Attendee Services Hub

Explore SXSW resources and tools to help you navigate and access events during the SXSW Conference and Festivals each March in Austin, TX.


Welcome SXSW Attendees

 

The Attendee Services Hub is your guide to SXSW with a suite of navigation tools and resources to help prepare you for the adventure ahead.

SXSW 2025 Updates Coming Soon

Registration and hotel bookings are now open for the 2025 SXSW Conference & Festivals in Austin, TX from March 7-15. Save up to 34% off when you register by September 12! Stay tuned for more SXSW 2025 resources and event updates throughout the season.

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Stay In the SX Know

Explore the SXSW News feed and subscribe to newsletters for the latest community updates and programming announcements. Follow us across official SXSW social media channels including Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.

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Getting Started

 

Stay tuned for SXSW 2025 updates.

Link Your Credential

After your credential has been purchased, you will receive a registration confirmation email. You can access your link code in that email or in your Cart’s “Purchase History.” For more information, browse the Registration FAQ.

Sign into your SXSW ID account at id.sxsw.com and then paste your link code. Now you’re ready to access registrant-only features such as Chat as well as online content in March.

SXSW GO Mobile App

SXSW® GO is the official mobile app for the annual SXSW Conference & Festivals. With SXSW GO, build your schedule, get event recommendations, network with other attendees, and more.

Download for iOS or Android and then sign in with your SXSW credentials to unlock app features.

SXSW Social

SXSW Social is a tool that allows SXSW registrants to search for other attendees, as well as book or modify your hotel reservation. Upload your SXSW Badge photo in advance, add a bio, and connect with new colleagues and friends before, during, and after SXSW.

SXSW Social

Build Your Schedule

Explore the SXSW Schedule for all confirmed programming across the Conference & Festivals. Customize your own list of must-see events as programming is added throughout the season. Date, time, and venue details will automatically update when that information is available closer to the event.

SXSW Schedule

General Event Access

 

Stay tuned for SXSW 2025 updates.

How Access Works

There are four SXSW Badge types: Platinum, Interactive, Film & TV, and Music.

Badges are tied to three access types:

  • Primary: admitted first
  • Secondary: admitted second, after primary line
  • Convergence: one line where all badges have equal access

The Platinum Badge is your key to everything SXSW has to offer with primary access to all events. Experience groundbreaking conference sessions, iconic festivals, unparalleled networking opportunities, access to SXSW’s online programming, and more.

The Interactive Badge gives you even more access to professional development and learning opportunities with primary entry to all Conference events including sessions, mentors, workshops, and more. Plus, secondary access to a majority of Film & TV and Music programming.

The Film & TV Badge is your pass to nine days of screenings, including World and U.S. premieres, featuring a high caliber and diverse lineup of film, TV, and XR during the Film & TV Festival. On the Conference side, access Film & TV sessions, mentors, and workshops. Plus, secondary access to a majority of Interactive and Music programming.

The Music Badge is your primary entry key to our legendary Music Festival showcases as well as music programming, mentor sessions, and workshops at the Conference. Plus, secondary access to most Interactive and Film & TV programming.

All badgeholders have primary access to daily Keynotes and sessions with primary access for all badges, Comedy Showcases, Exhibitions, and the Registrant's Lounge.

At the event, icons on signage that match your badge type indicate which access line you join: primary or secondary.

Event Status

Plan ahead with the Event Status feature which allows our registrants to check the current status of a room or a venue’s remaining capacity. A Green-Yellow-Red system appears on the SXSW GO app, the online SXSW Schedule, and on the digital Event Status Boards located around the Austin Convention Center and other venues.

Venues

SXSW events take place at various Official Venues across Austin. Review each venue's specific bag policy and other protocols before you go! On each Venue's event page in the SXSW Schedule, access their company website to learn more. Explore the Film & TV Festival Access section for Paramount and Stateside Theatre requirements for Film screenings.

Venue Size
Both the SXSW GO app and the SXSW Schedule will show room size information as small, medium, or large for any venue to help you plan your schedule.

  • Small = 0-249
  • Medium = 250-599
  • Large = 600+

SXXpress Passes

SXXpress (South by Express) Passes allow registrants to request priority access to individual Conference Sessions, Music Festival Showcases, Film & TV Festival Screenings, Comedy Festival Showcases, and select parties.

