Attendee Services Hub

Explore SXSW resources and tools to help you navigate and access events during the SXSW Conference and Festivals each March in Austin, TX.


SXSW Attendee Services

Welcome SXSW Attendees

 

The Attendee Services Hub is your guide to SXSW, in Austin and online, with a suite of navigation tools and resources to help prepare you for the adventure ahead.

In the Getting Started section, learn how to link your credential and begin building your schedule.

Stay tuned for more attendee resources including information on event navigation, online platforms, and more coming soon.

Not yet registered? Get your SXSW Badge today!

For the latest programming and event updates – visit our Email Hub to subscribe to newsletters; check out the SXSW News feed; and follow us on social media – Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

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Getting Started

 

Link Your Credential

After your credential has been purchased, you will receive a registration confirmation email. You can access your link code in that email or in your Cart’s “Purchase History.” For more information, browse the Registration FAQ.

Sign into your SXSW ID account at id.sxsw.com and then paste your link code. Now you’re ready to access registrant-only features such as Chat as well as online content in March.

SXSW GO Mobile App

SXSW® GO is the official mobile app for the annual SXSW Conference & Festivals. With SXSW GO, build your schedule, get event recommendations, network with other attendees, and more.

Download for iOS or Android and then sign in with your SXSW credentials to unlock app features.

SXSW Social

SXSW Social is a tool that allows SXSW registrants to search for other attendees, as well as book or modify your hotel reservation. Upload your SXSW Badge photo in advance, add a bio, and connect with new colleagues and friends before, during, and after SXSW.

SXSW Social

Build Your Schedule

Explore the SXSW Schedule for all confirmed programming across the Conference & Festivals. Customize your own list of must-see events as programming is added throughout the season. Date, time, and venue details will automatically update when that information is available closer to the event.

SXSW Schedule

Stay tuned for more registrant tools throughout the season.

General Event Access

 

How Access Works

There are four SXSW Badge types: Platinum, Interactive, Film & TV, and Music.

Badges are tied to three access types:

  • Primary: admitted first
  • Secondary: admitted second, after primary line
  • Convergence: one line where all badges have equal access

The Platinum Badge is your key to everything SXSW has to offer with primary access to all events. Experience groundbreaking conference sessions, iconic festivals, unparalleled networking opportunities, access to SXSW’s online programming, and more.

If you have an Interactive, Film & TV or Music Badge, you have primary entry to the respective Conference tracks and events of your badge type as well as Convergence Tracks, Exhibitions and Comedy Festival showcases. Plus, enjoy secondary access to a majority of festival programming. All registrants receive access to SXSW 2023's online programming.

At the event, icons on signage that match your badge type indicate which access line you join: primary or secondary.

Event Status

Plan ahead with the Event Status feature which allows our registrants to check the current status of a room or a venue’s remaining capacity. A Green-Yellow-Red system appears on the SXSW GO app, the online SXSW Schedule, and on the digital Event Status Boards located around the Austin Convention Center and other venues.

Venues

SXSW events take place at various Official Venues across Austin. Review each venue's specific bag policy, mask requirements, and other protocols before you go! On each Venue's event page in the SXSW Schedule, access their company website to learn more. Explore the Film & TV Festival Access section for Paramount and Stateside Theatre requirements for Film screenings.

Venue Size
Both the SXSW GO app and the SXSW Schedule will show room size information as small, medium, or large for any venue to help you plan your schedule.

  • Small = 0-249
  • Medium = 250-599
  • Large = 600+

Venues

SXXpress Passes

SXXpress (South by Express) Passes allow registrants to request priority access to individual Conference Sessions, Music Festival Showcases, Film & TV Festival Screenings, Comedy Festival Showcases, and select parties.

You can request a SXXpress Pass for events that you have primary access to through the SXSW Schedule or SXSW GO app starting at 9am the day before your desired event.

Passes are distributed via email, Apple Wallet, and Google Pay. Registrants can request passes prior to picking up their badge as long as they have linked their badge.

