| Special Event | NOBULL X East Austin Athletic Club Community Workout | East Austin Athletic Club | East Austin Athletic Club | Special Event | 08:00 | 09:30 | Join NOBULL for a full-body workout at East Austin Athletic Club during SXSW. This class is for all fitness levels and abilities.
Spaces Are Limited Sign Up Here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nobull-x-east-austin-athletic-club-community-workout-tickets-1230502107929?aff=oddtdtcreator | | OE45554 | |
| Activation | FQ Lounge™ @ SXSW | Waller Creek Boathouse + Perch Cafe | Waller Creek Boathouse + Perch Cafe | Activation | 09:00 | 18:00 | Please join us in the FQ Lounge™ @ SXSW - the place where business happens - to connect and collaborate with fellow leaders as we explore big questions:
Women drive up to 85% of purchasing decisions, yet receive less than 2% of venture capital funding. Why?
When we invest in women, we invest in economic growth, innovation, and stronger returns.
IWD: Invest in Women Daily
We can’t wait to see you there! | | OE45799 | |
| Special Event | Plant-Based Power Breakfast Presented by Impossible Foods | JW Marriott | 4th Floor Prefunction | Special Event | 09:00 | 10:00 | Start your morning off right with a delicious, nutrient-packed breakfast made with hearty Impossible® Meat From Plants. After enjoying the most important meal of the day, head straight into the neighboring room at 10:00am to hear directly from Impossible Foods CEO & President Peter McGuinness about the state of the plant-based category and his quest to engage flexitarians and meat eaters. | | OE45501 | |
| Lounge | Platinum Recharge Zone | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 408 | Lounge | 09:00 | 17:00 | Relax in the SXSW Platinum Recharge Zone. These exclusive areas are conveniently located in major Conference venues where Platinum badge holders can take a break and unwind. Complimentary refreshments will be available throughout the day as well as portable power banks for charging different devices. Power banks can be returned at any FUZE station located in all Platinum Recharge Zones, Registrant Lounge, Artist Lounge or Alamo South Lamar. | | OE46039 | |
| Lounge | Platinum Recharge Zone | Austin Marriott Downtown | Room 301 | Lounge | 09:00 | 17:00 | Relax in the SXSW Platinum Recharge Zone. These exclusive areas are conveniently located in major Conference venues where Platinum badge holders can take a break and unwind. Complimentary refreshments will be available throughout the day as well as portable power banks for charging different devices. Power banks can be returned at any FUZE station located in all Platinum Recharge Zones, Registrant Lounge, Rivian Park at Brush Square Park or Highball at Alamo South Lamar. | | OE46168 | |
| Lounge | Platinum Recharge Zone | Austin Convention Center | Room 14 | Lounge | 09:00 | 17:00 | Relax in the SXSW Platinum Recharge Zone. These exclusive areas are conveniently located in major Conference venues where Platinum badge holders can take a break and unwind. Complimentary refreshments will be available throughout the day as well as portable power banks for charging different devices. Power banks can be returned at any FUZE station located in all Platinum Recharge Zones, Registrant Lounge, Rivian Park at Brush Square Park or Highball at Alamo South Lamar. | | OE46032 | |
| Activation | Rivian | Trinity St. and 4th St. | Trinity St. and 4th St. | Activation | 09:00 | 20:00 | Swing by our display at 4th and Trinity and check out the all-electric Rivian R1T up close. Need a quick recharge? Plug in your devices while you chat with our team — we’re all about adventure, sustainability and making the most of SXSW. | | OE45746 | |
| Activation | SÃO PAULO HOUSE | The Sunset Room | The Sunset Room | Activation | 09:00 | 22:00 | Welcome to São Paulo House – a hub for those seeking beyond the obvious.
Join us for panels, interviews, immersive experiences, meetups, art station, live videocast studio, live music performances, and the best coffee in town.
Connect with experts, explore cutting-edge trends, and embrace new opportunities in a space that brings Brazil’s largest state in business and innovation to the world’s biggest innovation festival.
Discover why ‘We Are That And Much More’ – right across from the ACC!
https://saopaulohouse.com | | OE45448 | |
| Activation | The Smartsheet Café | Austin Convention Center | Austin Convention Center | Activation | 09:00 | 17:00 | Get your free coffee fix at The Smartsheet Café at SXSW. Grab a fresh espresso or latte while learning how Smartsheet helps teams remove blockers, stay in sync, and achieve more. Stop by to energize your day and see firsthand why Smartsheet is the place Where Work Flows. | | OE45429 | |
| Activation | Viasat Ads Wheel of Ad-Venture | JW Marriott | 3rd Floor Prefunction | Activation | 09:00 | 17:00 | Engage millions of consumers along their travel journey. Imagine having the power to captivate, inform, and inspire passengers at 30,000 feet. Imagine reshaping the traditional boundaries of advertising and speaking directly to your audience where they’re really paying attention. That’s the promise of in-flight advertising from Viasat.
https://www.viasat.com/aviation/ | | OE45769 | |
| Special Event | Hook ‘Em House at Antone’s - March 8 | Antone’s | Antone’s | Special Event | 09:30 | 22:00 | Kicks off day two of Hook ‘Em House with a high-energy breakfast celebrating women trailblazers, followed by dynamic panels on AI, energy, and cutting-edge brand innovation. Creators and influencers take over the afternoon with live discussions, custom swag, and hands-on experiences followed by performances from UTalent Records artists and a mariachi band. End the night on a high with an electrifying live performance by Shakey Graves with DJ Wyldflower spinning beats!
https://utatsxsw.utexas.edu/ | | OE45428 | |
| Session | ‘Spaceproofing’ Food: Are We Ready to Dine on Mars? | JW Marriott | Salon 1-2 | Panel | 10:00 | 11:00 | What will we be eating in space or from space? As space exploration continues, international and national agencies are assessing ways to produce food in space that resists microgravity and meets astronauts' nutritional needs. A regenerative food system in orbit could relieve pressure on Earth. Space manufacturing plants powered by renewable energy could replace energy-to-food production on land. As space missions grow longer, ensuring a stable, nutritious food supply will be key. Let's discuss how we can get ready for life in space by starting with one of human basic needs: food consumption. | Hazzaa Al Mansoori, Christine Gould, Arttu Luukanen, Isabella Pirolo | PP156039 | |
| Activation | AirLight Pro Blowout Bar | 5th & Red River Lot | 5th & Red River Lot | Activation | 10:00 | 18:00 | Experience the hair tech revolution! L'Oréal Professionnel's AirLight Pro uses infrared light and optimized airflow for fast, hydrating drying. Get a complimentary styling session with our experts and see the stunning results. Plus, snag exclusive giveaways! Discover the future of haircare. Dry with the speed of light. Without damage.
https://us.lorealprofessionnel.com/ | | OE45680 | |
| Session | The Bluey Effect: Behind A New Era of Brand Building | JW Marriott | Salon E | Fireside Chat | 10:00 | 11:00 | C-suite leaders at BBC Studios, Nicki Sheard and Rebecca Glashow, will discuss the complexities of creating and launching global brands that engage and immerse content-hungry audiences year-round. These accomplished executives will cover how the BBC has powered evergreen global franchises including Doctor Who and Bluey and will share valuable insights on fan enrolment and engagement as well as how to navigate the risks and rewards of balancing the needs of commerce and culture. | Rebecca Glashow, Nicki Sheard | PP155800 | ✓ |
| Session | The Crisis or Hope of Global AI Governance? | Austin Marriott Downtown | Waller Ballroom D | Panel | 10:00 | 11:00 | As the hype around generative A.I. and other automated decision-making reaches a fever pitch, there is the question of how to govern those technologies for the common good. Even as the governments of the major world powers clamor for an “A.I. arms race” many marginalized and global communities are quietly working together to figure out creative, innovative, and humane ways to govern A.I. and deploy it for benefits for humanity. This panel brings together industry insiders and AI ethicists to provide a clear-eyed approach towards harnessing the positive potential of A.I. technologies. | Ifeoma Ajunwa, Satwik Mishra, Julie Owono | PP154559 | ✓ |
| Session | Cultivate Discernment, Lead with Clarity and Confidence | Courtyard Marriott | Guadalupe | Workshop | 10:00 | 12:00 | Advance sign up is required. Please locate the “RSVP” button on the page to reserve your spot. If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available on a first come, first serve basis.
Elevate your leadership with the power of discernment. During this session, we’ll explore frameworks about how you can separate fact from fiction, make informed decisions, and lead with clarity and impact. We’ll tap into the wealth of knowledge and experience present at SXSW through small group conversations with other participants in leadership roles. Are you an executive, founder, manager of managers, or influential leader seeking to create a truly generative workplace? This collaborative workshop is for you. | Kiran Gupta | PP148925 | |
| Activation | The Dell Experience at SXSW | Parkside | Parkside | Activation | 10:00 | 17:00 | Explore a world where creativity meets cutting-edge technology at Dell’s SXSW Experience! This is more than just an event—it’s a launchpad for the future. Watch a talented artist create a digital masterpiece and a producer craft beats using Dell AI PCs, while exploring new ideas in our hands-on content workshops. Whether you're here to learn, create or just be amazed, Dell's SXSW experience promises to ignite your imagination and leave you buzzing with possibilities.
https://events.dell.com/event/sxsw25 | | OE45431 | |
| Session | Designing Architecture for Nature, Culture, and Joy | JW Marriott | Salon 7 | Presentation | 10:00 | 11:00 | Can architecture help connect our fragmented culture and address some of the most pressing challenges of our time from climate change to political division? This session will explore the art of designing connective places that harmonize with natural landscapes, honor local cultural contexts, and inspire joy and shared belonging in our communities. Chakrabarti, an expert in sustainable and human-centered design, will share case studies, insights, and innovative approaches that prioritize ecology, celebrate difference, and elevate human experience. Join us to discover how architecture can foster a deeper engagement with the world and the diversity of the people around us through thoughtful, connective design. | Vishaan Chakrabarti | PP149980 | ✓ |
| Activation | Destination: YouTube | Austin Convention Center | 3rd Floor Pre-Function Area | Activation | 10:00 | 17:00 | Destination YouTube: From the most influential creators, podcasters, and artists, to the biggest global moments across sport, music, and more - there’s only one place that brings it all together in every way we love to watch. Stop by the YouTube activation in the ACC to discover why -- There's Only One YouTube. | | OE45676 | |
| Session | Discovering the Ideal Silhouette: The Shapes of Bots to Come | Austin Marriott Downtown | Waterloo Ballroom 1-2 | Panel | 10:00 | 11:00 | Should our future robots mimic human appearance or resemble advanced appliances? Do we want them to be charming and friendly, or purely efficient and inconspicuous? This panel delves into the evolution of intelligent hardware, scrutinizing the advantages and challenges associated with different robotic forms and their characteristics. We'll examine the technical factors influencing these design choices and how various robotic archetypes could affect our interactions with them. Join us to uncover the future of robot aesthetics and functionality. | Kendra Byrne, Paul Costa, Afshin Mehin, Jamie Paik | PP148361 | ✓ |
| Special Event | Discussion: The Power of Queer Storytelling | Gina's on Congress | Gina's on Congress | Special Event | 10:00 | 11:00 | The Power of Queer Storytelling explores how LGBTQ+ voices shape culture, representation, and advocacy. From media and literature to film and activism, storytelling preserves history, fosters connection, and drives change. Join us for an engaging discussion on the impact of queer narratives and their role in amplifying diverse experiences. The conversation will be moderated by Fiona Dawson, Emmy®-nominated filmmaker, author, and LGBTQIA+ advocate. Don’t miss this powerful dialogue! 🌈📖
https://membership.austinlgbtchamber.com/events/Details/sxsw-2025-the-power-of-queer-storytelling-1325575?sourceTypeId=Website | | OE45683 | |
| Activation | Dolby Airstream | Rivian Electric Roadhouse | Rivian Electric Roadhouse | Activation | 10:00 | 13:00 | Imagine connecting with your favorite music at its fullest capacity and creative potential. Go beyond the ordinary listening experience and immerse yourself in the music, hearing every detail in unparalleled clarity and depth.
Discover the power of Dolby Atmos with Rivian Premium Audio and experience the difference yourself. Explore the Dolby Airstream trailer, learn more about the creative process with Dolby Atmos mixing, and experience Dolby Atmos Music in a Rivian.
Space is limited. Admittance is on a first come, first serve capacity. | | OE45649 | |
| Activation | Electric Joyride | 400 Congress Ave. | 400 Congress Ave. | Activation | 10:00 | 19:00 | Rivian’s Electric Joyride awaits.
We invite you to ride shotgun on the ultimate Electric Joyride. Experience the electrifying on-road and off-road capability of R1 on a closed course with an expert driver. Launch, navigate obstacles and get a first-hand look at what our all-electric adventure vehicles can do.
Available on a first-come, first-serve basis at 400 Congress Ave — a short walk from the Rivian Electric Roadhouse.
Attendees are encouraged to RSVP for a time window, while walk-ins are also welcomed.
https://riviansxsw.splashthat.com/ | | OE46232 | |
| Session | Expanding Horizons: Women's Health & Psychedelics | JW Marriott | Room 203-204 | Panel | 10:00 | 11:00 | This session will explore the broad potential of psychedelics to transform various aspects of women's health. From mental health to chronic pain management and hormone balancing, the discussion will highlight how psychedelics can offer innovative solutions to some of the most pressing health challenges faced by women today. | Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, Stephanie Karzon Abrams, Clin.Pharm., Dr. Emeran A. Mayer, Ashley Walsh | PP154338 | ✓ |
| Session | Exploring the Future of Psychedelic Travel | JW Marriott | Room 201-202 | Fireside Chat | 10:00 | 11:00 | This fireside chat will be a thought-provoking discussion exploring the past, present, and future of psychedelic tourism. Tracing the evolution of psychedelic travel from its anthropological roots to its rise from the underground to mainstream media while incorporating personal journeys and professional insights, the conversation will delve into why people are seeking these experiences, the media’s role in shaping perceptions of bookable psychedelic trips, and critical considerations for safety, ethics, and sustainability for travelers and communities at large. Learn how to navigate the opportunities and challenges of this transformative movement beyond the trip and relay how the rise in psychedelic tourism will affect the media landscape and how travelers will engage with content that ultimately influences their purchasing decisions. | Eva McGarry, Michaela Trimble | PP1147372 | ✓ |
| Session | Featured Session: Amy Webb Launches 2025 Emerging Tech Trend Report | Austin Convention Center | Ballroom D | Featured Session | 10:00 | 11:00 | Join Amy Webb for the launch of the Future Today Institute's 18th edition of its Tech Trends Report and a deep dive into all the tech trends you'll need to follow in 2025. In this mind-bending session, futurist Amy Webb, CEO of the Future Today Institute and professor at NYU Stern School of Business, will provide a data-driven analysis for the emerging tech trends that need to be on your radar this year––and she’ll show you scenarios that will change your perspective on the futures. For those who have attended this session at previous SXSW festivals and already know what to expect from this session, you'll be in for an extra-special treat this year. | Amy Webb | PP1146677 | ✓ |
| Session | Featured Session: Primal Instincts: Making Social "Social" Again | Austin Convention Center | Ballroom EF | Featured Session | 10:00 | 11:00 | What role does / should social media play in our actual social lives? We are wired to need connection, but the more we connect with tech, the less we actually connect with each other. Social media was never enough.
Baratunde Thurston sits down with Mozi founders Molly DeWolf Swenson and Ev Williams to explore the intersection of IRL and the internet, and to discuss the past, present and future of "social.” | Molly Dewolf Swenson, Baratunde Thurston, Ev Williams | PP1147753 | ✓ |
| Session | Featured Speaker: A Conversation on Brand and Community Building with Rare Beauty's CMO Katie Welch | Austin Convention Center | Room 16AB | Featured Session | 10:00 | 11:00 | Selena Gomez believed Rare Beauty could be more than a beauty brand—it could make an impact. Since September 2020, Rare Beauty has become a safe, welcoming space in beauty and beyond. Rare Beauty's mental health mission, thriving community and cult-favorite products are the driving forces behind this brand. Join Rare Beauty's CMO Katie Welch to discuss their unique approach to brand and community building. | Katie Welch | PP1146820 | ✓ |
| Session | Featured Speaker: Arlan Hamilton | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon H | Featured Session | 10:00 | 11:00 | Arlan Hamilton, founder at Backstage Capital, is a serial entrepreneur, author, and prolific speaker.
She founded Backstage Capital in 2015 to invest in founders who are people of color, women and/or LGBTQ. Since its founding, Backstage has raised $30 million and invested in more than 200 startups led by underestimated founders.
Arlan published her debut book, “It’s About Damn Time,” in 2020, detailing her journey from homelessness to venture capital trailblazer. Arlan was the first non-celebrity Black woman to grace the cover of Fast Company magazine. Her latest book, "Your First Million: Why You Don't Have To Be Born Into A Legacy Of Wealth To Leave One Behind", shows how anyone can tap into new tools, platforms, and funding sources to get their million-dollar idea off the ground.
