# SXSW (South by Southwest) > [SXSW](https://www.sxsw.com) South by Southwest® dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW® is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of tech, film, music, education, and culture. SXSW is an essential destination for global professionals. The annual March event features sessions, music and comedy showcases, film and television screenings, world-class exhibitions, professional development and networking opportunities, tech competitions, awards ceremonies, and much more. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together. ## Core Event Information - [SXSW 2026 Dates & Deadlines](https://sxsw.com/deadlines): Join us at SXSW 2026 from March 12 - 18, 2026 in Austin, TX. - [Schedule](https://schedule.sxsw.com/): The complete searchable database of all sessions, screenings, and showcases. - [Cart](https://cart.sxsw.com/): Buy a Badge to SXSW and SXSW on the SXSW Cart. - [Book a Hotel through SXSW](https://mmxreservations.com/fer/#/sxsw?groupCode=4aL1eY3z&eventId=9762): SXSW offers a wide selection of Austin hotels at the best available rates during the Conferences & Festivals each March. The SXSW Housing team can help you navigate getting to, from, and around Austin with ease during SXSW. See our hotel availability, reservation policies, transportation tips, and more. - [Attendee Guide](https://sxsw.com/attendee-guide/): The SXSW Attendee Guide is your ultimate companion to South by Southwest with a suite of navigation tools and resources to help prepare you for the adventure ahead. If you've bought a badge and are coming to Austin, start here and we'll see you soon! - [FAQ](https://support.sxsw.com/): Frequently asked questions regarding badges, housing, and technical support. ## Festivals & Competitions - [Film & TV Festival](https://sxsw.com/festivals/film-tv-festival/): Screenings, world premieres, and the Film & TV awards. - [Music Festival](https://sxsw.com/festivals/music-festival/): Global artist showcases and industry-specific programming. - [Innovation Conference](https://sxsw.com/festivals/innovation-conference/): The SXSW Innovation Conference provides an opportunity for the global community of creatives to encounter cutting-edge ideas, discover new interests, and network with other professionals who share a similar appetite for forward-focused experiences. Featuring a variety of tracks that focus on the most important breakthroughs in technology and culture, SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together. - [SXSW Pitch](https://sxsw.com/pitch/): SXSW Pitch showcases innovative technologies to a panel of industry experts, high-profile media professionals, venture capital investors, and angel investors. ## Participation & Submissions - [PanelPicker](https://panelpicker.sxsw.com/): The official user-generated session proposal platform. - [Exhibitions](https://www.sxsw.com/exhibitions/): Opportunities for brands and creators to showcase at the Creative Industries Expo. - [Press Center](https://www.sxsw.com/press-center/): Official announcements, news, and accreditation details. ## Dates & Deadlines - February 19, 2026 - 1st Reservations Window opens at 9am Central for Platinum badgeholders to reserve Sessions, Screenings and Showcases. - February 26, 2026 - 2nd Reservations Window opens at 9am Central. Platinum and Innovation badgeholders can reserve Sessions, Screenings and Showcases. - March 12, 2026 - Immerse yourself in unparalleled discovery, learning, professional development, and networking alongside creatives from across the globe at SXSW 2026 from March 12-18 in Austin, TX. ## SXSW EDU - [SXSW EDU](https://www.sxswedu.com/): SXSW EDU is the only event that delivers a world-class learning festival where the learner, the practitioner, the entrepreneur, and the visionary come together in Austin, Texas to share ideas, network, and create the future of teaching and learning. - [SXSW EDU Schedule](https://schedule.sxswedu.com): Featuring a diverse array of speakers and sessions, competitions, performances, and film screenings, the SXSW EDU program fosters learning and discovery for all education stakeholders. ## Trademark Guidelines - [Trademark Guidelines](https://sxsw.com/trademark-guidelines) ## Prohibited Uses of the SXSW Marks - (1) UNAPPROVED EVENTS: SXSW is not the only event taking place in Austin, Texas during the month of March. To eliminate confusion, it's critical that only SXSW approved events use the SXSW Marks. Accordingly, using the SXSW Marks, or any confusingly similar variations thereof, in association with the promotion or operation of an event not approved or sanctioned by SXSW is strictly prohibited. We suggest you use the moniker “ATX Spring Festival” or "Spring Fest ATX" if your event is not approved or sanctioned by SXSW. - Examples of unapproved events: Pay to play events (requiring artists to pay to perform), Events that do not coordinate with SXSW for safety, production, planning, and/or any other purposes - (2) DISPARAGING USES OR VIOLATING LAWS: Use of the SXSW Marks in a disparaging manner or in a way that violates any law or regulation is strictly prohibited. - (3) VARIATION MARKS: Use of terms that are variations of or derived from the SXSW Marks (e.g., Soul By Soul West, SXSA, the South By Party, South by [Name]) are strictly prohibited. - (4) WRONGFUL ASSERTIONS OF OWNERSHIP: Any display of the SXSW Marks that suggests or implies that you own or control the SXSW Marks is strictly prohibited. - (5) UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE SXSW MARKS: Any use not explicitly authorized by SXSW is prohibited.