(I) Innovation Conference Programming Intern

Sxsw Inc; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 14,000 - 19,000; Part time

Job summary

SXSW seeks an Innovation Conference Programming Intern in Austin, TX. You will assist with day-to-day programming, speaker coordination, and data entry for a large-scale international conference.

Ideal candidates are enrolled in a accredited university, highly organized, and proficient with Google Drive and related tools, with strong written and verbal communication skills in English. Internship is paid at $12/hr.

Qualifications

• Eligible if enrolled in a college or university and living in Texas.
• Interest in events planning and programming is essential.
• Must be highly organized with strong time-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English; able to email and phone.
• Familiarity with Google Drive family tools is expected.

Responsibilities

• Organize speaker information and input into databases.
• Partner with the Featured Speakers team to resolve issues via email.
• Schedule sessions promptly and adjust schedules for conflicts.
• Manage multiple details for sessions with efficiency.
• Work with staff and volunteers on site to ensure smooth transitions.
• Research topics to contribute to Conference decision-making.

Skills

Event planning interest

Highly organized

Time management

Written and verbal comms

Education

Enrolled in accredited university/college

Tools

Google Drive

Docs

Sheets

Slides

Job description

March 15–21, 2027 | Austin, TX

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Careers

SXSW 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 the interactive, film, and music industries.

Join the SXSW Team

We Embrace Unexpected Discoveries

SXSW is committed to the discovery and development of diverse talent. We believe that when creative people express their individuality, it births new ideas, challenges bias, signals inclusion, promotes diversity and awakens a culture rooted in belonging.

SXSW is responsible for providing a space for creatives to thrive by bringing their unique personalities to the table to create an unprecedented culture unlike any other. We are intentional about building an environment more representative of the communities we serve because it creates a stronger and more creative workplace proven to deliver the best results.

SXSW is committed to the discovery and development of diverse talent. We believe that when creative people express their individuality, it births new ideas, challenges bias, signals inclusion, promotes diversity and awakens a culture rooted in belonging.

SXSW is responsible for providing a space for creatives to thrive by bringing their unique personalities to the table to create an unprecedented culture unlike any other. We are intentional about building an environment more representative of the communities we serve because it creates a stronger and more creative workplace proven to deliver the best results.

Diversity: The presence of differences that represent society at all levels.

Increasing diversity means we decrease conformity, while leading to more engagement, innovation and creativity.

Equity: Our commitment to eliminate barriers and ensure opportunities for everyone.
Increasing equity ensures impartiality and fairness for all communities. We pledge to remove structural inequities in the employee life cycle, build policies that ensure accessibility for all, and take continual steps to confront bias in decision making.

Inclusion: The actions taken to be sure everyone feels invited, embraced, and valued.
Increasing inclusion affirms that our SXSW community feels a shared belonging, respected, and valued with equitable opportunities to contribute their individuality to the organization and advance their skill sets and careers.

Culture and Values

Our Culture

Curious
Our staff’s deep interests and creative passions are often reflected in their work. We thrive in an open-minded environment, where we believe in continuously exploring new ideas, knowledge, and skills.

Independent
SXSW is authentic and unlike any other experiences, and we celebrate its originality. We like to figure things out, and we value independent thinking to solve problems and fuel innovation, creativity, and growth.

Inclusive
We celebrate the unique identities, contributions, perspectives, and lived experiences of the SXSW community. By cultivating an inclusive environment, we unlock a wealth of talent and create a vibrant experience where everyone can succeed.

Adaptable
Our business is never static. We are resilient, we find ways to adjust, and we embrace the dynamic, ever‑changing nature of our world.

Hard-working
We embrace challenges and have high expectations. We are passionate and dedicated to doing what it takes to deliver a stellar SXSW experience.

Collaborative
We believe that collaboration brings about remarkable results. We value teamwork and seek diverse perspectives to support the success of creative people.

Our Values

Creativity
We foster discovery and shine a light on artists and innovators whose work is fresh, non‑obvious, and pushes boundaries. We believe original thinking drives visionary problem solving and positive change.

Community
We recognize the power of human connections and shared experiences—from within our SXSW team and participants from around the world—to help fulfill our purpose. By fostering a sense of belonging, we can unleash potential that contributes to the progress of creative people everywhere.