Arlan is a big proponent of paying it forward and supporting other underestimated people in the tech industry and beyond. She and her mother, Mrs. Earline Butler-Sims, have established scholarship programs for Black students at Oxford University, HBCU Dillard University, and Harvard Law, as well as establishing scholarships for Black pilots and inventors. | Arlan Hamilton, Calum Johnson | PP1147256 | ✓ |
| Lounge | Filmmaker & Industry Lounge Presented By Epidemic Sound | Stephen F Austin | Capital Ballroom AB | Lounge | 10:00 | 17:00 | Discover a new soundtracking experience. Where the ordinary makes way for the extraordinary and never-before-seen cinematic universes are brought to life. From ocean-noir, post-yakuza to snowy-western anime, and more. Join us in the Filmmakers Lounge Presented By Epidemic Sound to work, relax, and explore how to bring your stories to life with sound.
https://go.epidemicsound.com/events/sxsw25/ | | OE45295 | |
| Session | First Foods Justice: A New Path to Health Equity | JW Marriott | Salon D | Presentation | 10:00 | 11:00 | Despite the well-documented benefits of breastfeeding, mothers and birthing people from historically marginalized groups experience significantly lower rates of participation compared to their white counterparts. To improve health equity it's crucial to confront the systemic barriers that hinder breastfeeding success. This session delves into the historical legacies of harmful practices that have shaped maternal health outcomes for women of color, exploring the intricate dynamics of systemic inequality in maternal and infant care through the lens of breastfeeding.
Join us as we examine the scientific underpinnings of these disparities, share insights on community-driven solutions, and highlight pathways toward equitable care that can transform outcomes for marginalized communities. | Charles Johnson, Latham Thomas | PP150488 | ✓ |
| Session | From Periphery to Power: Scaling the Sex & Gender Health Gap | The LINE | Onyx Ballroom 1/2/3/4 | Panel | 10:00 | 11:00 | Check out all events Presented by “IQVIA Digital.”
This session will explore the progress being made in reducing the sex/gender health divide in the U.S., providing unique insights on medicine use, research activities, and investment trends. Focusing on health conditions that disproportionately affect women, we’ll present innovative personalized digital marketing strategies that help brands enhance healthcare provider education, patient access, and quality of life. | Nicole Benedetto, Andrew Burkus, Shawana Moore, Andrea Palmer | PP155937 | ✓ |
| Session | The Future of Innovation: Spaces for Humanity & Connection | Austin Marriott Downtown | Waller Ballroom AB | Panel | 10:00 | 11:00 | In a digital, fragmented world, innovation hubs are redefining workplaces as startups return to shared spaces for community, collaboration, and connection. These hubs address loneliness and the decline of third spaces by merging home-like comfort with work demands. This panel explores designing environments that prioritize well-being, creativity, and serendipity while transforming ecosystems. Join us to reimagine spaces that foster connection, spark innovation, and build a more soulful, human-centric future. | Dan Burgar, Kristine Colosimo, Mark Masongsong | PP1147489 | ✓ |
| Session | The Future of Plant-Based: Inclusive, Delicious, Sustainable | JW Marriott | Salon 3-4 | Fireside Chat | 10:00 | 11:00 | America consumes roughly 50 billion burgers annually. If just one percent were made with Impossible Beef, that would equate to saving 3 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, 36 billion square feet of land and 11 billion gallons of water. Every product Impossible Foods sells uses less land, water and produces less greenhouse gas emissions compared to the animal. Peter McGuinness is the President and CEO of Impossible Foods and is leading its mission to create sustainable, plant-based meat with a fraction of the environmental impact of animal products.
In this session, Peter will explore the role of food as a climate solution, the future of plant-based eating, and how to make plant-based foods more accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for all, bridging the divide between vegans and meat lovers. The session will also examine challenges within the industry, including past missteps and opportunities for growth. Drawing on his leadership at Impossible Foods and decades of consumer expertise, McGuinness aims to offer a candid perspective on how the plant-based category can innovate, improve, and contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive food system. | Peter McGuinness, Bob Safian | PP1147641 | ✓ |
| Session | Future-Proof Housing for the Next Generation | Realtor.com Austin Tech Center | Realtor.com Austin HQ | Panel | 10:00 | 11:00 | Check out all events Presented by “Realtor.com.”
As housing demands rise, the need for resilient, energy-efficient, and sustainable homes has never been more critical. But can we achieve all three without sacrificing affordability? Leading innovators in the home building industry discuss groundbreaking approaches to “future-proofing” housing through sustainable materials, energy efficiency, and new building technologies. We’ll explore how these strategies help keep homes affordable, impact vulnerable housing communities, and how policy can enable durable, long-term housing solutions nationwide. | Danielle Hale, John Ho, Jared Kuhn, Graeme Waitzkin | PP156284 | |
| Session | GovTech for Good - Tech as a Catalyst for Better Government | Austin Marriott Downtown | Waller Ballroom EF | Panel | 10:00 | 11:00 | We are using all sorts of gadgets and devices for our everyday life. What if we could do the same in the interaction with the government and other branches of administration? That is what GovTech – technologies for citizen-authority interaction – can do to improve government. Some countries, like the Nordics, are advanced in digitalization while others are behind. We will explore innovative approaches and technologies that can make administration better and serve the public good. Let’s make GovTech a catalyst for better government. | Daniel Fürg, Jason Kozel, Chelsea McCullough, Antonia Zierer | PP154397 | ✓ |
| Session | Health Entrepreneurs Meet Up | JW Marriott | Brazos Room | Meet Up | 10:00 | 11:00 | Calling all health entrepreneurs! If you're building a business in health, healthcare, health tech, wellness, or fitness, this is your tribe.
Think of us as your innovation gym – where networking, masterminds, and genuine support fuel your business growth. 🏋️♀️
Expect icebreakers, name tags, and activities that make networking easy (even for the introverts of the group). | Corey Hiben | PP149668 | |
| Session | How Film/TV Critics are Building Online Audiences | The Thompson Hotel Austin | Red River Ballroom | Panel | 10:00 | 11:00 | Check out all events Presented by “NBCUniversal.”
The Rotten Tomatoes Lab: Critics Edition is an ongoing panel series that provides tools and advice for how to build a career as a film/TV critic – how to navigate film festivals, pitch to editors, and build networks across fellow press, publicists, studios, and talent. In this Lab panel at SXSW, critics who review on new media platforms such as podcasts, YouTube, their own websites, or spaces like Substack, will speak to how they engage their audiences, navigate the industry, and build niche brands while gaining visibility. | Jacqueline Coley, Kristy Puchko, Amanda the Jedi, Sharronda Williams | PP156204 | ✓ |
| Session | How to Become the Manager People Want to Work For | Austin Marriott Downtown | Waterloo Ballroom 4-6 | Presentation | 10:00 | 11:00 | With workplaces becoming increasingly complex, the role of a manager has never been more crucial—or challenging. But with more falling onto the shoulders of managers comes the opportunity for managers to take their teams to new heights. This session cuts through the noise, offering practical, actionable strategies to bring out the best in your team without burning people out. We'll dive into setting an intention as a leader to build trust and drive results, recognizing the common root in conflicts and miscommunications, and igniting motivation in your team, even in the face of overwhelm or disengagement. This isn't theory—it's a roadmap for creating a resilient and high performing team with confidence and ease. | Lia Garvin | PP1147640 | ✓ |
| Session | I Digitized THAT J.Lo Dress and Here’s What I Learned | Austin Convention Center | Room 18CD | Presentation | 10:00 | 11:00 | In this session I’ll be exploring how digitizing fashion archives can revolutionize preservation and interaction with fashion collections. The Fashion Museum in Bath struggles to showcase its 100,000 strong fashion archive due to limited space and budget. My work explores digitising this archive using technologies from £30,000 handheld scanners to iPhone apps with Lidar scanning. Imagine designing in 3D using textiles from a designer's collection or placing an augmented reality (AR) version of an iconic fashion item in a set that you have designed. | Gabrielle Shiner-Hill | PP150860 | ✓ |
| Session | The Influence of Critics on an LGBTQ Film's Life and Impact | Austin Convention Center | Room 17AB | Panel | 10:00 | 11:00 | This panel will dive into the increasingly important role of film critics in the life cycle of a film, especially for LGBTQ stories, influencing its cultural impact on community acceptance and the industry. Using examples of controversial awards darlings and underrated LGBTQ film fare, panelists will weigh in about responsible media criticism and the role of representation in a larger cultural context. The panel, supported by Rotten Tomatoes, will get into how critic infrastructure is changing, underscoring how diversified voices can shift the trajectory and success of authentic storytelling. | Rendy Jones, Dino-Ray Ramos, Katie Rife, Alex Schmider | PP1148274 | ✓ |
| Session | The Me Too Movement: At the Intersection of Healing and Tech | Austin Convention Center | Room 9ABC | Panel | 10:00 | 11:00 | Seven years ago, the world was forever changed when the #MeToo hashtag went viral, revealing, among other things, the massive number of people who are survivors of sexual violence. Nearly a decade later, the discussion continues to focus on sensational media rather than solutions to protect survivors and prevent sexual violence. This session will dive into the innovative ways technology is being used to support and progress the movement to end sexual violence. | Tarana Burke, Adam Dodge, Kyle Linton, Kenyora Parham | PP147543 | ✓ |
| Session | Mentor Session: Brooke Kahn (Flashtalking by Mediaocean) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 10:00 | 11:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Marketing/Advertising/PR. | Brooke Kahn | PP1147503 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Charles Baronette (Salesforce) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 10:00 | 11:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Storytelling, Business Development, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning. | Charles Baronette | PP1147423 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Greg Swan (FINN Partners) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 10:00 | 11:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Marketing/Advertising/PR, Content Strategy/Production, Business Development. | Greg Swan | PP1147053 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Jennifer Garcia (Latino Business Action Network (LBAN)) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 10:00 | 11:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Accessibility, Funding, Nonprofits. | Jennifer Garcia | PP1147179 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: John Paulos (Sidecar Fund, LLC) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 10:00 | 11:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Funding, Entrepreneurship. | John Paulos | PP1147180 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Katie Stolp (ThinkPower) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 10:00 | 11:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Entrepreneurship, Women in Music, Future of Work. | Katie Stolp | PP1147146 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Kelly Charles-Collins, Esq. (HR Legally Speaking d/b/a Speaker Moguls) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 10:00 | 11:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Entrepreneurship, "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion", Future of Work. | Kelly Charles-Collins, Esq. | PP1147147 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Michael Palmer (Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 10:00 | 11:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Data Science, Business Development, Product Management/Development, Policy, Content Strategy/Production, Marketing/Advertising/PR. | Michael Palmer | PP1147543 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Peter Krzyzek (Chykalophia) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 10:00 | 11:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Marketing/Advertising/PR, Business Development, Coding. | Peter Krzyzek | PP1147415 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Sarah Schultz (DraftWise) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 10:00 | 11:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Future of Work, Business Development. | Sarah Schultz | PP1147416 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Sun Yi (Night Owls and Night Owl Nation) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 10:00 | 11:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Entrepreneurship, Storytelling, Content Strategy/Production, Marketing/Advertising/PR. | Sun Yi | PP1147385 | |
| Session | Midlife: A Missed Opportunity for Monetization | Austin Convention Center | Room 18AB | Panel | 10:00 | 11:00 | Fear of midlife is an anxious lie spun to make women feel irrelevant and scared for the future. Yet, for many, these decades are a fertile time for career growth, personal reinvention, or a second wind. It's not a midlife crisis, it's a jumping off point. But where are all the brands? How can a hyper capitalist system fail to serve consumers with fistfuls of cash? Hear from the nation’s top beauty brands who are at the forefront of these conversations as they share how they are reframing the notion of aging as one to celebrate vs something to fear. | Kelly Mahoney, Shayne Millington, Sandra Villarreal | PP148612 | ✓ |
| Session | More Fans, Followers, and Voters by Using Behavioral Science | Courtyard Marriott | Brazos I-II-III | Workshop | 10:00 | 12:00 | Advance sign up is required. Please locate the “RSVP” button on the page to reserve your spot. If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available on a first come, first serve basis.
In a crowded marketplace, standing out requires more than loud messaging—it calls for genuine connection. By understanding people's personalities, preferences, and behaviors, we can create media that makes them feel heard and valued, rather than simply marketed to. In this session, participants will learn to identify the distinct emotional drivers of potential fans, followers, or voters, enabling them to communicate in ways that inspire action more effectively. This approach emphasizes building relationships rather than relying on the traditional method of shouting for attention. | Noah Smits | PP151445 | |
| Activation | The Museum of the Future House | Museum of the Future | Museum of the Future | Activation | 10:00 | 17:00 | For five days, the Museum of the Future will be Dubai's outpost in Austin, showcasing bold and creative ideas for shaping the future. The Museum of the Future House will host a lineup of events, from panel discussions to workshops and immersive experiences, including Refik Anadol's newest AI installation, Earth Dreams. The House also features its own garden, a serene space where visitors can meet members of the Museum of the Future and Dubai Future Foundation, the 2050 Track Sponsor at SXSW 2025. Guests will also have the chance to savor FIX, Dubai's original viral chocolate sensation, while enjoying traditional chai demonstrations by Project Chaiwala. | | OE45630 | |
| Activation | NASA House: CreateSpace | Austin Public Library - Central Library | Austin Public Library - Central Library | Activation | 10:00 | 16:00 | NASA’s CreateSpace transforms Austin's Central Library into an immersive experience where visitors don't just learn about space - they help shape it. Spanning multiple floors of this state-of-the-art library in the heart of downtown Austin, CreateSpace blends hands-on creation, interactive exhibits, and sensory experiences that showcase NASA's full spectrum of exploration and discovery. CreateSpace invites everyone to explore space science through their own lens - whether that's art, music, technology, or pure imagination.
https://library.austintexas.gov/event/programs-workshops/nasa-house-createspace-austin-public-library-7761196 | | OE45732 | |
| Session | Navigating Immigration Policies & Reform Meet Up | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 410 | Meet Up | 10:00 | 11:00 | The U.S. immigration system has seen unprecedented turbulence in the past decade and in the aftermath of the current election it seems as if there is no resolution in sight on this pressing issue. Immigration Attorney, Jason Finkelman, will lead a discussion on a variety of immigration topics impacting foreign nationals, U.S. employers, and what may lie ahead for the U.S. immigration system and how we can best advocate for change right now. | Jason Finkelman | PP148030 | |
| Activation | Open House | Rivian Electric Roadhouse | Rivian Electric Roadhouse | Activation | 10:00 | 13:00 | Rivian’s Electric Roadhouse at SXSW 2025 is where adventure meets innovation. Join us as we explore the path toward an optimistic tomorrow, bringing together live music, thought-provoking panels and exclusive events. You’ll have the chance to get up close with Rivian’s all-electric trucks and SUVs — plus a few surprises. Step inside, connect with our community and book a drive experience. | | OE45545 | |
| Session | The Past, Present and Weird Future of the Creator Economy | Austin Convention Center | Room 5ABC | Presentation | 10:00 | 11:00 | Influencers and creators have gone from experiments to required elements of any media and marketing mix. But the creator economy is evolving and changing in new and exciting ways. Former MCN and VidCon CEO Jim Louderback shares the top ways the creator economy is changing, the new trends that will shape the creator economy in 2025 and beyond, and the changing nature of creators and influence. | James Louderback | PP151050 | ✓ |
| Activation | Pitch2025 KPMG Arcade | Hilton Austin Downtown | 4th Floor | Activation | 10:00 | 17:00 | Check out the SXSW Pitch competition and stop by the KPMG Arcade to try your hand at the Claw Machines to win Gift Cards and Pitch 2025 swag or relive simpler times when your interactions with AI were dealing with the ghosts in Pac-Man.
While you’re there, learn about KPMG Studios and Ventures or the upcoming KPMG Futures Report. | | OE46108 | |
| Session | Pitching to Angels 101: Think Like an Investor | Courtyard Marriott | Rio Grande Ballroom 2 | Workshop | 10:00 | 12:00 | Advance sign up is required. Please locate the “RSVP” button on the page to reserve your spot. If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available on a first come, first serve basis.