SXXpress Pass allotment and event eligibility varies by badge type:

  • Platinum registrants may request up to three passes per day, for access to Conference Sessions, Film & TV Festival Screenings, Music Festival Showcases, Comedy Festival Showcases, and Parties.
  • Interactive registrants may request up to three passes per day, for access to Interactive and Convergence Sessions, Comedy Festival Showcases and Interactive Opening Party.
  • Film & TV registrants may request up to two passes per day, for access to Screenings, Film and Convergence Sessions, Comedy Festival Showcases and the Film & TV Opening Party and Intermission Party.
  • Music registrants may request up to two passes per day, for access to Music Showcases, Music and Convergence Sessions, Comedy Festival Showcases and the Music Opening Party.

Learn more about SXXpress Pass access, request periods, event lines, and more on the SXXpress Pass page.

SXXpress Passes

Conference Access

 

About the Conference

The 2023 SXSW Conference runs from March 10-18 in Austin, TX.

Read the latest announcements on SXSW News. Explore Keynotes, Featured Speakers, sessions across 25 tracks of programming, and more on the SXSW Schedule.

Event Access

SXXpress

SXSW badgeholders can reserve SXXpress Passes in the SXSW GO mobile app and on the SXSW Schedule starting at 9am the day for sessions related to their primary badge type.

Learn more about SXXPress Passes »

Primary Access

Platinum badgeholders get primary access to all SXSW Conference programming.

If you have an Interactive Badge, Film & TV Badge, or Music Badge, you have primary entry to the respective Conference tracks and events of your badge type.

All badgeholders have primary access to daily Keynotes, Convergence tracks, and SXSW 2023's online programming.

Secondary Access

If space remains after Platinum badgeholders and the event's primary badge type are seated, all other badgeholders will be admitted via the Secondary Access Line.

Check the event status in the SXSW GO app before you go.

Encore Sessions

Each year at the SXSW Conference, the multitude of high-profile topics bring a high demand for sessions across 25 Tracks of programming. While Conference sessions can quickly fill up, Encore Sessions provide additional opportunities to experience this season’s most compelling content.

Check the SXSW Schedule for Encore Sessions additions from March 10-18.

Film & TV Festival Access

 

About the Film & TV Festival

The 2023 SXSW Film & TV Festival runs from March 10-18 in Austin, TX.

Read the latest announcements on SXSW News. Explore the 2023 Lineup and add favorites to your own personalized SXSW Schedule.

Event Access

Be sure to arrive early! You should arrive 1 hour before screening time. When you arrive, look for the line that corresponds to your badge type.

SXXpress

Film & TV and Platinum badgeholders can reserve SXXpress Passes in the SXSW GO mobile app and on the SXSW Schedule starting at 9am the day before each screening.

Learn more about SXXPress Passes »

Primary Access

  • Queue Cards: Distributed to Platinum and Film & TV badgeholders starting one hour before screening time, and will be handed out until capacity has been met. This ensures your admission as long as you stay at the venue and are in line when seating begins.

  • Buffer Cards: After all available Queue Cards are distributed, Buffer Cards will be handed out to remaining badgeholders. While these cards do not guarantee entry to the venue, they will help Film & TV and Platinum badgeholders to secure a seat if any become available.

Secondary Access

If seats still remain after Primary Badgeholders are admitted, Film & TV Wristbands, Music Badges, and Interactive Badges may access a screening via the Secondary Access Line.

Single Admission Rush Ticket Sales
If seats still remain after Primary and Secondary Access are admitted, single admission rush tickets will be sold for $25 starting 15 minutes before showtime at the venue box office. It’s more likely that tickets will be available for sale at larger venues.

Check the Film & TV Festival Status Board or see the event status in the SXSW GO app before you go. There are also digital Event Status Boards located around the ACC and other venues to see if a screen has seats remaining.

Bag Policy

Paramount and Stateside Theatres have a Clear Bag Policy to minimize contact that a bag search would require.

Clear bags should not exceed 14”x12”x6” (35x30x15cm) in size. Small, non-clear clutch bags will be allowed, and should not exceed 4.5”x6.5” in size. The following personal items are NOT permitted: food or beverage of any kind, weapons of any shape or size (including firearms, explosives, pocket knives, etc.), cameras or recorders of any kind.

