© south by southwest, inc 1995-20067// all subject to change
SXSW 2006 is over and done, and it was a huge success! Thanks to all the volunteers who helped make it possible. Volunteer information for SXSW 2007 will be available here in November. We will have our next volunteer call in January (time and date TBA).
South By Southwest owes its success to the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, who have contributed years' worth of vacations and spring breaks to help this event run smoothly.
Volunteers work either on Conference crews or on Music Production crews. Depending on the type of crew they choose, volunteers can work either in the Austin Convention Center during the day, or in the Music Festival venues at night.
SXSW volunteers must agree to being on-time and on-task during all their scheduled shifts. Due to the large time commitment involved, most volunteers will not get to see all the shows, films or panels that they want.
If you are anxious to see a particular show, and if you want to be able to see everything that the event has to offer, we recommend that you buy a badge.
There are two different types of SXSW volunteer crews: Conference and Music Production. Volunteers must apply for one or the other type of crew. Each type requires a substantial time commitment, so we do not allow you to work both.
Conference Crews operate throughout the 10 days of the festival (March 10-19, 2006). Their responsibilities include registration, trade show, conference access, staff transportation and hospitality, and much more.
Conference volunteers must be able to work at least 30 hours during the event. Depending on the amount of time they work, Conference Volunteers are eligible to earn a film pass, music wristband, or conference badge as a perk.
Music Production crews operate from Wednesday through Sunday during the Music Festival (March 15-19, 2006). Stage crews usually operate from approximately 6pm-2am each night, although the Special Venues crew also has daytime shifts available for the Town Lake Stage at Auditorium Shores.
Music Production Volunteers must commit to working 3-5 consecutive days or nights during the Music Festival. Depending on the number of days or nights worked, Music Production volunteers will be issued either a Music or a Platinum conference badge as a perk.
SXSWeek 2006 will take place March 10-19. The event draws professionals from all over the world who are involved in the film, interactive and music industries.
During the day, these industry professionals participate in panel discussions, trade shows and other conference events at the Austin Convention Center. The nights are taken over by Film Festival screenings and Music Festival showcases.
In SXSW lingo, "Conference" refers to the panels, workshops, trade shows and other industry-related portions. "Festival" refers to the music showcases and film screenings.
SXSW Film Conference & Festival
The Film Conference (panels, workshops and trade show) will take place March 10-14, 2006. Film Festival screenings will continue through Saturday, March 18.
SXSW Interactive Festival
The Interactive Festival will take place March 10-14, 2006. The festival includes panels, presentations, trade show and nightly parties.
SXSW Music Conference & Festival
The famed Music Conference & Festival will take place March 15-19, 2006. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Music Festival, and it's likely to be the largest one yet.
SXSW Volunteer Offices
1000 E. 40th St.
Austin, TX 78751
Tel 512.467.7979
Fax 512.451.0754
Conference Volunteer Coordinators
Music Production Volunteer Coordinator
For answers to many common volunteer questions, please review the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page.