Step into the investor’s shoes in a hands-on workshop, hosted by the Central Texas Angel Network, one of the nation’s leading angel groups. In this interactive session, founders will reverse roles, evaluating pitches from companies CTAN has funded—as well as those we’ve passed on, using CTAN’s processes. You’ll vote on which companies should receive investment and compare your decisions with CTAN’s actual investment choices. By dissecting these examples from an investor's lens, you’ll gain a clear sense of the qualities that drive investments and boost your chances of securing an investment. | Gary Forni, Katie Russel | PP147063 | |
| Special Event | Podcast Industry Stage at SXSW | Austin Convention Center | Ballroom B | Special Event | 10:00 | 17:00 | The Podcast Industry Stage at SXSW serves as a hub where creators, executives, and innovators come together to explore the latest business trends shaping podcasting. This stage offers a valuable opportunity in learning from industry leaders who can offer insights and connections to help navigate the evolving podcast landscape. | | OE45706 | |
| Session | Podcasting Goes Global | Austin Convention Center | Ballroom B | Panel | 10:00 | 11:00 | The Podcast business is growing globally, with estimates that the industry will reach $130 billion by 2030 (Grand View Research). On this panel we bring together experts from around the world to explore commonalities and differences in their respective markets. We hope to identify shared opportunities and challenges, while also exploring the intrinsic differences that make each market unique. | Joaquin Colino, Molly Jensen, Josh Lindgren, Matt Sayward | PP148541 | ✓ |
| Session | A Pop Culture Rx: Health Meets Tech + Creativity | The LINE | Topaz Ballroom 1-2-3 | Fireside Chat | 10:00 | 11:00 | Check out all events Presented by “Real Chemistry.”
In an era where healthcare intersects with every facet of our lives, the challenge is not just to innovate but to engage. Join us for an enlightening discussion about harnessing the power of digital innovation, strategic partnerships, and creative campaigns to resonate with diverse audiences, influence pop culture and spark meaningful cultural conversations within the healthcare space. From groundbreaking campaigns that challenge societal norms to strategic collaborations to amplify patient voices, we’ll delve into the strategies and technologies that are reshaping the healthcare landscape. | Chris Lieber, Beth Roden | PP156050 | ✓ |
| Session | Pride Campaigns vs. Proud Campaigns: The New Queer Marketing | JW Marriott | Salon FG | Panel | 10:00 | 11:00 | As Pride 2025 approaches, it's time to discuss the disbanding of this month as the (controversial) pinnacle of LGBTQ+ marketing, and turn the focus toward regular brand allyship and authentic community engagement, where queer integration is always proudly on trend and other key moments (like International Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31 or LGBTQ+ History Month in October) are given equal weight. Join a social impact expert, a prominent trans activist, an LGBTQ+ streaming exec and a queer media pro for a discussion that turns the tide on Pride and offers an innovative branding future. | Alia J. Daniels, John McCourt, Tiq Milan, Kurt Osenlund | PP155057 | ✓ |
| Session | Revolutionizing Mental Healthcare with Implantable Devices | JW Marriott | Salon BC | Panel | 10:00 | 11:00 | The continued stigma surrounding mental health and the increase in depression diagnosis in the U.S. is cause for multidisciplinary collaboration and research to explore additional treatment pathways for those experiencing mental illness. This panel brings together the expert voices of neuroscience, psychiatry, advocacy and industry to discuss the collaborative pursuit of innovative treatment approaches to depression and what future treatments might look like for people who do not respond to “traditional” therapies. | Greg Hansch, Brian Kopell, MD, Patricio Riva Posse, MD, Jenn Wong | PP152978 | ✓ |
| Lounge | Rivian Recharge Lounge | Austin Convention Center | Main Hallway | Lounge | 10:00 | 17:00 | Escape the SXSW hustle and take some time for yourself at the Rivian Recharge Lounge in the Austin Convention Center. Discover the future of adventure, engage with our community wall, snap a photo at our backdrop and enjoy a relaxing space with charging stations for your devices.
We're located at 1E in the ACC, and open daily from 10am-5pm.
Come say hello and experience the spirit of adventure with Rivian at SXSW! | | OE45755 | |
| Session | Round Table: Narrative Filmmaking: Channing Godfrey Peoples, Kristian Mercado, and Sonja O'Hara | Austin Convention Center | Room 15 | Round Table | 10:00 | 11:00 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked.
An extension of our popular Mentor Sessions, our Round Table Sessions not only allow attendees to learn from the industry experts that sit at each of the three tables in this session but they also allow attendees to learn from the questions and experiences of their peers as well. This Round Table Session will bring together industry experts and SXSW attendees for an enlightening discussion on Narrative Filmmaking. | Channing Godfrey Peoples, Kristian Mercado, Sonja O'Hara | PP1147244 | |
| Special Event | Sales Agents & Buyers Morning Mixer | Stephen F Austin | 2nd Fl Prefunction | Special Event | 10:00 | 11:00 | Join us at the SXSW Film & TV Festival Morning Mixer to meet Sales Agents & Buyers, industry professionals and filmmakers before heading into your day! | | OE46161 | |
| Session | Selling Tech Through Creativity: Innovative Tools for Entertainment and Brand Marketing | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon C | Panel | 10:00 | 11:00 | This panel features experts from creative agency MOCEAN, streaming service Samsung TV Plus, and PC & gaming hardware manufacturer AMD, as they sit down with Axios to explore the creative tools, accessibility and strategies behind selling tech for global brands and entertainment. Gain insight from industry leaders who have spearheaded international campaigns for PlayStation, Spotify, Amazon, Dell, Microsoft, Activision, Marvel, Samsung, AMD, and Call of Duty: Black Ops as they share their vision for the future of creative marketing and technology accessibility. | Aileen Del Cid, Kerry Flynn, Dion Giannoukos, Anders Rostad | PP1147890 | ✓ |
| Session | Startups Shaping the Future of Entertainment with Disney Accelerator | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon G | Panel | 10:00 | 11:00 | Disney has always embraced new technology to drive innovation and enable world-class storytelling. And since 2014, Disney’s Accelerator program has closely collaborated with startups from around the world to shape and inspire the future of the media landscape. From developing new immersive technologies and creating best-selling products to experimenting on the ground floor of the latest technologies, Disney has proven the symbiotic and invigorating relationship between corporations and startups can fuel incredible innovation for generations to come. Get behind-the-scenes with Disney and several of its startups as we dive into how big ideas become a reality | Troy Jones, Bonnie Rosen, Kirin Sinha, Mati Staniszewski | PP1148094 | ✓ |
| Activation | SXSW Bookstore | Austin Convention Center | Room 10C | Bookstore | 10:00 | 18:00 | Visit the SXSW bookstore to find published works by Conference and Festival participants and connect with fellow attendees. Be sure to check out the daily book signings schedule as well! Open daily, March 7 - 13. | | OE45608 | |
| Session | SXSW Pitch: HealthTech, MedTech, BioTech & Accessibility
| Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon DE | Pitch Event | 10:00 | 11:00 | SXSW Pitch is a platform that allows early-stage technology startups to pitch their product and/or services to industry technology experts, high-profile media personnel, and venture capitalists/angel investors.
HealthTech, MedTech, BioTech, and Accessibility Technologies are focused on human-centric applications that advance medicine and wellness and connect individuals with health systems and facilities, medical technologies and devices, care teams, providers, insurance, corporate and personal wellness services, and public health and social services. These startups may include applications in aging and geriatrics, vaccines, mRNA technology, general wellness, assistive technology, diagnosis, treatment, fertility, genetics, sports and exercise, home fitness, cannabis, sleep, and medical wearable technologies.
The HealthTech, MedTech, BioTech & Accessibility Technology category winner will be announced at the SXSW Pitch Awards Ceremony on Sunday, March 9, at 6:30 pm in Salon H on the 6th floor of the Hilton Austin Hotel.
Also, attendees can make face-to-face connections with all 70+ SXSW Pitch finalists for 2025 at the special “Meet the Finalists” event on Monday, March 10, at 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Griffin Hall on the 2nd floor of the JW Marriott.
FINALISTS
Glidance
Seattle, WA
At Glidance, we’re on a mission to transform independent mobility for people who are blind or have low vision through Glide—the first AI-powered, ground-connected, self-guided mobility aid designed to empower millions more people with unparalleled confidence and independence.
Intero Biosystems
Ann Arbor, MI
Intero Biosystems develops human stem cell-derived mini-organs to transform preclinical testing, accelerating the discovery of safer, more effective drugs before they reach human trials.
NerView Surgical
Ontario, Canada
NerView Surgical aims to reduce accidental nerve injuries during surgery. Our vision is to become the standard of care for surgical nerve visualization.
Somnair
Baltimore, MD
Somnair is a medical device developing the first non-invasive neurostimulation device for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, a disease that affects 54 million Americans and 1 billion people around the world.
Vocxi Health
Arden Hills, MN
Vocxi Health detects diseases through a simple 1-minute mobile AI-enabled breath test. The sensor technology behind the platform has 40 granted patents.
ALTERNATES
Audiom
Gilroy, CA
Audiom by XR Navigation is a digital map viewer and editor accessible visually, auditorily, and textually, benefiting users across all abilities.
Bia Sleep
Vancouver, Canada
Bia is a Smart Sleep Mask that uses neurotechnology to measure and improve all aspects of the sleep experience. Double your deep sleep and wake up with energy to tackle your day.
CODA
Tel Aviv, Israel
CODA is an AI-powered interactive communication avatar translating spoken language into sign language. Inspired by the Deaf parents of its female co-founders, CODA empowers the Deaf community with independence while helping businesses expand their audience and enhance services through inclusive technology. | Angelica Maestas, Dr Richard Munassi MD MBA, Lee Shapiro, Melissa Withers, Pamela York | PP1146965 | |
| Session | The Tech & Tools Designers Need to Thrive in an AI World | JW Marriott | Salon 6 | Presentation | 10:00 | 11:00 | Designers are often first to adopt new technology, but where is that technology actually creating impact for them? We surveyed hundreds of top designers to find out. In a conversation with leading AI and design experts, they will reveal proprietary data on how AI is transforming design workflows, what new possibilities it’s unlocking, and which emerging tools are gaining traction. Beyond the data, we’ll dive into the key skills software designers need to prioritize to future-proof their careers and elevate their craft in an AI-driven world. | Katie Dill, Steve Vassallo | PP155518 | ✓ |
| Activation | Tennessee House: Nooga in the Morning | Electric Shuffle | Electric Shuffle | Activation | 10:00 | 15:00 | The Tennessee House showcases what's happening in tech, innovation, and creativity across the Volunteer State.
We're heading to Chattanooga this morning:
10am – Doors open
11am – Momentum in Mobility discussion, what's next in how we move, moderated by Mayor Kelly
Noon – Chatt & Chill: pay tribute to the Moon Pie and sample the newest flavor
1pm – Quantifying Quantum panel: follow a quantum startup's journey to acquisition
2pm – Startup Showcase
** Limited-edition swag, bites, and drinks all day **
https://www.tn.house/ | | OE45593 | |
| Session | Tensions in Creative Labor & Generative AI | Austin Convention Center | Room 6AB | Panel | 10:00 | 11:00 | The training of generative AI tools on existing, copyrighted works is a source of significant controversy. Often, the preferences of creators and rightsholders are framed as an all-or-nothing binary – either works should never be used in training without permission, or such use should always be allowed. This panel will explore what effect this is having on creators, the commons, and opportunities for collaborative creativity. | Cory Doctorow, Jennifer 8 Lee, Ben MacAskill, Anna Tumadottir | PP149418 | |
| Activation | UK House: Where Innovation Meets Opportunity | Palm Door on Sixth | Palm Door on Sixth | Activation | 10:00 | 19:00 | Welcome to where innovation meets opportunity. Welcome to UK House.
At UK House we're bringing together the world's most innovative minds to spark ideas, forge partnerships, and shape the future of the creative economy.
Four days packed with immersive experiences, inspiring conversations, and endless networking opportunities.
Don’t miss the British Music Embassy every night from 8PM, featuring breakthrough UK artists across 8 nights.
Join us to engage, explore and be inspired by the future; now! | | OE46119 | |
| Session | Ultimate IP (Intellectual Property) Workshop | Courtyard Marriott | Rio Grande Ballroom 1 | Workshop | 10:00 | 12:00 | Advance sign up is required. Please locate the “RSVP” button on the page to reserve your spot. If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available on a first come, first serve basis.
How do you protect your intellectual property (IP)? How can you leverage your patent to grow your business? Why should innovators and entrepreneurs consider IP protection? Did you know that IP offers territorial rights—there is no such thing as an international or global patent? When used as collateral, a patent increases venture capital funding by 76% over three years and increases funding from an initial public offering by 128%. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office will discuss the different types of IP, territorial rights, and the importance of understanding IP for a business strategy. | Brian D. Range, Erin Rodgers | PP155473 | |
| Session | 'Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast' Live with Marques Brownlee | Austin Convention Center | Ballroom A | Podcast | 10:00 | 11:00 | Check out all events Presented by “Vox Media.”
Join Marques Brownlee for a live taping of his podcast, Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast. Better known as MKBHD, Brownlee has made a name for himself on YouTube reviewing everything from the newest smartphones to electric cars. Pulling from over 10 years of experience covering the tech industry, MKBHD and co-hosts Andrew Manganelli and David Imel will take a deep dive into the latest in tech and what deserves your hard-earned cash. | Marques Brownlee, David Imel, Andrew Manganelli | PP156394 | |
| Session | Winning the Future: Congressman Gabe Amo on U.S. Tech Policy | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon J | Fireside Chat | 10:00 | 11:00 | Join us for an insightful fireside chat with early-stage VC Matthew Weinberg and Congressman Gabe Amo. Congressman Amo is a member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, which is responsible for helping forge tech policy in America. The two will explore the intricacies of fostering innovation within the legislative framework and the vital role of policy in shaping tech competitiveness in the U.S. They will discuss key changes that have occurred since the change in administration and shed light on how government and the private sector can collaborate to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. | Gabe Amo, Matthew Weinberg | PP154221 | ✓ |
| Session | Women in Energy Meet Up | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 406 | Meet Up | 10:00 | 11:00 | Join us at the Women in Energy Meet Up to foster connections, share experiences, and explore opportunities for collaboration and career advancement! All in the energy field are welcome, from seasoned professionals to those just starting their journey in the energy industry. We also welcome allies looking to share their experience. | Isabel Almaguer | PP150144 | |
| Session | X Games: Worlds First Action Sports League Blasts into the Future | Austin Convention Center | Room 8ABC | Fireside Chat | 10:00 | 11:00 | One of the most decorated winter sports stars in history, Jeremy Bloom, the new CEO of X Games, shares his vision for the future of this legendary action sports event. In this session, Jeremy shares a behind the scenes look at Owl AI judging, which made its debut in the Men's SuperPipe competition at the X-Games Aspen this January. Learn more about the his plans for AI judges as well as the other innovations that will shape future X Games and sports as a whole. | Jeremy Bloom, Kirk Goldsberry | PP1148169 | ✓ |
| Session | Your Film Played a Festival – Now What? | Austin Convention Center | Room 13AB | Panel | 10:00 | 11:00 | If you’ve been lucky enough to have your film selected to a prestigious film festival such as SXSW, you might expect that getting a distribution deal would be a natural outcome. Unfortunately securing US distribution, particularly theatrical distribution, can be as competitive as getting accepted to the festival itself. This panel will explore why many US distributors are buying less, what makes a film appealing to buyers, and how that compares to the international marketplace. | Jasper Basch, Stephen Break, Michelle Shwarzstein, Mimi Steinbauer | PP1147571 | ✓ |
| Screening | Boxcutter | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 9 | Narrative Feature | 10:45 | 12:18 | Aspiring rapper Rome has all the talent and vision, but his crippling insecurity prevents him from sharing his music without a celebrity co-sign. When he learns that megastar producer Richie Hill will be making an appearance in Toronto’s Queen Street West neighbourhood, Rome devises a plan to get his album into Richie’s hands. However, disaster strikes when Rome’s apartment is burgled, and his only copy of the album is stolen. With the help of his activist-artist friend Jenaya, Rome sets out on a mission to track down his four producers and reassemble the album in time for the event that could change his life. | Reza Dahya | FS18109 | |
| Activation | AdvoCare Energy + Hydration Samples | SXSW Registrant Lounge | SXSW Registrant Lounge | Activation | 11:00 | 19:00 | Stop by for Spark and rehydrate samples to help you stay energized, focused and hydrated through the weekend!
https://www.advocare.com/ | | OE46217 | |
| Screening | Another Simple Favor | Hyatt Regency Austin | SXSW Film & TV Theater @ The Hyatt Regency | Narrative Feature | 11:00 | 13:00 | Purchase Public Presale Tickets Here: "Another Simple Favor"
Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Blake Lively) reunite on the beautiful island of Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman. Along with the glamorous guests, expect murder and betrayal to RSVP for a wedding with more twists and turns than the road from the Marina Grande to the Capri town square. | Paul Feig | FS18317 | |
| Activation | The Criterion Mobile Closet | Congress Street Closure | Congress Street Closure | Activation | 11:00 | 19:00 | Stocked with 1,000+ of the greatest films from around the world, the Criterion Collection Closet offers more cinematic inspiration per square foot than any other place on the planet. Filmmakers, stars, and creative luminaries come to Criterion to champion their favorite films in our popular Criterion Closet Picks series. In honor of our 40th anniversary, we’re taking the Closet on the road and opening the door to everyone. Come in, explore the collection, and make your own Closet video!
