Want to get a pulse on what’s happening in Austin in early March? Distinctive Edge has assembled our annual round-up of aerospace and defense panels, parties, and networking events happening during SXSW.
So far, in addition to our own events, we’re tracking nearly 100 different panels and parties spread throughout 18 locations from March 4th to 12th. In addition to the list below, there are several private invite-only events happening over the week within the defense and space industry. Leaders who sign up for SDI may get additional invites.
Many events follow a rolling approval process, meaning space fills up as registrations come in, so don’t wait until the last minute to secure your spot. Early registration is your best chance to guarantee entry before events run out of space.
A sample of what’s available is below, but - due to spatial constraints - this is an abbreviated list. The full events calendar can be found on the Distinctive Edge website.
Distinctive Edge Partners Events
March 8th - 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
The Space and Defense Innovation Speaker Showcase
Location Provided to Confirmed Guests
SDI will be hosting an invite-only Speaker Showcase with curated audiences depending on the topic which brings together prominent voices from government, industry, and the aerospace and defense innovation ecosystem for a series of focused, high-level discussions. As part of the 2025 Space and Defense Innovation Showcase & Reception, thought leaders will address critical challenges shaping the future of defense and national security.
Apply to Attend HERE
March 8th - 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
The Space and Defense Innovation Reception
Location Provided to Confirmed Guests
The invite-only reception brings innovators together for an exclusive event featuring forward-thinking leaders in the space and defense innovation sectors to facilitate expanding networks with ideal contacts. Due to high demand and limited venue capacity, invitations are limited to space and defense community leaders and executives.
Apply to Attend HERE
Tuesday, March 4th
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
G’Day Y’all Networking Happy Hour
Sky Lounge on Lady Bird at RiverSouth, 401 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
Q-Branch and Invest and Trade Western Australia are excited to introduce Western Australia’s most promising dual-use technology to SXSW, Texas, and the Americas! This event is the capstone of the inaugural Global Growth Accelerator Program (G-Gap) sponsored by Invest and Trade Western Australia. This intensive 6-week program is designed to fast-track the top Western Australian startups, scaleups, and companies’ entry into the US commercial and government markets. The G-Gap program is the first of its kind and a critical milestone in the growth of AUKUS and the direct connection between Texas and Australia. This highly curated event is an exclusive preview for the Austin and Dual-Use ecosystems, as well as the welcome event for the delegation!
Register for this free event HERE
Thursday, March 6th
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fair Market, 1100 E 5th St., Austin, TX 78702
Day 1 of Austin4America opens with a clear message: leaving defense out of the conversation in a world that’s always shifting is a juvenile mistake. This forum isn’t about feel-good platitudes; it’s where real conversations happen, the ones that dig deep into hard truths and tough decisions. Key players, bold thinkers, and change-makers come together to challenge norms, forge practical solutions, and confront what it truly takes to adapt and thrive in an unpredictable world.
Reserve your free ticket HERE
4:30 pm
SXSW Icebreaker (hosted by AUSA,NSIC,Red Thread X, and Round Rock Chamber)
Texas Association of Business Rooftop, 316 W 12th St
Join the AUSA TX Capital Area Chapter, the National Security Innovation Council (NSIC), RedThreadX, & Round Rock Chamber for a night of networking & collaboration. This in-person event is the perfect way to kick off and elevate your SXSW experience. Meet fellow attendees, industry professionals, and maybe even make some new friends. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect and mingle with National Security professionals in the Capital region.
Reserve your free ticket HERE
Friday, March 7th
701 Brazos St
Friday, March 7th - Tuesday, March 11th
You can apply for a Backstage Pass application here.
FOR THE COMPLETE LIST OF EVENTS HAPPENING IN AUSTIN AROUND SXSW, VISIT THE FULL EVENTS CALENDAR ON THE DISTINCTIVE EDGE WEBSITE.
