The digital SXXpress (South by Express) Passes are a resource for SXSW registrants to not only secure a spot at must-see events but also jump to the front of the line.
Daily SXXpress Passes are available to all SXSW Badges – Platinum, Interactive, Film & TV, and Music. Registrants may request priority access for themselves to individual Conference Sessions, Music Festival Showcases, and Comedy Festival Showcases. SXXpress passes are based on a small portion of the event room size and are available for our in-person event only. Don’t fret! If you are not able to secure a SXXpress Pass for a certain event, you can still attend by checking Event Status on the Schedule or the SXSW GO mobile app to plan accordingly and by waiting in your designated badge line
SXXpress Passes are digital and can be requested through the SXSW Schedule or in SXSW GO, the official mobile app. Passes are distributed via email.
How to Reserve SXXpress Passes
Before you can reserve SXXpress Passes, you must log in and link your badge in SXSW GO or SXSW ID, using the SXSW Link Code found in your registration confirmation email.
Starting from 9:00am CT on the day before the event (two days before the event for Platinum badges), log in to SXSW GO or the SXSW Schedule, navigate to the event, and click the "Request SXXpress Pass" button. The checkboxes and help text in the SXXpress Pass interface will confirm your eligibility. You are only able to request a SXXpress pass to an event that you have primary access to. If you are reserving a pass for an eligible event, you will see a “Confirm Pass” button and a confirmation email will be sent if the pass is granted.
Sessions: the request period will end when the limited number of Passes have been claimed or 5 hours before the session or party,, whichever comes first.
Music Showcases: the request period will end when the limited number of Passes have been claimed or at 3pm the day of the showcase, whichever comes first.
You will be sent an email for each successful SXXpress Pass request, including instructions on using the digital pass and when to arrive at the event.
Note: SXXpress Passes cannot be returned, transferred or exchanged. All requests are final. If you receive an error message when requesting a SXXpress Pass, then your request was not successfully processed. A successful SXXpress Pass request will result in a confirmation email notification. You cannot claim SXXpress passes over your daily limit or more than once for the same event
How Many SXXpress Passes Can I Get?
You can request a SXXpress Pass for events that you have primary access to based on your badge type. The allotment of SXXpress Passes per badge type and the events you can request them for is as follows:
Platinum registrants may request up to five passes per day at 9:00am CT two days in advance for primary access to all Conference Sessions, Music Festival Showcases, and Comedy Festival Showcases.
Interactive: registrants may request up to four passes per day for primary access to all Conference Sessions and Comedy Festival Showcases.
Film & TV: registrants may request up to three passes per day for primary access to Film & TV Screenings, Film & TV Conference Tracks plus sessions with primary access for all badges, and Comedy Festival Showcases.
Music: registrants may request up to two passes per day for primary access to Music Showcases, Music Conference Tracks plus sessions with primary access for all badges, and Comedy Festival Showcases.
Event types that do not have SXXpress Passes include: Networking Meet Ups, Mentor Sessions, Workshops, and Roundtables. If you are 1) already signed up for the event, 2) have already reached daily allowance of passes, or 3) do not have primary access with your badge type, select a different event to request a SXXpress Pass.
How Do I Get In With My SXXpress Pass?
You should make sure to have both your SXSW Badge and your SXXpress Pass email confirmation at the door.
For Conference Sessions, go to the designated SXXpress area at the front of the primary access line, no later than 15 minutes before the session starts.
For Film & TV Screenings, go to the designated area at the front of the primary access line at the theatre, no later than 30 minutes before the listed time for the screening.
For Music and Comedy Showcases, go to the front of the primary access line at the host venue.
Need Help?
If you are having an issue requesting a SXXpress Pass, please stop by any of our Information Booths or the Tech Help Desk in Exhibit Hall 1 of the Austin Convention Center. You may also email us at info@sxsw.com.
Notes:
SXSW Music Showcases: 1) A SXXpress Pass provides admittance only to the event specified (venue and date) on the Pass; 2) The name on your badge and SXXpress Pass must be identical; 3) SXXpress Passes are non-transferable and are only valid when accompanied with your valid SXSW Badge; 4) SXXpress Passes do not guarantee admission, which is subject to venue capacity; 5) Due to strict alcohol beverage laws in Texas, all venues require a government-issued photo ID for entry; 6) SXXpress Passes are not valid for minors at venues that do not admit minors; 7) The period to request a Pass ends when the quantity of Passes allocated have been claimed; 8) SXXpress Passes may not be available for some showcases; 9) All SXXpress Pass transactions are final — NO EXCHANGES OR RETURNS. 10) If you receive an error message when requesting a SXXpress Pass, then your request was not successfully processed. A successful SXXpress Pass request will result in a confirmation email notification.*
SXSW Conference and Parties: 1) A SXXpress Pass provides admittance only to the event specified (venue and date) on the Pass; 2) The name on your badge and SXXpress Pass must be identical; 3) SXXpress Passes are non-transferable and are only valid when accompanied with your valid SXSW Badge; 4) Admission is subject to capacity restrictions; 5) No reserved seating; 6) The period to request a Pass ends when the quantity of Passes allocated have been claimed; 7) All SXXpress Pass transactions are final — NO EXCHANGES OR RETURNS. 8) If you receive an error message when requesting a SXXpress Pass, then your request was not successfully processed. A successful SXXpress Pass request will result in a confirmation email notification.*
