SXSW Sydney cancelled after three-year run

After a three-year run, SXSW Sydney has been cancelled, ending the Asia Pacific edition of South by Southwest, a decision organisers said reflects a “changing global environment” impacting major events, festivals and cultural programs worldwide.

Organisers said the decision reflects a changing global environment affecting major events, festivals and cultural programs worldwide. SXSW Sydney worked with the NSW Government and SXSW’s global owner, Penske Media Corporation, to explore options for the future, but market conditions ultimately prevented the event from continuing.

Launched in 2023, SXSW Sydney generated an estimated $276 million in total economic impact across its three editions. The event attracted more than 63,000 out-of-region visitors and recorded 35% year-on-year growth in international attendance between 2024 and 2025.

In 2025, SXSW Sydney drew more than 345,000 attendees, representing a 15% year-on-year increase.

Co-managing directors Simon Cahill and Jono Whyman said SXSW Sydney had relied on strong partnerships and broad industry support.

“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,” they said.

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

Jenny Connelly, director in charge of SXSW, said the Sydney edition had played an important role in extending the SXSW brand into the Asia Pacific.

“SXSW Sydney represented an ambitious and meaningful extension of the SXSW brand,” Connelly said. “Over three years, SXSW Sydney demonstrated the power of convening global innovators, creatives and leaders, and created a platform that elevated voices from Australia and the Asia-Pacific region onto the world stage.”

Organisers said SXSW Sydney will work closely with staff to provide appropriate support following the decision.