SXSW 2026: Bavarian Media Highlights in Austin
Many things are new this year at the South by Southwest (SXSW) digital and creative conference in Texas, but one thing remains the same: XPLR: MEDIA in Bavaria is once again bringing the Bavarian media industry to Austin and helping them to arrive, gain visibility and network on site.
No convention center, new clubhouses and seven days of parallel programming from tech, media, film and music. Many things are new for visitors to SXSW 2026 this year. The location marketing initiative XPLR: MEDIA in Bavaria remains a reliable point of contact for Bavarian media professionals. As an official partner of German Haus and Munich Haus (on March 14), XPLR: MEDIA makes the Bavarian media industry visible and serves as a point of contact for interested parties and Bavarian media professionals on site.
Opening and Germany Startup Night at the German Haus
After a successful first edition last year, the German Haus is returning to the Speakeasy on the corner of Congress Avenue and 5th Street. With the Innovation Club House just a few minutes away, the German Haus shines with a very good starting point for a long SXSW day in the city center. XPLR: MEDIA in Bavaria is once again a partner of the German Haus and can be found there during the big events and by prior arrangement with Nina or Lily:
When?
March 12, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Official Opening & German Happy Hour
March 12 from 7 p.m.: Startup Germany Night
Where? German Haus at Speakeasy, 412 Congress Ave. D, Austin.
Who? Access is possible with an Interactive or Platinum Badge from SXSW.
Beer, pretzels and innovation on Saturday at Munich Haus
Things will get really Bavarian on the Saturday of the festival at the German-Texan Heritage Society at 507 East 10th Street, when Munich Haus opens its doors for the day. After the traditional opening with a Bavarian veal sausage breakfast and FC Bayern watch party, the panels on innovation ecosystems and AI will discuss promising topics for the future. XPLR: MEDIA will be on site all day with a stand and provide information about the Bavarian media industry. Take a quiz to find out what makes you stand out as a media professional and secure our coveted 2026 pin.
When? Saturday, March 14, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where? Munich Haus, German-Texan Heritage Society, 507 East 10th Street, Austin
Who can enter? Admission is open to all after registration up to the capacity limit.
Exciting Bavarian media cases on site
If you want to see the innovative strength of Bavarian media companies for yourself, you can get to know these start-ups and projects in Austin:
The online art gallery and culture tech platform CALDOworldwide is once again exhibiting at SXSW. You can talk to founder Alena Mayer either at the workshop “Futuring Our World: An Imaginative Ideathon” on March 15 from 10:30 am to 12 noon or at the German Startup Pitch “MediaTech, Entertainment & Mobility” on March 15 from 3 pm to 4 pm (both in the German Haus).
The startup PHONT, alumni of the Media Lab Bayern, will also be at the German Haus and participating in the German Startup Pitch “MediaTech, Entertainment & Mobility” on March 15 from 3 to 4 pm. PHONT takes subtitles to the next level: with AI and innovative design, the startup strengthens immersion and inclusion for subtitle users.
Resonance Spaces is another media start-up that is part of the delegation from Munich. Resonance Spaces is developing a platform for structured, multilingual and inclusive discussions – digital, live and moderated. A hybrid platform on which cultural practice and AI-based moderation enable new forms of dialog.
As part of the official XR exhibition, Richard Pusch from spec.studio will be on site with the “Out of Nowhere” experience. The interactive virtual reality experience sensitively explores how the preservation of riparian forests, swamps and wetlands can help to meet the challenges of an increasingly aggressive and unpredictable climate.
Bannerbild: Cindy Ngo
