(I) Planning Intern

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

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Job summary

SXSW Planning Intern is a hands-on role during the 2027 spring semester in Austin, TX. You will support the Planning department with logistics for conferences and events, learning to manage BEOs, vendor coordination, and on-site operations.

We seek motivated students seeking practical event-planning experience, with opportunities to collaborate across departments and gain exposure to a world-renowned festival. Paid internship at $12/hour for eligible candidates.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in college/university or pursuing related degree.
• Interest in event planning and logistics.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Cross-check Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and related logistics documents.
• Assist with venue diagrams, signage, and booth/set arrangement planning.
• Support pre-event coordination and on-site execution for assigned venues.
• Prepare and manage emails and essential planning documentation.

Job description

March 15–21, 2027 | Austin, TX

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) Planning Intern Location: Austin, TX
Job Id:300 # of Openings:3 SXSW Planning Intern - 2027 Spring Semester Internship Purpose
The SXSW Planning department is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team during the 2027 spring semester. This role is ideal for students seeking hands‑on experience in event planning. The Planning department is responsible for the full range of planning, logistics, and production responsibilities for specific conference, exhibition, or festival venues.
What you will learn:

• Gain valuable hands‑on experience in planning large-scale events from start to finish.
• Learn the fundamentals of event planning, including creating room diagrams, working with vendors, and preparing Banquet Event Orders (BEOs).
• Assist in managing all logistics aspects of your assigned venue, developing the ability to problem‑solve and troubleshoot issues.
• Collaborate with various internal departments and work with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Learn how to adapt, think quickly on your feet, and work as part of a team.

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

• Cross-checking Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), including food and beverage, audio‑visual, utilities, furniture, and signage
• Advance the logistics aspects of planning, including but not limited to creating venue diagrams and submitting signage and banner orders.
• Assist with managing back‑of‑house entries and implementing heightened security details.
• Prepare and manage contracts, e-mails, and essential documentation in preparation for on‑site management.k