Welcome to SXSW Support!
Still have questions? Email us at info@sxsw.com.
Top Questions
Attending SXSW
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 get SXSW images for my blog?
- How can I increase pre-event buzz about my session?
- Will SXSW be in touch with speakers after the event?
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 Competitions
SXSW Pitch
- What are the entry categories for SXSW Pitch 2020?
- 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
- How does SXSW promote official Showcasing Artists?
- How do I connect my publicist with SXSW?
- How do I get a spot in the Music Preview Guide?
- How do I update information on my sxsw.com Artist Profile?
- How do I submit an .mp3 to appear in the online schedule?
- Social Media Tiles
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
- 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?
- Where can I find event images?
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 Expo and Awards
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 Award
- When is the deadline to apply for the 2020 SXSW Gamer’s Voice Award?
- How much does it cost to apply to the 2020 SXSW Gamer’s Voice Award? Is this fee refundable?
- What if I want to submit multiple titles to the SXSW Gamer’s Voice Award?
- What if I can’t represent my title in person?
- What additional materials do I need to supply if I’m nominated for the Gamer’s Voice Award?
- As a Gamer’s Voice nominee, do I need to attend the Gaming Expo?
SXSW Gaming Awards
- When is the deadline to apply for the 2020 SXSW Gaming Awards?
- How much does it cost to apply to the SXSW Gaming Awards? Is this fee refundable?
- What if I want to submit multiple titles to the SXSW Gaming Awards?
- What if I can’t represent my nominated title in person at the SXSW Gaming Awards ceremony?
- What materials do I need to provide if I’m nominated for a SXSW Gaming Award?
- When must my game be released to be eligible for the 2020 SXSW Gaming Awards?
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?
- As an International Conference Speaker or Filmmaker, how do I obtain a Support Letter from SXSW?
- As 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
Volunteering at SXSW
- How do I sign up to volunteer?
- How do I sign up for crews?
- Is there a minimum age requirement to volunteer?
- I don't live in Austin. Can I still volunteer for SXSW?
- What is the SXSW Volunteer Fair?
- What kind of volunteer training will I receive?