SXSW to open registrations next month

SXSW organisers will open registrations and hotels in early August for next year’s conference in Austin, Texas.

Registrations are for media, delegate and non-performing artists.

Organisers opened artist showcase submissions on July 8. Artists can still apply with an online EPK application through Sonicbids for US$33 here.

While an actual open date for registrations hasn’t been announced, Australia’s SXSW representative Phil Tripp has organised this year’s local meet-and-greet events in Melbourne and Sydney for August 12 and 13, respectively.

The Melbourne meet-and-greet takes place at The Corner Hotel at 5:30pm Tuesday August 12. Tripp will moderate a Q&A session with SXSW regulars and representatives Brad Thomas (SXSW Travel Agent, Entertainment Travel Partners), Millie Millgate (Executive Producer, Sounds Australia), Paul Cashmere (Executive Producer, Noise11.com) and Andrew Mast (Managing Editor, TheMusic).

The Sydney meet-and-greet takes place at 5:30pm Wednesday August 13 at the Newtown Social Club. Speakers for the Sydney event are: Gregg Donovan (Manager, Airbourne, Grinspoon, Boy & Bear, Josh Pyke), Brad Thomas (SXSW Travel Agent-Entertainment Travel Partners), Shaun O’Connor (Technologist, Publicist Mojo, formerly TBWA), Glenn Dickie (Export Music Producer, Sounds Australia), Larry Heath Founder & Editor, The AU Review) and Jackie Kralj (Digital Music Strategist, Digirascal).

Those needing help with travel plans can email 10-year SXSW veteran and official travel agent Brad Thomas (bradt@travelpartners.com.au). This week Qantas have return flights for $1299 (SYD/LAX/SYD).

Of the 240 Australian artists who applied for showcases, this year saw 51 invited artists perform at SXSW along with six acts who weren’t officially invited. SoundsAustralia estimated those acts combined played over 316 performances.

SXSW 2015 runs from March 17-22.