Industry update

SXSW Sydney concludes its run after three years in APAC

by Telum Media

14 January 2026 5:25 AM

2 mins read

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."

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