From quantum physicists to Hollywood directors: SXSW’s must-see conferences

Mon, Oct 14, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour Theatre

Mary Meeker the ‘queen of the internet’ and one of the era’s most renowned technology investors chats to Canva CEO Melanie Perkins in this illuminating talk. In conversation the pair tell the story of how under Mel’s leadership Canva went from an idea to a world leading design business with 190 million users and over $2.3 billion in annual revenue. 
 

Tue, Oct 15, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour Theatre

Jennifer Robinson is a globally respected lawyer who’s worked on some of the world’s most high-profile free speech cases - from Julian Assange, to Johnny Depp VS the Sun Newspaper. In her talk she explores challenges to free speech in Australia, covering issues like protecting women’s rights to speak and gender-based violence. 

Tue, Oct 15, 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
ICC Sydney, Cockle Bay 2

Professor Michelle Simmons is the founder and CEO of Silicon Quantum Computing, the only company in the world that can manufacture with atomic precision. She is internationally renowned for creating the field of atomic electronics and her team is at the forefront of the race to create the world’s first quantum computer. She’ll be at SXSW sharing her experiences and learnings from her fascinating career and life. 

Wed, Oct 16, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour Theatre

Johann is an author of three New York Times best selling books, whose works have been translated into 40 languages, as well as a successful speaker with TED talks, counting views of over 93 million. He’s at SXSW exploring the findings of his most recent book Stolen Focus, which was named as a Book of the Year by The Financial Times, The New York Post, and The Spectator.

Wed, Oct 16, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour Theatre

Katherine Bennell-Pegg is the first ever person to be trained as an Astronaut under the Australian flag, was recently Director of Space Technology at the Australian Space Agency and technical lead on the nation’s first moon rover mission. In her fascinating talks she challenges her audience to reflect on why Australia needs to get involved in the impending global space race and invites questions. 

 

Fri, Oct 18, 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
ICC Sydney, Cockle Bay 1

You may not know his name but Perth native Simon McQuoid is one of Australia’s biggest film exports. He’s worked for Apple, HBO, Playstation and much more, winning the Film Grand Prix at Cannes. His most recent work includes Mortal Kombat and Mortal Kombat 2 (which is currently in production), plus the supernatural thriller Omega. Hear from him about his experiences and learnings across a remarkable life in film and TV.