Welcome to SXSW Support!
Stay updated with announcements, get answers from the community, and share your feature suggestions with us.
You can also submit a request or send us an email at support@sxsw.com.
SXSW Conference & Festivals
Registration
- 1. I just found out I can't attend for a really good reason. Can I get a refund?
- 2. How do I transfer my registration?
- 3. What are SXSW's policies regarding refunds, credentials, and the Terms and Conditions? PLEASE READ!
- 4. What's the easiest way to register for the conference?
- 5. When should I register?
- 6. How do I know that my registration form and payment have been received?
Housing & Travel
- Is it too early to book my room for 2018?
- I'm registered, how do I book my hotel?
- What is the best way to reserve a hotel in Austin for SXSW?
- I don’t know who in my company is attending yet, but I want to book hotels to get early bird registration prices, is there a way to do that?
- Why do some hotels require a minimum stay?
- How do I book a block of rooms for my large group?
Press
- General FAQ's about SXSW
- How can I get in touch?
- Who are the SXSW Founders?
- Interested in following SXSW?
- When did SXSW begin? Who has spoken, screened or performed at SXSW?
- What are other ways I can get my company involved outside of speaking opportunities?
SXSW Social
- What is SXSW Social?
- How do I reset my password?
- Is my profile visible to the public?
- How do I change my privacy settings?
- How do I edit my profile or change my private contact information?
- Does SXSW share my private contact information?
Interactive Innovation Awards
- What are SXSWs policies regarding refunds, credentials, and the terms and conditions? PLEASE READ!
- I read somewhere that I get the early registration price for a SXSW Interactive badge. Is that right?
- How much does it cost to enter the SXSW Interactive Innovation Awards?
- Final entry deadline is December 2, what do I do if my project launches after then?
- What night will the event take place?
- When will I know if my entry is a finalist in the SXSW Interactive Innovation Awards?
SXSW Accelerator Pitch Event
- When is the application deadline?
- What are the eligibility requirements for companies applying?
- 2018 Category Descriptions for SXSW Accelerator Pitch Event:
- What does it cost to apply to the SXSW Accelerator Pitch Event?
- We are bootstrapping our company. Can we apply to have this application fee reduced?
- How many products / services can I submit to the SXSW Accelerator Pitch Event?
Conference Speakers
- What are SXSWs policies regarding refunds, credentials, and the terms and conditions? PLEASE READ!
- Will SXSW be in touch with speakers after the event?
- Will you be answering email once SXSW begins?
- I am confused about my session, SXSW, Austin, and everything in between. Can you help me?
- What is the best way to contact SXSW now about my speaking slot?
- Where can I find a schedule of Evening Events at SXSW?
SXSW Release It
- When is the application deadline?
- What are the eligibility requirements for companies applying?
- What does it cost to apply to the SXSW Release It Pitch Event?
- How many products / services can I submit to the SXSW Release It Event?
- How are the products / services screened?
- Should my company create a video about our product or service for the online application process?
Film
- What is SXSW Film?
- When and where does the SXSW Conference and Film Festival take place?
- How can I contact SXSW Film?
- How can I get more information on SXSW Film?
- How do I submit a film to SXSW Film?
- Any advice before I send in my film submission and related materials?
Film Submissions
- What is SXSW Film?
- When is SXSW?
- How can I submit my film?
- When may I submit my film for the 2018 festival?
- What are the SXSW Film premiere and eligibility policies?
- What are the submission deadlines for the 2018 Film Festival?
Music
- Who should I contact about my great idea for a panel at SXSW Music?
- How is SXSW Music different than other music conferences and festivals?
- What kind of people speak at SXSW Music?
- Where can I go for help finding a hotel room for my stay in Austin during the festival?
- Who attends this event?
- How many people typically come to SXSW Music?
Music Showcases
- How to submit a Music Showcase Application
- How do I create a SXSW user account?
- How do I apply to perform at the 2018 SXSW Music Festival?
- If selected to showcase, does my act receive any compensation from SXSW?
- What access does an Artist Wristband have?
- What is the difference between a SXSW Music Festival "application" and a SXSW Music "registration?"
Exhibitions and Exhibitors
- How Do I Secure A Hotel Room For My Booth Workers?
- I’d like to use the SXSW logo, could you please send it to me?
- We have to leave before load out at 4pm Wed - is that ok?