Diaper bags (when a child is present), medically necessary items (including breast pumps), jackets and coats are permitted but subject to inspection. SXSW Registrant bags – received at Registration badge pickup – will be allowed.

Music Festival Access

 

About the Music Festival

The 2023 SXSW Music Festival runs from March 13-18 in Austin, TX.

Read the latest announcements on SXSW News, listen to the Official 2023 Playlist on Spotify and Apple Music, and explore Showcasing Artists from A-Z on the SXSW Schedule.

Event Access

SXXpress

Music and Platinum badgeholders can reserve SXXpress Passes in the SXSW GO mobile app and on the SXSW Schedule starting at 9am the day before each showcase.

Learn more about SXXPress Passes »

Primary Access

Music and Platinum badgeholders get primary access to Music Festival showcases and SXSW Conference Music and Convergence Tracks.

Secondary Access

If space remains after Primary Badgeholders are admitted, Music Wristbands, Film & TV Badges, and Interactive Badges may access a showcase via the Secondary Access Line.

Check the event status in the SXSW GO app before you go.

Bag Policy

Stubb’s and Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park follow a clear bag policy. The only bags permitted inside these venues are small clutch bags up to 4.5”x6.5” in size OR a clear plastic or vinyl bags up to 12”x6”x12” in size. All larger bags are prohibited to enter these venues.

SXSW Online

 

The SXSW Online is your key to experiencing Conference Keynotes and Featured Sessions, as well as select Film & TV Festival Red Carpets and SXSW Studio Interviews. Plus, XR Experience World in VRChat, networking opportunities, live feed channel, and VOD content throughout SXSW 2023. All SXSW Badges and SXSW Online Passes receive access to the digital experience.

Access SXSW Online content via the schedule.sxsw.com or SXSW TV App.

SXSW TV App

SXSW TV is the official streaming app for the annual SXSW March event. Download the app for Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV as well as on iOS and Android. You can also search for "SXSW" in your favorite app store.

Online Events

  • 100+ Conference Keynotes and Featured Sessions via VOD
  • One live Channel running throughout the event featuring 30+ Keynotes and Featured Sessions
  • Keynotes and Featured Sessions available on demand 24 hours after the session is recorded
  • Exclusive Film & TV Festival Red Carpet and Q&A coverage
  • Exclusive SXSW Studio interviews
  • SXSW XR Experience World in VRChat
  • 100+ of audio session recordings across all Conference tracks
  • VOD content post-event
  • Connect with other attendees via SXSW Social on SXSW GO
  • Session Chats via the SXSW Schedule and SXSW GO mobile app

Online Events Schedule

Live Channel Schedule

All times CT

  • Friday, March 10 - Saturday, March 11: 10am-5pm
  • Sunday, March 12: 11:30am-5pm
  • Monday, March 13 - Tuesday, March 14: 10am-5pm
  • Wednesday, March 15 - Thursday, March 16: 11:30am-6pm
  • Friday, March 17: 10am-6pm

This year’s SXSW Online will not feature Film & TV Festival screenings or Music Festival Showcases.

XR Experience World in VRChat

The SXSW XR Experience World in VRChat will feature a melded Congress Avenue and Red River Cultural District, floating in space with new and unique features. This fun, interactive space offers attendees the opportunity to explore and connect with one another from across the globe. The VRChat world can be experienced on PC, PCVR and Oculus Quest headsets.

Accessing the XR Experience World in VRChat

All SXSW Registrants with a Windows PC, PCVR headset or Oculus Quest headset can access the SXSW XR Experience World in VRChat. Go to the Creative Industries Exhibition and search for the XR Experience World in VRChat booth. Follow these steps:

  • Register for VRChat and create your VRChat ID at hello.vrchat.com. Register early to get acquainted with your controls and social safety settings.
  • After you register, visit the XR Experience World in VRChat and check the chat forum for the names of the Official SXSW Hosts you’ll need to friend in order to join us in the world! Note that your friend request will not be accepted automatically and will need some time to be verified.
  • Download the VRChat app to your Windows PC, PCVR headset or Oculus Quest headset. Login and join the SXSW Hosts!