Individuality
We celebrate self‑expression and value each other’s differences and unique perspectives. We believe that embracing individuality means creating an inclusive and supportive experience for all.

Human Potential
We view what’s ahead as a big opportunity. We advance the ideas and accomplishments of forward thinkers and believe in the power of humans to do the impossible to create a better future.

Company Perks & Applicant Questions

Company Perks

We offer acompetitive benefits packageto all regular, full time staff that includes but is not limited to:

• Company-Subsidized Medical Plans
• Employer Paid Dental
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Employer Contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Optional Discounted Vision Plan
• Short and Long Term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• 401K
• Staff Badge Perks
• Unique and Collaborative Work Environment
• Unforgettable Experiences

Applicant Questions

What happens after I apply?
Once you submit your application it will be reviewed by a member of the Human Resources Team. Your amazing skill set is compared to job requirements and core competencies to determine job fit. If the application is complete and in line with the job requirements you will receive a call for a brief phone interview. The final step is a face to face interview with the hiring manager.

Who can I speak with if I have additional questions?
All questions regarding the job opening, response timeline, feedback, and the hiring process can be directed to the Human Resources Department. Please email [e-mail] .

What does it mean to be seasonal?
The technical definition is a staff member who works 6 month of the year or less. At SXSW being a seasonal employee means so much more than that! Seasonal staff join the company in anticipation of the event and add great value. Although the employment may be short‑lived, it’s a great way to learn the industry and be a part of a world renowned global event. Have additional questions? Feel free to reach out to our Human Resources Department. Please email [e-mail] .

Internships

At SXSW, we take pride in offering internships that are comprehensive learning experiences. Our interns are an integral part of a team that produces a world‑class international event. We offer opportunities in Brand & Marketing, Innovation, the Music and Film Festivals, Conference Programming, and more.

As a SXSW intern, you can expect to:

• Explore your chosen industry and learn how it interacts with other disciplines
• Network, making professional connections inside and outside the company
• Expand your portfolio and resume, putting your efforts on display to a discerning global audience
• Develop and prove your professional skills alongside supportive, invested colleagues and mentors
• Experience the whole of the SXSW Conference and Festivals, as both an intern and an attendee with complimentary access

“As an intern, the management team really opens you up to be a part of the culture” –Glassdoor Review

“Great opportunity to look inside what makes one of the world’s largest festivals.” –Glassdoor Review

Note: All internships paid at $12/hr. Enrollment in a college or university is required to be considered for an internship.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering for SXSW is a great way to meet new people, showcase SXSW and Austin to our global community, and earn great perks to attend SXSW or SXSW EDU!

Learn more about badge types and how you can earn the opportunity to attend SXSW at sxsw.com/volunteer .

Current Career Opportunities

Explore available positions and submit your resume. If there are no positions listed below, please check back for updates.

Position:(I) Innovation Conference Programming Intern Location: Austin, TX
Job Id:301 # of Openings:1 SXSW Innovation Conference Intern Internship Purpose The SXSW Conference Programming department seeks an intern to assist the programming staff with day‑time operations, speaker and content advancement, and data entry. This position offers hands‑on experience producing a large‑scale international conference. The selected intern will work closely on SXSW Featured Sessions.
What you will learn:

• Skill set for how to plan, document, arrange, and produce large-scale events
• How to manage multiple different aspects of an event at once
• How to work within a large, multi‑faced team
• How to work and collaborate in a fast‑paced environment
• How things are planned and coordinated within a multi‑industry conference
• How to communicate with industry professionals on a wide range of topics
• How to multitask and execute effectively in a highly fast‑paced environment
• How to use various software specific to our operations (FileMaker, RainFocus, etc.)

Duties & Responsibilities Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Organize speaker information and input into various databases, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for all teams.
• Partner with the Featured Speakers team to resolve issues and answer questions via email
• Schedule sessions promptly – adjust schedules as conflicts arise
• Manage multiple details for sessions with efficiency
• Work directly with staff and volunteers on site to ensure conference room transitions run smoothly
• Research specific topics to contribute to Conference decision‑making

Qualifications & Skills: To be eligible for an SXSW internship, you must be enrolled in an accredited university or college and live in Texas. Candidates should:

• Have an interest in event planning
• Be highly organized
• Have strong time‑management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks efficiently.
• Be proficient with Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides
• Have superb written and oral communication skills (email, phone