From conquering the loneliness epidemic to AI and the retail environment of 2050, we’ve handpicked the 7 panel sessions at SXSW London that anyone in the business of live experiences can’t afford to miss — plus our team’s top spots to eat, drink, and recharge like an Shoreditch local in between.
Inclusion & Innovation: Conquering the Loneliness Epidemic –
For anybody in the business of bringing people together — this one’s personal. Disconnection is a modern epidemic, and brand experiences have the power to help fix it.
Shoreditch Town Hall (Shoreditch Town Hall Stage)
June 2, 2025, 10:45 – 11:15 AM
How AI is ushering in an era of meaningful experiences –
What happens when physical environments become fully digitized? This keynote reframes AI as an enabler of transformative experiences, from how voice reshapes interactions, to why a user-first, story-driven approach is crucial.
Truman Brewery (Truman Brewery Stage 1)
June 3, 2025, 11:25 – 11:45 AM
Makers of Meaning – Hosted by Marble
In a society fixated on metrics, can creativity help us make sense of the world? This session explores how the power of creativity and storytelling can break through the literal to influence communities, challenge convention, and make brands meaningfully stand out.
Shoreditch Town Hall (Shoreditch Town Hall Stage)
June 3, 2025, 2:55 – 3:30 PM
The Future of Sustainable Live Events
With event and experiential marketing budgets on the rise in recent years, the need to act sustainably has never been greater. This session dives into the optimistic science driving a more sustainable future for the live events industry.
Shoreditch Town Hall (Shoreditch Town Hall Stage)
June 4, 2025, 10:05 – 10:35 AM
Retail Remix: The store of 2050
Retail never stands still. From physical stores to immersive showrooms, the way we interact with products and brands is constantly evolving. This session explores the innovations, challenges, and opportunities shaping the brand experience of the future.
Rich Mix (Rich Mix Stage 2)
June 3, 2025, 11:45 AM – 12:30 PM
Why Music Festivals Must Diversify to Survive
With rising costs and growing competition, music festivals must evolve to stay alive. This session explores how diversification—from digital engagement to global expansion can help festivals build resilience and long term success.
Rich Mix (Rich Mix Stage 1)
June 6, 2025, 2:35 – 3:15 PM
Lessons in Entertainment from the Stone Age
Is experiential the oldest marketing channel in the book? Before algorithms and AI, there was firelight and storytelling. This session unpacks the primal psychology behind why live experiences still captivate us—revealing how 2.6 million years of human behaviour still shapes what captivates us today.
Shoreditch Town Hall (Shoreditch Town Hall Stage)
June 3, 2025, 12:40 – 1:20 PM
Sunseekr
We’re crossing our fingers for some SXSW sun in Shoreditch. Track the pubs, cafes, and restaurants that are currently in the sunshine (in real time) through this game-changing app.
The Royal Oak
A Columbia Road staple since 1923, it’s been used as a filming location for various TV shows and movies including two Kray Twins films. A proper East London pub with plenty of character.
73 Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG
A Bar with Shapes for a Name
For something a little stronger, Bauhaus inspired bar pays homage to the journey taken by students and teachers at the Bauhaus school, and introduces flavour as a component of the design curriculum. Well worth the extra few minutes walk up Kingsland road.
232 Kingsland Road, E2 8AX
The Griffin
A hidden gem tucked away on Leonard Street in the heart of Shoreditch. A proper post-work boozer with beer from all over the world and always buzzing with artists and thirsty creatives from the nearby streets.
93 Leonard St, London EC2A 4RD
The Bike Shed
Whether you ride or not, this spot next to Shoreditch Town Hall is well worth a visit. Great food, strong coffee, custom bikes, and one of the best courtyards in East London.
384 Old St, London EC1V 9LT
Rochelle Canteen
Nestled behind an old Victorian school at Arnold Circus, Rochelle Canteen is a hidden gem with a seasonal menu, low-key interiors, and a leafy courtyard. Bang in the middle of SXSW’s East London venues—ideal for a quiet wine or long lunch between sessions.
16 Playground Gardens, London E2 7FA
Photobook Cafe
Café by day, bar by night, this independent spot on Leonard Circus brings a European terrace vibe to the heart of Shoreditch. Home to a huge library of photobooks from established and emerging publishers worldwide.
4 Leonard Circus, London EC2A 4DQ
Origin Coffee
Minimalist espresso bar on Charlotte Road, serving quality coffee from their Cornwall roastery. Simple, reliable, and always good.
65 Charlotte Rd, London EC2A 3PE
Smoking Goat
Thai BBQ with a twist, every dish here is full of flavour, the staff are knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is always buzzing.
64 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JJ
Gloria
70s Capri meets modern Shoreditch, Gloria is all about indulgence, but the lemon meringue pie alone is a reason to go.
54-56 Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3QR