The Criterion Mobile Closet at SXSW | | OE45404 | |
| Screening | Dear Tomorrow | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 1 | Documentary Feature | 11:00 | 12:31 | Dear Tomorrow is a multi-character story about loneliness. Set in Japan, the film centers around the mental health hotline called “A Place for You”, where a group of young volunteers are chatting with thousands in need, every single day.The film follows three lonely users as they struggle to find meaning in their lives. With support from the chat service and the Japanese government's focus on loneliness, they finally have a place to turn. Aware of their need for human connection, they embark on a journey toward healing and renewal. | Kaspar Astrup Schröder | FS18260 | |
| Screening | Dear Tomorrow | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 8 | Documentary Feature | 11:00 | 12:31 | Dear Tomorrow is a multi-character story about loneliness. Set in Japan, the film centers around the mental health hotline called “A Place for You”, where a group of young volunteers are chatting with thousands in need, every single day.The film follows three lonely users as they struggle to find meaning in their lives. With support from the chat service and the Japanese government's focus on loneliness, they finally have a place to turn. Aware of their need for human connection, they embark on a journey toward healing and renewal. | Kaspar Astrup Schröder | FS18261 | |
| Screening | The Dutchman | Paramount Theatre | Paramount Theatre | Narrative Feature | 11:00 | 12:28 | Purchase Public Presale Tickets Here: "The Dutchman"
Clay, a successful but troubled black businessman, attends therapy sessions with his wife, Kaya, in an attempt to salvage their marriage. But their mysterious therapist is not all that he seems, and begins to unexpectedly appear to Clay outside of their sessions. On a New York subway train, Clay encounters Lula, a seductive but sinister white stranger who slowly begins to unravel his life. Clay must discover the truth behind this encounter to get back to his wife, heal his fractured soul, and survive the night. In this modern adaptation of the 1964 Obie Award winning play, The Dutchman brings a contemporary edge to the original, exploring themes of race and identity in America. | Andre Gaines | FS18460 | |
| Activation | Escape With Prime | Hotel San Jose | Hotel San Jose | Activation | 11:00 | 18:00 | Prime Video’s immersive, pop-up activation is taking place on March 7 and 8 at the Hotel San José. The event will transport SXSW attendees away from the bustle of the festival and into the world of the incredible slate of women-led content available on and coming soon to Prime Video, such as My Fault: London, Picture This, Holland, G20, Another Simple Favor, The Summer I Turned Pretty, and Étoile. | | OE46075 | |
| Lounge | Every Woman’s Marathon Lounge | Rivian Park | Rivian Park | Lounge | 11:00 | 18:00 | Join Every Woman’s Marathon at the Team Milk Lounge—steps from the Austin Convention Center! If you couldn't attend the inaugural marathon in 2024, join us to experience this celebratory event, designed for women, by women. Enjoy complimentary refreshments, capture the moment at the photo booth, and unwind with music and games. Whether you're an athlete, supporter or simply curious, this is a perfect opportunity to connect, learn and be inspired. | | OE45698 | |
| Special Event | F1 Arcade Just Got Faster- Enjoy Your F1 Arcade Mocktail | SXSW Registrant Lounge | SXSW Registrant Lounge | Special Event | 11:00 | 19:00 | The F1 Arcade activation at SXSW will merge motorsports, luxury hospitality, and next-generation technology in an engaging consumer experience. Attendees will be able to interact with an AI-powered mocktail-making machine, crafting personalized, non-alcoholic cocktails in under 60 seconds. Each beverage
will be uniquely customized based on personalized music playlist data, creating an innovative, one-of-a-kind refreshment tailored to individual preferences. | | OE45773 | |
| Activation | FanPort - Mixed Reality Installation | UK House @ Palm Door on Sixth | UK House @ Palm Door on Sixth | Activation | 11:00 | 18:00 | UK immersive studio Draw & Code are debuting a mixed reality installation during SXSW at UK House. FanPort is a unique spatial experience system where worlds meet and reality is mixed up. Featuring a volumetric performance from UK rap artist Koj and with support from The Great Campaign and Liverpool City Region, this shows how the music video may be rethought in the spatial age.
https://fanport.drawandcode.com | | OE46060 | |
| Screening | Fury | Violet Crown Cinema | Violet Crown Cinema 1 | Narrative Feature | 11:00 | 12:47 | Alex a young actress, is raped at a New Year's Eve party but cannot identify her attacker. When she turns to her brother Adrian for help and support, he reacts by questioning and pressuring her.
Alex distances herself from her brother and everything she knows. For a year she lives in solitude with disgust, shame and guilt. Adrian, consumed by rage, makes his own decisions on an increasingly dark path, far from what Alex needs. Meanwhile, she finds in theatre the only way to channel her pain and anger, playing the vengeful character of Medea. | Gemma Blasco | FS18182 | |
| Screening | Fury | Violet Crown Cinema | Violet Crown Cinema 3 | Narrative Feature | 11:00 | 12:47 | Alex a young actress, is raped at a New Year's Eve party but cannot identify her attacker. When she turns to her brother Adrian for help and support, he reacts by questioning and pressuring her.
Alex distances herself from her brother and everything she knows. For a year she lives in solitude with disgust, shame and guilt. Adrian, consumed by rage, makes his own decisions on an increasingly dark path, far from what Alex needs. Meanwhile, she finds in theatre the only way to channel her pain and anger, playing the vengeful character of Medea. | Gemma Blasco | FS18183 | |
| Special Event | GDC^2 | Gates Dell Complex | Gates Dell Complex | Special Event | 11:00 | 21:00 | GDC^2 brings Austin’s local game development community together to exchange ideas, guide, and prepare young game developers to become professionals in the games industry through an entire day of education, inspiration, and networking. GDC^2 attracts hundreds of attendees and is the primary forum in Texas where students in programming, art, production, game design, audio, business, and more meet with companies and representatives through tabling, game projects showcases, speaking, lunch, and dinner. Find out more at https://www.egadsclub.org/gdc-2 | | OE46029 | |
| Activation | German Haus Day 1: AI & The Future of Innovation | Speakeasy | Speakeasy | Activation | 11:00 | 00:00 | Join us for the German Haus kick off with the German Happy Hour, where founders, investors, and ecosystem players come together for high-level networking with beer and pretzels. The rest of the day sets stage for thought leadership in AI, deep tech, and digital transformation followed by a reception with the German Mittelstand in the evening.
https://www.german-haus.com | | OE45586 | |
| Special Event | Informed & Empowered: Harnessing the Power of Health Self-Advocacy | 304 E 3rd St | 304 E 3rd St | Special Event | 11:00 | 11:30 | Waiting years for an accurate health diagnosis seems impossible in this era of medicine yet, for many women, it’s still a reality. From countless doctor visits to combatting dismissal, finding the care you need and deserve can feel like an uphill battle. Learn actionable steps to help navigate the maze of today’s medical systems, better advocate for yourself, and cultivate the right support system to feel informed and empowered on your health journey.
Hear From:
Nisreen Shamseddine, PharmD, MS, MBA, Medical Strategy Lead, Adult Cholestasis
Dr. Cecilia Dueñas, Bilingual & bicultural licensed clinical psychologist, CEO of the PBC Research Foundation, patient advocate living with PBC
Nitika Chopra, Founder + CEO of Chronicon and President of The Chronicon Foundation
Moderator: Beth Battaglino, RN-C, CEO, HealthyWomen | | OE46085 | |
| Activation | JonnyPops Sampling Event | Congress Street Closure | Congress Street Closure | Activation | 11:00 | 19:00 | Please join us on Congress Ave for free samples of JonnyPops organic frozen treats!
https://www.jonnypops.com/ | | OE46141 | |
| Special Event | La French Touch Rendez-Vous | The Courtyard | The Courtyard ATX | Special Event | 11:00 | 01:00 | “La French Touch Rendez-vous”, the must-attend event to discover French innovation and creativity returns at SXSW.
La French Touch is pleased to present:
- Panels with high-profile speakers and cutting-edge themes
- XR, tech, and artistic start-ups demos
- By night: networking event and live concerts
Drinks and snacks served all day long!
https://evenements.bpifrance.fr/la-french-touch-rendez-vous-2025/en | | OE45378 | |
| Screening | The Librarians | AFS Cinema | AFS Cinema | Documentary Feature | 11:00 | 12:30 | Purchase Public Presale Tickets Here: "The Librarians"
Librarians emerge as first responders in the fight for democracy and our First Amendment Rights. As they well know, controlling the flow of ideas means control over communities.
In Texas, the Krause List targets 850 books focused on race and LGBTQia+ stories – triggering sweeping book bans across the U.S. at an unprecedented rate. As tensions escalate, librarians connect the dots from heated school and library board meetings nationwide to lay bare the underpinnings of White Christian Nationalism fueling the censorship efforts. Despite facing harassment, threats, and laws aimed at criminalizing their work – the librarians’ rallying cry for freedom to read is a chilling cautionary tale. | Kim A Snyder | FS18037 | |
| Session | Marcia Dawood Book Signing | Austin Convention Center | Room 10C | Book Signing | 11:00 | 11:25 | Marcia Dawood will be signing copies of “Do Good While Doing Well” at the SXSW Bookstore. | Marcia Dawood | PP1148291 | |
| Activation | My/Mochi x Barbie Joyfully Chill Ice Cream Shoppe | SXSW Registrant Lounge | SXSW Registrant Lounge | Activation | 11:00 | 19:00 | My/Mochi ice cream is the original "joyfully chill" treat. We make our own ice cream in more than 20 flavors like Cookie Dough, Strawberry and Mango and wrap it in our sweet rice dough for the ultimate snack experience. We are excited to launch a NEW, limited edition Barbie™ Birthday Cake flavor at SXSW. Visit us at the Registrant Lounge Mar 7-12 to be one of the first to try it!
www.mymochi.com | | OE46153 | |
| Screening | Narrative Short Program 1 | Rollins Theatre at The Long Center | Rollins Theatre at The Long Center | Shorts Program | 11:00 | 12:46 | Exceptional storytelling that captivates, surprises, and excites. | | FS18055 | |
| Special Event | The NOBULL Gym | SXSW Registrant Lounge | SXSW Registrant Lounge | Special Event | 11:00 | 19:00 | This year at SXSW, we're showcasing more than just gear. It's about resilience, grit, and the people who show up day after day. Stop by, join the conversation, or maybe a quick workout, and see how NOBULL is redefining strength - in and out of the gym. | | OE45560 | |
| Activation | ON THE ROAD AGAIN - THE SX MERCH TRUCK IS BACK! | Congress Street Closure | Congress Street Closure | Activation | 11:00 | 18:30 | Hitting the asphalt again for the third year, the SXSW Merch Truck is rollin’ up around town bringing exclusive drops, limited-edition tees, and must-have swag straight to where all the fun is.
Bonus! - we sell music wristbands to get access to showcases happening right then and there.
Take a peek at the schedule of locations around town where you can grab official SXSW merch on the go.
Find the truck, grab the merch, thank us later! | | OE46062 | |
| Activation | Rooftop Pickleball: Vibes, Pros & Open Play | Urban Pickleball | Urban Pickleball | Activation | 11:00 | 14:00 | AirCFO Dink & Jam 3/8, Jack Munro Pro Mon, Open Play Tue-Fri
https://lu.ma/mjs1bhgc | | OE46196 | |
| Special Event | SVC at SXSW 2025 | Conversations | Distribution Hall | Distribution Hall | Special Event | 11:00 | 22:00 | Join us for 3 days at the intersection of faith, the arts and the marketplace.
Hear from:
Steve Preston, CEO of Goodwill
Joe Williams, Founder of Keller Williams
Ilaria Chan, Tech for Good institute
Alan Graham, Community First
School of Hard Knocks,
Henry Kaestner of Faith driven Movements and Sovereign's Capital
And More.
+ Live music, Two days of Art, Texas BBQ and food trucks, and more.
Check out our full calendar at SVC2025.com & follow us on Instagram @SundaySVC for new updates & announcements | | OE45583 | |
| Activation | Tari Peruvian Hot Sauce trial + claw machine game | SXSW Registrant Lounge | SXSW Registrant Lounge | Activation | 11:00 | 19:00 | Enjoy the creamy and unique flavors of Tari, Peru’s #1 hot sauce brand that has now arrived in the US. Visit us at the Registrant Lounge and be ready to play and eat diferente.
https://tarisauce.us/ | | OE46257 | |
| Activation | The Whataburger Museum of Art at SXSW | Wanderlust Wine Co. | Wanderlust Wine Co. | Activation | 11:00 | 18:00 | Celebrate Whataburger's 75th anniversary at the Whataburger Museum of Art (WMOA) during SXSW 2025! What began as an online community fueled by fan creativity and brand love will now be brought to life for the very first time. Explore fan-created art, including pieces in mural, abstract and pop culture styles, enjoy interactive installations like the Day Dot Room and Table Tent Mugshot Wall and indulge in samples of Whataburger's latest limited-time offer, the Monterey Melt!
http://schedule.sxsw.com/2025/brands/8648 | | OE45487 | |
| Screening | The Baltimorons | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 6 | Narrative Feature | 11:15 | 12:54 | After cracking a tooth on Christmas Eve, newly sober Cliff embarks on an unexpected May/December adventure through Baltimore with Didi, his emergency dentist. | Jay Duplass | FS18469 | |
| Screening | The Baltimorons | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 5 | Narrative Feature | 11:15 | 12:54 | After cracking a tooth on Christmas Eve, newly sober Cliff embarks on an unexpected May/December adventure through Baltimore with Didi, his emergency dentist. | Jay Duplass | FS18468 | |
| Session | #TrashQueens: The Women Reimagining Food from the Waste Up | JW Marriott | Salon 3-4 | Panel | 11:30 | 12:30 | Imagine a scientist, a chef, a CEO, and a retailer—all united by a love for talking trash. These fearless female leaders are revolutionizing how society views and handles food waste, transforming it into nutritious products, innovative culinary experiences, and sustainable business models. Confronting the staggering 38% of food that goes unsold or uneaten in the US, these trailblazers are driving impactful solutions across the entire food value chain. They are closing the gap on nutrition accessibility and affordability and envisioning a future food system that leaves no waste behind. | Monti Carlo, Rose Hartley, Kaitlin Mogentale, Dr. Lara Ramdin | PP152398 | ✓ |
| Session | 21st Century Animal Welfare: A Bug’s-Eye View | JW Marriott | Salon 1-2 | Panel | 11:30 | 12:30 | 50 years ago, “Animal Liberation,” radically changed our idea of animal welfare, inspiring generations of scientists and activists. While most consumers today agree that cruel conditions in factory farms are unacceptable, most consumers ALSO believe the animals they eat were well treated. In reality, 90% of livestock are still raised in factory farms. Insects are a new 21st century livestock, farmed as food for people and pets, feed for other animals, and fertilizer for plants. Join an animal welfare expert, insect farmer, and scientist to ask “Can we learn from our past to farm happy bugs?” | R. Nathan "RNA" Allen, Elida Espinoza, Temple Grandin, Elizabeth Mack | PP149135 | |
| Session | The AI Arms Race | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon G | Panel | 11:30 | 12:30 | Billions have been poured by VCs into AI companies since 2022 to capture the upside of the perceived paradigm shift in technology. VCs seek to maximize returns on behalf of their LPs, who are generally large institutions. In this panel, you will hear directly from institutional LPs on their perspective on AI, recent valuation trends, and the future return potential in the AI category. | Aasim Hasan, Layne Johnson, Yup Kim, Neil Randall, Mark Shoberg | PP1147019 | ✓ |
| Session | AI, Privacy, and the Future of DTC: Walking the Tightrope of Innovation | The LINE | Onyx Ballroom 1/2/3/4 | Panel | 11:30 | 12:30 | Check out all events Presented by “IQVIA Digital.”
