SXSW 2023 Climate Hub – Photo by David Brendan Hall
While we love bringing our registrants up close and personal with their favorite artists and speakers, some of the work we’re most proud of is conducted behind the scenes. The annual March event brings out organizations like HeadCount and HAAM to activate, host showcases, and more while connecting one on one with SXSW registrants.
Additionally, through creative solutions and mindful partnerships, the SXSW staff works throughout the year to support causes we are most passionate about. By staying engaged in our community throughout the year, taking action, educating ourselves and others, we hope to continuously grow our social efforts.
The SXSW event was created with the belief that individuals have the power to initiate real change in their lives and others. Through programs advocating for human rights, the climate crisis, our community and more we are working to become a positive force in the festival industry.
HeadCount is a non-partisan organization that uses the power of music to register voters and promote participation in democracy. This year, Headcount was in the Artist Gifting Lounge and the Creative Industries Expo connecting with young people and music fans where they already are - at concerts and online - to inform and empower.
SXSW’s CSR Council has introduced multiple initiatives aimed at reducing our environmental impact. These goals are not just a business imperative - but a company cultural commitment and we are focused on creating a more sustainable experience with this year’s programming and operations. Stay tuned for the next exciting steps in the SXSW Conference & Festival sustainability journey as we continue to gather data from the annual event, and plot our green course for the future.
SXSW is a proud sponsor of Austin’s HAAM Corporate Battle of the Bands where each year, professionals are given a once in a lifetime chance to unleash their inner rock star for a good cause. Austin-based businesses pull their talented employees together and showcase their unsung talents as they compete at the award-winning ACL Live at the Moody Theater. Competing bands rock-out during 12 minute sets, working to impress a panel of celebrity and music industry judges who ultimately decide which band will leave with the title of Austin’s Best Corporate Band.
In 2023, SXSW was honored to play host to Spencer Buchanan and family during the event. In collaboration with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, SXSW artists, filmmakers and the Austin Police Department, we were able to create a stellar experience for a young man who truly rocks.
SXSW staff members assembled on August 12, 2023 as a vendor in partnership with the Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT), and marching alongside other local businesses and organizations down historic Congress Avenue.
"We had so much fun and felt a real sense of community involvement from SXSW!" - Amy Patton, SXSW Facilities Coordinator & Office Manager
Take a look back at 2023 and get ready for the next SXSW Conference & Festivals in Austin from March 8-16, 2024.
The SXSW Volunteer Program mobilizes an army of global volunteers and resources to drive SXSW, its registrants, staff and the Austin community. Our goal is to enhance the volunteer experience from start to finish, so that we continue to offer the best opportunity to contribute to the fun and success of SXSW Conferences + Festivals.
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