Disclaimer: By clicking on the links above you are leaving the SXSW website and going to websites owned and operated by third parties who are not related to SXSW ("Third Party Websites"). Third Party Websites are not under the control of SXSW and SXSW shall not be responsible for the content of any Third Party Websites and makes no representation or warranty with respect to the content of any such Third Party Websites. Access to Third Party Websites is at your own risk, and you acknowledge and understand that linked Third Party Websites may contain terms and privacy policies that are different from ours.

Housing & Travel

 

Book & Double Check Your Flight

Book flights early at the best available rates to save — you have much more important things to spend your money on, like tacos and barbecue.

Getting Around Austin

Once you arrive in Austin, don’t wait around for a ride at the airport! After you book your flight, switch over to the car hire tab in the travel tool and have a ride waiting for you when you fly in.

SXSW Shuttles A free circulating shuttle route runs between the Austin Convention Center and most SXSW venues during the March event. Get live updates during the event via the SXSW Shuttle Tracker. ADA accessibility transfers are available – learn more on our accessibility page.

Download the shuttle route map. Browse more transportation options on the Getting Around page.

Getting Around Austin

Badge Pickup

 

The Austin Convention Center (500 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701) in Exhibit Hall 1 is the main registration location to pick up all SXSW Badges.

Use this handy Registration Walking Map with distances and times listed from downtown venues to the closest Austin Convention Center entrance. For directions directly to Registration or from locations not featured on this map, set “SXSW Registration” as your destination in Google Maps to find the best route.

Nearby parking options include the Austin Convention Center Garages. During the event, we highly recommend considering all other options before deciding to drive. Please check out the Getting Around page for more transportation options, street closures, SXSW Shuttle tracking, and more.

To pick up your SXSW Badge, you must present a government-issued ID. To expedite the badge pickup process, upload your photo to your SXSW Social account ahead of time.

Registration FAQ

Registration Hours

Sunday, March 5 |​ 4:00 pm – 8:00pm

Monday, March 6​ | 8:00 am –8:00 pm

Tuesday, March 7​ | ​8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Wednesday, March 8 | ​8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Thursday, March 9 | ​8:00 am – 11:00 pm

Friday, March 10​ | 8:00 am – 11:00 pm

Saturday, March 11 | ​8:00 am – 9:00 pm

Sunday, March 12​ | ​9:00 am – 9:00 pm

Monday, March 13 | ​9:00 am – 10:00 pm

Tuesday, March 14​ | ​9:00 am – 10:00 pm

Wednesday, March 15​ | ​9:00 am – 10:00 pm

Thursday, March 16 | ​9:00 am – 10:00 pm

Friday, March 17​ | ​9:00 am – 10:00 pm

Saturday, March 18​ | ​9:00 am – 3:00 pm

For more information on getting to the heart of SXSW from wherever you are staying in Austin, browse the Getting Around page for a comprehensive list of transportation services and other resources.

Other Registration Services

  • Housing and Travel Desk
  • Speaker Help Desk
  • Filmmaker Check-in
  • Artist Info
  • Marketing Client & Exhibitor Help Desk
  • Sponsorship Help Desk
  • Press Help Desk
  • SXXpress and SXSW GO Help Desk

Registrant Lounge

 

Open throughout the event, the Registrant Lounge (99 Trinity Street) is a convenient and relaxing meeting point for SXSW attendees. Stop by each day for one of our several SX networking events and a complimentary drink from our sponsors.

Rest, recharge, and network at various Lounges throughout SXSW.

Family Room

 

The Family Room is located in Room 1 on the first floor of the Austin Convention Center, and is open 9am-6pm daily from Friday, March 10 - Friday, March 17.

The Family Room is available for parents and families needing a place to care for children, change diapers, or have a quiet space to get away. Breastfeeding mothers can find privacy in a screened-off area within the Family Room with fridges available.

More Resources

 

Attendee Safety

Safety is a top priority for SXSW. We work closely with local, state, and federal agencies year-round to plan for a safe event.

