SXSW Music and Media Conference FAQ

Have a question about the SXSW Music and Media Conference? Check out the answers to some frequently asked questions. To reveal an answer, simply click on a question that you may have.

1. What is the SXSW Music and Media Conference?

By day, conference registrants do business in the SXSW Trade Show at the Austin Convention Center and partake in a full agenda of informative, provocative panel discussions featuring hundreds of speakers of international stature. At night, the SXSW Music and Media Conference showcases hundreds of musical acts from around the globe on over one hundred stages in downtown Austin.

2. How can I find out more about the different types of programming offered at the SXSW Music and Media Conference?

Visit the Sessions section of the website to see brief descriptions of the different types of sessions offered at the SXSW Music and Media Conference. To see video excerpts from various panel sessions and artist showcases, visit the official SXSW YouTube Channel.

3. What are the dates for the 2013 SXSW Music and Media Conference?

The 2013 SXSW Music and Media Conference will take place Tuesday, March 12 through Sunday, March 17. Check back with the website throughout the year for information about other important dates. You can also subscribe to the SXSW Music monthly e-mail newsletter to keep up to date on all the latest news and important deadlines.

4. When can I register to attend the 2013 SXSW Music and Media Conference?

Online registration for the 2013 SXSW Music and Media Conference will begin in early August. Registering early is the best way to ensure the widest choice of accommodations in Austin during the event.

5. Where does the SXSW Music and Media Conference occur?

Daytime panel programming, the SXSW Trade Show, the Radio Day Stage and the Ballroom G Day Stage take place at the Austin Convention Center located at 500 E. Cesar Chavez. SXSW Music Festival showcases occur at over 100 venues throughout downtown Austin.

6. Who attends this event?

SXSW Music appeals to people from every aspect of the music industry. Labels, agents, managers, manufacturers, publishers, writers, bloggers, media giants and fans all meet for six days in Austin to celebrate music and make deals. Thousands of people from all over the world make business and personal connections that will last a lifetime.

7. What kinds of topics are covered at the event?

Panel topics cover everything from touring to releasing your own music to practically every aspect of the music business. The goal is to educate, inform and help bring together the people who will form the future of the music business. Check the 2013 Sessions page soon for a list of specific titles featured at the event. Discovering new ideas that lead us to a better future is the underlying theme of all of this programming.

8. How many people typically come to SXSW Music?

Thousands upon thousands of people converge on Austin every year for SXSW Music. It gets bigger every year. This is a great place to be inspired by amazing and creative people who are shaping the future of the music industry.

9. How long has this event been going on?

The The SXSW Music and Media Conference debuted in Austin in March 1987. You can read about SXSW's history here.

10. What kind of people speak at SXSW Music?

Thousands of cutting-edge and veteran music business leaders have spoken at SXSW Music. Some of the bigger names to participate in the event include Bruce Springsteen, Quincy Jones, Pete Townshend, Lou Reed, Smokey Robinson, Johnny Cash, Elvis Costello, David Byrne, Daryl Hall, Mick Jones, Tony James, Neil Young, Seymour Stein, Shawn Fanning, Courtney Love, Sean Parker, Chrissie Hynde, and many, many more from all corners of the music business.

11. How is SXSW Music different than other music conferences and festivals?

The large number of interviews, discussions, presentations and special events that make up the conference in addition to the sheer volume of musical performances alone sets SXSW worlds apart from other conferences and festivals. In 2012, 2,286 bands performed on 104 stages over the course of five nights. In addition, SXSW attracts participants from all around the world, making it truly one of the biggest global music market places in the world. Deals get done while parties are had and showcases bring together some of the most dynamic musical talent the world has to offer from big name acts to smaller newcomers while business representatives from all over the globe trade ideas on the Trade Show floor.

12. What happens at the nighttime shows?

Generally a half-dozen acts play in each venue, starting at the top of each hour from 8pm – 2am. What that means is that at any point in time, there are more than 100 bands playing at the same time. Talk about options. Purchase a badge, and you can walk from club to club and take in music from acts from all over the musical spectrum, without being mired in one thing. Some showcases feature artists from the same label or region, while some go in all sorts of different directions. Watch the shows page for announcements about the 2013 festival.

13. I think my company might want to host a party. How do I do this?

Contact our partner, High Beam Events. They can help you find the perfect venue and scenario from start to finish.

14. Can I buy a one-day pass to SXSW Music?

Unfortunately, we do not sell single session or single day passes to the event. As compared to other events, the low registration price of the the SXSW Music and Media Conference makes for an extraordinary value. Even if you are only able to attend for one or two days, the amount of information and networking opportunities afforded by the event make the registration price a bargain.

15. What is SXSWeek?

Running Friday, March 8 through Sunday, March 17, 2013, SXSWeek is the nine-day stretch that encompasses the SXSW Interactive Festival, SXSW Film Conference and Festival and SXSW Music and Media Conference.

16. As a SXSW Music registrant, am I able to attend SXSW Film and SXSW Interactive events?

The SXSW Music Conference & Festival badge covers admission to all events affiliated with SXSW Music. If you want to attend SXSW Interactive, SXSW Film and SXSW Music, then you should purchase a Platinum Badge. If you have already purchased a SXSW Music Badge and you wish to upgrade to Gold or Platinum, contact the registration department for pricing details.

17. Who should I contact about my great idea for a panel at SXSW Music?

Proposals for the 2013 event were accepted via the PanelPicker interface June 2012 through July 2012. Stay updated on all SXSW Music news, including important deadlines, by subscribing to the monthly SXSW e-mail newsletter.

18. How can I market my product or service at SXSW Music and Media Conference?

Getting your product or service in front of the cutting-edge crowd of industry professionals that attend SXSW Music is a great way to build buzz. We offer all sorts of opportunities for this -- from a booth at the Trade Show to advertising in the Program Book to hosting a party or reception. For information on all the available marketing opportunities, please contact Luann Williams.

SXSW 2013