About PanelPicker®

PanelPicker is now closed for SXSW 2025. Stay tuned for more information on how to participate in SXSW 2026.

About

"Community is such a big part of SXSW, which is why PanelPicker powers so much of the Conference programming each year. This interface enables us to connect with thousands of creative professionals, experienced experts and informed consumers from across the United States and around the world. Moreover, PanelPicker helps us identify the most innovative new ideas from this global community, thereby helping to keep SXSW exciting, timely and relevant." - Hugh Forrest, Co-President and Chief Programming Officer

The SXSW PanelPicker is a two-step online process that gives our attendees a significant voice in Conference programming (presentations, panels, workshops, etc.) for SXSW and SXSW EDU.

Step 1: Entries: SXSW calls on the community to enter proposals for conference sessions at all SXSW events.

Step 2: Voting: The voting period allows the community to browse proposals, leave comments, and vote for sessions they think would be a good fit for the event.

Reading the PanelPicker FAQ will give you important information about SXSW and some valuable tips for creating a great proposal. Once you've read the FAQ and info below you are ready to get started!

Technical issues? Email techsupport@sxsw.com

History

PanelPicker launched in 2007 to formalize an input process that has always been a vital part of the event.

Over the years, many of the most compelling sessions at SXSW have come directly from this process.

In 2017, SXSW unified our three conferences (Music, Film, and Interactive) under one umbrella. For 2025, we will continue in this direction to help create a more cohesive conference experience for our attendees, with more programming choices throughout the event.

The Application Process

During the open application process, we encourage everyone in the SXSW community to upload proposals for solo presentations, panels, book readings, workshops, and more. This application involves an easy-to-follow form that will walk you step by step through the entry process.

How Ideas are Selected: Voting + Staff + Advisory Board

While voting from the community is important, these totals are not the only factor in deciding SXSW programming. As illustrated by the graph below, the SXSW staff and Advisory Boards also inform a significant percentage in determining the content lineup.

The input of the SXSW staff and Advisory Boards helps ensure that less well-known voices have as much of a chance of being selected to speak at SXSW as individuals with large online followings.

The Selection Process

Community Voting: 30%
Who knows what you want to see at SXSW better than you? Your input is very important in terms of shaping the look and feel of the 2025 events.

SXSW Advisory Board: 40%
Groups of industry experts from around the world, the SXSW PanelPicker Evaluators and the SXSW EDU Advisory Board provide significant feedback on all proposals.

SXSW Staff: 30%
With years of experience programming the events, SXSW staffers work to fill any gaps in relevant subject matter, striking a balance between new and veteran speakers.