Advances in AI are transforming direct-to-consumer (DTC) audience modeling, enabling more precise and effective engagement while navigating the complex landscape of data privacy. The FDA has long recognized the value of DTC advertising in informing consumer healthcare decisions, but emerging AI capabilities—paired with evolving privacy challenges—require new strategies for responsible audience creation. As AI-driven personalization grows more sophisticated, so do the risks associated with data reconstruction and re-identification. Practitioners and technologists will share how to leverage AI while maintaining trust, ensuring compliance, and adapting to an increasingly complex regulatory environment. | Luk Arbuckle, David Reim | PP156376 | ✓ |
| Session | The Antidote to a Divided America | Austin Marriott Downtown | Waller Ballroom D | Panel | 11:30 | 12:30 | Some polls tell us America is divided, others find that we agree on more than we think. Regardless of which polls you believe, the pervasive narrative of political polarization has had a deep impact on civic and social life and work. Let’s break the hold this narrative has on us with insights from leaders who prioritize connection as a radical path to social change and culture shifts. Hear fresh perspectives on making meaningful connections across lines of difference and the role each of us can play in healing America’s divides from a storyteller, a movement-builder, and a social entrepreneur. | Susan Mcpherson, Tulaine Montgomery, Paola Ramos, Shannon Watts | PP146334 | ✓ |
| Session | Art for All: Bringing Culture to Your Doorstep | The Courtyard | The Courtyard ATX | Panel | 11:30 | 12:30 | Pioneering a new era of cultural accessibility. The world is more connected than ever, but how do we make culture as easy to access as your favorite streaming app? This panel is all about reimagining how cultural experiences are built, shared and distributed. Think heritage-inspired videogames, floating museums, and digital art hubs popping up right in your local community center. Forget the traditional museum visit - we're talking about cultural content that breaks the walls of geography, art that is literally brought to you, and that is accessible to each and everyone. | Paul Chaine, Déborah Papiernik, Philippe Riviere, Kris Severson | PP156333 | |
| Session | Beyond VC: Redefining Funding For Impact Startups | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon F | Fireside Chat | 11:30 | 12:30 | Drawing on deep experience across asset classes, this fireside promises a candid, collegial challenge of what good growth looks like and what can be done to fuel that growth. With her experiences with crowdfunding at Republic and VC and LLC investing at Carta, Maria Pope will engage Allie Burns, CEO of Village Capital – a global nonprofit unlocking social and financial capital for impact-creating, early-stage startups – in an exploration and examination of the limitations, complements, and alternatives to VC as a primary source of funding for early-stage startups addressing big global issues. | Allie Burns, Maria Pope | PP153898 | ✓ |
| Session | A Birth Care Revolution: It’s On Us to Save Us | JW Marriott | Salon D | Fireside Chat | 11:30 | 12:30 | America has a problem -- it has the highest maternal mortality rate of all industrialized nations. Yet the majority of maternal and infant deaths in the U.S. are preventable. Author and Journalist Elaine Welteroth launched birthFUND in April 2024, with a mission to safeguard births through midwifery care, and to uncover more resources to help save our mothers, especially now when more of us are being forced into a broken maternal health-care system due to a rollback in reproductive rights. In this fireside chat, Elaine will discuss how we approach this issue, together, head on. | Liz Plank, Elaine Welteroth | PP151927 | ✓ |
| Session | Brand = Product: Cohesive Experiences Through Design Systems | JW Marriott | Salon 6 | Panel | 11:30 | 12:30 | In today's fast-paced digital landscape, the seamless integration of brand identity and product design is crucial. Modern consumers no longer see the brand and product as separate entities; the brand is the product. This panel explores the intricate relationship between brand and product, highlighting how design systems enable cohesive user and brand experiences. Join industry leaders and design experts as they delve into the strategies, challenges, and successes of creating, implementing, and operating a unified design language that bridges the gap between brand vision and product execution. | Mariana Bukvic, Hayley Hughes, Jeannie Servaas, Maja Skovshoved | PP148630 | ✓ |
| Session | The Brand Risks and Rewards of Creator Rizz | JW Marriott | Salon FG | Panel | 11:30 | 12:30 | #GRWM! #OOTD! #travelvlogger! Today we turn to influencers for real life word of mouth but what will it look like tomorrow? 60% of Gen Z want to be full-time influencers… When it’s a career rather than a community, will the advice be as authentic?
This panel will explore how some of the best brands in the U.S. are evolving their creator strategies, balancing the value and pitfalls of co-creation, and having the courage to take risks as a brand marketer.
We’ll answer the question: how does your brand own the narrative when someone else is telling the story? | Glenda Garcia, Julia Melle, Kelly Molnar, Kate Rush Sheehy | PP149985 | ✓ |
| Session | Brazil Creative Economy Meet Up | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 410 | Meet Up | 11:30 | 12:30 | Brazil has one of the most innovative creative economies in the world. It is influenced by its multicultural background, versatility and diversity that shape and inspire its creative economy ecosystem. Come meet some of Brazil's communication professionals, audio-visual producers, designers, publishers, brands and startups, where a fluid exchange of ideas, business models and collaborations will take place. This is a place of encounter to develop a mutual and beneficial culture of exchange between all SXSW attendees and the Brazilian creative community. | Luciana Bazanella, Vanessa Mathias | PP152381 | |
| Session | Casting for Indie Film | Austin Convention Center | Room 17AB | Panel | 11:30 | 12:30 | Erica A. Hart and Kate Geller were the casting directors for the narrative feature, “Fucktoys.”
Kate Geller was the casting director and Ross Shenker was the associate casting director for the narrative feature “Idiotka.”
There's a saying in Hollywood: "Good directing is 90% good casting," and in 2026 the Academy will add an Oscar Category for "Best Achievement in Casting." Why is casting so crucial to a film's success? Come get an exclusive and fascinating peak behind the lens of what goes into casting an Independent Feature Film. How has the casting process changed over the past 10 years? What are the unique challenges associated with casting indies as opposed to studio projects/television? Three of the entertainment industry's top Casting Directors are here to share their insights and answer your questions. | Jessica Daniels, Kate Geller, Erica Hart, Ross Shenker | PP146321 | ✓ |
| Session | Co-Altered States: Being Ethical in Psychedelic Care | JW Marriott | Room 203-204 | Panel | 11:30 | 12:30 | Psychedelic therapy has gained traction as a promising approach to mental health treatment, but with this rise comes a myriad of ethical challenges stemming from the complexities of power dynamics and unclearly defined roles between “therapists” and “patients” in dual altered-state experiences. From ethical gray areas to severe violations such as sexual and financial abuse of patients, this panel aims to delve into these ethical dilemmas. Panelists will explore questions such as: What is ethical? Why does unethical behavior occur? How should the psychedelics community respond to bad actors? | Neşe Devenot, Matthew Johnson, PhD, Barine Duman Majewska | PP154892 | ✓ |
| Session | Creativity in Space: Solving Complex Challenges For Earth And Beyond | Austin Marriott Downtown | Waterloo Ballroom 1-2 | Panel | 11:30 | 12:30 | As our world becomes more complex, it’s crucial to design systems that make life easier. Space presents some of the toughest challenges we face - its harsh environment, strict technical requirements, and emerging business opportunities. To advance the new space economy, we need to ensure astronauts and ground teams have effective and user-friendly solutions. By leveraging creativity and focusing on the human experience we can expand access, improve life in space for future crews, and support business growth as space technologies and partnerships continue to expand. This panel will explore how human-centric design leads to better outcomes for both humans and businesses, in space and on Earth. | Jacqui Belleau, John Conafay, Matt Ondler, Sana Sharma | PP147394 | ✓ |
| Special Event | The Creators Playground | Lustre Pearl | Lustre Pearl | Special Event | 11:30 | 22:00 | You're invited to PLAY. LEARN. EARN. with Kajabi and SXSW’s most talented creators, entrepreneurs, and industry insiders at The Creators Playground - where serious business meets serious play.
https://lu.ma/vrclaquw | | OE45504 | |
| Session | Energy & AI: The Power Couple | Antone’s | Antone’s | Panel | 11:30 | 12:30 | Energy has emerged as mission critical in the emerging AI revolution. Big tech is racing to resolve its own AI-driven energy requirements. Four of the top ten supercomputers in the world are managed by the US Department of Energy. The relationship between the AI and energy duo is complex: will AI create a new wave of energy scarcity, or drive big changes in discovery, efficiency and innovation? We will dig into this complex relationship, opportunity, challenges, what this means for Texas, and people around the world. Onward, and upward. | Christy Cardenas, Richard Ogawa, Michael Webber | PP156336 | |
| Session | Executive Moms: On Shattering Old & Outdated Workplace Myths | Austin Marriott Downtown | Waller Ballroom AB | Panel | 11:30 | 12:30 | Ren Akinci, host of AdvertisingWeek's Great Minds podcast, reunites with Rebecca Coleman to discuss one of the podcast's most-listened-to episodes. Joined by execs from YouTube and Good Culture, they'll tackle the misconception that motherhood is a "break" from skill building. The invaluable skills developed in parenting–empathy, adaptability, time management, problem-solving–are relevant for career advancement. This session will empower mothers returning to work to advocate for advancement in their professional life, and guide managers in embracing these strengths for equitable workplaces. | Ren Akinci, Rebecca Coleman, Heather Cutter, Marly Ellis | PP150695 | ✓ |
| Session | Featured Session: A Conversation with Paul Feig | Austin Convention Center | Room 16AB | Featured Session | 11:30 | 12:30 | Paul Feig is a DGA-winning and Emmy-nominated filmmaker, writer, producer, and author whose films have grossed over one billion dollars at the worldwide box office.
Up next, Feig directed Another Simple Favor, the sequel to his 2018 thriller, which Prime Video will release on May 1, 2025. He is currently in production on The Housemaid, based on the New York Times bestseller of the same name, starring Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar, and Michele Morrone. The film will be released by Lionsgate on December 25, 2025.
Feig has helmed some of the most successful and beloved comedies of the past two decades. Bridesmaids, the massive box-office hit starring Kristen Wiig, Rose Byrne, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy, and Jon Hamm, grossed over $283 million worldwide and earned Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Screenplay, as well as Golden Globe nominations for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy. He followed that success with The Heat, a buddy cop comedy starring Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy that grossed over $220 million globally, and Spy, an action-comedy which earned two Golden Globe nominations. His other films include The School for Good and Evil, Jackpot!, Last Christmas, A Simple Favor, and Ghostbusters, the reboot starring Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones, which won Favorite Movie at the 2017 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards. | Paul Feig, Richard Whittaker | PP1148424 | ✓ |
| Session | Featured Session: Funny AF Comedy Showrunners | Austin Convention Center | Ballroom EF | Featured Session | 11:30 | 12:30 | Universal Television has been home to the most iconic comedy series and creative voices of the last few decades. From The Office to 30 Rock, the studio’s showrunners know how to land a joke. Hear from the current generation of Universal Television creators, Eric Ledgin (St. Denis Medical), Lang Fisher (Never Have I Ever), and Nahnatchka Khan (Laid) about how to make a seriously funny show. | Debra Birnbaum, Lang Fisher, Nahnatchka Khan, Eric Ledgin | PP1148171 | ✓ |
| Session | Featured Session: The Future of World-Building at Disney | Austin Convention Center | Ballroom D | Featured Session | 11:30 | 12:30 | Disney tells stories fans love, invites them into worlds they never dreamed possible and then makes those places real. Join Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro, Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman and special guests as they show the convergence of imagination, innovation and the future of experiential storytelling. | Alan Bergman, Josh D'Amaro | PP1147828 | ✓ |
| Session | Featured Session: The Story of Solana—Why It’s the Ecosystem Fueling the Future of Web3 | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon H | Featured Session | 11:30 | 12:30 | Solana has processed 200B+ transactions since launch, which is more than all other blockchains combined. That’s enabled by its design, which has a high degree of composability. But looking toward the future of Web3, what does this composability enable: What will people build? What will they build that they haven't even thought of yet? In this fireside chat, hear from Solana's co-founder, Raj Gokal and its seed investor, Rodolfo Gonzalez as they discuss the company's origin, lessons learned and how design decisions enabled it to become blockchain's fastest-growing platform. | Raj Gokal, Rodolfo Gonzalez | PP1147866 | ✓ |
| Session | Featured Speaker Connect: Arlan Hamilton | | | Speaker Connects | 11:30 | 12:30 | Speaker Connects are an opportunity to join a limited number of attendees for an intimate discussion with SXSW Speakers. Come brainstorm new ideas and engage in conversation in this unique format. Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. An RSVP does not guarantee a spot for this Speaker Connect session. If selected to participate you will receive a confirmation via email. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked.
Arlan Hamilton, founder at Backstage Capital, is a serial entrepreneur, author, and prolific speaker.
She founded Backstage Capital in 2015 to invest in founders who are people of color, women and/or LGBTQ+. Since its founding, Backstage has raised $30 million and invested in more than 200 startups led by underestimated founders. Arlan has also co-founded several companies, including the new thrilling women’s sports league, 3XBA.
Arlan published her debut book, “It’s About Damn Time,” in 2020, detailing her journey from homelessness to venture capital trailblazer. Arlan was the first non-celebrity Black woman to grace the cover of Fast Company magazine. Her latest book, "Your First Million: Why You Don't Have To Be Born Into A Legacy Of Wealth To Leave One Behind", shows how anyone can tap into new tools, platforms, and funding sources to get their million-dollar idea off the ground.
Arlan is a big proponent of paying it forward and supporting other underestimated people in the tech industry and beyond. She and her mother, Mrs. Earline Butler-Sims, have established scholarship programs for Black students at Oxford University, HBCU Dillard University, and Harvard Law, as well as establishing scholarships for Black pilots and inventors. | Arlan Hamilton | PP1148069 | |
| Session | Finding Your Tech Niche | Austin Convention Center | Room 10AB | Book Reading | 11:30 | 12:30 | To thrive in the twenty-first century, every city must create innovation economies of their own and grow in more inclusive ways. In "Reinventing the Heartland,” Nicholas Lalla lays out a bold and pragmatic plan to achieve that aspiration for cities long shut out of tech. Lalla presents the book’s central idea: that every city can find their own special place in the innovation economy by building on local assets and growing from within. This dynamic session will walk readers through the exciting process of discovering what Lalla calls a city’s tech niche. | Nicholas Lalla | PP155864 | ✓ |
| Session | From Air to Engine: Witness the Future of Fuel | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon A | Presentation | 11:30 | 12:30 | What if the gasoline powering your car could help fight climate change? Join Eric Dahlgren, co-founder and CEO of Aircela, and Dr. Klaus Lackner, the pioneer of direct air capture, as they unveil technology that transforms CO₂ from the air into fossil-free fuels. Be among the first to witness this transformative technology in action and see how it could revolutionize fuel production for a more sustainable world. | Eric Dahlgren, Klaus Lackner | PP147526 | ✓ |
| Session | Funding/Artist Support Mentor: Alexis Gostelow (Snarky Elephant Productions) | Austin Convention Center | Room 11B | Mentor Session | 11:30 | 12:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Development, Funding/Artist Support. | Alexis Gostelow | PP1147280 | |
| Session | Funding/Artist Support Mentor: Britta Erich (Creative Europe Desk Hamburg) | Austin Convention Center | Room 11B | Mentor Session | 11:30 | 12:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Doc Filmmakers, Funding/Artist Support, International. | Britta Erich | PP1147277 | |
| Session | Funding/Artist Support Mentor: Elyse Taylor Liburd (Portland Events and Film Office) | Austin Convention Center | Room 11B | Mentor Session | 11:30 | 12:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Acting, Funding/Artist Support, Producers/Production. | Elyse Taylor Liburd | PP1147273 | |
| Session | Funding/Artist Support Mentor: Jessica Sloan (First Take and Women in Film and Television Austin) | Austin Convention Center | Room 11B | Mentor Session | 11:30 | 12:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Acting, Agents & Managers, Funding/Artist Support. | Jessica Sloan | PP1147354 | |
| Session | Funding/Artist Support Mentor: Lila Igram (ConnectHER) | Austin Convention Center | Room 11B | Mentor Session | 11:30 | 12:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Development, Funding/Artist Support. | Lila Igram | PP1147712 | |
| Session | Funding/Artist Support Mentor: Randi Kleiner (SeriesFest) | Austin Convention Center | Room 11B | Mentor Session | 11:30 | 12:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Funding/Artist Support, Programming, Development. | Randi Kleiner | PP1148226 | |
| Session | Funding/Artist Support Mentor: Sean Weiner (UFO) | Austin Convention Center | Room 11B | Mentor Session | 11:30 | 12:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Funding/Artist Support, Narrative Filmmakers, Doc Filmmakers. | Sean Weiner | PP1147278 | |
| Session | Funding/Artist Support Mentor: Taylor Shaw (Kickstarter) | Austin Convention Center | Room 11B | Mentor Session | 11:30 | 12:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Development, Funding/Artist Support. | Taylor Shaw | PP1147750 | |
| Session | The Future of Design Must Be Anti-Racist | JW Marriott | Salon 7 | Presentation | 11:30 | 12:30 | Chris Rudd, founder and CEO of ChiByDesign, will introduce participants to anti-racist design as a necessary approach to creating equitable futures. Different from human-centered design and equity design, anti-racist design focuses on connecting “isolated” events to structures and mindsets that lead to racist outcomes. By identifying the racism embedded in systems and employing multi-level interventions, anti-racist design works to ultimately change the paradigm that creates racist experiences in the first place. | Chris Rudd | PP148316 | ✓ |
| Session | The Future of Online Safety: Creating Safe Spaces For Women | Austin Convention Center | Room 5ABC | Fireside Chat | 11:30 | 12:30 | Social media has been around for decades, but internet safety continues to lag – despite innovations in other areas. The reality is that women face a disproportionate amount of harassment online. While online communities and services have made significant strides in enhancing their safety and moderation tools, processes, and policies that protect women and other groups, much work still needs to be done. Safety is personal, and companies should be confident that their policy and product interventions are worthwhile, necessary, and effective in making user experiences better and safer. Join Twitch’s trust & safety leadership, and one of its incredible creators, for an intimate conversation about the way companies can prioritize safety policies that help build stronger online communities, empower women and enable all creators and viewers to thrive. | Kristen Murdock, ChelseaBytes | PP1147682 | ✓ |
| Session | Future-Proof Healthcare: Leading Through Disruption | The LINE | Topaz Ballroom 1-2-3 | Panel | 11:30 | 12:30 | Check out all events Presented by “Real Chemistry.”
