Futurescape 2050: Charting the Course for Equity and Justice – SXSW 2024 – Photo by Sabrina Macias

Apply to Speak at the 2025 SXSW Conference

Final PanelPicker® Deadline: Sunday, July 21

By Jordan Roberts

07/19/2024

News Interactive Music Film & TV



Global professionals at every level converge at the SXSW Conference to participate, learn, and network while exploring what’s next in the worlds of tech, entertainment, culture, and beyond.

Who knows what you want to see at SXSW better than you? Don't miss the opportunity to enter your session idea via the 2025 SXSW PanelPicker® before the final deadline on Sunday, July 21 at 11:59pm PT.

The PanelPicker platform gives the SXSW community a significant voice in what creative and thought-provoking programming is selected each March. Throughout the open application period from June 25–July 21, we invite imaginative minds to submit proposals for solo presentations, panels, book readings, workshops, and other formats.

Visit panelpicker.sxsw.com to login or create a new profile, and then begin your proposal. The application process features a user-friendly form designed to guide you through each step seamlessly.

Session proposals should be specific, well-titled, showcase the depth of your research, and illustrate the impact of your ideas. Dive into our quick tips for some proposal inspiration. For even more insight, watch the previously-recorded PanelPicker AMA with the SXSW Programming team. Most importantly, be sure to enter your proposal before the final deadline on Sunday, July 21 at 11:59pm PT.

All ideas received will be posted online for Community Voting from August 6–18, 2024. Selected sessions for SXSW 2025 will be announced later in the fall.

PanelPicker Best Practices AMA

For a more complete understanding of what makes for a standout speaking proposal, please watch this video from the PanelPicker Ask Me Anything webinar held by the SXSW Programming team. Explore more proposal drafting tips below.

Watch Now
Photo by Roger Tam

Photo by Roger Tam
 

Tips for PanelPicker Success

  • Follow the instructions and read the FAQ. Reading the PanelPicker FAQ will give you important information about SXSW and more valuable application tips.

  • Create a future-focused, original proposal that shows what you’re passionate about. Often, SXSW previews what you’ll be talking about next year and beyond in tech, culture, music, film, television, and more. Give us your perspective on what lies ahead and why.

  • Depth and specificity. SXSW attendees want advanced, in-depth information, so be sure to delve into the particulars of a topic. The more specific a proposal is, the better. Drill down to what really matters.

  • Your title should reflect your description. Your title is going to be fighting for attention with hundreds of other titles. Direct and explanatory titles work best. The community should be able to understand what the proposal will cover without reading your description. Remember: think simple, accurate, and succinct.

  • Include a neutral moderator. The moderator is a neutral party that helps run the session and leads the panel discussion. Having a neutral moderator will help keep your session focused on the proposed topic and will allow for a more balanced presentation. This is strongly recommended to ensure all points of view on a given panel are equally represented.

  • Include a video with your proposal. Your speaking abilities matter, and we’d like to see them. No fancy production is required; recording from your webcam or phone works just fine. The supporting material you provide helps viewers understand your proposal and distinguish it from the competition. 

  • Proofread! Once you are done with your proposal and click the "Enter My Proposal" button, you will NOT be able to edit your idea. Be sure you have reviewed your proposal carefully. 

  • Meet the deadline. The final deadline to enter your application is Sunday, July 21 at 11:59pm PT.

Go To PanelPicker

See You at SXSW 2025

Join the conversation with thousands of other creatives from around the world at SXSW 2025 from March 7–15 in Austin, TX. Registration and hotel bookings begin on August 6. Get ready for more sessions, music showcases, film and TV screenings, exhibitions, networking, and unexpected discoveries.

Stay in the SX know, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Threads, TikTok, and X. Subscribe to Conference Community newsletters and check out our News feed for the latest SX coverage.

Photos by Sabrina Macias

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