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Catch the NZers taking the stage at South by Southwest Sydney

In its second year, South by Southwest Sydney will bring together creative people from all over the Asia Pacific in a major event combining innovation, music, tech, games and culture.

South by Southwest (SXSW) Sydney promises at least a week of learning and collaboration, starting on October 14 with a four-day conference. The games, music, and screen festivals also run throughout the week, wrapping up by October 20.

Four Kiwi filmmakers will be in attendance, including Alex Liu (The Red Room), Hweiling Ow (Vivie), Lucy Lawless (Never Look Away), Kent Belcher (Alien Weaponry: Kua Tupu Te Ara).

There is also a number of Kiwi leaders and experts who will take to the stage to share their wisdom and expertise, including strategist and content creator Cassie Roma on celebrating the strengths of neurodiversity in business and CHPR’s General Manager, Susie Thomson, who will share straightforward strategies to help agencies elevate their own brand presence. If you’re attending the festival, be sure not to miss the sessions listed below:

Māori Knowledge & Education Through Video Games: Exploring Indigenous Futurism

This enlightening panel delves into the world of Indigenous futurism and Māori storytelling through the medium of video games. Attendees will explore the intersection of innovation and cultural narratives, with insights from Māori creators on the challenges and triumphs of bringing traditional stories to digital platforms. The session will highlight the creative process, the cultural significance of these stories, and how video games can serve as powerful tools for knowledge transfer to future generations.

Event Details:

  • Date: Tuesday, 15 October 2024
  • Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
  • Venue: ICC Sydney, Room C2.2

Aotearoa / New Zealand Meetup: Connect with the Kiwi Community at SXSW Sydney

All delegates from New Zealand, Kiwis living in Australia, and friends of SXSW Sydney are invited to the Aotearoa / NZ Meetup at Tumbalong Park. This casual gathering provides an opportunity to catch up with fellow Kiwis, make new connections, and network with professionals across industries. Whether you’re involved in tech, creative, or other sectors, this is a great way to wind down and build relationships before the evening’s SXSW events.

Event Details:

  • Date: Tuesday, 15 October 2024
  • Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
  • Venue: Tumbalong Park, The Ideas Dome, Presented by The Growth Distillery

Marissa Brindley: Unveiling New Zealand’s Deep Tech Pioneers

Marissa Brindley, Head of Technology & Innovation at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, will lead a session that highlights New Zealand’s cutting-edge tech sector. Titled “The Secret Side of New Zealand: Tech Companies Shaping the Future,” this discussion will introduce two breakthrough deep-tech companies that are driving innovation on a global scale. Known for its clean, green image, New Zealand is also home to lesser-known tech companies that are changing lives through pioneering solutions. Brindley’s session will showcase these innovators and reveal how they are making a significant impact in the world.

Event Details:

  • Date: Wednesday, 16 October 2024
  • Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • Venue: ICC Sydney, Room C2.3

The Marketing Club Meet Up: Connecting Industry Leaders with Chanel Clark and Cassie Roma

Founded in New Zealand by Chanel Clark, The Marketing Club has grown into one of Australasia’s most vibrant marketing communities, with over 6,000 members. Recently expanding into Australia, The Marketing Club provides a platform for marketers to learn, grow, and connect with industry experts.

At SXSW Sydney, Clark will host an exclusive meetup at Clear Hayes House, alongside Cassie Roma. This event will focus on omni-channel strategies for 2024 and beyond, offering attendees actionable insights.

Event Details:

  • Date: Wednesday, 16 October 2024
  • Time: 7:00 PM
  • Venue: Clear Hayes House, Harajuku Gyoza Beer Stadium, Darling Harbour

New Zealand’s presence at SXSW Sydney extends beyond tech and marketing, with notable contributions in both music and gaming. Kiwi artists and game developers are set to showcase their work alongside international talent, highlighting the country’s growing influence in these creative industries.

Cassie Roma: Championing Neurodiversity and Creativity

Award-winning strategist, speaker, and content creator Cassie Roma will take the stage at MIX N MINGLE: Not Your (Neuro)Typical Networking Power Hour. Known for pushing the boundaries of creativity, media, and leadership, Roma will lead this unique session, which celebrates the strengths of neurodiversity in business. Attendees can expect an inspiring hour of networking designed for individuals who think and work differently.

Event Details:

  • Date: Friday, 18 October 2024
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  • Venue: ICC Sydney, Room E3.5

Susie Thomson: Elevating Agency Profiles

Joining the Kiwi contingent at SXSW Sydney is Susie Thomson, General Manager of CHPR, who will speak at Marketeers, Market Thyself! Agencies are masters at building brands for their clients, but often fail to do the same for themselves. With thousands of agencies competing for attention, relying on word of mouth isn’t enough anymore.

Thomson and Alex Hayes, Principal of Clear Hayes Consulting, will share straightforward strategies to help agencies elevate their own brand presence. They’ll also be joined by a top journalist for an insightful discussion on the dos and don’ts of getting your agency noticed in today’s crowded market.

Event Details:

  • Date: Friday, 18 October 2024
  • Time: 11:00 AM
  • Venue: Clear Hayes House, Harajuku Gyoza Beer Stadium, Darling Harbour
Susie Thomson, General Manager of CHPR

Phoebe Rings: Showcasing Kiwi Music Talent

On the music stage, Phoebe Rings, the dreamy 4-piece band from Auckland, will captivate SXSW Sydney audiences with their ethereal melodies. Their recent single, “Mandarin Tree,” has made waves in New Zealand and is now set to enchant international listeners at the festival.

Kyoryu: New Zealand’s Gaming Innovation

Representing New Zealand in the gaming sphere is Kyoryu, a project from Floating Rock Studio. Set in a post-apocalyptic Japan ruled by genetically re-engineered dinosaurs, Kyoryu offers a thrilling, narrative-driven gaming experience. Currently in development, the game is a testament to New Zealand’s growing influence in the global gaming industry.

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