As the healthcare industry faces unprecedented challenges and transformations, the need for visionary leadership has never been more urgent. Join us to discuss key issues facing healthcare today - from the impact of AI, a continuing rise in misinformation, to physician burnout, staffing shortages and more - and explore actionable strategies that the leaders of today and tomorrow are using to shape the future of healthcare. Learn how they are embracing resilience, adaptability and cutting-edge approaches to foster innovation and how this can drive success in your role and organization. | Dr. Joel Bervell, MD, Geoff Cook, Jennifer Paganelli, Dr. Imamu “Mu” Tomlinson | PP156053 | ✓ |
| Session | Futures Thinking: Spotting Signals in Turbulent Times | Austin Marriott Downtown | Waterloo Ballroom 3 | Presentation | 11:30 | 12:30 | In a world of constant flux and uncertainty, the ability to spot signals of change is an essential skill for navigating the future. Volatility has been escalating for over a decade, and the exponential growth of data presents both challenges and opportunities. Understanding how to contextualize signals through futures thinking is becoming increasingly critical. This session will equip you with the tools to identify and interpret key signals, empowering you to manage turbulence with confidence and assert control in an unpredictable world. | Joanna Lepore, Sarah Owen | PP153679 | ✓ |
| Session | Happiness: It’s Not What You Think | Austin Convention Center | Room 9ABC | Panel | 11:30 | 12:30 | Everybody wants to be happy, but how do we get there? Spoiler alert: there are no quick fixes or five easy tips for lasting happiness. True happiness comes from something deeper—purpose. Join World Happiness Summit Founder Karen Guggenheim and leading wellbeing experts Michael Steger, Alla Klymenko, and Elisa Juarez for an illuminating conversation that explores how finding meaning and purpose serves as the foundation for a truly fulfilling and happier life. This engaging panel will challenge your assumptions, inspire new perspectives, and provide practical insights into the science of happiness and purpose. | Karen Guggenheim, Elisa Juarez, Alla Klymenko, Michael Steger | PP1146931 | ✓ |
| Session | The Hidden Pink Tax Fueling High Healthcare Costs for Women | JW Marriott | Salon BC | Panel | 11:30 | 12:30 | The healthcare cost crisis is getting worse. Rising insurance costs, expensive prescriptions, and barriers to healthcare access all disproportionately impact women more than men – regardless of health condition. As more healthcare costs are shifted to consumers, and women specifically, this panel will explore the urgent need to lower out-of-pocket healthcare costs and how doing so can relieve pressure on our healthcare system, support a healthier population and reduce social stigmas about women’s health. | Dorothy Gemmell, Aditi Goenka, Alessandra Henderson, Angie Nelson | PP152772 | ✓ |
| Session | How "Good" Management Creates Bad Technology | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon J | Presentation | 11:30 | 12:30 | Technology was supposed to make the world better, but in the last few years it feels like it’s made us more divided, more miserable, and less safe. Yet tech companies still bring in huge amounts of cash, and generate outsized returns for their investors. We’ll examine this paradox through some of the biggest tech disasters of the last decade, to show how “good” business management can lead to harmful technology. And we’ll suggest a way to give those closest to the machine--engineers, architects, and product managers--the power to keep us from sliding deeper into technological dystopia. | Darryl Campbell | PP1146982 | ✓ |
| Session | How Can Fictional Futures Help Us Strengthen Truth | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon K | Panel | 11:30 | 12:30 | Imagine a world where reliable, well-sourced, and human-verified information is not only flourishing, but public trust in it is growing. Can such a world exist beyond fantasy fiction? How do we make it a reality?
We explore these questions by bringing together tech practitioners into conversation with fiction authors and journalists. In this session, our panelists will discuss:
- How fictional futures can help strengthen truth and facts online.
- Who are the heroes and antiheroes in the quest to protect the integrity of online information? | Sewell Chan, Stephen Harrison, Laila Lalami, Rebecca MacKinnon | PP151603 | ✓ |
| Session | How Video Enhanced the Audio Star | Austin Convention Center | Ballroom B | Panel | 11:30 | 12:30 | Today’s podcast landscape has moved beyond the simple binary, “audio or video?” As video platforms become increasingly important vehicles for podcast consumption and discovery, the medium holds new opportunities and challenges for creators. This panel will bring together podcast publishers and platforms, who will offer their perspectives on how podcast video content is engaging audiences across platforms, and discuss a variety of creative and strategic approaches to its creation. | Stephanie Chan, Ben Hethcoat, Nishat Kurwa, Vivian Tu | PP156118 | ✓ |
| Session | The Indie Film Annual Legal Update: AI, Fair Use, and More | Austin Convention Center | Room 12AB | Fireside Chat | 11:30 | 12:30 | Chris Perez and his partner Michael Donaldson will be back for another lively (and surprisingly entertaining) update on the many legal developments affecting the indie film community.
The distribution landscape has again changed dramatically since last we were together at SXSW. While the number of buyers for independent films seems to have contracted, numbers show that the theatrical business is alive and well, and films are still getting financed and produced. As usual, indie filmmakers find a way!
Since last year, several legal issues have come to the fore. The hot topic on everyone’s mind is how AI has changed, and will continue to change, the industry. We will explore the ever-evolving legal landscape when it comes to AI.
Fair use continues to be a useful tool for both documentary and scripted filmmakers, so we’ll cover the latest fair use cases affecting filmmakers.
Then there’s the legal questions associated with making films based on or inspired by a true story. We’ve all seen lawsuits spring up from people who claim (or who the Internet claims) that an unsavory character is based on them.
Bring all your burning questions, as these two leaders in the indie industry tend to stay on to help you learn more about anything you need to know. | Michael Donaldson, Chris Perez | PP1147031 | ✓ |
| Session | Inside the TV Writers’ Room | The Thompson Hotel Austin | Red River Ballroom | Panel | 11:30 | 12:30 | Check out all events Presented by “NBCUniversal.”
This panel will delve into the creative journey of bringing a script to life for broadcast TV. Join the showrunners and writers as they share insights on crafting inclusive stories and building authentic narratives that connect with the modern audience. From concept to execution, discover the essential steps to staffing a writers’ room, leading a production, and all the behind-the-scenes efforts needed to standout in today’s TV landscape. | JJ Bailey, Jake Coburn, Jennifer Sanders, Keto Shimizu | PP156216 | ✓ |
| Session | Inspiring Authenticity and Inclusion in Hair Culture | Austin Convention Center | Room 18AB | Panel | 11:30 | 12:30 | Texture is reshaping fashion, media, and music, marking a transformative shift. Our panel explores this evolution and the journey of natural hair care, pivotal at the intersection of identity and practice, from suppression to celebration. We highlight grassroots movements, legal battles, and advocacy for textured education in cosmetology, reshaping beauty norms and cultural identity. This discussion will underscore diversity, law, education, and culture, paving an inclusive, empowering future in beauty. | Renee Gadar, Keya Neal, Tatum Neill, Maude Okrah Hunter | PP149581 | ✓ |
| Session | Let’s Talk $$$: Pricing Transparency and Equity in the Creator Economy | Austin Convention Center | Room 6AB | Panel | 11:30 | 12:30 | The creator economy is booming. YouTube found that 65% of Gen Z consider themselves creators, yet only 1 in 10 influencers earn upwards of 100K per year.
Despite the creator economy gold rush, most creators are unsure how to price their work competitively and fairly, and a wider pay gap is forming for underrepresented creators. Since no mutually agreed-upon performance metrics exist in influencer marketing, creator pay is often determined in a black box.
This panel will discuss how to bring more pay transparency and equity into the creator economy. | Pierre-Loïc Assayag, Jamie Gutfreund, Blair Imani, Christen Nino De Guzman | PP152548 | ✓ |
| Session | LGBTQ+ AND FRIENDS Meet Up | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 406 | Meet Up | 11:30 | 12:30 | Hosted by Luis and Hans, this event will be very intentional, from the start, people are given bubbles to blow and connect with their inner child. We sit them down in a big circle on the floor to welcome them and to divide them in groups with very purposeful prompts using curiosity, creativity and authenticity to start difficult conversations about diversity, identity and culture. After this, we go back in the circle to talk about what we found in common with others, even if you haven't met before. We wrap it up with any asks from the attendees and find ways to support each other! | Luis Gramajo, Hans Schrei | PP153617 | |
| Session | Maggie Jackson Book Signing | Austin Convention Center | Room 10C | Book Signing | 11:30 | 11:55 | Maggie Jackson will be signing copies of “Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure" at the SXSW Bookstore. | Maggie Jackson | PP1148319 | |
| Session | MDMA-Assisted Therapy: Going to the Trauma, Not the Profits | JW Marriott | Room 201-202 | Presentation | 11:30 | 12:30 | Despite recent progress, significant barriers remain to making psychedelic-assisted therapies widely accessible. For-profit companies often lack the motivation to expand access to underserved communities, as capital incentives are limited. Governments are also hesitant to fund treatments involving historically stigmatized substances. Learn about the efforts that are underway to prioritize MDMA-assisted therapy for communities facing high levels of trauma and limited access to care, focusing on expanding availability where it is most needed, both domestically and globally. | Rick Doblin | PP154755 | ✓ |
| Session | Mentor Session: Ashley Esper (Fine Fettle) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 11:30 | 12:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Business Development, Marketing/Advertising/PR, Entrepreneurship. | Ashley Esper | PP1147409 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Azubuike "Zuby" Onwuta (Think and Zoom) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 11:30 | 12:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Accessibility, Entrepreneurship, MedTech. | Azubuike "Zuby" Onwuta | PP1147797 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Bia Labate (Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 11:30 | 12:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Accessibility, "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion", Nonprofits. | Bia Labate | PP1147119 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Claire England (GPG Ventures) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 11:30 | 12:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in MedTech, Funding, Entrepreneurship. | Claire England | PP1147173 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Clancy Cavnar (Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 11:30 | 12:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Art, "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion", Nonprofits. | Clancy Cavnar | PP1147121 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: David Sharp (Binary Asylum) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 11:30 | 12:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Entrepreneurship, Funding, Game Development. | David Sharp | PP1147451 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Elysa Fenenbock (The School of Psychedelic Design) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 11:30 | 12:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Art, Ethics, Product Management/Development, Storytelling, "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion", Entrepreneurship, Future of Work, MedTech. | Elysa Fenenbock | PP1147453 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Ian Harrison (DBT Midlands) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 11:30 | 12:45 | Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Business Development, Content Strategy/Production, Entrepreneurship. | Ian Harrison | PP1148451 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Leah Heise (Gemini Twin Consulting) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 11:30 | 12:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Business Development, Entrepreneurship, Policy. | Leah Heise | PP1147436 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Nina Means (CADRE Innovation/ ACC Fashion Incubator ) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 11:30 | 12:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Fashion/Retail, Entrepreneurship. | Nina Means | PP1147088 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Ruby SunShine Taylor (Financial Joy School) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 11:30 | 12:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Storytelling, Fintech, "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion". | Ruby Sunshine Taylor | PP1147187 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Seth Shapiro (Digital Asset Advisors LLC) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 11:30 | 12:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Content Strategy/Production, Business Development, Blockchain & Cryptocurrency. | Seth Shapiro | PP1147067 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Wal Flor (Flow.Ers) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 11:30 | 12:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Business Development, Data Science, Entrepreneurship, Marketing/Advertising/PR, Nonprofits, Sustainability. | Wal Flor | PP1147476 | |
| Session | Performance and Technology: Changing the Audience Experience | Austin Convention Center | Room 8ABC | Fireside Chat | 11:30 | 12:30 | Theatre has seen an explosive move towards interactive and immersive experiences. How can technology play a role in this rapidly expanding field, without cannibalizing the power of live performance? Andrew Schneider (theatre creator and designer) and Bobby McElver (sound designer) will discuss their work in using cutting-edge technologies like spatialized audio, Wave Field Synthesis, volumetric lighting, and audience and performer tracking to change audiences' relationship to performance and redefine what theatre can look, sound, and feel like. | Bobby McElver, Andrew Schneider | PP1148046 | ✓ |
| Session | The Play Gap: Women Behind the Camera in Sports | Austin Convention Center | Room 13AB | Panel | 11:30 | 12:30 | In 2024, women's sports will generate $1B in revenue. In this session, four directors share why the next wave of growth won't just come from women on the court and field, but from women working behind the camera in sports. Go inside the elite world where the filmmakers have cleared age-old obstacles. Equipped with access and vision, the storytellers willed their documentaries to life. They share thrilling anecdotes about sports legends and lessons learned on the way. Most importantly, the speakers share how helping one another is the antidote to exclusivity and competition in film and sports. | Maeyen Bassey, Emily Longeretta, Tarana Mayes, Deborah Riley Draper, Maya Washington | PP152184 | ✓ |
| Session | Producer Mentor: Archie Gips (Unrealistic Ideas) | Austin Convention Center | Room 11B | Mentor Session | 11:30 | 12:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Doc Filmmakers, Producers/Production, Development. | Archie Gips | PP1147720 | |
| Session | Programming Mentor: Clare Cooney (Omeleto) | Austin Convention Center | Room 11B | Mentor Session | 11:30 | 12:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Narrative Filmmakers, Programming, "Sales, Acquisitions, & Distribution". | Clare Cooney | PP1148195 | |
| Session | Psychedelics Meet Up | JW Marriott | Brazos Room | Meet Up | 11:30 | 12:30 | Bring your perspective to the conversation shaping the future of psychedelics, and connect with like-minded individuals from around the world. From the psychedelic-curious to the advanced pyschonaut, all are welcome to come engage in deep discussions, network with others, and be part of this transformative movement. Let's build a vibrant community and shape the future of psychedelics together. | Mary Olivar, Caitlin Riley | PP152315 | |
| Screening | Remaining Native | Violet Crown Cinema | Violet Crown Cinema 2 | Documentary Feature | 11:30 | 12:55 | Check out conference session: "Indigenous Cinema Has No Borders" With Director Paige Bethmann of the Documentary Feature "Remaining Native"
Ku Stevens (17) is the solo runner at his high school with no coach. Living on the Yerington Paiute reservation in Northwest Nevada he needs more to be seen by his dream school, the University of Oregon.
As Ku trains, unreconciled emotions unearth the memory of his great-grandfather, Frank Quinn. At 8 years old, Frank ran 50 miles across the desert to escape an Indian boarding school. Frank’s story becomes interwoven with Ku’s journey to run a collegiate qualifying time.
Will Ku outrun his history or will he learn to run in parallel with it to achieve his dreams? | Paige Bethmann, Paige Bethmann | FS18384 | |
| Screening | Remaining Native | Violet Crown Cinema | Violet Crown Cinema 4 | Documentary Feature | 11:30 | 12:55 | Check out conference session: "Indigenous Cinema Has No Borders" With Director Paige Bethmann of the Documentary Feature "Remaining Native"
Ku Stevens (17) is the solo runner at his high school with no coach. Living on the Yerington Paiute reservation in Northwest Nevada he needs more to be seen by his dream school, the University of Oregon.
As Ku trains, unreconciled emotions unearth the memory of his great-grandfather, Frank Quinn. At 8 years old, Frank ran 50 miles across the desert to escape an Indian boarding school. Frank’s story becomes interwoven with Ku’s journey to run a collegiate qualifying time.
Will Ku outrun his history or will he learn to run in parallel with it to achieve his dreams? | Paige Bethmann, Paige Bethmann | FS18385 | |
| Session | Renewing Hope in Reno: Reducing Unhoused Rates With Tech | Austin Marriott Downtown | Waller Ballroom EF | Panel | 11:30 | 12:30 | Like many cities, Reno has struggled to provide resources to unhoused people. But in recent years, the city decreased homelessness through civic engagement and a new innovative approach. Discover how the combination of app-based efforts, housing solutions, and AI connect people, foster trust, and drive change, and why we must equip outreach workers with new technology to help unhoused individuals access critical services in real-time. Discover how the combination of public policy, technology & goodwill are helping vulnerable residents in the “Biggest Little City in the World.” | Michael Carter, Grant Denton, Rick Taylor | PP150968 | ✓ |
| Session | Round Table: Documentary Filmmaking: Iliana Sosa, Rebecca Stern, and Royd Chung | Austin Convention Center | Room 15 | Round Table | 11:30 | 12:30 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked.
