Thank you for your interest in covering SXSW. Press Accreditation for the 2023 event is now open.
We have instituted a new intake system this year, so please read thoroughly. To apply for credentials, the assigning Editor/Producer must fill out the following online application form.
If you are a freelance journalist, you must be on assignment from a media outlet. Photographers must also be on assignment. Spec photography, portfolio photography, and personal website photography are not valid assignments. If you are not the assigning Editor/Producer or are a freelance journalist or photographer, please forward this form to the appropriate person to be completed.
Please note the following:
ONE designated point person in your media outlet should complete this application, on behalf of your organization, for ALL personnel wishing to cover the event on behalf of the outlet. Individual attendees should be listed within that single application. The system is self-explanatory and you will be able to submit additional attendees over time if you do not yet have all your assignment plans set. Please be aware that this is a two-part process. First you submit information about the outlet and then about each attendee. You will also need to apply for yourself as an attendee if you are also covering.
Requests for accreditation will only be considered if submitted via this official online process with the online application form completed accordingly. Application requests sent by email will not be accepted.
As part of this online credential application, the assigning Editor/Producer MUST provide a letter of assignment on behalf of each individual attendee on company letterhead, stating a description of your outlet, the name of the journalist(s) assigned to attend and the scope of the coverage. If you are submitting multiple attendees, you only need to write one letter of assignment, that lists coverage details for each individual on one overarching document. Just be sure to re-attach it directly to each individual application. If you are a freelance journalist or photographer, you must be on assignment from a publication and provide an official letter of assignment. If you are a sole practitioner for your own website, submit a letter for yourself to complete the application.
Only actively covering, legitimate media will be considered for credentials. Influencers, analysts, market researchers, marketing / advertising firms, brand content producers, filmmakers, etc. are not included in the SXSW definition of legitimate media. If you fall into this category, but are a contributor to an outlet that meets our qualifications, you must be on assignment, and provide a Letter of Assignment from your Editor.
Credentials will be allotted on a case-by-case basis and are never guaranteed just because you requested them. You must provide a detailed coverage plan for the conference or each festival that you plan on covering.
Press Credential Applications should be filled out as soon as possible, and no later than Wednesday, February 8, 2023. No Applications will be considered after this date, and walk-up requests will not be granted.
Your application is not considered complete until receipt of your letter of assignment. Please upload your letter of assignment within five business days of filling out this application.
Once your application is complete, please allow SXSW 15 complete business days to consider your request.
If you are approved for credentials, you will receive access to the limited block of hotel rooms held for Press at the discounted conference rates. Rooms are sold on a ‘first come, first served basis’. The earlier you apply, the better your selection of hotel rooms. While you are not guaranteed a hotel room with your approval, the SXSW Housing Department will work with you to secure hotel accommodations. For questions regarding housing, visit sxsw.com/hotels or email housing@sxsw.com.
SXSW reserves the right to approve or deny accreditation. The decision is final and cannot be appealed.
If you attended SXSW 2022 as an accredited journalist, you must have submitted your coverage by June 1, 2022 to be in good standing. Please note that it is your responsibility to confirm with SXSW that your coverage was received. If you have covered SXSW in the past but recently changed media affiliation, accreditation is subject to SXSW approval of the applicant's affiliation. Your past work as an accredited journalist will be taken into account upon assessment of your application.
If you’re trying to reach a specific person in the Public Relations Department, please contact them directly:
Music Festival: Elizabeth Derczo, musicpress@sxsw.com
Film & TV Festival: Jody Arlington, filmpress@sxsw.com
Conference: Ben Perez, conferencepress@sxsw.com
General Inquiries: press@sxsw.com
Thank you,
SXSW Public Relations
