Updated 3.16.2022 Austin is now in Stage 2
SXSW is in progress. Please remember to mask up in session rooms, exhibitions and at film festival venues. Also, we have masks for you! Please see the Info Desk or entrances to conference rooms or expos to pick one up.
Music festival venue policies vary according to venue. Please see our list of venues for more information.
We encourage you to get vaxxed or boosted. The closest location is the old Sims Elementary School at Springfield and East 12th Street. Hours are 2pm - 7pm Wednesday and Thursday and 11am - 3pm on Saturday.
Please see below for our full guidelines including information on our no cost testing center at the Austin Convention Center:
We are pleased to see that numbers have improved enough for the city to move to Stage 2 of their Covid-19 risk based guidelines, and that there is updated guidance from Austin Public Health in regard to how to keep both the residents of Austin protected, as well as the many people who come to town for SXSW.
After careful consideration and discussion with Austin Public Health, we have decided to keep the existing guidelines in place for SXSW and SXSW EDU, which include adherence to our Health Pledge (see below), proof of vaccination, or negative testing in lieu of vaccination, to pick up and maintain credentials, and mandatory masking in all conference rooms and exhibitions, and other indoor locations where required by the venue, including all Film Festival theaters.
We look forward to welcoming everyone to the first in person SXSW in three years, and we will continue to work closely with Austin Public Health and the City of Austin to plan for a safe event.
All credentialed SXSW participants of our in-person event, including registrants and wristband holders, will be required to provide proof of a completed primary vaccination series against Covid-19 or a recent negative Covid-19 test in order to collect and maintain their credentials.
SXSW will accept all vaccines approved by the CDC for travel to the US. Attendees are highly encouraged to receive a booster vaccination, if eligible.
SXSW participants who choose to provide proof of a completed primary vaccination series must adhere to the following guideline: the final vaccine must be dated at least 14 days prior to credential pick-up date.
SXSW participants who choose to show proof of a negative test must adhere to the following testing protocol. The clock starts with your first test prior to picking up your credentials. Verified rapid antigen or PCR tests will be accepted. Please do not bring your test stick as proof of a negative result.
The testing intervals are based on risk based guidelines regarding Covid-19 set by Austin Public Health. Currently Austin is in Stage 2.
|
Risk Based Guideline Stage |
Hours Tested Prior to Credential Pick-Up |
Interval for Required Re-Testing |
| Stage 1-3 | 72 Hours | 7 Days |
| Stage 4 | 72 Hours | 5 Days |
| Stage 5 | 24 Hours | 3 Days |
A testing center will be open at the Austin Convention Center every day in Exhibit Hall 2. This service is free and both Rapid Antigen and lab confirmed PCR tests will be available. We also have pop up testing centers available throughout the event. Please see full information here.
This policy remains subject to applicable laws and public health guidance. Please visit Austin Public Health’s Covid-19 resources page here.
SXSW is using the Clear App Health Pass to verify the vaccination status of credentialed participants.
The Clear Health Pass will only work for U.S. domestic users. International attendees must bring their vaccination card or show digital proof of vaccination from a national health portal. More information on how to download Clear and set up the SXSW Health Pass can be found here.
All credentialed SXSW participants should be prepared to follow Film and Music Festival venue entry requirements which may at times differ from SXSW’s.
SXSW HEALTH PLEDGE
You are committed to:
- Adhering to SXSW’s COVID-19 policies and mitigation measures.
- Wearing masks properly when required, over both the nose and mouth.
- Practicing respiratory etiquette when masks are not required, such as covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Exercising good hygiene, such as frequently washing or sanitizing your hands.
- Staying up to date with CDC’s recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters approved by the CDC for travel to the US.
You will not participate in or attend any SXSW affiliated event if any of the following apply to you:
- You have tested positive for COVID-19 and have not completed CDC’s guidelines for discontinuing isolation.
- You are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
- Within the previous 5 days, you have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, but you have not completed the Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines recommended by the CDC.
MORE INFO
Any children attending must follow Austin Public Health guidance:
- Children over the age of 5 must provide proof of a completed primary vaccination series against Covid-19 or a recent negative Covid-19 test.
- Children over the age of 2 should wear a mask.
All policies and mitigation efforts remain subject to applicable laws and public health guidance and the circumstances at the time of the event. We will have more information soon as our policy evolves with specifics regarding testing, masking and social distancing.
In addition to the above credential protocols, the following mitigation measures will be in place:
- Attendees, SXSW Staff and Volunteers are asked to adhere to SXSW’s Health Pledge (see below) while attending or working all SXSW affiliated events.
- All SXSW staff and volunteers on-site at the Conference and Festivals will have shown proof of vaccination.
- On-site testing requirements may be a component of maintaining your credentials.
- Masks will be required in all conference session rooms, exhibitions, registration, and pre-function areas, and as determined by individual venues and client spaces.
- Masks are strongly encouraged indoors in all other areas and where social distancing cannot be maintained.
- Social distancing of at least 6’ (approximately 2m) is recommended, when possible.
- Hand sanitizing stations will be provided throughout conference and exhibition venues.
- Increased public health signs, reminders, and messaging to support the importance of COVID-19 mitigation measures and good hygiene practices will be visible throughout SXSW venues.
- The Austin Convention Center, along with other event venues, have enhanced their mitigation efforts by upgrading air filtration, increased cleaning frequency of high touch surfaces, and sanitization of surfaces such as escalator handrails with U-V light technology.
SXSW supports individual efforts and personal responsibility in combating COVID-19 and reserves the right to revoke or suspend access to anyone in connection with this Pledge in service of the health and safety of its attendees and participants.
