For the first time in its 34-year history, SXSW 2021 will move to an all-digital format, appropriately dubbed SXSW Online. And while you won’t get to take in firsthand the singularly eclectic experience of international crowds, global vendors, and devoted fans gathered for innovative showcases, performances, and sessions within the Interactive, Film, Comedy, and Music industries, you can still savor that one-of-a-kind Austin vibe right at home – wherever in the world home is.
What: SXSW Online
When: March 16-20, 2021
Where: Anywhere you are (with WiFi and reliable streaming services, of course)
How: One pass covers the entire SXSW Online week
Follow: #SXSW for the latest updates
We’ve curated some educational, fun and industry-focused ideas on how to experience the magic of one of the world’s most beloved festivals – and recreate a little bit of that Austin flavor in the process. Whether you plan to gather with colleagues, clients, friends, family, or simply stream all the action from the comfort of your couch, we’ve broken down nearly 650 hours of content into recommended sessions, showcases, keynotes and more to help navigate this year’s robust calendar. Let’s go!
CONFERENCE SESSIONS
BIZ HAPPY HOUR / WATCH PARTY
With heavyweight themes like Challenging Tech’s Path Forward and The Rebirth of Business, SXSW 2021 aims to address major industry challenges that can help us build a better tomorrow. How we leverage big tech as a positive force, create equitable systems across gender, race and class within all business models, and how this can impact and reshape the global economy, are all hot topics sure to spark awareness, provoke much discussion and drive implementation for years to come.
Take a proactive, forward-looking approach to your own business by inviting industry colleagues, coworkers, or clients to a fun outdoor space for a socially distanced watch party with pre-recorded or livestreamed Conference Sessions. You’ll really impress if you time it during one of SXSW’s famed “surprise” announcements or special appearances (remember Elon Musk’s 2018 surprise Q&A about SpaceX, anyone?), so be sure to join the SXSW Email Hub and download the mobile app to stay up-to-date on last-minute alerts and exclusives, as well as participate in session Q&As.
Recommended Cocktail:
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka* and your favorite mixers. We like Tito’s Hill Country Sunrise and Tito’s Texas Water for a true Lone Star State vibe.
*As an Austin-based, self-made force in the micro-distillery movement and renowned for its bootstrap beginnings, Tito’s Handmade Vodka is the perfect spirit to serve to associates as an industry-best example of how to reimagine and elevate a brand in a horizontal market. Not to mention a tasty conversation piece!
Recommended Sessions – Challenging Tech’s Path Forward:
Did Tech Save The Events Industry?
Content Moderation: Beyond Take-Down/Leave-Up
Wake Up To Digital’s Second Reawakening
Recommended Sessions – The Rebirth of Business:
For the Culture: A Recommitment To The Consumer
Transformational Change in Legacy Companies
FILM
BACKYARD SCREENING PARTY
Want to capture some movie magic from the safety of your home? Invite friends and family over during SXSW Online for a (socially distanced) backyard big screen experience. From world premiere movies to provocative dramas, comedies, shorts, Q&As from filmmakers and other diverse offerings, there’s something for every movie buff. Fire up your surround sound, get a backyard big screen and offer up Austin-inspired nosh to curate the cozy feeling of an intimate outdoor theater – without all the crowds.
Recommended Sessions:
Headliners include Opening and Closing Night films and a Centerpiece Film on the SXSW Live Channel
Documentary Feature Competition includes Introducing, Selma Blair and Lily Topples The World
Documentary Spotlights include world, national and Texas premieres, including WeWork: or the Making and Breaking of a $47 Billion Unicorn, a marketing-relevant look at the story behind WeWork
Festival Favorites showcase the most acclaimed films and selected premieres from around the world, including How It Ends and In The Same Breath
Recommended Cocktails / Bites:
- Hotel San Jose Michelada – Known for its own SXSW parties, pop-ups, and live music and screenings, Hotel San Jose also put a stamp on the classic Michelada with its unique Tex-Mex twist. Gather your supplies now, and enjoy!
- Breakfast tacos are on brand 24/7 here. Southern Kitchen offers up recipes for some local favorites.