- We can’t come anymore, can I get a refund on my booth?
- What is the best kind of swag to bring, and how much do I order?
- How do I place my food/beverage order?
SXSWfm
- What is SXSWfm?
- On which platforms can I listen to SXSWfm?
- Can I listen to your shows after they air?
- What kind of programming does SXSWfm offer during the offseason months?
- How do I provide feedback, suggestions, or request a song?
- When do your specialty programs air?
General
PanelPicker
- When do these SXSW events occur?
- Where do these SXSW events occur?
- Where can I find more information about these SXSW events?
- What is the timeline for the 2018 PanelPicker process?
- Will PanelPicker ideas be accepted after the entry deadline?
- How long have you been using the PanelPicker to help program the event?
Mentor Sessions
Cart
- 1. How can I choose a item?
- 2. How can I checkout?
- 3. How can I request a hotel?
- 4. How do I redeem my registration coupon code?
- 5. How do I upgrade or get additional add ons?
- 6. How do I transfer my badge?
Getting Around
- Are there any discounts available for transportation options?
- Are there shuttles to get to various theaters and venues?
- Is there a shuttle available to get to my hotel?
- How early should I arrive at the Austin Airport for my flight?
- Any truth to social media posts about luggage delays departing the Austin Airport?
- Transportation in Austin? Should I rent a car?
SXSW EDU
Registration
- 1. What's the easiest way to register for SXSW EDU?
- 2. What if I need to pay by Purchase Order (PO)?
- 3. To whom do I make my check payable?
- 4. How will I know my registration form and payment has been received?
- 5. What are SXSW EDU's policies regarding refunds, credentials, and the terms and conditions? PLEASE READ!
- 6. How can I obtain a copy of my SXSW EDU receipt?
Learn by Design Competition
- What is Learn by Design?
- How many Learn by Design winners will there be?
- What AV equipment will be available to me during my presentation?
- Who reviews the applications for the 2018 Learn by Design competition?
- Who are the Learn by Design judges?
- What are the judging guidelines for the 2018 Learn by Design competition?
Housing & Travel
- I'm registered, how do I book my hotel?
- Why book with SXSW Housing & Travel?
- What are my hotel payment options?
- I have already booked a hotel with SXSW Housing & Travel – how do I change or cancel my booking?
- Can I make changes to my SXSW Housing & Travel reservation directly with the hotel?
- I called the hotel and they don’t have my reservation! Should I panic?
Launch Startup Competition
- What is Launch?
- Who would benefit from participating in Launch?
- What are the eligibility requirements for companies applying to the 2018 Launch Competition?
- What does it cost to apply to Launch?
- May I get a refund?
- What type of payment is accepted for participation?
SXSW EDU Speaker
- What are SXSW EDU policies regarding refunds, credentials, and the terms and conditions? PLEASE READ!
- As a Speaker, do I have to pay for my SXSW EDU registration?
- What should I do if I have already purchased a badge?
- What do I need to know about speaker registration?
- Where can I find more information about Registration and Hotels?
- What is the Session Production Guide?
SXSW EDU Press
- What are the dates of SXSW EDU 2018?
- How can I apply for press credentials?
- Where can I find a list of press attending the event?
- What are the rules for capturing photos and video at SXSW EDU?
- Where can I find press releases?
- Where can I find your schedule of events?
SXSW EDU Film Program
- How are films submitted for SXSW EDU selected?
- Is SXSW EDU Film part of SXSW Film?
- When is the SXSW EDU film program?
- What is SXSW EDU film?
- What is the preferred format for SXSW EDU film submissions?
- What length should my SXSW EDU film submission be?
Playground
- What is the SXSW EDU Playground?
- What can I look forward to when attending the Playground?
- What type of programming will be taking place in the Playground?
- What is a Playground Display?
- What is a Playground Hands On?
- What is a Playground Talk?
Expo
- What is the Expo? // ¿Qué es la Expo?
- Where does it take place? // Dónde toma lugar?
- When is the Expo? // ¿Cuando es la Expo?
- How is the Expo different from a trade show? // ¿Cómo es la expo diferente a una feria?
- What does it cost to exhibit? // ¿Cuánto cuesta exponer?
- Who are the speakers at the Expo? // ¿Quiénes son los oradores en la Expo?
