The Show Must Go On: SXSW Online 2021

Since 1987, South by Southwest (SXSW) conferences and festivals have celebrated the convergence of the interactive, film and music industries. When the COVID-19 pandemic began to threaten Texas last year, the City of Austin cancelled the March dates for SXSW and SXSW EDU, the first time in 34 years that the event would not take place. However, these unprecedented times haven’t curbed SXSW’s dedication to helping creative people achieve their goals.

 SXSW lives by “the show must go on” mentality, a mindset that pushed them to launch SXSW Online for 2021. SXSW Online is a digital experience featuring conference keynotes and sessions, screenings, showcases, networking and exhibitions. SXSW EDU Online will be hosted March 9 – 11, followed by SXSW Online March 16 – 20. 

Entries for the 2021 digital experience, like PanelPicker Proposals and Film Submissions, will open in October. The Music Festival will be organized with priority given to showcase presenters and artists who were scheduled for the 2020 event.

“The challenge of building a new future is one that we’re excited to tackle,” said Roland Swenson, SXSW co-founder and CEO. “…Regardless of platform, we will continue to bring together the brightest minds from creative industries worldwide.” 

SXSW will continue to work with the City of Austin and public health authorities on plans for a physical event in 2021 and provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, you can view previously-recorded programming on SXSW’s YouTube channel and explore videos from SXSW’s Sessions On Demand.

What do you think about this change? Are you going to attend SXSW Online in 2021? Let us know on one of our social channels @TXADPR!