The game-changing sessions at SXSW Sydney

The Pause Awards has submitted three incredible session proposals for SXSW Sydney, and we need your support to bring these game-changing discussions to the stage! 

Prior to SXSW Sydney, we ran the Pause Fest for over a decade in Melbourne, which was dubbed as ‘Australia’s SXSW’ by the media. We have supported, promoted, engaged at SXSW Austin and hosted talks with one and only Hugh Forrest from SXSW at our events over the years. And we even introduced AusGov to SXSW which led to the formation of Australia House.

Needless to say we are big fans of SXSW, and since Pause Fest is no longer happening in Melbourne (due to lack of state funding) we’re happy to jump over to Sydney to share the best stories from our side of the ecosystem.

Pause Awards, now in its sixth year, has been cultivating and honouring the most ambitious and forward-thinking companies and people in the country. It’s safe to say that our champions are ahead of their game, and so we curated a few sessions.

Let’s dive straight into these sessions but don’t forget to cast your vote for as many as you like, before midnight on 11 April.

New Stars of Law, DeathTech and Purpose Startups – VOTE NOW

This session will introduce you to The Separation Guide, Bare Cremation and Great Wrap – the innovative startups that are transforming the fields of marriage, death, and purpose-led businesses. 

We’ll unpack the cutting-edge technology and creative thinking driving these startups to revolutionise traditional industries. And talk about the importance of empathy in creating customer-centric solutions, especially in the emotionally charged areas of marriage and death. 

What is Growth Branding and Why, Why, Why…? – VOTE NOW

Discover the power of Growth Branding and learn how to create a champion brand that connects with your audience, ensures market dominance and scales faster. George Hedon, behind newly formed HEDON Studio, will share real-life examples, explore how superbrands keep reinventing themselves for long-term impact and delve into the art of crafting. 

From Solar Cells to Spray-On Skin – VOTE NOW

Explore the incredible journeys of Fiona Wood, inventors of solar cells and spray-on skin, and learn about their experiences in commercialising research and building a tech startup in an era when startups were still a relatively new concept in Australia. 

Innovation can come from anywhere. The panel will discuss what to look out for while setting yourself up for the adventure of a lifetime, and the importance of perseverance and dedication in overcoming obstacles, remaining flexible and moving fast. 

We believe these sessions will provide attendees with valuable insights and inspiring stories that can help shape the future of various industries. To make these sessions a reality, we need your support! Cast your vote and help us bring these champions to SXSW Sydney.

Every vote counts, and your support will be instrumental in showcasing these groundbreaking ideas at the event. It’s also great to see the Pause Fest & Awards community out together in action. Thank you, and we hope to see you at SXSW Sydney!

Get your votes in before 11:59pm, Tuesday 11 April 2023.