WPP has revealed its initial line-up of sessions for the upcoming SXSW Sydney, set to take place in two weeks. The holding company returns to the event this year as an official partner, sponsoring a total of 10 sessions following the success of its WPP House pop up in 2023.

This year, the roster of speakers includes a diverse mix of industry professionals and creatives. So far five of the total ten sessions have been announced.

The first, "From Spark to Reality: The Journey of a Creative Idea", is a panel presented by VML, with speakers including VML group executive creative officer Rich Williams, managing director Sarah Bailey, Shameless Media senior podcast producer and host Annabelle Lee, and Troy Lum producer at Brouhaha - the production company behind Netflix's Boy Swallows Universe.

The second, hosted by Burson, is called "The Reputation Tightrope. The session will be moderated by Burson South APAC CEO, with speakers including Snap APAC Director of Communications Natasha Brack, comedian and writer Sami Shah, and academic and author Dr Susan Carland.

Also on the lineup is "Australia 2035: Are you Ready for What's Coming?". In this debate, presented by WPP, the holdco's ANZ president Rose Herceg and chief strategy officer ANZ Katie Rigg-Smith, will face off against ABC journalist David Speers and UTS Business School professor Ross Gordon.

Then there's a panel session presented by AKQA, called "Can Australia be the Energy Superpower that Saves the World?". This session will be facilitated by writer, comedian and broadcaster Craig Reucassel, and feature The Superpower Institute's Simon Holmes a Court, AKQA ECD Tim Devine, and Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie.

Finally, in this announcement, is "Creativity in a World of Wicked Problems", presented by Landor. The panel will feature Landor GM Trish Folan, APA Group head of digital communications Alexander Leggaree, TikTok director of business development for APAC Vanessa Brown, and head of reputation management, brand, marketing and communications for the Brisbane 20232 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Rebecca Masci.