An extension of our popular Mentor Sessions, our Round Table Sessions not only allow attendees to learn from the industry experts that sit at each of the three tables in this session but they also allow attendees to learn from the questions and experiences of their peers as well. This Round Table Session will bring together industry experts and SXSW attendees for an enlightening discussion on Documentary Filmmaking. | Royd Chung, Iliana Sosa, Rebecca Stern | PP1147237 | |
| Session | Shopping’s AI Era: Transforming the Way We Shop | Austin Convention Center | Room 18CD | Panel | 11:30 | 12:30 | Join this discussion about the intersection of AI, fashion and beauty with Google Shopping. Lilian Rincon, Google VP of Consumer Shopping, will give a crash course on the AI shopping tech everyone should know, joined by Sapna Parikh (Chief Digital Officer, Kendo Brands, LVMH (Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, Fenty Hair, Ole Henriksen, KVD Vegan Beauty and Lip Lab)) and Dawn Mai (Chief Operating Officer, Simkhai) to discuss how this unique moment in time is transforming the way we shop. | Dawn Mai, Sapna Parikh, Lilian Rincon | PP152864 | ✓ |
| Screening | Slanted | ZACH Theatre | ZACH Theatre | Narrative Feature | 11:30 | 13:12 | Purchase Public Presale Tickets Here: "Slanted"
As a senior in high school, Joan Huang idolizes winning Prom Queen as the embodiment of popularity, beauty and the ultimate form of acceptance into American life. In her relentless pursuit for the crown, she undergoes an experimental racial transformation to become White and win Prom Queen. However, what she thought was a dream come true soon reveals itself to be an emotional and physical nightmare. “Slanted” offers a searing and unapologetically satirical view on race and the uncomfortable journey of learning to love yourself and your culture. | Amy Wang | FS18283 | |
| Session | Social Studies: Gen Z, Social Media’s Dark Side, and Brands | JW Marriott | Salon E | Fireside Chat | 11:30 | 12:30 | Social media platforms are designed to be as addictive as drugs, accelerating the onset of breaking points in the lives of teens, many of whom wish social media didn’t exist. Lauren Greenfield, creator of FX documentary series Social Studies, will share with ad exec Margaret Johnson, Goodby Silverstein & Partners Chief Creative Officer, what she learned about the impact of social media in teen lives - and will talk about what to do about it. The talk will explore how teens interact online and what brands can do to counter social media’s negative effects. | Lauren Greenfield, Margaret Johnson | PP1147775 | ✓ |
| Session | Speaker Connect: Dave Asprey | JW Marriott | Salon H | Speaker Connects | 11:30 | 12:30 | Speaker Connects are an opportunity to join a limited number of attendees for an intimate discussion with SXSW Speakers. Come brainstorm new ideas and engage in conversation in this unique format. Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked.
"The Father of Biohacking,” Dave Asprey, is an acclaimed health science entrepreneur, founder of Bulletproof Coffee and Danger Coffee, four-time New York Times bestselling author, and host of The Human Upgrade podcast. Dave’s mission is to empower and enable people to lead happier, more conscious lives by using biohacking techniques and technology to improve the functioning and destiny of the body and mind. | Dave Asprey | PP1148414 | |
| Special Event | Spotify @ SXSW | 612 W 4th Street | 612 W 4th Street | Special Event | 11:30 | 14:00 | At Spotify, we know that podcasts are the current cultural conversation drivers. What better place to celebrate this fact than SXSW, where culture, content, and business convene. Join your favorite podcasters for a culture feast as they explore how pods have helped evolve commentary in the digital age, and serve up hot takes, modern wisdom, and plenty of laughs.
12 - 12:30PM: Chris Williamson, Sara Foster, Ira Madison III
1 - 1:30PM: Rachel Lindsay, Morgan Absher
*Entry is first come, first served and space may be limited. Must be 21+ to enter. | | OE46254 | |
| Session | State of Teams: The Future of Work Arrived, and No One Was Ready For It | Austin Marriott Downtown | Waller Ballroom C | Presentation | 11:30 | 12:30 | We've been talking about the "future of work" for so long that we hardly noticed when it became our present reality. Technology is everywhere, information is instantly accessible, and AI is accelerating every decision. Yet in this moment that demands speed and adaptability, we've inadvertently created chaos. New research from Atlassian explains why even the most motivated teams feel sluggish. Annie Dean, Global Head of Team Anywhere, will share insights for navigating our way back to focus and fulfillment, featuring Fast Company's Julia Herbst. Because ready or not, the future is here. | Annie Dean, Julia Herbst | PP1146834 | ✓ |
| Session | SXSW Pitch: AgTech & Food | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon DE | Pitch Event | 11:30 | 12:30 | SXSW Pitch is a platform that allows early-stage technology startups to pitch their product and/or services to industry technology experts, high-profile media personnel, and venture capitalists/angel investors.
AgTech & Food refers to technologies within agriculture, horticulture, and aquaculture that improve yield, increase efficiency, and/or reduce environmental impact. Examples include food sustainability, farm data, soil microbe data, crop protection, biofertilizers, supply chain transparency, agri-food testing, alternative proteins, animal health, aquaculture, farm management software, hydroponics, vertical farming, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), and precision agriculture.
The winner of the AgTech & Food Technology category will be announced at the SXSW Pitch Awards Ceremony, which will take place on Sunday, March 9, at 6:30 p.m. in Salon H on the 6th floor of the Hilton Austin Hotel.
Also, attendees can make face-to-face connections with all 70+ SXSW Pitch finalists for 2025 at the special “Meet the Finalists” event on Monday, March 10, at 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Griffin Hall on the 2nd floor of the JW Marriott.
FINALISTS
Azul Bio
Brooklyn, NY
Azul Bio is focused on preserving coral reefs using Coral Microbiome Boosters (CMBs) to mitigate environmental risks affecting the real estate and tourism industries.
Earnest Agriculture
Rantoul, IL
Earnest Agriculture develops probiotic seed coatings using a proprietary microbe-matching platform to improve soil health, boost crop yields, and enhance resilience.
Entomal Biotech
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Entomal Biotech pioneers scalable solutions using Black Soldier Fly bioconversion to transform food waste into valuable resources, addressing global issues of waste, emissions, and food security sustainably.
Farmish
Grand Rapids, MI
Farmish is a marketplace platform that connects local farms with consumers and wholesale buyers across the U.S. and Canada.
Knead Technologies
Calgary, Canada
Knead Technologies is a B2B software company that enables scalable food recovery solutions in real-time to meet the $940 billion global food waste challenge.
ALTERNATES
Agrinerds
Davis, CA
Waterfowl like ducks and geese are the primary reservoir of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
Capture Tech
Ann Arbor, MI
Capture Tech uses system-based approaches in order to prevent ecological damage from environmental contamination sources while bio-transforming those contaminants into resources for environmental restoration.
XLSOR
Fort Collins, CO
XLSOR’s innovative technology leverages a decade of research and Machine Learning to solve the $420m+ fruit loss problem impacting growers and retailers today. | Karla Brollier, Noramay Cadena, Elisa Miller-Out, Amy Salerno, Bryan Stubbs | PP1146969 | |
| Screening | Take No Prisoners | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 2 | Documentary Feature | 11:30 | 13:09 | Check out the Conference Session Take No Prisoners: An Unprecedented Glimpse Into U.S. Hostage Negotiations
Take No Prisoners offers unprecedented access to America’s top hostage negotiator, Roger Carstens, as he battles to free LA public defender Eyvin Hernandez from a notorious Venezuelan prison called “The House of Dreams.” The film captures the raw, emotional fight of Eyvin’s family as they pressure the president for action. With rare behind-the-scenes moments—from tense White House meetings to chaotic Caracas streets—this gripping documentary exposes the dangerous, high-stakes world of U.S. hostage recoveries, filled with setbacks, breakthroughs, and relentless determination. | Adam Ciralsky, Subrata De | FS18387 | |
| Screening | Take No Prisoners | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 7 | Documentary Feature | 11:30 | 13:09 | Check out the Conference Session Take No Prisoners: An Unprecedented Glimpse Into U.S. Hostage Negotiations
Take No Prisoners offers unprecedented access to America’s top hostage negotiator, Roger Carstens, as he battles to free LA public defender Eyvin Hernandez from a notorious Venezuelan prison called “The House of Dreams.” The film captures the raw, emotional fight of Eyvin’s family as they pressure the president for action. With rare behind-the-scenes moments—from tense White House meetings to chaotic Caracas streets—this gripping documentary exposes the dangerous, high-stakes world of U.S. hostage recoveries, filled with setbacks, breakthroughs, and relentless determination. | Adam Ciralsky, Subrata De | FS18388 | |
| Session | Timeless Ink: Evolution of Arabic Calligraphy | Museum of the Future | Museum of the Future | Presentation | 11:30 | 12:30 | Calligraphy is a vital element of Arab culture and a key aspect of the Museum of the Future's identity. Hosting workshops and a visually engaging session with one of region's prominent calligraphers would be a powerful way to establish a presence for the art form. As we look toward the future of this art form, it's clear that artists are no longer limited to traditional calligraphy on paper. Today, we see calligraphy taking on new dimensions, from sculptures to large-scale installations on buildings, such as those featured at the Museum of the Future. | Ghaleb Hawila | PP156251 | |
| Session | 'Today, Explained' Live with Sean Rameswaram featuring Gov. Tim Walz | Austin Convention Center | Ballroom A | Podcast | 11:30 | 12:30 | Check out all events Presented by “Vox Media.”
Today, Explained is Vox's award-winning daily news explainer podcast. Every weekday, the show takes on one essential news story that defines our moment, and brings listeners the context they need to understand it. Join host Sean Rameswaram live with special guest Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. | Sean Rameswaram, Tim Walz | PP156397 | |
| Session | What Texas Teaches About Solving America’s Housing Crisis | Realtor.com Austin Tech Center | Realtor.com Austin HQ | Panel | 11:30 | 12:30 | Check out all events Presented by “Realtor.com.”
Texas has become the poster child for rapid growth and economic success, attracting new residents and companies at unseen rates. The promise of a booming economy, affordable living, and sprawling opportunity has made Texas, especially cities like Austin, one of the most sought-after destinations in the U.S. But how has Texas managed to keep up with skyrocketing demand while striving to keep housing accessible? We explore the policies and practices reshaping Texas and consider what they could mean for the future of housing nationwide. | Joel Berner, Sara Bronin, Natasha Harper-Madison, Felicity Maxwell | PP156283 | |
| Screening | The Spies Among Us | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 4 | Documentary Feature | 11:45 | 13:19 | "The Spies Among Us" is a rare look into the inner workings of a data-driven surveillance state run by one of the most feared secret police forces the world has ever known - East Germany’s Stasi.A personal investigation into family secrets by Peter Keup, a Stasi victim-turned-historian, takes a turn when he contacts the men who ran the system. These are the first conversations of their kind between Stasi officers and a victim.Through these meetings a terrifying mosaic is built of the lengths people go to maintain power in a dictatorship, as well as the indomitable human spirit that seeks truth and self-determination. | Jamie Coughlin Silverman, Gabriel Silverman | FS18427 | |
| Screening | The Spies Among Us | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 3 | Documentary Feature | 11:45 | 13:19 | "The Spies Among Us" is a rare look into the inner workings of a data-driven surveillance state run by one of the most feared secret police forces the world has ever known - East Germany’s Stasi.A personal investigation into family secrets by Peter Keup, a Stasi victim-turned-historian, takes a turn when he contacts the men who ran the system. These are the first conversations of their kind between Stasi officers and a victim.Through these meetings a terrifying mosaic is built of the lengths people go to maintain power in a dictatorship, as well as the indomitable human spirit that seeks truth and self-determination. | Jamie Coughlin Silverman, Gabriel Silverman | FS18426 | |
| Activation | Bruichladdich at Registrant Lounge | SXSW Registrant Lounge | SXSW Registrant Lounge | Activation | 12:00 | 19:00 | Join us for a sampling of single malt Scotch from the award-winning Bruichladdich Distillery. Our aim is to challenge preconceived notions in Scotch whisky in the pursuit of flavor by reconnecting land, community and dram. We put our home, the island of Islay, at the heart of everything we do. We are Islay’s largest private employer, distilling, maturing and bottling all our whisky on the island, with over 50% of our barley also grown on Islay.
https://www.bruichladdich.com/ | | OE45767 | |
| Special Event | ENERGIA PURA VIDA | Fareground | Fareground | Special Event | 12:00 | 22:00 | Essential Costa Rica is bringing a taste of the rainforest to SXSW. Be transported and find out why the Energia Pura Vida experience is essential to Costa Rica.
Recharge by day with Costa Rica coffee and be entertained at night by the sites and sounds of Costa Rica.
Dates and Times:
March 7, 2025 – 12pm-10pm
March 8, 2025- 12pm-10pm
https://woobox.com/n9ggno | | OE45498 | |
| Special Event | Gorton’s Shrimp & Cocktail | Parlor Room | Parlor Room | Special Event | 12:00 | 20:00 | Saddle up sailor, the goodness of the sea is coming to SXSW. Join Gorton’s for Shrimp and Cocktails!
Chulita Vinyl Club noon
Disko Cowboy 2pm
Pug Johnson 4pm
Night Cap 5pm
Joan and The Giants 6pm
Good Looks 7pm
https://www.gortons.com/ | | OE45499 | |
| Special Event | The Heart of Healthcare: Recognizing the Essential Role of Caregivers | 304 E 3rd St | 304 E 3rd St | Special Event | 12:00 | 12:25 | Although their hard work often goes unrecognized, caregivers are the backbone of our healthcare system, providing support to loved ones and patients alike. From exploring strategies to strengthen systematic & personal support systems to sharing actionable insights to help caregivers care for themselves, join us as we celebrate and shed light onto their incredible impact.
Hear From:
Susan Dorfman, President & CEO, CMI Media Group
Paige Moore, Multi-Emmy Award-Winning Producer, Co-Founder of The Breasties, Founder & CEO of Impacter Agency
Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, MD, psychiatrist, author & founder of Real Self-Care
Moderator: Cristina Velocci | | OE46087 | |
| Session | Lia Garvin Book Signing | Austin Convention Center | Room 10C | Book Signing | 12:00 | 12:25 | Lia Garvin will be signing copies of “The New Manager Playbook: A Simple Guide for Leading with Ease" at the SXSW Bookstore. | Lia Garvin | PP1148376 | |
| Activation | Paramount+ The Lodge | Clive Bar | Clive Bar | Activation | 12:00 | 23:00 | Paramount+'s 'The Lodge' is the ultimate fan experience, offering an unforgettable and immersive journey that lets guests engage with hit content, iconic franchises and beloved characters. This ski-lodge-inspired activation is returning to Austin for a third year, giving fans and new audiences an opportunity to step inside the worlds of their favorite movies and series on Paramount+, including Yellowjackets, 1923, Gladiator II, the upcoming original series Happy Face and more. | | OE45530 | |
| Lounge | SXSW Registrant Lounge | SXSW Registrant Lounge | SXSW Registrant Lounge | Lounge | 12:00 | 19:00 | Open throughout the Conference and Festivals, the Registrant Lounge provides a welcoming and convenient space for SXSW attendees to meet, mingle, and take a break from the action. Stop by each day and enjoy a complimentary beverage, courtesy of our sponsors. | | OE45776 | |
| Session | Vishaan Chakrabarti Book Signing | Austin Convention Center | Room 10C | Book Signing | 12:15 | 12:40 | Vishaan Chakrabarti will be signing copies of “The Architecture of Urbanity: Designing for Nature, Culture, and Joy" at the SXSW Bookstore. | Vishaan Chakrabarti | PP1148347 | |
| Session | Creator Connect: Celebrating Women Creators & Influencers | Antone’s | Antone’s | Meet Up | 12:30 | 14:30 | Mix, mingle and connect! Join a vibrant gathering of Texas' most innovative content creators for an inspiring afternoon of connection and creativity. Experience an engaging discussion moderated by Lauren Petrowski (Moody College of Communication, B.S. '06) featuring UT Austin’s own Jungmin Kang (Moody College of Communication, B.S. '26), founder of the viral sensation Snoopslimes alongside fellow social media powerhouses, founder of Friend of Mine Kenzie Elizabeth and actress Natalie Tran (College of Fine Arts, B.F.A, Acting, '27). Listen in as these creators share their insights on building a sustainable brand and business in the dynamic creator economy. Digital creators are invited to this mixer event. | Jungmin Kang, Natalie Tran | PP156339 | |
| Special Event | Rotten Tomatoes + NBCU LAUNCH Reception | The Thompson Hotel Austin | The Thompson Hotel Austin | Special Event | 12:30 | 14:00 | This co-branded reception at the Thompson Hotel will provide a space for creatives to meet with LAUNCH, Rotten Tomatoes, and talent from their respective panels. | | OE46213 | |
| Special Event | Real Talk about Sex | 304 E 3rd St | 304 E 3rd St | Special Event | 12:40 | 13:10 | An open conversation about the connection between sex, the power of pleasure and your overall health. Dr. Emily Morse will chat with JJ Ramberg about what we get wrong about sex and what we should be doing instead. Your best sex life starts today.
