SXSW Sydney has announced that its edition of South by Southwest (SXSW) will not proceed in 2026, concluding its annual run from 2023 to 2025. The organisation said the decision reflects a changing global environment impacting major events, festivals, and cultural programs worldwide.
 
Despite efforts by SXSW Sydney, in collaboration with the NSW Government and SXSW's global owners, Penske Media Corporation, to explore potential pathways forward, prevailing market conditions mean the Sydney edition will not go ahead at this time.

SXSW Sydney stated that it is committed to its staff and will be working closely with team members to provide appropriate support.
 
SXSW Sydney's Co-Managing Directors, Simon Cahill and Jono Whyman, 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. 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."

Vedika Malhotra has joined BPG Group in Dubai as Communications Manager. In this role, she focuses on corporate and consumer client communications, media engagement and influencer marketing, supporting integrated campaigns and communications strategy for the agency’s clients.

Vedika previously worked as an independent communications consultant and has held roles at MetaVoice London, Edelman and MSL Group India with experience across agency, start-up and brands in India and the UK.

Cognito has announced the appointment of Tana Zhang as Managing Director, Hong Kong. She leads Cognito's operations, client service, and growth strategy in Hong Kong and the Greater China region to drive the agency’s integrated offering, spanning corporate communications, reputation advisory, events, and digital marketing.

Tom Coombes, Founder and CEO of Cognito, said, “We have a proud track record of providing exceptional communications advisory in Asia, but the market is evolving. Tana’s arrival signals a new phase of growth where we are doubling down on high-level financial communications and investor relations. Her deep understanding of the local market is a massive asset for our clients who need a sophisticated partner to decode the nuances of this critical economic hub.”

Tana joins Cognito from Edelman Smithfield, where she led the APAC financial communications team and counselled buy- and sell-side institutions on go-to-market strategy, crisis management, thought leadership, and stakeholder engagement. With experience in the asset management, insurance, private equity, real estate, family offices, and FinTech sectors, she previously worked in-house roles at PAG, Mizuho Securities, and AIA.

“I believe outstanding communications starts with an intimate understanding of the business and the environment it operates in," said Tana. "As the global economic landscape continues to evolve and new technologies profoundly change people’s news consumption habits, the need for better market positioning and effective storytelling has never been greater.

"I am thrilled to join Cognito at a time when clients are looking for high-impact visibility backed by strategic insights. I look forward to helping our clients build an enduring reputation, hone business resilience, and drive commercial success.”