You can request a SXXpress Pass for events that you have primary access to through the SXSW Schedule or SXSW GO app starting at 9am the day before your desired event.

Passes are distributed via email, Apple Wallet, and Google Pay. Registrants can request passes prior to picking up their badge as long as they have linked their badge.

SXXpress Pass allotment and event eligibility varies by badge type:

  • Platinum registrants may request up to five passes per day, for access to Conference Sessions, Film & TV Festival Screenings, Music Festival Showcases, Comedy Festival Showcases, and Parties.
  • Interactive registrants may request up to four passes per day, for access to Interactive and Convergence Sessions, Comedy Festival Showcases and Interactive Opening Party.
  • Film & TV registrants may request up to three passes per day, for access to Screenings, Film and Convergence Sessions, Comedy Festival Showcases and the Film & TV Opening Party and Intermission Party.
  • Music registrants may request up to two passes per day, for access to Music Showcases, Music and Convergence Sessions, Comedy Festival Showcases and the Music Opening Party.

Learn more about SXXpress Pass access, request periods, event lines, and more on the SXXpress Pass page.

SXXpress Passes

Conference Access

 

Stay tuned for SXSW 2025 updates. Registration opens August 6, 2024.

About the Conference

Explore SXSW Conference programming including Keynotes, Featured Speakers, sessions across multiple tracks of programming, and more.

Event Access

SXXpress

SXSW badgeholders can reserve SXXpress Passes in the SXSW GO mobile app and on the SXSW Schedule starting at 9am the day for sessions related to their primary badge type.

Learn more about SXXPress Passes »

Primary Access

Platinum and Interactive badgeholders get primary access to all SXSW Conference programming.

If you have a Film & TV Badge or Music Badge, you have primary entry to the respective Conference tracks and events of your badge type.

All badgeholders have primary access to daily Keynotes and sessions with primary access for all badges.

Secondary Access

If space remains after Platinum and Interactive badgeholders and the event's primary badge type are seated, all other badgeholders will be admitted via the Secondary Access Line.

Check the event status in the SXSW GO app before you go.

Encore Sessions

Each year at the SXSW Conference, the multitude of high-profile topics bring a high demand for sessions across multiple tracks of programming. While Conference sessions can quickly fill up, Encore Sessions provide additional opportunities to experience this season’s most compelling content.

Check the SXSW Schedule for Encore Sessions announced daily during the March event.

Film & TV Festival Access

 

Stay tuned for SXSW 2025 updates. Registration opens August 6, 2024.

About the Film & TV Festival

Explore the SXSW Film & TV Festival and visit the Film & TV Festival Lineup page to explore the hundreds of features programmed each year. Explore the SXSW Schedule for all Film & TV time and venue details.

Be sure to arrive early! You should arrive 1 hour before screening time. When you arrive, look for the line that corresponds to your badge type.

Event Access

SXXpress

Film & TV and Platinum badgeholders can reserve SXXpress Passes in the SXSW GO mobile app and on the SXSW Schedule starting at 9am the day before each screening. Learn more about SXXPress Passes »

Primary Access

  • Queue Cards: Distributed to Platinum and Film & TV badgeholders starting one hour before screening time, and will be handed out until capacity has been met. This ensures your admission as long as you stay at the venue and are in line when seating begins.

  • Buffer Cards: After all available Queue Cards are distributed, Buffer Cards will be handed out to remaining badgeholders. While these cards do not guarantee entry to the venue, they will help Film & TV and Platinum badgeholders to secure a seat if any become available.

Secondary Access

If seats still remain after Primary Badgeholders are admitted, Film & TV Wristbands, Music Badges, and Interactive Badges may access a screening via the Secondary Access Line.

Public Pre-Sale Tickets
If seats still remain after Film & TV Wristbands, Music Badges, and Interactive Badges are admitted, Pre-Sale Ticket holders may access a screening. Pre-Sale Tickets are only available for select screenings and purchases do not guarantee entry. Pre-Sale Tickets will most often be sold at our larger venues: Paramount Theatre, Stateside, ZACH Theatre, AFS Cinema.

You can find SXSW Film & TV Festival screenings with Public Pre-Sale Tickets here.

