[MEDIA RELEASE] South by Southwest Sydney® (SXSW Sydney) has today revealed 40 speakers for its 2025 Conference, with this early announcement indicating the 3rd edition of the annual event is set to deliver an extraordinary lineup of global thought leaders, creative pioneers, and industry disruptors.
This year’s event will dive deep into the most pressing trends shaping our world—from AI’s accelerating advancements and the future of work to quantum technologies, cybersecurity, sustainability, and the ever-evolving creative industries. A must-attend event for professionals and innovators in leadership roles, SXSW Sydney will be held from October 13-19.
As SXSW Sydney Head of Conference Fenella Kernebone explains: “You’ll experience dynamic keynote sessions, powerhouse panel discussions, and hands-on industry workshops that deliver practical skills you can apply immediately. With a focus on innovation, leadership strategies, and experience-driven learning, you’ll gain fresh perspectives to help you implement meaningful change in your organisation. This first release of speakers is just the beginning – prepare to build an even more comprehensive toolkit as we announce many more industry leaders!”
In Business & Leadership, discover how Tim Cadogan (CEO of GoFundMe) is using the data from millions of campaigns resulting in $30 billion in fundraising to implement AI-informed technology that enhances sharing, storytelling and overcomes the psychological barriers that prevent people from asking for help. You’ll also learn from Dr Kirstin Ferguson AM, who will provide you with actionable frameworks for inclusive leadership, organisational transformation, providing tools to foster gender equality within your own business.
Within Technology & Innovation, gain strategic insights from Silvija Martincevic, CEO of Deputy, who will demonstrate how AI-powered workforce technologies are creating data-driven systems that boost productivity. In addition, a rare in-conversation with Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki, unpacking his ability to demystify complex concepts with infectious enthusiasm.
And in Marketing & Media, learn from Tiffany Rolfe (Global Chair/Global Chief Creative Officer at R/GA – New York), who will show you how to develop strategic creative solutions that blend storytelling with technology to drive your business growth. Peter Greste (Professor of Journalism at UQ) will draw on his frontline experience to equip you with crucial frameworks for navigating today’s complex media landscape, offering invaluable perspectives on information integrity.
Plan to be at SXSW Sydney in October, with these inspiring voices, a preview of the unprecedented gathering to come:
- Ethical Technologist Andi Mastrosavas, CEO of Pladia, a trailblazer reshaping digital responsibility
- Visionary Robotics Leader Andra Keay, Managing Director of Silicon Valley Robotics
- Consciousness Explorer Dr. Ariel Zeleznikow-Johnston, Neuroscientist & Author of “The Future Loves You“
- Public Policy Architect Aruna Sathanapally, CEO at Grattan Institute
- Groundbreaking Cultural Commentator Benjamin Law, Journalist, Screenwriter and Broadcaster
- Global Digital Policy Shaper Brendan Dowling, Australian Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology
- Space Nutrition Expert Flávia Fayet-Moore, Founder and CEO of FOODiQ Global, revolutionising astronaut diets
- Game-Changing Sports Executive Jennie Sager, CEO of the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL)
- World Surf League Commissioner, Jessi Miley Dyer and former Pro Surfer, shaping the future of the sport
- Quantum Physics Luminary Prof Jim Rabeau, CEO of DeteQt, transforming sensing technologies
- Leading Audio Content Strategist Josh Lindgren, Head of Podcasts at CAA, influencing the future of podcasting
- Advocate for Creative Innovation, Julie Eckersley, Award-winning Producer and Screen Executive
- Iconic Science Communicator Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki, Julius Sumner Miller Fellow at University of Sydney
- Elite Cyber Security Strategist Katherine Mansted, Executive Director of Cyber Intelligence at CyberCX
- Global Authority on Ethical Leadership Kirstin Ferguson AM, Author, Columnist, and Leadership Expert
- Change Maker Kyah Bell, Co-Founder of the Black Excellence Fund
- Champion of Evidence-Based Journalism Lisa Watts, CEO of The Conversation
- Barrier-Breaking Technology Leader Luli Adeyemo, Executive Director of TechDiversity
- Defining Voices in Women’s Media Mia Freedman, Jessie Stephens and Holly Wainwright of Mamamia Out Loud
- Compelling Political Analyst Matt Bevan, Host and Writer of ABC’s If You’re Listening podcast
- International Emmy-Award Winner Neil Sharma, Writer and Director of captivating visual narratives
- AI Educator Nicholas Renotte, Head of AI Developer Advocacy at IBM, democratising advanced technology
- Creative Potential Unleasher Nicole Velik, Founder of The Ideas Bodega
- Cutting-Edge AI Transformation Strategist Noelle Russell, AI Executive highlighting the way forward
- Fearless Defender of Press Freedom Peter Greste, Professor of Journalism at UQ, former Foreign Correspondent
- Award-Winning Actor Remy Hii, featured in Netflix’s ARCANE, WELLMANIA and Crazy Rich Asians
- Trailblazing Indigenous Aerospace Leader Renee Wootton, Director, New Market Development at Lanzajet
- Tourism Redefiner René de Monchy, Chief Executive of Tourism New Zealand
- Media Futurist Ricky Sutton, Host of Future Media Podcast, predicting industry transformations
- Boundary-Pushing Performer Shuang Hu, Actor and Creator bridging eastern and western artistic traditions
- Modern Workplace Global Executive, Silvija Martincevic, CEO of Deputy
- Financial Empowerment Icon Simran Kaur, Founder of Girls That Invest, revolutionising women’s wealth creation
- Sustainable Food Production Innovator Stela Willemstein, Director of JBS
- Digital Brand Innovation Definer Tiffany Rolfe, Chair & Global Chief Creative Officer at R/GA
- Global Giving Tech Leader Tim Cadogan, CEO of GoFundMe, transforming how communities mobilize support
- LGBTQ+ Business Inclusion Pioneer Todd Sears, US Founder & CEO of Out Leadership, driving corporate change
- Creative APAC Powerhouse Valerie Madon, Chief Creative Officer, McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific
- Science Sleuth Wendy Zukerman, Host and Executive Producer of Science Vs
SXSW Sydney 2025 will again feature 1,600 sessions and events – 400+ conference sessions, 150+ professional development sessions, 300+ music performances, 95 film screenings, 150 games, and more than 400 brand-led events. Hundreds more conference sessions are up for public vote here until April 11. More information about the Conference can be found here.
Now on sale with the most affordable passes offered to date, so the widest range of the curious and creative can attend the event than ever before. To find out more or to secure early bird access, visit www.sxswsydney.com.