MUSIC
INSIDE AUSTIN’S CITY LIMITS
If Austin is home, or you’re here for the week, you can take in all the local scenery while livestreaming exciting new artists performing in their home countries all over the world. Take in a show set in the infamous Abby Road Studios, a Taoist temple, or a cable car in Norway – all from some of your favorite local hotspots. Invite friends for a socially distanced, tune-filled picnic and enjoy the beautiful Austin spring weather at Pease Park, Town Lake, Zilker Park or other local parks and recreational centers.
Recommended Sessions:
Wave 1 Showcasing Artists*
Wave 2 Showcasing Artists*
*Be sure to download the SXSW app and keep checking back for official schedules to be posted.
Recommended Drinks:
- Infinite Monkey Theorem Wine: Try the Bubble Universe Rosé for some pinkie-lifting sips.
- Austin Beerworks & Jester King – Curbside pickup your favorite local brews to add some fun fizz to any tuneful picnic.
Recommended Food Truck Eats:
- Veracruz All Natural – This favorite local truck handed out over 4,000 free tacos to locals in need, hospitals, schools, first responders and more during the Texas Winter Storm.
- My Thai Mom – If you’re near the Capitol, this mom and son team serving up traditional Thai cuisine is a real treasure.
- Burro Cheese Kitchen – You haven’t had grilled cheese until you’ve had the Burning Mac or Waylon & Willie from this Rainey Street favorite.
- The Heel of the Boot – Authentic cuisine from Southern Italy to Austin, to you. Pet-friendly patio. Catering, too.
- Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ – Come hungry, and get there early. There’s a reason they sell out.
Must-Have Playlists:
@Spotify Official SXSW Playlist
@AppleMusic Official SXSW Playlist
HIT THE HIGHLIGHTS
LIVING ROOM LIVE STREAM
Want to turn SXSW Online into a low-key staycation solo or with your partner? With so many viewing options (Connected TV Apps, Zoom, SXSW Online XR and more) and 24/7 streaming content on five channels, the possibilities are endless, no matter what conference or show you are most excited about.
You can also be in Austin without leaving your couch with this year’s SXSW VR portal. Fire up your PC, PCVR or Oculus Quest headset and take an awe-inspiring, virtual reality tour down Congress Avenue, the Red River Cultural District, and into venues for virtual panels, meetups, screenings, special events and more. You can even donate through the SXSW VR portal to a very worthy cause: Banding Together ATX, a nonprofit supporting local musicians during the pandemic.
Make sure to check out the full lineup of keynotes and featured speakers from today’s most recognized thinkers and stars, then settle in with some recommended eats and drinks to help flavor your experience with a taste of Austin.
Recommended Keynote Speakers:
From voting rights hero Stacey Abrams to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to local legend Willie Nelson, this year’s keynotes are sure to be compelling and inspiring, so stay tuned to SXSW News for more announcements and scheduling updates as they happen.
Recommended Featured Speakers:
The biggest stars in music, film, technology, comedy, professional sports, politics and many other industries are among the SXSW Online Featured Speakers. Set your preferred method of streaming and get ready to be inspired. The star-studded lineup includes greats like Matthew McConaughey, Barry Jenkins, Bill Hader, Melinda Gates, Mark Cuban, Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah, Chris Webber, Samantha Bee, Taraji P. Henson and many more.
Music:
Film:
Headliners include Opening and Closing Night films and a Centerpiece Film on the SXSW Live Channel
Sessions:
Over 230 featured Sessions available March 16-20. Be sure to download the SXSW app and keep checking back for official schedules to be posted.
Recommended Bites:
- Austin’s original organic grocery store, Whole Foods, has 500 locations now. Find one near you, or your own local source, and grab some nosh, organic dips, snack platters or cheese boards and settle in.
Recommended Cocktails:
- Deep Eddy Vodka – With its Austin roots having become a major staple at outdoor festivals and events, Deep Eddy is a beloved Texas vodka that brings good times to any size get-together. We love the Austin Mule and South Congress Buck to really amp up those laid-back Capital City vibes.
However you’re taking in SXSW this year, make it yours and make it memorable. And if you find yourself in need of a marketing partner to help tell your brand’s story in a fresh, new way, let’s talk. Contact Barbara at barbara@wickmarketing.com or (512) 479-9834.
