Top 10 tips to Make the Most of SXSW Sydney 2025

SXSW Sydney is back from October 13-17, 2025 with more than 1,000 events taking place across the city. The Clear Hayes team are SXSW veterans so here we share some top advice for making the most of this incredible festival of creativity. 

Clear Hayes Principal and Clear Hayes House Curator Alex Hayes explains:

“October’s event will be my 13th SXSW experience - I’ve done nine in Austin, two in Sydney and the inaugural London event this year. Yes I have a problem. But I also know what you can get out of these events if you’re prepared to do things differently, because they’re not like anything you’ll have experienced before. 

To first-timers, SXSW Sydney looks like chaos. It is, but in the best way. It’s sprawling (venues can be a long way apart so check first), noisy, eclectic and utterly addictive. Let go of FOMO and lean into serendipity. At any point there’s 20 different things you could be doing, so if you spend your time worrying you’re missing you’re just going to be continually disappointed. 

My approach is to not overcommit or pack your diary from dawn till dusk. Pick one or two must-sees each day, then leave space for spontaneity – some of the best insights come from stumbling into the “wrong” room and learning about something totally different from your day job. 

Talk to strangers. Networking is the white space in between the words in the official program and the best conversations often happen in these cracks – over a coffee cart, at a pop-up gig or while waiting in line (queues are also part of the experience). Go in with curiosity, not a hard sell. People remember genuine connections long after business cards are lost and a quick follow-up after the event will keep those relationships alive.  

It also isn’t just about sitting in sessions. The exhibition, ‘Houses’ (like ours - Clear Hayes House) and brand activations are where some of the most creative ideas live – and often where the best insights are gleaned. It’s also where you’ll find the free food, drinks and swag. Make sure you check them out because I know from firsthand experience a lot of time and energy (and money) will have gone into making them interesting.

Above all, keep an open mind, inspiration is probably just around the corner.” 

If you're SXSW Sydney curious but can't commit to the ticket price you can enjoy some of the free events they have going on at the Festival. Clear Hayes House at Harajuku Gyoza Beer Stadium from October 13-17 also has a host of free to attend events from workshops to Happy Hours. Check out our program and get your FREE tickets here.

Here’s our Top Ten Do’s and Don’ts to make the most of the event:

1. Let go of FOMO - You can’t do everything, don’t try to. Make peace with that.

2. Navigation - The conference is vast and spread out. work out where you’re going to and leave time to get there. It’s spread over a large area, in several venues. Streams and related content are often in the same venue, so keep an eye on that - but sometimes things are way across town - so plan to leave on time (Tip: Q&As are usually a good time to get out).

3. Don’t overcommit or try to plan your whole day (back to back) - There are 20 things you can be doing at any given time, there might be one or two must-sees, but on the whole spontaneity is encouraged. And always keep an eye on the program - there’s constant additions and changes. 

4. Communicate - Text chats are your friend. Find people to save you seats, grab a snack or water with, jump queues with etc. It’s a great way to share intel, find out about parties and activations, where you can get free stuff or where good/bad sessions are happening. 

5. Take time out - You can’t sit in a conference room for 8 hours per day, plan breaks, get out and see the activations, walk the trade floor, have lunch (come to Clear Hayes House for a great spread) - it’s a lot more than just talks. 

6. Charge your devices before you go - Power is a scarce commodity, don’t get caught short (good powerbanks are a lifesaver).

7. Water - Take plenty, and some snacks to keep you going (we know we sound like your mum, but hydration is important).

8. Do talk to strangers - Networking is one of the top reasons people want to go to conferences now - so do it! There are thousands of people wanting to connect. Don't let them down.

9. Check out the experiences - There’s a few “houses” from different businesses and groups (like Clear Hayes House), most you can get into and see what is happening - they’re generally really interesting and vibrant (plus there’s heaps of freebies). The trade show is always worth a good look as well - lots of interesting startups show their wares there.

10. Pack for all seasons - The weather can be unpredictable at this time of year, and with plenty of walking involved you could find yourself caught out. Cover your bases.

Have fun - this is an unofficial one, but you’re not there to suffer (and if you are, that’s weird). Find the fun, spread some joy, have a laugh and take the time to make it an experience you’ll cherish. Life is too short for bad conferences.