AUSTRALIA HOUSE @SXSW 2026
AUSTRALIA HOUSE @ SXSW 2026 delivered another standout presence at SXSW, drawing record crowds and standing-room-only audiences throughout the week.
As the global event at the intersection of culture, technology, and innovation, SXSW once again proved why it’s the ultimate platform for bold ideas and cross-industry connection.
Expertly emceed by Barry Conrad, the program kicked off with a fabulous opening party presented by IREN, setting the tone for a high-energy few days of connection and collaboration. The evening included a performance from Australian Country Music singer & songwriter Melanie Dyer. From thought-provoking panels exploring AI, the future of work, and space, to a dedicated afternoon celebrating Australia’s creative industries across film and music, the lineup not only showcased the depth and diversity of Australian innovation and talent, but also highlighted the strength and growing collaboration between Australia and the U.S.
Adding to the buzz, the ever-popular Bluestone Lane Café pop-up kept attendees fueled, while well-attended wellness sessions from LSKD—from Pilates to group runs—brought the community together beyond the stage. A huge thank you to our continued partners The Australian Government (Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade), Investment New South Wales, Realtor.com and SXSW for helping make it all possible.
Interested in activating at Australia House? Contact: [email protected]
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Australia House Opening Reception Presented by IREN
7:00 AM
Run Club with LSKD & Coffee with Bluestone Lane
Start your SXSW morning the Australian way with a run and a strong coffee. Join LSKD for an early-morning run around Australia House before the day’s sessions begin.
Meet at 7:00 AM for a 7:30 AM start, then stick around afterwards to refuel and connect with Bluestone Lane coffee, and kick off the day with fellow founders, creatives, and early risers.
No racing, no pressure! Just good people, good pace, and a great way to start the day at Australia House.
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Bluestone Lane Café @ Australia House
Enjoy a true-blue coffee all day long at Australia House, courtesy of our favorite Australian-inspired coffee, café & lifestyle brand, Bluestone Lane
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Flat Whites & Big Ideas: Australian Cafe Culture in the US
- Rhonda Evans (Moderator) – University of Texas at Austin
- Andy Stone – Bluestone Lane
- Alicia Ritson – Two Hands
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Scaling AI Infrastructure for the Next Big Thing
Every breakthrough in AI, from generative models to real-time intelligent applications, rests on an often invisible foundation: massive, reliable physical infrastructure. As demand for AI accelerates, so does the challenge of scaling the power, data centers, and compute required to support what comes next. The conversation will unpack what it takes to grow AI infrastructure responsibly and at speed, how energy, sustainability, and compute economics intersect. The next big thing in AI won’t just be defined by software, but by the infrastructure that makes it possible.
- Denis Skrinnikoff (Moderator) – Chief Technology Officer, IREN
- Karl Redenbach – Chief Technology Officer, AgenticScale.AI
- Dave Cole – Chief Technology Officer, Intellistack
- Carly Waterman – Director of Operations, Champion Data
- Jason Brushe – Client Director, NVIDIA
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Outback to Orbit: The AUS-US Space Alliance
Welcoming Remarks:
- Mandi Hellested – Chief of Staff, X-Bow Systems
Panelists:
- Sergio Lucero – Senior Director of Corporate Initiatives, Barrios technology
- Emma Hinds Lehnhardt – Former Manager for Program Planning & Control, NASA Gateway Program
- Jennifer Scott Williams – Deputy Director for Business Development & Technology Integration, NASA
- Margot Moy – American Australian Association Scholar, Rice University Student (MS in Space Studies)
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The NSW‑to‑Austin Tech Solution: Archistar Rewriting the Zoning Rulebook
A five-year collaboration between Sydney-based tech firm Archistar and the City of Austin showcases how Australian innovation is actively helping U.S. cities navigate critical challenges in zoning reform, infrastructure constraints, and housing. Discover how an Australian solution is addressing complex city infrastructure and housing challenges, transforming the future of urban development in this focused discussion.
- Montana Peltzer (Moderator) – Associate Director, Investment New South Wales
- Dave Herman – Senior Vice President of Consumer Product, Realtor.com
- Danielle Mandeville – Customer Success Strategist, Archistar.ai
- Leah Hilton – Zoning Plans Examiner Supervisor, City of Austin
- Tyler Johnson – Senior Plans Examiner, City of Austin
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Bluestone Lane Café @ Australia House
Enjoy a true-blue coffee all day long at Australia House, courtesy of our favorite Australian-inspired coffee, café & lifestyle brand, Bluestone Lane
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
The Morning Reset: Pilates with LSKD x Bluestone Lane
Hit reset before the SXSW day gets underway.
Join LSKD at Australia House for a relaxed morning Pilates session designed to wake up the body and clear the mind before a full day of panels, meetings, and Aussie creativity.
Arrive at 9:30 AM to change into a complimentary Pilates-ready outfit from LSKD, then flow into the session starting at 10:00 AM. Afterwards, refuel with Bluestone Lane coffee and ease into the day ahead.
Session wraps at 11:00 AM; refreshed and ready for SXSW.
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Work, Rewired: Reinventing How the World Works
The rules of work are being rewritten in real time. Across industries—from tech and finance to the creative economy and professional services—organizations are rethinking where, how, and why we work.
Remote, hybrid, and in-person models are colliding with new technologies, shifting employee expectations, and a generation redefining workplace culture. The result? A massive experiment playing out across boardrooms, studios, and startups around the world.
This cross-industry conversation brings together leaders navigating these changes firsthand to unpack what’s actually working, what isn’t, and what comes next. How do companies build culture when teams are everywhere? What does collaboration look like in a distributed world? And which industries are adapting fastest?
Expect candid insights, real-world lessons, and a forward-looking take on the forces reshaping work—from technology and talent to culture and leadership.
Because the future of work isn’t coming. It’s already here—and it’s still being figured out.
- Liz Levy Clark (Moderator) – Director of Brand Creative & Marketing, ScottsMiracle-Gro
- Adam Morgan – Founder, Bureau
- Adam Klooster – Commercial Director, Zedra Group
- Joshua Williams – President of Aviation, Infravision
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Commercial Dynamics for Businesses & Creatives
Australian artists and creative businesses can take a greater share of the growth in global music, screen and games with the right commercial foundations. This panel brings together practitioners at the coalface of the Australian music and creative industries to get practical on what commercial opportunities look like in 2026, what’s needed to act on them, and the business foundations required. Whether you’re an artist, a creative business, or someone working with creatives – this conversation is about translating that opportunity into practical commercial insights for Australian creators.
- James McAtamney (Moderator) – Managing Director, McAtamney & Advisors
- Esti Zilber – Executive Producer, Sounds Australia
- Matt Sofo – Australian Music Composer (US Based)
- Ashley Gay – Managing Director at Xelon Entertainment / Xelon Digital / Noisehive Music Distribution
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Sponsors
Australia House @SXSW 2025
