Welcome to SXSW Support!
Still have questions? Email us at info@sxsw.com.
Top Questions
PanelPicker
Music and Film Festivals
About the SXSW Conference and Festivals
About SXSW
SXSW Conference
SXSW Film Festival
SXSW Music Festival
Attending SXSW
Registration
- What are the registration deadlines and rates for SXSW 2020?
- What's the easiest way to register for SXSW?
- How do I register a group for SXSW?
- When should I register?
- How do I transfer my registration?
- I would like to register my group now, but I don't know exactly who will be attending. What do I do?
Attending Events
- Are there special bag policies at particular venues?
- Are there age restrictions for SXSW events?
- I want to take photographs or record video at SXSW — what do I need to know?
- 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?
Housing & Travel
- When can I book my hotel for SXSW 2020?
- Where are SXSW hotels located?
- I'm registered, how do I book my hotel?
- How do I change, cancel, or move my SXSW Housing reservation to another hotel?
- Can I make changes to my SXSW Housing reservation directly with the hotel?
- What are the SXSW Housing cancelation policies?
Cart
- How do I choose an item?
- How do I check out?
- How do I book a room and request a hotel?
- How do I redeem my registration coupon code?
- How do I upgrade or get additional add-ons?
- How do I transfer my badge?
SXSW Social
- What is SXSW Social?
- Is my profile visible to the public?
- How do I change my privacy settings?
- How do I reset my password?
- How do I edit my profile or change my private contact information?
- How do I share my schedule?
Linking Your Badge
SXSW Conference
Conference Speakers
- Where can I find the Content Capture desk?
- 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?
- Where can I get SXSW images for my blog?
- How I can I increase pre-event buzz about my session?
PanelPicker
- What is PanelPicker?
- What is the timeline for PanelPicker?
- What do I need to do to be able to vote in PanelPicker?
- Can I enter a PanelPicker proposal after the entry deadline?
- What makes for a good PanelPicker proposal?
- Are there videos or audio recordings of past sessions that I can browse to learn more about the kinds of topics you cover at SXSW?
Mentor Sessions
SXSW Interactive Festival
SXSW Pitch
- What are the entry categories for SXSW Pitch 2019?
- What are the eligibility requirements for companies applying?
- When is the application deadline?
- What does it cost to apply to SXSW Pitch?
- Who is involved in SXSW Pitch?
- We are bootstrapping our company. Can we apply to have this application fee reduced?
SXSW Hackathon
- What is the SXSW Hackathon?
- How do I join the Hackathon?
- Is a SXSW badge required to participate?
- Can I attend without participating?
- Where is the Hackathon located?
- How many people can be on a team?
SXSW Release It
- What are the eligibility requirements for companies applying?
- When is the application deadline?
- What does it cost to apply to SXSW Release It?
- 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?
Interactive Innovation Awards
- When will the Innovation Awards events take place?
- What kind of work can be entered into the SXSW Interactive Innovation Awards?
- What do Innovation Awards Finalists and Winners receive?
- What are the deadlines and fees to enter the SXSW Interactive Innovation Awards?
- Are late entries accepted?
- When will I know if my entry is a finalist in the SXSW Interactive Innovation Awards?
SXSW Film Festival
Film Festival Wristbands
- Why was the online system implemented?
- How do you determine a local billing address?
- I live in Austin, but I do not have a credit card with an Austin billing address. What are my options?
- I do appreciate the effort, but why can't you just do things the old way?
- What if I buy a wristband but can't attend SXSW?
- Is this the only time wristbands will be sold?
Film Submissions
- What is SXSW Film?
- When is SXSW Film 2020?
- How can I submit my film for consideration for SXSW 2020?
- When do I submit my film for the 2020 festival?
- What are the SXSW Film premiere and eligibility policies?
- What are the submission deadlines for the 2020 Film Festival?
Festival Information
- When and where does the SXSW Conference and Film Festival take place?
- How can I contact SXSW Film?
- How do I submit a film to SXSW Film?
- How does my film get chosen to screen at the SXSW Film Festival?
- Why should my film screen at SXSW?
- Where are the Film Festival screenings?
SXSW Music Festival
Music Showcases
- How do I submit a Music Showcase Application?
- How are artists chosen to play the Music Festival?
- If selected to perform, will my act receive any compensation from SXSW?
- What access does an Artist Wristband provide?
- How do I create a SXSW ID account?
- If I am not selected to showcase, should I still come to SXSW?
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 Accepted Artists
My Official SXSW Showcase
Artist Admin
Production
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
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?
- What are my flight and airport options for traveling to Austin?