SXSW EDU Expo Student Startup Competition
- What is the SXSW EDU Student Startup Competition?
- How do students enter the Student Startup Competition?
- What is LaunchGen?
- What is the timeline for the Student Startup Competition?
- Who is eligible to apply to the Student Startup Competition?
- How are the applications graded for the competition?
EDU Social
- What is EDU Social?
- How do I edit my profile or change my private contact information?
- Is my profile visible to the public?
- How do I change my privacy settings?
- How do I upload my photo to eduSocial?
- How do I reset my password?
SXSW Gaming
Gaming Wristbands
- What if I buy a Gaming Wristband but can't attend SXSW?
- Is this the only time Gaming Wristbands will be sold?
- Do all registered individuals have to show up at the same time to pick up their Gaming Wristbands? Or can someone pick it up for me?
- What does a Gaming Wristband do for me?
- When will my credit card be billed?
- Does SXSW store my credit card number?
Speaker Information
- I am the organizer of my session. How will I get access to my Session Production Guide?
- As a speaker will I have access to the Session Production Guide?
- What is the Session Production Guide?
- I can’t log into my SXSW Social account.
- What is SXSW Social?
- Can my husband / wife / significant other / child attend my session?
Press
- When did SXSW begin? Who has spoken, screened or performed at SXSW?
- General FAQ’s about the SXSW family of events.
- How can I get in touch?
- Who are the SXSW Founders?
- Interested in following SXSW Gaming?
- When did SXSW Gaming begin?
Exhibitor Resources
- What credentials do I need to access the Gaming Expo?
- Where do I pick up my SXSW Registrant badge?
- How can I find event space for a meeting, promotion, reception, or meal function during SXSW Gaming?
- I need to transfer a badge to someone else, can you help?
- I already bought a badge and I received another one for free with the purchase of my booth, can I get a refund?
- How do I book a hotel?
SXSW Gamer's Voice Awards
- When is the deadline to apply for the 2017 SXSW Gamer’s Voice award?
- How much does it cost to apply to the 2017 SXSW Gamer’s Voice award? Is this fee refundable?
- Why does the SXSW Gamer’s Voice award have an application fee?
- What if I want to submit multiple titles for the 2018 SXSW Gamer’s Voice Awards? Do I submit and pay for a unique entry for each?
- What if I can’t represent my nominated Gamer’s Voice title in person at the 2018 SXSW Gaming Awards ceremony or 2018 SXSW Gaming Expo?
- What is the complete list of materials required of me if I’m nominated for a Gamer’s Voice Award?
SXSW Gaming Awards
- When is the deadline to apply for the 2018 SXSW Gaming Awards?
- How much does it cost to apply to the 2018 SXSW Gaming Awards? Is this fee refundable?
- Why do the SXSW Gaming Awards have an application fee?
- What if I want to submit multiple titles for the SXSW Gaming Awards? Do I submit a unique entry and pay an additional fee for each?
- What if I can’t represent my nominated title in person at the 2017 SXSW Gaming Awards ceremony?
- What is the complete list of materials required of me if I’m nominated?
SXSW Accepted Artists
Artist Admin
Artist & Crew Wristbands
For All International SXSW Participants (Music Festival Artists, Filmmakers, Speakers, Registrants)
- IMPORTANT: READ THIS FIRST!
- What are some important terms and phrases?
- Does SXSW share the immigration status of its participants?
- International travel tips
- What documents are needed for the B1/B2, O or P visas?
- Should I notify SXSW if I was accepted to speak or perform at SXSW but my visa is denied?
For International Music Festival Artists
- IMPORTANT: READ THIS FIRST!
- As an International Artist (from countries other than Canada), do I need a visa to perform at the SXSW Music Festival?
- As an International Artist from Canada do I need a visa to perform at the SXSW Music Festival?
- As an International Artist supported by an export office, funding body or other entity, do I need a certain visa type to perform at the SXSW Music Festival?
- As an International Artist, when should I start the visa process?
- As an International Artist, how do I obtain a Support Letter and/or Entry Letter from SXSW?
Press & Promotions
- SXSW Promotions
- How do I get a spot in the Music Bloggers Guide?
- How do I get my music on SXSWfm?
- How Do I Update Information on My SXSW.com Artist Profile?
- How Do I Submit an Mp3 to appear in the online schedule?
