ICC Sydney prepares for inaugural future-focussed SXSW Sydney event following Mission Impossible Premiere

International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) has begun the countdown until the inaugural South by Southwest (SXSW®) Sydney 2023 technology and innovation, games, music, screen and culture events with the anticipation for SXSW Sydney 2023 coming off the back of the successful, star-studded Australian premiere of Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One held this week.

Since its inception in 1987, SXSW has been held in Austin, Texas and has been a convergence of film, music, education, and culture, a global destination for creative people to connect, collaborate and think outside the box. SXSW will expand into Sydney for the first time in October 2023 offering new experiences for visitors.

The Australian premiere of Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One held this week saw Darling Harbour abuzz with excitement as fans flocked to the precinct to meet actors Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg and Pom Klementieff as well as Director Christopher McQuarrie and 2,500 people walked the red carpet, as Tom Cruise set off a fireworks display over the waterfront, before watching a preview within ICC Sydney’s Darling Harbour Theatre. 

The SXSW Sydney 2023 events will beheld at anchor venue ICC Sydney, over seven days and nights from 15th to 22nd October 2023 and will include the SXSW Sydney Conference, featuring over 200 presentations, panels, workshops and mentor sessions with inspiring thinkers and leaders across multiple content pillars; the SXSW Sydney Tech & Innovation Expo showcasing innovative and emerging tech, entertainment and games companies from across the Asia-Pacific region, alongside the SXSW Sydney Pitch competition for startups and the SXSW Sydney Games Festival, which also features major Esports tournament, Intel® Extreme Masters.

The SXSW Sydney 2023 Music Festival will spotlight local and international artists while the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival’s program of film, TV, digital, XR and social content premieres will showcase screen culture’s diversity in the Asia Pacific and beyond within ICC Sydney’s Darling Harbour Theatre.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Steve Cox said Sydney owed its ability to secure major events such as SXSW Sydney to its world-class infrastructure - some like ICC Sydney in spectacular harbourside locations - and the highly skilled event professionals that deliver them.

Cox notes “One of the Sydney CBD’s greatest strengths is its abundance of exceptional event venues such as ICC Sydney, University of Technology Sydney and Powerhouse which are conveniently located adjacent to active transport hubs, accommodation and dining precincts.

"As a world-class major event venue and the festival hub, ICC Sydney will contribute immensely to the success of SXSW Sydney and to the enjoyment of festivalgoers' from around the world, helping further cement the Harbour City's enviable reputation as the events and creative industries capital of the Asia Pacific.”

ICC Sydney Chief Executive and Group Director - Convention Centres, ASM Global (APAC), Geoff Donaghy said the venue’s well-resourced team of passionate professionals were ready to welcome the diverse, discerning patrons of SXSW Sydney.

Donaghy shares “With only three months to go, our team is looking forward to delivering this special, future-focused event and once again reaffirming ICC Sydney as a powerhouse destination for major events. Beyond providing an extraordinary experience for the diversity of SXSW Sydney visitors, we welcome the opportunity to collaborate on delivering a positive legacy for years to come - from the economic benefit across our dynamic city to environmental sustainability solutions and facilitating connections into our local community – every focal area of our corporate social responsibility strategy will be brought to the fore through SXSW Sydney.

SXSW Sydney Chair and TEG Chief Executive, Geoff Jones said TEG and ICC Sydney had a shared track record of delivering large scale entertainment events.

“TEG has partnered with ICC Sydney on the delivery of hundreds of events over the years. We are looking forward to presenting SXSW Sydney in the best possible destination for culturally significant, high-energy events. Showcasing thought-provoking speakers and the newest in games and entertainment, SXSW Sydney is set to be a truly transformative event,” Jones added. 

To find out more about ICC Sydney visit www.iccsydney.com

Image top.ICC Sydney July 023 Mission Impossible 7 Premiere. Credit: Brett Boardman; Image centre and above: ICC Sydney's Convention Centre lights up for the Australian premiere of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.