The future isn’t something that just happens to us—it’s something we create. And to do that right we have to do it together. This year we are hosting a series of  Interactive Town Halls designed to harness the collective intelligence of our community as we talk through some pretty heady subjects.

It’s one thing to stay on top of things – it’s another to get to the bottom of them. From State of Innovation & Sovereignty sessions, addressing the many dimensions of asymmetry and discourse and debate on our roles as humans as we interface with intelligent machines at scale – these sessions serve as a call to arms, a rolling up of our collective sleeves and to talk outside of our echo chambers.

In real life, with people who care. Creating a dynamic environment where every voice matters, every perspective is valued, and every idea has the real potential to spark real change.

WE’VE teamed up with Startmate to GIVE 10 X FOUNDERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE THE STAGE AT _SOUTHSTART AND PITCH THEIR STARTUPS TO OUR NATION’S LEADING INVESTORS.  Successful founders selected for the PITCH opportunity will not only have the chance to pitch their ideas on stage, but they will also receive complimentary access to the entire festival. This means they can fully immerse themselves in the vibrant startup ecosystem and make meaningful connections with industry leaders, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs. IF YOU DON’T QUITE MAKE IT ACROSS THE LINE, HAVE NO FEAR. THERE WILL BE AMPLE MOMENTS FOR PERSONALISED CONNECTIONS, OFFICE HOURS & DEEP LEARNING AT EVERY STEP.

In the heart of SOUTHSTART, there’s a sanctuary of wisdom: our Experts in Residence. Designed to bridge the gap between curiosity and wisdom, we’re gathering industry pioneers ready to share, to guide, and to mentor. Dive deep into their experiences, their failures, and their triumphs. Each expert brings a world of knowledge, ready to be unpacked and understood. As you converse, you’ll realize that expertise isn’t just about knowing—it’s about understanding, questioning, and evolving. Through these sessions, we aim to foster a culture of continuous learning, ensuring that the flame of inquiry never dims

In the vast expanse of SOUTHSTART, we’ve carved out niche spaces for you to forge genuine, meaningful connections – and showcase your novel ideas. Whether you’re an entrepreneur seeking guidance, an investor looking for the next big thing, or a professional eager to collaborate – we’ll be facilitating both virtual and physical space for you to connect, and break down barriers to opportunity. This includes pitching opportunities – met with real time feedback and an inside glimpse to the deal room conversations that follow.

Genuine connections are the bedrock of innovation, AND OUR SOIREES & SUNDOWNERS are a manifestation of this belief. Beyond the gourmet meals and the ambient tunes, it’s the shared experiences, the laughter, the stories, and the memories that truly define these spaces. It’s where attendees from diverse backgrounds come together, forging bonds over shared interests and mutual respect. Join us as we create spaces that celebrate the human spirit, reminding us that at the end of the day, it’s the connections we make, the friendships we forge, and the memories we create that truly matter.

WE’VE TEAMED UP WITH LEADING YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM OPERATORS, FUTURE ANYTHING, HEX, THINCLAB + MORE TO ENSURE OUR BRILLIANT YOUNG MINDS HAVE A SEAT AT THE TABLE, AND A VOICE IN OUR CONVERSATIONS – AT EVERY STEP. STAY TUNED.

WATCH THIS SPACE – COMING EARLY 2024. EARLY ACCESS TICKET HOLDERS WILL HAVE FIRST DIBS AT ADD ON’S. expect a confluence of gastronomy and dialogue. Why? because the best conversations often happen over good food and drink. _SOUTHSTART is where camaraderie meets culinary art.

OF COURSE THERE WILL BE. IT’S US….