Creative industries trade delegation to SXSW 2026
Register your interest in joining the Department for Business and Trade's trade mission to one of the world's largest festivals of innovation and creativity.
Opportunity to spotlight your creative business at SXSW in Texas
Creative businesses can now apply to join the Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) Creative Industries Delegation to South by Southwest (SXSW) in March 2026. SXSW is one of the world’s largest festivals of innovation and creativity, attracting more than 300,000 attendees each year to Austin, Texas.
What the delegation offers
Participating businesses will receive bespoke DBT support, including one-to-one meetings to help them understand their market offer and US growth goals. They will also benefit from increased visibility, with DBT promotion across communications channels, invitations to networking events, and opportunities to meet buyers and showcase their work. Finally, participants will also join a pre-SXSW virtual programme (January to April 2026) covering how to pitch to a US audience, SXSW business opportunities, and key information on US market expectations including funding, legal requirements and intellectual property.
Who should apply
The opportunity is open to UK businesses working in areas such as:
- advertising and marketing
- immersive and interactive technologies
- live experience and events
- gaming and digital entertainment
- music
- design and related emerging creative technologies
Eligible businesses can now register their interest in applying.
The deadline for registration of interest is Wednesday 10 December 2025.
Please note your registration of interest does not guarantee a place.
First published 1 December 2025