Here’s what’s happening at _SOUTHSTART this year

The annual _SOUTHSTART gathering in Adelaide next month has revealed its 2024 program lineup.

The three-day event spans more than 50+ voices across 10 venues, including South Australia’s famed wine regions, spanning 6+ streams.

_SOUTHSTART co-directors Danielle Seymour and Craig Swann said they wanted this year’s event to dive deeper into the fundamental issues affecting our world, bringing diverse perspectives and conversations to Adelaide from March 5-7

Notable presenters include Square Peg partner Dan Krasnostein, Brighte founder Katherine McConnell, SafetyCulture’s Luke Anear, women VCs Casey Flint from Square Peg, Jessy Wu from Afterwork, Rachael Neumann from Flying Fox and Samar McHeileh from Scale, among dozens of others from across the tech ecosystem.

This year the extensive program dives into the defining challenges shaping the Australian startup ecosystem, from power structures and their impact on marginalised groups to the impact of AI on our future world and how we can navigate the intersection of technology and culture.

The multi-day experience is split into four key events:

• SOCIAL – March 5, 5pm-9pm: To open the proceedings, attendees are invited to immerse themselves in the heart of _SOUTHSTART’s vibrant community. Amidst the backdrop of Immersive Light & Art’s innovative spaces, SOCIAL offers a unique blend of creativity and hospitality.
• VILLAGE – March 6, 8am-5pm: VILLAGE provides an intellectual and emotional adventure, hosting 5 stages of programming across 6 content streams at the Garden of Unearthly Delights. From masterclasses & think tanks, office hours & pitching, founder & investor connections, student-led conversations – and everything in between – participants are equipped to expand their skill set, refine their strategies, and find support for their personal and business journeys.
• LANEWAY – March 6, 5.30pm-10pm: Relish in iconic bars, BBQs, and spontaneous pop-ups on Adelaide’s esteemed Gilbert Place. The rhythm of live entertainment will set the tone for an evening of relaxation, collaboration and creativity.
• UNTETHERED – March 7, 9am-6pm: Venture out into a day of discovery, discourse and degustation in the Fleurieu Peninsula across both small group and collective experiences. UNTETHERED is designed to weave in deep learning, spark meaningful connections, and immerse you in the beauty of one of the region’s highlight destinations. Participating venues include Down the Rabbit Hole, d’Arenberg, Chalk Hill Wines, Pearl, Beresford & Star of Greece.

Co-director Craig Swann said _SOUTHSTART was “not a traditional, transactional event” where the speakers impart wisdom on the audience.

“We want to encourage real human connection, so there won’t be a single ‘speaker’. Instead, we’ll have over 500 voices – those on stage, and those participating – where everyone has an equal role to play,” he said.

“People actually enjoy connecting in authentic, human ways. We want to nurture an environment that unites people early in their careers with investors and startup veterans, encouraging more meaningful work and insightful conversations. After all, our most valuable connections occur when we’re breaking bread rather than exchanging business cards.”

His codirector Danielle Seymour, said they always seek to push the boundaries with the calibre of voices they invite to _SOUTHSTART.

“This year promises to dive deeper than ever before into the challenges affecting our world. We’ll not only discuss the opportunities for Australia’s tech sector on the global stage, but will seek to explore how we can balance innovation with the very urgent environmental challenges we all face and discuss how we can lead the way in facilitating social change,” she said.

Across three days there’s a blend of networking experiences, masterclasses, panel discussions, and activities for startup sector leaders, field experts, and investors. This year’s event partners include Tech Council of Australia, CSIRO, Stripe, AirTree and startup accelerator Startmate, as well as Startup Daily. The South Australian government is the cornerstone supporter.

Ticket packages range from $399 to $599, full details can be found here.

_SOUTHSTART has also teamed up with HEX to offer an exclusive deal to make it cheaper for tertiary students to attend.