Sydney, Australia – South by Southwest (SXSW) Sydney is gearing up for its second annual conference, set to take place from October 14 to 20, 2024. This year’s event promises an exceptional convergence of ideas, technology, innovation, games, music, and film, with the announcement of its first keynote speakers.
Leading the charge is New York Times best-selling author Johann Hari, known for his insightful works “Magic Pill” and “Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention.” Hari’s thought-provoking TED Talks, “Everything You Think You Know About Addiction is Wrong” and “This Could Be Why You Are Depressed or Anxious,” have garnered over 93 million views, and his books have been translated into 40 languages. “Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention” was named Book of the Year by The Financial Times, The New York Post, and The Spectator, receiving multiple accolades.
Joining Hari is the eminent human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson, a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers in London. Specializing in international law, media law, and human rights, Robinson has played a pivotal role in key human rights and climate cases globally. She is renowned for her work with Julian Assange and WikiLeaks. Her recent book, “How Many More Women?”, delves into the legal silencing of women and examines the backlash against the MeToo movement.
SXSW Sydney Managing Director, Colin Daniels, highlighted the significance of these speakers, stating, “Our first two keynote speakers reflect our commitment to fostering challenging conversations. Discussing human rights and our wellbeing, intersecting with the rapidly evolving landscape of technology is more critical than ever. Our keynote speakers will ignite discussions that are not only timely but necessary, as we navigate the complexities of our modern world.”
Also Read: Embracing the Digital Shift: An Exclusive Interview with Jan Wong, Founder of OpenMinds
The event will also feature other prominent speakers, including Min-Liang Tan, Co-Founder & CEO of Razer, Amy Gallo, best-selling author and conflict management expert, and Chad Lawson, a world-renowned musician and mindfulness advocate. Additional noteworthy speakers include ABC radio presenter Lisa Leong, CEO of Emergent Global Holly Ransom, Australian race car driver Molly Taylor, media science researcher Karen Nelson-Field, Billboard Top Music Lawyer Priyanka Khimani, and Rolling Stone India Senior Editor Peony Hirwani.
In a special session titled “Better Than a Hollywood Movie: The Highs, Lows, Epic Moments, and Colossal Steps Forward in Bringing Back the Tasmanian Tiger,” actor Luke Hemsworth will moderate a panel featuring Ben Lamm, CEO of Colossal, and Professor Andrew Pask from the University of Melbourne’s TIGRR Lab. The discussion will focus on their groundbreaking efforts to de-extinct the Tasmanian Tiger and restore it to Tasmania.
The conference will also offer a variety of featured sessions, such as “How to Seize Control of Your Workday” with Global Director of Wellbeing at Xero Lucas Finch, organisational psychologist Dr. Amantha Imber, and broadcaster Lisa Leong. Another notable session, “Redefining Success: Beyond the 1%,” will challenge traditional success metrics, featuring CEO of Emergent Global Holly Ransom, 7X World Champion Layne Beachley AO, CEO of Awake Academy Tess Brouwer, and CEO of the Langley Group Sue Langley.
The full list of sessions and events is available at schedule.sxswsydney.com, where attendees can start favouriting their top picks. SXSW Sydney 2024 will also welcome a diverse lineup of partners, including CommBank, NSW Government, UTS, Accenture, and many more. SXSW Sydney 2024 badges are now on sale at the second release rate, with prices set to rise on August 30. Secure your badge and join this unparalleled gathering of visionaries, thought leaders, and emerging talents from the Asia-Pacific region. For more details and to plan your trip, visit sydney.com.