Public Day-of Tickets If seats still remain after Primary and Secondary Access are admitted, single admission day-of tickets will be sold for $25 (plus venue fees) starting 15 minutes before showtime at the venue box office. It’s more likely that tickets will be available for sale at larger venues.

Check the Film & TV Festival Status Board or see the event status in the SXSW GO app before you go. There are also digital Event Status Boards located around the Austin Convention Center and other venues to see if a screen has seats remaining.

Venues

The 31st edition of the SXSW Film & TV Festival takes place across eight venues across Austin. Learn more information about each venue location, transportation options and more.

Film & TV Venues

Paramount Venue Policy

Queues for all Paramount Theatre events will begin south of the venue to expedite the entry process. The location of your line will vary depending on your credential. Please review the Event Map for more detailed information.

  • SXXpress Pass holders begin at the Paramount Theater Box Office and continue south down Congress and east down 7th
  • Film & TV badgeholders, and Platinum badgeholders begin at the NW corner of Brazos and 7th Streets continuing north up Brazos and past 8th street as needed.
  • Secondary access badges and Film & TV Wristband lines begin on the NW corner of 7th and Congress, across Congress from the Paramount Theater Box Office
  • Paramount Theater Public Pre-Sale and Day-of Ticket holder lines begin at the Paramount Theater Box Office

Stateside Venue Policy

Queues for all Stateside Theatre events will begin across Congress Ave on the southwest corner of Congress and 8th streets to expedite the entry process. The location of your line will vary depending on your credential. Please review the Event Map for more detailed information.

  • SXXpress Pass, Film & TV badgeholders, and Platinum badgeholders lines begin at 8th and Congress and will continue down Colorado
  • Secondary access badges and Film & TV Wristband lines begin at the surface parking lot next to the Victory building at 111 W. 8th Street
  • Stateside Public Pre-Sale and Day-of Ticket holders lines begin at 8th and Colorado and queue south toward 7th on Colorado

Paramount and Stateside Personal Items Policy

A clear bag policy is encouraged by the Paramount and Stateside Theatres and SXSW to allow for safe and expedited entry for patrons. Clear Bags to minimize contact that a bag search would require and allow for quicker entry. Clear bags should not exceed 14’x12’x6’ (35x30x15cm) in size.

Items allowed, but subject to physical inspection:

  • Non-clear bags
  • Clear bags that are too full to see through
  • Diaper bags, jackets and coats

The following personal items are NOT permitted:

  • Food or beverage of any kind
  • Weapons of any shape or size (including firearms, explosives, pocket knives, etc.)
  • Cameras or recorders of any kind
  • Suitcase and large duffel bags

Please note: This list is in no way exhaustive, and other items may be prohibited at the discretion of Austin Theatre Alliance management.

Music Festival Access

 

Stay tuned for SXSW 2025 updates. Registration opens August 6, 2024.

About the Music Festival

Explore SXSW Music Festival programming and listen to the Official Playlists on Spotify.

Event Access

SXXpress

Music and Platinum badgeholders can reserve SXXpress Passes in the SXSW GO mobile app and on the SXSW Schedule starting at 9am the day before each showcase.

Learn more about SXXPress Passes »

Primary Access

Music and Platinum badgeholders get primary access to Music Festival showcases and SXSW Conference Music and Convergence Tracks.

Secondary Access

If space remains after Primary Badgeholders are admitted, Music Wristbands, Film & TV Badges, and Interactive Badges may access a showcase via the Secondary Access Line.

Check the event status in the SXSW GO app before you go.

Bag Policy

Stubb’s and Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park follow a clear bag policy.

The only bags permitted inside these venues are small clutch bags up to 4.5”x6.5” in size OR a clear plastic or vinyl bags up to 12”x6”x12” in size. All larger bags are prohibited to enter these venues.

Browse official SXSW Venues for maps, age policies, and more venue specific information on the SXSW Schedule and SXSW GO app.

Festival Bag Policies

 

Stay tuned for SXSW 2025 updates. Registration opens August 6, 2024.

Film & TV Festival Bag Policy

A clear bag policy is encouraged by the Paramount and Stateside Theatres and SXSW to allow for safe and expedited entry for patrons. Clear bags minimize contact that a bag search would require and allow for quicker entry. Clear bags should not exceed 14’x12’x6’ (35x30x15cm) in size.

