SXSW is one of the major trade events and conferences in the world to do business at if you’re in the music business before 30,000 music execs and 3,000 music media from 78 countries and looking for deals, or a film maker before 33,000 delegates from 85 countries (this year it screened 145 new movies and documentaries), or a geek wanting to find out the latest in the interactive world from 33,000 fellow-techheads from 85 countries and be part of incubators. Wolfmother, Missy Higgins and Courtney Barnett are just some Australians whose global careers changed as a result.
The Melbourne Meet and Greet is on Monday July 14 at Bar Open, 317 Brunswick St., Fitzroy. Networking drinks start at 5.30. The panel starts at 6.30 and includes Glenn Dickie (Export Producer for Sounds Australia), Monty Hamilton (digital expert & multiple SXSW Interactive attendee), Gus Berger & Christina Radburn (SXSW Film Festival exhibitors 2015) and Brad Thomas (travel guru and official agent for SXSW). It is moderated by Phil Tripp, who’s been SXSW Australia, NZ & Hawaii for 13 years.
Also part of the night is the screening of the 90-minute movie Outside Industry about the rise and rise of SXSW.
Tripp’s advise for bands who want to play is to remember that 8,000 applied from around the world for 2,266 showcase slots. From Australia alone, 250 applied of which 47 were officially invited (and six played unofficially). The sooner you get your application in, the more likely your music will be heard by fresh ears. You’ll also be advised earlier, which gives you more time to apply for your US visa, for travel grants in Australia, and book further dates in America and Europe after your SXSW appearance.
Says Tripp, “You go to SXSW to do business. Try and set up appointments before you get there. But also remember you could get a break from sitting next to a stranger waiting for someone in a bar or in an elevator. Rehearse a 15-second intro to yourself. Don’t talk endlessly about yourself, learn to listen. SXSW is a place to party, too, but it’s an expensive party if you don’t get any deals done. But as a precaution, when you check in to your hotel, take a photo of your room number and the hotel on your mobile in case you have a problem remembering afterwards!”
There is no need to RSVP for the meet and greet, just walk in. For further information on SXSW, email Phil Tripp at [email protected].