Please review our Attendee Safety page for a list of general safety resources including emergency and non-emergency contact information, bag policies, code of conduct, Austin street closures, and more.

Attendee Safety

Accessibility

SXSW provides reasonable accommodations to make our events accessible for all attendees and participants. Explore the SXSW Accessibility page for more information.

Accessibility

Code of Conduct

SXSW is not a place for behavior that is inappropriate, off-topic, disruptive, abusive, or illegal. Review the SXSW Code of Conduct and report any inappropriate behavior by emailing conduct@sxsw.com.

Code of Conduct

Support

Customer support can be found by contacting the following:

  • For more general questions, start with the SXSW FAQs.
  • Help purchasing registrations, redeeming coupons, and customer service. Email reg@sxsw.com.
  • Help with general information and questions about SXSW. Email info@sxsw.com.
  • Help with access to Online event content, compatibility with browsers, compatibility with hardware/software. Email techsupport@sxsw.com.

FAQs

Official SXSW Merch

Get your official SXSW Merch including the 2023 SXSW Poster designed by Austin artist, Rex Hamilton. Plus, browse shirts, hats, bags, and more!

Learn More
The Official 2023 SXSW Poster was designed by local Austin artist, Rex Hamilton. This silkscreen is signed by the artist and hand numbered in a limited run of 400. Final artwork may vary slightly. Final Size 18x24

Dive Into SXSW News

Browse the latest announcements, programming features, and important dates.

Read On

SXSW Tips

 

Pack For Every Occasion – Be Weather Ready

SXSW is more than just a conference. You’ll be attending sessions, meeting potential clients, viewing films, networking at clubs, and hopping from one showcase to the next. If you’ve ever been to Austin, you know that the weather can be unpredictable — be sure to check weather forecasts before you set off each day. That being said, Austin is a really casual city. If you want to attend panels in your pajamas, we won’t judge.

Plan To Walk… A Lot

For those of you in fitness challenges counting your steps — get ready to score big this March! You’re going to be doing a lot of walking, so be comfort-conscious when selecting footwear. If you can manage it, you may want to have a change of shoes (and socks!) available. Your feet will thank you.

Plan your SX days ahead of time by looking over the Registration Walking Map.

Hop on a SXSW Shuttle

A free circulating shuttle route runs between the Austin Convention Center and most SXSW venues. Plan accordingly to make it to your event on time – explore routes and daily hours of operation. Keep up with the status of the shuttles on the SXSW Shuttle Tracker.

Stay Hydrated

We strongly recommend that you pack sunscreen and a reusable water bottle. The Texas heat can be dehydrating and the air in the convention center can be quite dry, but you’ll find water stations throughout the building to refill your bottle and stay hydrated.

Make a Schedule

You don’t have to stick to it, but having a place to start will make all the difference. The process of making your schedule is a useful discovery tool for events. Use the SXSW Schedule or SXSW GO mobile app to build your customized schedule. Events can be filtered by conference, festivals, event type, venue, and time. Simply click the star next to the event’s listing to add it to your schedule.

Explore events outside of your industry! All registrants have secondary access to events not associated with their badge type. Our Convergence programming spotlights cross-industry topics and encourages networking between registrants from many different fields of expertise.

Use event navigation tools to help you navigate and access conference and festival events. Review our Attendee Safety page for general safety guidelines and resources.

Find a New Collaborator

SXSW provides unlimited networking opportunities in an eclectic, social atmosphere. Even if you arrive in Austin on your own, you’ll be saying heartfelt goodbyes at the end of the week. Connect with other registrants at various Exhibitions, session formats including mentor sessions, meet ups, lounges and parties, and more.

Set up your profile on SXSW Social and use the Chat feature to network with other attendees before, during, and after the event.

Pace Yourself

You will have the urge to hit the ground running and try to cram as much into your first day as possible. Resist it! You will only be overwhelmed and disappointed with yourself that you don’t have the energy to go to that great evening event you had your heart set on. Experienced registrants know that SXSW is a marathon, not a sprint.

Enjoy your SXSW adventure!

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