See Film & TV Festival access and venues for more information, especially pertaining to line access for the Paramount and Stateside theaters.

Music Festival Bag Policy

Stubb’s and Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park follow a clear bag policy.

The only bags permitted inside these venues are small clutch bags up to 4.5”x6.5” in size OR a clear plastic or vinyl bags up to 12”x6”x12” in size. All larger bags are prohibited to enter these venues.

See the Entry Conditions & Site Rules for the SXSW Community Concerts at Lady Bird Lake here.

See Music Festival access and venues for more information.

Browse official SXSW Venues for maps, age policies, and more venue specific information on the SXSW Schedule and SXSW GO app.

Accessibility

 

Stay tuned for SXSW 2025 updates. Registration opens August 6, 2024.

SXSW provides reasonable accommodations to make our events accessible for all attendees and participants. Explore the SXSW Accessibility page for more information.

Accessibility

To request an Accessibility Designated SXSW Badge, please email reg@sxsw.com or request one while picking up your badge onsite.

For any further questions or concerns, please contact accessibility@sxsw.com so we can work together to find an accommodation.

Contact the SXSW Accessibility Team

  • Email: accessibility@sxsw.com
  • Phone: 512-467-7979 (Call/Text)
  • In Person: Accessibility Desk in the Austin Convention Center during the event. Event days phone number will be added here at a later date.

Hotels & Travel

 

Stay tuned for SXSW 2025 updates. Registration opens August 6, 2024.

Book & Double Check Your Flight

Book flights early at the best available rates to save — you have much more important things to spend your money on, like tacos and barbecue.

Getting Around Austin

Once you arrive in Austin, don’t wait around for a ride at the airport! After you book your flight, switch over to the car hire tab in the travel tool and have a ride waiting for you when you fly in.

SXSW Shuttles A free circulating shuttle route runs between the Austin Convention Center and most SXSW venues during the March event. Get live updates during the event via the SXSW Shuttle Tracker. ADA accessibility transfers are available – learn more on our accessibility page.

Browse more transportation options on the Getting Around page.

Getting Around Austin

Badge Pickup

 

Stay tuned for SXSW 2025 updates. Registration opens August 6, 2024.

The Austin Convention Center (500 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701) in Exhibit Hall 1 is the main registration location to pick up all SXSW Badges.

Nearby parking options include the Austin Convention Center Garages. During the event, we highly recommend considering all other options before deciding to drive. Please check out the Getting Around page for more transportation options, street closures, SXSW Shuttle tracking, and more.

To pick up your SXSW Badge, you must present a government-issued ID. To expedite the badge pickup process, upload your photo to your SXSW Social account ahead of time.

Registration Hours

Use the Registration timeline to help plan your Austin arrival. Badge pickup is open March 2-15 in Exhibit Hall 1 at the Austin Convention Center.

  • Sunday, March 2 | 4:00pm – 8:00pm
  • Monday, March 3 | 8:00am – 8:00pm
  • Tuesday, March 4 | 8:00am – 6:00pm
  • Wednesday, March 5 | 8:00am – 6:00pm
  • Thursday, March 6 | 8:00am – 11:00pm
  • Friday, March 7* | 8:00am – 11:00pm
  • Saturday, March 8 | 8:00am – 9:00pm
  • Sunday, March 9 | 9:00am – 9:00pm
  • Monday, March 10 | 9:00am – 9:00pm
  • Tuesday, March 11 | 9:00am – 9:00pm
  • Wednesday, March 12 | 9:00am – 8:00pm
  • Thursday, March 13 | 9:00am – 7:00pm
  • Friday, March 14 | 9:00am – 7:00pm
  • Saturday, March 15 | 11:00am – 3:00pm

All times are in Central Time (CT). Dates, times, and locations subject to change.

*Please note the busiest registration day for SXSW is Friday, March 7. You can beat the registration lines by taking advantage of early registration for SXSW from March 2-6.

For more information on getting to the heart of SXSW from wherever you are staying in Austin, browse the Getting Around page for a comprehensive list of transportation services and other resources.

