SXSW values community input and involvement. The two-step online process PanelPicker® was developed to encourage the SXSW community to enter proposals and have a significant voice in Conference programming.

Each year, the SX community enters session ideas and then grades each proposal during Community Voting. The SXSW staff and Advisory Boards also inform a significant percentage in determining the content lineup.

See You in 2024

Get ready to experience more opportunities for discovery, networking, learning, and career-enhancing connections than ever before at SXSW 2024 from March 8-16. Applications for SXSW 2024 will open on June 27, 2023.

Subscribe to Event Updates and the Conference Community Newsletter to stay in the SX know.

Applications open June 27, 2023. Stay tuned for more information.

Each year, we encourage the SXSW community to upload proposals for solo presentations, panels, book readings, workshops, and more across multiple Tracks of programming.

What Makes A Good Proposal

Proposals should be specific, well-titled and illustrative of the impact of your ideas and the depth of research behind them.

• The more specific a proposal, the better.
• Cute titles are fun, but your title is going to be fighting for attention with hundreds of other titles. Direct and explanatory titles work best.
• The supporting material you enter helps viewers to understand your proposal and distinguish it from the competition.
• Proof your work!
• Meet the final deadline: Sunday, July 24, 2023 at 11:59pm PT.

Formats

• Meet Up (1-2 Hosts): Networking event of like-minded attendees around a particular topic.
• Mentor Session (1-on-1): One-on-one session with an industry expert. The Mentor counsels each individual attendee for fifteen minutes, meeting with up to five registrants.
• Panel (4 max): Diverse discussion around a particular topic. Four speakers max (including a moderator, if applicable).
• Presentation (1-2 Speakers): A prepared presentation, interview or conversation.

The easy-to-follow application form on panelpicker.sxsw.com will walk you step by step through the entry process. Read the PanelPicker FAQ to learn valuable tips for creating a great proposal.

Learn More

Community Voting for SXSW 2024 is August 8-20, 2023. Stay tuned for more information.

How Ideas are Selected: Voting + Staff + PanelPicker Evaluators

While voting from the community is important, these totals are not the only factor in deciding SXSW programming. The SXSW staff and PanelPicker Evaluators also inform a significant percentage in determining the content lineup.

The input of the SXSW staff (30%) and PanelPicker Evaluators (40%) help ensure that less well-known voices have as much of a chance of being selected to speak at SXSW as individuals with large online followings.

Community Votes: 30%
Who knows what you want to see at SXSW better than you? Your input is very important in terms of shaping the look and feel of the March event.

PanelPicker Evaluators: 40%
A group of 200+ industry experts from around the world, the SXSW PanelPicker Evaluators provide significant feedback on all proposals.

SXSW Staff: 30%
With years of experience programming this event, SXSW staffers work to fill any gaps in relevant subject matter, striking a balance between new and veteran speakers.

Learn More