Volunteer Types

SXSW offers three volunteer types, providing the flexibility to build a schedule and volunteer experience that fits YOU!

SXSW CONFERENCE VOLUNTEER

Conference Volunteers have a range of crews to choose from and can be found in all areas of the event at any time. Volunteers help with event operations, provide customer service to event participants, and help support fellow volunteers. Whether you want to be front and center or behind the scenes, this volunteer type has it!

Conference Volunteers are eligible for a SXSW Volunteer Platinum, Music, Film, Interactive, or SXSW EDU Badge.

NEW! Interested in earning a Volunteer t-shirt and supporting the most iconic, annual Austin event? You can volunteer 6-23 hours on the Event Ops Support Crew. Check out the Conference Volunteer crew descriptions for more information.

SXSW FILM & TV FESTIVAL or COMEDY FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER

Are you interested in film and TV, or love a good comedy show? This is the crew type for you! Volunteers can help support the acclaimed SXSW Film & TV Festival, or pick up shifts with the hilariously popular Comedy Festival.

Volunteers with a Film & TV Festival or Comedy Festival Volunteer schedule are eligible for a SXSW Volunteer Platinum, Music, Film, Interactive, or SXSW EDU Badge.

SXSW MUSIC FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER

Do you have any ear for the next big act or have an interest in music production? This crew type might be your jam! Music Festival Volunteers help support showcasing artists in a variety of ways only during the days and nights of the SXSW Music Festival, therefore the time requirement is less for this volunteer type.

Volunteers with a Music Festival Volunteer schedule are eligible for a SXSW Volunteer Platinum or Music Badge.

Learn more about Volunteer Requirements and Badge Access.

Volunteer Requirements

	SXSW Conference Volunteer	SXSW Film & TV Festival or Comedy Festival Volunteer	SXSW Music Festival Volunteer
Min. Age	16+, under 18 requires legal guardian permission Some crews are 18+ or 21+, see crew descriptions	16+, under 18 requires legal guardian permission Some crews are 18+ or 21+, see crew descriptions	18+ 21+ for Stage Crew
Time Commitment	40-56+ hours	40-56+ hours	24-32+ hours
Volunteer Event Access Opportunities	SXSW EDU Badge (24+ hours) Volunteer Interactive Badge (40+ hours) Volunteer Film Badge (40+ hours) Volunteer Music Badge (40+ hours) Volunteer Platinum Badge (56+ hours)	SXSW EDU Badge (24+ hours) Volunteer Interactive Badge (40+ hours) Volunteer Film Badge (40+ hours) Volunteer Music Badge (40+ hours) Volunteer Platinum Badge (56+ hours)	Volunteer Music Badge (24+ hours) Volunteer Platinum Badge (32+ hours)
Required Training	Online training In-person training Venue walkthrough, as needed (see crews)	Online training In-person training Venue walk-through, as needed (see crews)	Online training In-person training Venue walkthrough, as needed (see crews)
Dates	March 5-19	March 6-19	March 13-18

Volunteers wishing to earn a SXSW EDU Badge and a SXSW Volunteer Badge must schedule enough hours for both badge requirements.

Interested in earning a Volunteer t-shirt and supporting the most iconic, annual Austin event? You can volunteer 6-24 hours on the NEW Event Ops Support Crew. Check out the Conference Volunteer crew descriptions for more information.

SXSW Volunteer Badge Access

Blue = Primary Access Red = Secondary Access	Volunteer Interactive	Volunteer Film	Volunteer Music	Volunteer Platinum
SXSW Keynotes
Interactive Tracks & Featured Speakers
Interactive Mentor Sessions & Workshops*
Interactive Festival Opening Party
Film & TV Tracks & Featured Speakers
Film & TV Mentor Sessions, Workshops & Parties*
Film & TV Festival Screenings & Events
Film & TV Festival Exclusive Premieres
Film & TV Festival Opening Party
Music Tracks & Featured Speakers
Music Mentor Sessions, Workshops & Parties*
Music Festival Showcases & Events
Music Festival Exclusive Showcases
Music Festival Opening Party
Convergence Tracks & Featured Speakers
Comedy Festival Showcases & Events
All SXSW Exhibitions
Closing BBQ & Softball Tournament
SXSW Festival Shuttles
Networking Meetups*
SXXPress Passes
SXSW Live-Streamed & On-Demand Content
Access to Best Hotel Rates & Booking Assistance**
SXSW Registrant Lounge
SXSW Social

With a few exceptions, volunteer badges have access to most events and areas that SXSW produces. However, some sponsors or clients at their discretion, may restrict access to their events.

ALL BADGES RECEIVE ACCESS TO: Conference Keynotes and Convergence Tracks, SXSW Community Service Awards, SXSW Exhibitions, Online Programming.

SXSW Volunteer Badge Materials: Registrant Big Bag, Conference Track Guide, SXSW Map, The Austin Chronicle.

SXSW EDU Badges have full access to everything that SXSW EDU has to offer.

*Advance RSVPs for Meetups, Mentors, and Workshops are not available for volunteers. If there is availability the day of the event, volunteers may attend.

**For more information on obtaining the best pricing and assistance on hotel rooms, email volunteer@sxsw.com.

Volunteer Types & Badges

SXSW 2023 Volunteers – Photo by Tico Mendoza

Volunteer Crews

SXSW 2023 Volunteers – Photo by Aaron Rogosin

Out-of-Town Volunteers

2023 SXSW Volunteers | Austin, TX | SXSW and SXSW EDU

SXSW Volunteer Registration

Volunteer Types & Badges

SXSW CONFERENCE VOLUNTEER

SXSW FILM & TV FESTIVAL or COMEDY FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER

SXSW MUSIC FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER

Super Sponsors

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