Other Registration Services

  • Accessibility Help Desk
  • Housing and Travel Desk
  • Speaker Help Desk
  • Filmmaker Check-in
  • Artist Info
  • Marketing Client & Exhibitor Help Desk
  • Sponsorship Help Desk
  • Press Help Desk
  • SXXpress and SXSW GO Help Desk

Registration FAQ

More Resources

 

Stay tuned for SXSW 2025 updates. Registration opens August 6, 2024.

Attendee Safety

Safety is a top priority for SXSW. We work closely with local, state, and federal agencies year-round to plan for a safe event.

Please review our Attendee Safety page for a list of general safety resources including emergency and non-emergency contact information, bag policies, code of conduct, Austin street closures, and more.

Attendee Safety

Code of Conduct

SXSW is not a place for behavior that is inappropriate, off-topic, disruptive, abusive, or illegal. Review the SXSW Code of Conduct and report any inappropriate behavior by emailing conduct@sxsw.com.

Code of Conduct

Support

Customer support can be found by contacting the following:

  • For more general questions, start with the SXSW FAQs.
  • Help purchasing registrations, redeeming coupons, and customer service. Email reg@sxsw.com.
  • Help with general information and questions about SXSW. Email info@sxsw.com.
  • Help with access to Online event content, compatibility with browsers, compatibility with hardware/software. Email techsupport@sxsw.com.

FAQs

SXSW Tips

 

Stay tuned for SXSW 2025 updates. Registration opens August 6, 2024.

Pack For Every Occasion – Be Weather Ready

SXSW is more than just a conference. You’ll be attending sessions, meeting potential clients, viewing films, networking at clubs, and hopping from one showcase to the next. If you’ve ever been to Austin, you know that the weather can be unpredictable — be sure to check weather forecasts before you set off each day. That being said, Austin is a really casual city. If you want to attend panels in your pajamas, we won’t judge.

Plan To Walk… A Lot

For those of you in fitness challenges counting your steps — get ready to score big this March! You’re going to be doing a lot of walking, so be comfort-conscious when selecting footwear. If you can manage it, you may want to have a change of shoes (and socks!) available. Your feet will thank you.

Stay tuned for the Registrant Walking Map for a quick look at nearby venues. On the SXSW Schedule and SXSW GO mobile app, you can also access a venues list and interactive maps.

Hop on a SXSW Shuttle

A free circulating shuttle route runs between the Austin Convention Center and most SXSW venues. Plan accordingly to make it to your event on time – explore routes and daily hours of operation. Keep up with the status of the shuttles on the SXSW Shuttle Tracker.

Stay Hydrated

We strongly recommend that you pack sunscreen and a reusable water bottle. The Texas heat can be dehydrating and the air in the convention center can be quite dry, but you’ll find water stations throughout the building to refill your bottle and stay hydrated.

While SXSW makes efforts to provide recycling stations during the event, many single-use plastic bottles end up in the trash.

Make a Schedule

You don’t have to stick to it, but having a place to start will make all the difference. The process of making your schedule is a useful discovery tool for events. Use the SXSW Schedule or SXSW GO mobile app to build your customized schedule. Events can be filtered by conference, festivals, event type, venue, and time. Simply click the star next to the event’s listing to add it to your schedule.

Explore events outside of your industry! All registrants have secondary access to events not associated with their badge type. Our Convergence programming spotlights cross-industry topics and encourages networking between registrants from many different fields of expertise.

Use event navigation tools to help you navigate and access conference and festival events. Review our Attendee Safety page for general safety guidelines and resources.

Find a New Collaborator

SXSW provides unlimited networking opportunities in an eclectic, social atmosphere. Even if you arrive in Austin on your own, you’ll be saying heartfelt goodbyes at the end of the week. Connect with other registrants at various Exhibitions, session formats including mentor sessions, meet ups, lounges and parties, and more.

Set up your profile on SXSW Social and use the Chat feature to network with other attendees before, during, and after the event.

Pace Yourself

You will have the urge to hit the ground running and try to cram as much into your first day as possible. Resist it! You will only be overwhelmed and disappointed with yourself that you don’t have the energy to go to that great evening event you had your heart set on. Experienced registrants know that SXSW is a marathon, not a sprint.

Enjoy your SXSW adventure!

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