- How Do I Submit a Music Video for SXSW’s YouTube playlist?
Artist Housing & Travel
- How do I book a hotel for SXSW?
- How many rooms can I book with SXSW Housing & Travel?
- Does SXSW pay for showcase artist housing & travel?
- Do you have a chart that can help me understand how to book a hotel?
- What are my flight and airport options for traveling to Austin?
- Can I use reward points to book my hotel room?
SXSW.com Schedule & Mobile App
Production
Artist Update Emails
Welcome to Austin!
- What is the weather in Austin like and what should I pack?
- Simple tips for your SXSW experience
- Food Recommendations
- Texas Drinking Laws
- Laundry / Dry Cleaning
- Urgent Care Centers
Publicist Information
My Official SXSW Showcase
Volunteers
General Questions
- How do I register to volunteer?
- Is there a minimum age requirement to volunteer?
- What is the Volunteer Call?
- What is the difference between an All Conference Volunteer and a Music Festival Volunteer?
- Can I work on both an All Conference Crew AND a Music Festival Crew?
- I'm a returning SXSW Volunteer. Do I need to go to a volunteer call?
All-Conference Volunteers
- What crews are considered All Conference Crews?
- How do I sign up for All Conference Crews?
- Can I work on an All Conference Crew and a Music Festival Crew?
- What perks can I earn if I'm an All Conference Volunteer?
- Do I need to work all my hours before I pick up my perk?
- What are the hours that I will work on an All Conference Crew?
Music Festival Volunteers
- What crews are considered Music Festival Crews?
- How do I sign up for a specific crew?
- Can I work on an All Conference Crew and a Music Festival Crew?
- Can I work on more than one Music Festival Crew?
- I’m an Out of Town Volunteer. Can I work on a Music Festival Crew?
- I’m under 21 can I work on a Music Festival Crew?
Wristbands
Music Festival Wristbands
- 1. Why was the online system implemented?
- 2. How do you determine a local billing address?
- 3. I live in Austin, but I do not have a credit card with an Austin billing address. What are my options?
- 4. I do appreciate the effort, but why can't you just do things the old way?
- 5. What if I buy a wristband but can't attend SXSW?
- 6. Is this the only time wristbands will be sold?
SXSW Music Fest Hotel Wristband Package
- I work in the music industry. Why can't I buy a wristband?
- What's the difference between a SXSW wristband and a SXSW Music badge?
- I'm a registered badge-holder for SXSW. Can I buy a wristband for someone else?
- How many shows can I see with this wristband?
- Is my Wristband Hotel package refundable?
- What are the Wristband Pickup Times?
SXSW Guest Pass
General
- What is the SXSW Guest Pass?
- How much does the Guest Pass cost?
- How can I get a Guest Pass?
- I got a Guest Pass last year. Do I need a 2017 Guest Pass?
- I already have a Badge/Wristband, do I need a Guest Pass?
- How old do I have to be to get a Guest Pass?
International FAQ
INTERNATIONAL FAQ CONTENTS
For All International SXSW Participants (Music Festival Artists, Filmmakers, Speakers, Registrants)
- IMPORTANT: READ THIS FIRST!
- What are some important terms and phrases?
- Does SXSW share the immigration status of its participants?
- International travel tips
- What documents are needed for the B1/B2, O or P visas?
- Should I notify SXSW if I was accepted to speak or perform at SXSW but my visa is denied?
For International Music Festival Artists
- IMPORTANT: READ THIS FIRST!
- As an International Artist (from countries other than Canada), do I need a visa to perform at the SXSW Music Festival?
- As an International Artist from Canada do I need a visa to perform at the SXSW Music Festival?
- As an International Artist supported by an export office, funding body or other entity, do I need a certain visa type to perform at the SXSW Music Festival?
- As an International Artist, when should I start the visa process?
- As an International Artist, how do I obtain a Support Letter and/or Entry Letter from SXSW?
For International Conference Speakers, Filmmakers, or Registrants
- IMPORTANT: READ THIS FIRST!
- Do International Speakers or Registrants need visas to participate or attend SXSW?
- I am an International Conference Speaker or Filmmaker, how do I obtain a Support Letter from SXSW?
- I am an International Conference Speaker, Filmmaker or Registrant, when should I start the visa process?
- Should I notify SXSW if I am at the U.S. port but denied entry into the U.S.?