SXSW London confirms its second year in the capital as it opens 2026 submissions

23 September 2025 - Press release

• Programme submissions for SXSW London 2026 - the leading European platform of convergence - open today
• SXSW London will return to East London between 1st – 6th June 2026, with tickets set to launch on 20th October 2025

The leading European platform for the convergence of cross-industry collaboration South by Southwest® (SXSW®) London, today opens submissions for session proposals across Conference, Music and Screen verticals for its 2026 programme.

This comes as the dates for SXSW London's return to the capital are confirmed for 1st – 6th June 2026, with tickets set to go live from 20th October 2025. 

Alongside the expert curation of the SXSW London programming, the open submissions process plays an integral role in the festival, and in year one received an outstanding 9,868 submissions across its three verticals (screen, conference, music) 40,000 public votes across the Conference strand alone.

Reiterating its 'open-door policy' on submissions as it enters its second year, SXSW London is encouraging thought leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, creatives, community representatives and industry professionals to submit their bold and unexpected ideas for 2026.

After an inspiring and impactful inaugural programme featuring over 400 talks, 1067 speakers, 562 trailblazing music performances and 114 pioneering film and TV screenings, SXSW London will again adopt its unique philosophy of combining a curated programme with public voting. Submissions can be put forward via the submission portal and the winning selection for the conference is reviewed by the public before being considered by an advisory group and editorial team for inclusion in the festival. The music festival & screen festival public submissions are managed by industry jury votes. 

Building on its reputation a platform for industry convergence and discovery, this year's Conference will feature 15 thought-provoking strands, designed to sharpen conversation, spotlight emerging ideas and focus on content that resonates most. 

 

Topics will include: 

• AI and The New Human Experience – the transformative impact of AI on business, creative ecosystems and human experience 
• Frontier Technologies - will play host to the latest advancements redefining industry landscapes and human potential
• Unreal Realities – where the IRL and virtual intersects in the immersive and intangible
• Society Rewired – the convergence of technology, geopolitics and society to shape a new era of global connectivity and engagement

Driven by a spirit of unexpected discovery, the intersection of Conference, Music and Screen, provides a unique environment for imaginative and innovative content. Detailed programming will be announced in the coming months. 

 

In addition to Conference, SXSW London 2026 will include:

• Music: SXSW London's Music programme will spotlight international cutting-edge music, culture and creativity highlighting iconic moments where music and technology collide with culture coming from diasporic communities and underground movements. 

Submissions for the Conference Programme will close on 7th December, and from 8th December the public will be able to view and vote on them. Submissions for Music and Screen will close on 24th November, and 31st December respectively.

 

For more information and to access the session submission portal, please visit: sxswlondon.com  

  

 

Conference tracks

AI & The New Human Experience
Will the humanities survive artificial intelligence? Will your business still exist if you choose to ignore it? Explore how AI is disrupting industries at scale. From predictive analytics to immersive storytelling, learn how next-gen tools are keeping businesses agile and competitive.

Creator Economy
Creators are transforming into mini studios and IP owners. Discover how new revenue streams are emerging, and hear from platforms shaping the creator economy.

Design
Explore fresh ideas across design disciplines, from architecture to UX. Join experts as they share best practices for world-class design in physical, virtual, and digital spaces.

Fintech & Digital Commerce
Discover how fintech and digital commerce are reshaping finance and retail. Hear from leaders, innovators, and regulators about emerging trends.

Frontier Technologies
Dive into groundbreaking advancements in robotics, quantum computing, space, and biotech. Explore how frontier technologies are redefining industries and human potential.

Gaming & Interactive Worlds
Explore how gaming is redefining entertainment and connection. Learn from developers and studios shaping immersive experiences and building lasting IPs.

Healthtech & Medtech
Uncover innovations in drug development, personalized medicine, and healthcare delivery that are transforming wellbeing and the future of healthcare.

Innovation & Transformation
See how companies are reinventing themselves to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. Join leaders and entrepreneurs shaping corporate innovation and organizational design.

London 2050
Look ahead to how technology, policy, and innovation will shape the future of London. Hear from tech founders, policymakers, and philanthropists transforming the city.

Marketing & Advertising
Discover how brands break through the noise in the attention economy. Learn from culture hackers and algorithm experts on building brand loyalty and relevance.

Screen, Story & Sound
Explore the future of film, TV, and music. Hear from innovators shaping the craft, technology, and business of entertainment.

Society Rewired
Examine how technology, geopolitics, and society intersect to reshape global interconnectedness. Hear from experts and lawmakers about the profound societal shifts.

Startup Academy
Aspiring founders and investors collide at Startup Academy. Get insider strategies, hacks, and funding tips for building the next big thing.

Unreal Realities
Explore the fusion of the real and virtual worlds. Hear from creators on the art and tech behind immersive storytelling across mediums.

Venture
Navigate the evolving landscape of finance and investment. Join investors, founders, and leaders exploring trends in funding and financial innovation.

About SXSW London   

SXSW London is the leading European platform for convergence and cross-industry collaboration, celebrating the intersection between business, tech, creativity and culture. It's 2026 edition will take place between 1st and 6th June.

Welcoming over 20,500 delegates from 77 countries in its inaugural year, it will once again take over dozens of venues, galleries, clubs and spaces in Shoreditch, east London, including independent and community-led spaces. The European edition SXSW London builds on the brand's decades of success in Austin and Sydney and established reputation as a global platform of discovery.