- Can I use reward points to book my hotel room?
- What if the hotel I want is sold out, I'm having a problem finding a hotel room, or I still have questions?
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
General Information
Privacy and Personal Data
SXSW EDU
SXSW EDU Mentor Program
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 will the Learn by Design winner receive?
- As a Learn by Design finalist, what will I receive?
- What is Learn by Design?
- Who is eligible to apply to Learn by Design?
- Where and when will the Learn by Design competition take place?
- Are multiple submissions allowed?
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?
- What are the eligibility requirements for companies applying to the 2020 Launch Competition?
- Who would benefit from participating in Launch?
- Is there an application fee to submit to Launch?
- Can I submit an application to another SXSW pitch event as well as Launch?
- Can I submit an application to the Amazon Alexa Challenge as well as Launch?
SXSW EDU Speaker
- As a Speaker, do I have to pay for my SXSW EDU registration?
- Where can I find more information about Registration and Hotels?
- What should I do if I have already purchased a badge?
- What are SXSW EDU policies regarding refunds, credentials, and the terms and conditions? PLEASE READ!
- How can I upload my photo in the online schedule?
- How do I upload my Badge photo?
SXSW EDU Press
- What are the dates of SXSW EDU 2019?
- 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
- What is SXSW EDU film?
- When is the SXSW EDU Film program?
- Where is SXSW EDU Film hosted?
- Who can attend SXSW EDU Film?
- Are SXSW EDU Film tickets available for purchase for non-badgeholders?
- What films are eligible for SXSW EDU Film?
Playground
- What is the SXSW EDU Playground?
- What takes place at the Playground?
- When is the Playground open?
- Where is the Playground located?
- Who can attend the Playground?
- How can I apply to participate as a Display in the Playground?
SXSW EDU Expo
- What is the SXSW EDU Expo?
- What takes place at the SXSW EDU Expo?
- Where and when does the SXSW EDU Expo take place?
- Who is eligible to exhibit?
- How much does it cost to exhibit?
- How is the Expo different from a trade show?
SXSW EDU Student Startup Competition
- What is the SXSW EDU Student Startup Competition?
- How do students enter the Student Startup Competition?
- Who is eligible to apply to the Student Startup Competition?
- If selected to present at the SXSW EDU, how will finalist pitches and presentations be considered?
- What is the selection process for Student Startup finalists?
- When will applicants be notified if they have been selected as competition finalists?
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 EDU Social?
- How do I reset my password?
SXSW Gaming
SXSW Gaming Community Resources
Gaming Wristbands
- What does a Gaming Wristband do for me?
- What is the price of a wristband?
- Are Gaming Wristbands transferable?
- Are Gaming Wristbands refundable?
- What happens if more than one wristband is purchased for one specific person?
- Do Gaming Wristbands guarantee me entrance to SXSW Gaming Venues?
Speaker Information
- What is the Session Production Guide?
- As a speaker will I have access to the Session Production Guide?
- I am the organizer of my session. How will I get access to my 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?
SXSW Gamer's Voice Awards
- When is the deadline to apply for the 2019 SXSW Gamer’s Voice Awards?
- How much does it cost to apply to the 2019 SXSW Gamer’s Voice Awards? Is this fee refundable?
- Why does the SXSW Gamer’s Voice award have an application fee?
- What if I want to submit multiple titles to the 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 2019 SXSW Gaming Awards ceremony or 2019 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 2019 SXSW Gaming Awards?
- How much does it cost to apply to the 2019 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 to 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 SXSW Gaming Awards ceremony?
- What is the complete list of materials required of me if I’m nominated for a SXSW Gaming Award?
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.?
Volunteers
General Questions
- How do I sign up to volunteer?
- Is there a minimum age requirement to volunteer?
- What are the SXSW Volunteer Calls?
- What is the difference between an All Conference Volunteer and a Music Venue Volunteer?
- Can I work on both an All Conference Crew AND a Music Venue 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 Venue Crews?
- How do I sign up for a specific crew?
- Can I work on an All Conference Crew and a Music Venue Crew?
- Can I work on more than one Music Venue Crew?
- I’m an Out of Town Volunteer. Can I work on a Music Venue Crew?
- I’m under 21 can I volunteer on a Music Venue Crew?
me Convention
me Convention Cart Support
- How do I purchase a me Convention registration?
- How do I apply a coupon to my me Convention purchase?
- I used Guest Checkout. How do I link my purchase to my SXSW ID account?
- How do I transfer a registration?
- How do I get a copy of my invoice?
- How do I sign in to my Cart?