Clear Hayes House is back at SXSW Sydney for 2025, announcing some big names and huge events designed for the media, marketing and advertising industry for a full week from October 13-17.
Now in its third year, the House, which is free to attend for anyone, has become a must-stop for the industry – drawing more than 4,000 people through the doors in 2024. This year promises another packed week of conversations, networking and the kind of sessions that get people talking long after the festival wraps
On the line-up announced so far:
- James Hurman (Tracksuit) making the case for long-term brand building in Brand > Performance.
- Dr Catherine Ball, scientist, systems thinker and futurist, joining First Movers Podcast Live with Yasmin London and Cassie Roma.
- Merrick Watts, comedian turned Posca Hydrate founder, sharing what it takes to bring back a 2,000-year-old Roman recipe.
- Eugene Healey (Tracksuit), delivering a straight-talking challenge to marketers in Brand Building Ego Death.
The program also features:
- StudioSpace Presents: Ride the Next Wave of Growth – an invite-only showcase of future-ready indie agencies.
- Where Did All the Real Intelligence Go? – a debate on AI vs human smarts featuring leaders from RedBalloon, Ryvalmedia and the IAB.
- Is Mainstream Monoculture Dying? – Hopeful Monsters’ Carl Moggridge and Glen Cassidy on the rise of subcultures and fandoms.
- The Price Isn’t Right: SXSW Sydney Edition – a quiz show from the Experience Advocacy Taskforce tackling ageism, hosted by Ricky Chanana and Jo McAlister.
Of course, it’s not just about content. The House will also host networking lunches, happy hours and one very neon charity closing party:
- Global Women in PR Lunch (Monday)
- Afterpay Ads Happy Hour (Monday)
- The Marketing Club Dinner Club (Wednesday)
- Indie Agency Leaders’ Long Lunch (Friday)
- The MMAD Closing Party (Friday) featuring Dave Goode (Potbelleez) and friends, raising funds for charity.
B&T will be right in the middle of it, running the Tuesday night Pub Quiz and putting some of our journos on stage during the week. Last year’s pub quiz was a roaring success, raising important funds for UnLtd and attendees having a grand old time, despite B&T editor Tom Fogden’s somewhat ill-advised attempts at humour.
Last year also saw industry legend and bon viveur Greg ‘Sparrow’ Graham turn 70 with a stunning surprise party also at Clear Hayes House.
Clear Hayes Consulting principal Alex Hayes said: “Last year proved the appetite for Clear Hayes House, and this year we’re stepping it up again by bringing in even more global voices, celebrating creativity and creating space for the conversations that really matter. There’s a lot more to be announced as well.”
Clear Hayes House is supported by partners including ADMA, Analytic Partners, Anchora, Afterpay, Foxcatcher, Hopeful Monsters, CHPR, Ryvalmedia, SI Global, StudioSpace, Tracksuit, Trimline and Yahoo.
It runs October 13-17 at Harajuku Gyoza Beer Stadium, Darling Harbour and is free to attend with or without an SXSW Sydney pass. Full program and tickets are available here.
