing the local community.

The 2025 edition also faced issues as some of the headline speakers did not show up.

The SXSW Sydney Team said in a statement that “every great story has a final page, and it is with a heavy heart that we share that SXSW SYdney has reached its closing chapter and will not be returning in 2026”.

What they said: “SXSW Sydney would not have been possible without our partners, Destination NSW and SXSW, as well as those who contributed to the event — our speakers, sponsors, volunteers and attendees,” co-managing directors Simon Cahill and Jono Whyman said.

“SXSW Sydney was an unforgettable three-year journey, and we owe a debt of gratitude to the people who joined us for it.

“We are especially grateful to the SXSW Sydney team for their dedication and hard work in bringing this event to life and establishing a platform that showcased Australia and the Asia-Pacific as pioneers in global culture.”

SXSW’s director in charge Jenny Connelly said: “SXSW Sydney represented an ambitious and meaningful extension of the SXSW brand, and we are incredibly proud of what was built in partnership with the Sydney team, Destination NSW, and the broader creative community.”