Speaker: Emily Morse, Doctor of Human Sexuality & Host of Sex With Emily
Moderator: JJ Ramberg, Co-founder, Goodpods | | OE46166 | |
| Special Event | Immersive Nightmares | Fairmont | Park View A | Special Event | 13:00 | 14:00 | As neurotechnology moves from the lab to the consumer market, it unlocks groundbreaking possibilities for immersive experiences—but also raises urgent ethical questions. How do we navigate the intersection of creativity, technology, and cognitive privacy? Researcher Luuk Ex (Rathenau Institute) presents a new report on the need for neurorights, followed by a discussion with leaders like Heleen Rouw (CIIIC), Angus Stevens (Metaverse Advisory Council), Erik Brown (Stanford University), and Timmy Ghiurau (XR Pioneer) on the risks, responsibilities, and future of neurotechnology in an increasingly immersive world.
https://SXSW25-CreativeNL-ImmersiveNightmares.eventbrite.nl | | OE45786 | |
| Session | Keynote: A Conversation with Issa Rae | Austin Convention Center | Ballroom D | Keynote | 13:00 | 14:00 | Check out the documentary film exec produced by Issa Rae, "Seen and Heard"
With her own unique flare and infectious sense of humor, Rae first received attention for her award-winning web series and the accompanying New York Times best-seller, “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl.” She created and starred in the Peabody-award-winning HBO series, INSECURE, which garnered her multiple Emmy® and Golden Globe® nominations. Rae has also made her mark on the big screen, co-starring in Greta Gerwig’s BARBIE, which dominated theaters as the biggest box-office hit of 2023, SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE, Sony’s highest-grossing animated release in history and the award-winning AMERICAN FICTION.
In 2020 Rae formed HOORAE, a multi-faceted media company that develops content across mediums in an effort to continue to break boundaries in storytelling and representation. HOORAE is comprised of HOORAE Media for film, tv and digital; Raedio, the music label, music supervision and "audio everywhere" company; ColorCreative, its management division; and FÊTE its marketing arm.
Rae's commitment to South LA is evident in both her personal and professional pursuits. After planting roots near her childhood home, Issa set up the HOORAE headquarters in the heart of South LA. Her participation in the non-profit organization Destination Crenshaw furthers her mission of celebrating Black Angelenos and her ownership in Hilltop Cafe + Kitchen provides much-needed jobs and opportunities for local residents as well as a space for creatives to unlock their potential. Additionally, as co-owner of the Black owned and operated vegan hair care line, Sienna Naturals, Rae intends to continue to reimagine Black wellness and beauty. Rae recently launched Viarae Prosecco, a sparkling wine that's perfect for any occasion and represents the freedom to let loose and be authentic. | Jacqueline Coley, Issa Rae | PP1148170 | |
| Special Event | London Calling: Bringing the BBC to Roblox | UK House @ Palm Door on Sixth | UK House @ Palm Door on Sixth | Special Event | 13:00 | 14:00 | BBC, Burberry, Wimbledon, Rolls Royce; aside from being iconic British brands, what do they have in common? In recent years, each of these properties have tapped virtual worlds like Roblox to engage and scale Gen Z audiences that are harder to reach through more established channels. So, how has the world’s oldest broadcaster incorporated gaming into its wider engagement strategy? And how is it leveraging virtual worlds to introduce iconic IP like ‘Doctor Who’ and 'Wallace and Gromit’ to the TikTok generation? Join GEEIQ, the BBC and Roblox for an expert discussion. | | OE45686 | |
| Special Event | SIMS Support House | JW Marriott | Room 303-304 | Special Event | 13:00 | 17:00 | RELAX RESTORE RECOVER
We know that large events can bring their toll of mental and physical challenges to all of us in the industry. The SIMS Foundation is providing a space dedicated to SXSW Official Artist Music badge holders and music industry professionals alike to take a breath and rest during the festival. Support staff and therapists will be available daily as SIMS celebrates its 30th year being at the forefront of making emotional well-being a priority for our community, working to educate the public and to arm the music community with the resources needed to look out for themselves, and each other. | | OE46030 | |
| Lounge | Canadian Innovation Lounge - New Projects Daily | Fairmont | Primrose | Lounge | 14:00 | 18:00 | Explore the Canadian Innovation Lounge where featured experiences and products rotate daily. From AI-driven storytelling powered by a brain-computer interface to XR experiences for both at-home and out-of-home venues, and VR and AI solutions transforming learning and lifestyle—discover innovations shaping how we play, create, and live. Visit the Canadian Innovation Lounge to see new projects daily.
https://rdvcanada.ca/en/festivals/sxsw-2025/ | | OE45597 | |
| Special Event | CÎROC's Creative Happy Hour w/Keith Powers & Nazanin Mandi | The Thompson Hotel Austin | The Bayberry Room | Special Event | 14:00 | 18:00 | Unwind, connect, and spark new ideas at CÎROC’s SXSW Creative Happy Hour, featuring Keith Powers & Nazanin Mandi! Celebrating the inaugural class of their Blue Dot Creative Residency, this mixer blends creativity and community, proving that the best ideas emerge when inspiration flows.
Mingle with fellow creatives and pick up tips to refine your ideas over CÎROC cocktails, great music and the energy of the like-minded SXSW community. 21+ Only.
https://cirocsxsw.splashthat.com/ | | OE46222 | |
| Special Event | Immersive Dreams | Fairmont | Park View A | Special Event | 14:00 | 15:00 | Immersive experiences transport us beyond the ordinary, awakening awe, curiosity, and deep connection. Join visionaries like Steye Hallema (SXSW XR Spotlight), Anick Beaulieu (C2 Montreal), Nathalie van Sasse van Ysselt (fmr Las Vegas Sphere), and Solomon Rogers (Magnopus) as they explore the new fronteer of virtual realms, sensory illusions, and interactive storytelling. For artists, technologists, and dreamers alike, this session is an invitation to step inside, listen closely, and discover the next frontier of imagination and innovation.
https://SXSW25-CreativeNL-ImmersiveDreams.eventbrite.nl | | OE45785 | |
| Special Event | Innovation in Sustainable Fashion | UK House @ Palm Door on Sixth | UK House @ Palm Door on Sixth | Special Event | 14:00 | 15:00 | Hosted by Kate Hardcastle aka 'The Consumer Whisperer'. Hear from two leading sustainability founders as they share their perspectives and groundbreaking approaches to sustainability within the fashion realm.
Samata Pattinson will share how innovation, cultural narratives and local craftsmanship, can reshape industry standards and consumer expectations.
Brooke Roberts-Islam will share how emerging tech and AI, coupled with new materials are changing the fashion landscape globally.
This session offers a new narrative for fashion that aligns with our planet's needs. | | OE46227 | |
| Special Event | Learning to Love Midlife; Why Your Best Years Are Ahead of You | 304 E 3rd St | 304 E 3rd St | Special Event | 14:00 | 14:30 | Midlife isn’t a crisis—it’s a calling. Join Chip Conley, Founder & Executive Chairmen of MEA & former CEO of Airbnb, as he redefines what it means to thrive in midlife and reframes this chapter of life as a time of expansion, purpose, and possibility. Whether you’re navigating career shifts, seeking deeper connections, or simply wondering what’s next, learn how to embrace your next chapter with confidence. | | OE46088 | |
| Special Event | Learning to Love Midlife; Why Your Best Years Are Ahead of You | 304 E 3rd St | 304 E 3rd St | Special Event | 14:00 | 14:30 | Midlife isn’t a crisis—it’s a calling. Join Chip Conley, Founder & Executive Chairmen of MEA & former CEO of Airbnb, as he redefines what it means to thrive in midlife and reframes this chapter of life as a time of expansion, purpose, and possibility. Whether you’re navigating career shifts, seeking deeper connections, or simply wondering what’s next, learn how to embrace your next chapter with confidence. | | OE46211 | |
| Screening | Now! More! Yes! | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 9 | Documentary Feature | 14:00 | 15:15 | TW Hansen is a blind used car salesman, a landlord, and a film picture car coordinator living in Milwaukee. One of TW's tenants began following him with a camera after he drunkenly purchased an ambulance with his boss's money. | Max Hey | FS18324 | |
| Special Event | Rivian presents: "The Color Effect" featuring DAAS and Ben Hobson, Co-CEO of Dezeen | Rivian Electric Roadhouse | Rivian Electric Roadhouse | Special Event | 14:00 | 16:00 | Join us at the Rivian Electric Roadhouse for a dynamic panel discussion exploring how the use of color evokes emotion, creates impact and signals innovation.
Panelists:
Jeff Hammoud - Chief Design Officer, Rivian
Sophia Park - Sr. Manager, Color, Materials & Finish, Rivian
Kickie Chudikova - Industrial Designer
DAAS - Contemporary Artist
Moderated by Ben Hobson, Co-CEO at Dezeen
Space is limited. Admittance is on a first come, first serve capacity. | | OE46007 | |
| Competition | SXSW Innovation Awards Finalist Showcase | JW Marriott | Griffin Hall | Competition | 14:00 | 17:00 | Explore 2025’s most innovative projects hands-on at the 8th Annual SXSW Innovation Awards Finalist Showcase.
55 finalists across all 11 competition categories will be on hand to demo their innovative projects for SXSW attendees, who will have the chance to vote for their choice to win the People’s Choice Award.
Also during the Showcase, the Innovation Awards judges will experience each project hands-on and vote to determine the winner in each category, as well as the winner of the Best in Show Award.
All award winners will be announced at the 26th Annual SXSW Innovation Awards Ceremony on Monday, March 10, 2025 at 6pm in Ballroom D of the Austin Convention Center. The SXSW Innovation Awards Ceremony also includes the Hall of Fame induction for Mark Cuban.
Finalists for the 2025 SXSW Innovation Awards are as follows:
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
-- Wandercraft’s Self-Balancing Exoskeleton (New York, NY)
-- Breakout Learning: AI-Powered Small-Group Discussions (Dallas, TX)
-- AI Unlocking Food Allergy Freedom (Long Beach, CA)
-- Newton: AI for the Physical World (Palo Alto, CA)
-- CMR-M1: The First AI-Powered Movie Camera (Madrid, Spain and San Francisco, CA)
AUDIO EXPERIENCE
-- alphabeats - Master your Mind. Master your Performance (Laguna Beach, CA)
-- "I SEE MUSIC!" by Synegram.com (Clermont-Ferrand, France)
-- Multichannel Sound Over Headphones (Ilmenau, Thuringia, Germany)
-- Neural DSP: Nano Cortex (Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland)
-- Holography Records: "Polytempo Music" Interactive 3D Album (Alameda, CA)
COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT
-- Innovating to Make Abortion Affordable (New York, NY)
-- "SolarSPELL digital libraries (Tempe, AZ)
-- Share@MealConnect (Chicago, IL)
-- TIAA – Paper Right (New York, NY)
-- Ruth: Your Digital Guardian (Hillsborough, NJ)
CONNECTION & COMMUNICATION
-- Switch-Lit (Portland, OR and Utrecht, Netherlands)
-- HeyGen's Interactive Avatars (Los Angeles, CA)
-- Crowd Compass: Stay Connected, Stay Safe (Spokane, WA)
-- GRIEF SUCKS by Experience Camps (Westport, CT)
-- 855-HOW-TO-QUIT-(OPIOIDS) (Chicago, IL)
HEALTH & BIOTECH
-- TRAUMAGEL by Cresilon (Brooklyn, NY)
-- Virtual Incision - Pioneering miniRAS (Lincoln, NE)
-- PherDal Fertility Kit (Dixon, IL)
-- BetterWay: Blood Testing Reimagined (Austin, TX)
-- Signia Active Pro IX Hearing Aids (Iselin, NJ)
INTERFACE DESIGN
-- XR-Objects Augmented Object Intelligence (Seattle, WA)
-- GOES: Outdoor Health and Safety Guide (Redwood City, CA)
-- Bedtime AI Storymaker (Madrid, Spain and Los Angeles, CA)
-- Engineering the World’s First Smart Lipstick (São José dos Pinhais, Paraná, Brazil)
-- Posha: Your family's private robot chef (San Francisco, CA)
PRODUCT DESIGN
-- The Daylight Computer (San Francisco, CA)
-- Sentante - Teleoperated Surgical Robot for Endovascular Interventions (Kaunas, Lithuania)
-- Quantinuum’s H Series Quantum Computer (Broomfield, CO)
-- Pioneering Drone Swarms in Agriculture (Richmond, TX)
-- Scantinel Single-Chip FMCW LiDAR Module (Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany)
STUDENT INNOVATION
-- Theater of Future Puppetry (Hsinchu, Taiwan)
-- GismoPower’s Mobile Solar Carport "MEGA" (Sarasota, FL)
-- Flow (Pittsburgh, PA)
-- Smell like Home (Irvine, CA)
-- SMART Wearable Thermoregulatory Device (Cambridge, MA and Calistoga, CA)
SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS
-- Uluu (Perth, Australia)
-- Liquidplant™ by von Holzhausen (West Hollywood, CA)
-- Low-Light Indoor Bifacial Solar Cel (Scott Valley, CA)
-- Dimensional Energy– Creating Fuels and Products From CO₂ (Ithaca, NY)
-- Voodin Biodegradable Wind Turbine Blades (Lichtenfels, Hesse, Germany)
URBAN EXPERIENCE
-- Sustainable 3D-Printed Homes by Azure (Los Angeles, CA)
-- BOLT: democratizing access to e-biking (Brooklyn, NY)
-- Overheard on a Train (Austin, TX)
-- Pathfinder (Cambridge, MA)
-- From Smart Campus to Real Smart Cities (Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil)
WTF (WHAT THE FUTURE)
-- Space Trash Signs (Chicago, IL)
-- SWEAR Security (Boise, ID)
-- SOLAMENT™︎ (Tokyo, Japan)
-- Dynex: Quantum Computing for Anyone, Anywhere (Vaduz, Liechtenstein)
-- The Halo – Lucid Dreaming Wearable Device by Prophetic (New York, NY) | | OE45301 | |
| Session | Nicholas Lalla Book Signing | Austin Convention Center | Room 10C | Book Signing | 14:15 | 14:40 | Nicholas Lalla will be signing copies of “Reinventing the Heartland: How One City’s Inclusive Approach to Innovation and Growth Can Revive the American Dream” at the SXSW Bookstore. | Nicholas Lalla | PP1148290 | |
| Screening | O'Dessa | Paramount Theatre | Paramount Theatre | Narrative Feature | 14:15 | 16:01 | Purchase Public Presale Tickets Here: "O'Dessa"
Set in a post-apocalyptic future, O’Dessa is an original rock opera about a farm girl on an epic quest to recover a cherished family heirloom. Her journey leads her to a strange and dangerous city where she meets her one true love – but in order to save his soul, she must put the power of destiny and song to the ultimate test. | Geremy Jasper | FS18523 | |
| Screening | Snow Leopard Sisters | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 1 | Documentary Feature | 14:15 | 15:48 | An unlikely friendship between two Indigenous women, set against a dramatic decline in the snow leopard population. When local conservationist Tshiring Lhamu Lama learns about a snow leopard killing a family’s entire goat herd, she returns home to convince the family not to kill the animal in retaliation. The family’s young daughter, Tenzin Bhuti Gurung, accepts an offer to apprentice with Tshiring to escape an arranged marriage, and the pair travel together across the spectacular Himalayan landscape in search of the mysterious snow leopard. Can they find their own voice amidst centuries-old patriarchy, and save snow leopards despite a conservation industry failing to deliver change? | Sonam Choekyi Lama, Ben Ayers, Andrew Lynch | FS18358 | |
| Screening | Snow Leopard Sisters | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 8 | Documentary Feature | 14:15 | 15:48 | An unlikely friendship between two Indigenous women, set against a dramatic decline in the snow leopard population. When local conservationist Tshiring Lhamu Lama learns about a snow leopard killing a family’s entire goat herd, she returns home to convince the family not to kill the animal in retaliation. The family’s young daughter, Tenzin Bhuti Gurung, accepts an offer to apprentice with Tshiring to escape an arranged marriage, and the pair travel together across the spectacular Himalayan landscape in search of the mysterious snow leopard. Can they find their own voice amidst centuries-old patriarchy, and save snow leopards despite a conservation industry failing to deliver change? | Sonam Choekyi Lama, Ben Ayers, Andrew Lynch | FS18359 | |
| Session | 5th Industrial Revolution: The Data-Driven Future Needs You | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon K | Panel | 14:30 | 15:30 | This session explores the data center industry's pivotal role in the 5th Industrial Revolution, driven by AI. It addresses the challenges of increasing power demands and talent shortages in the face of explosive AI growth. The panel will discuss the evolution of data centers, their current state, and future innovations needed to sustain our digital future. Industry experts will share insights on sustainable energy solutions, the creation of data centers as the "5th Utility," and opportunities for new talent. | Dana Adams, Christian Belady, Chris Crosby, Kirk Offel | PP150167 | ✓ |
| Session | Accelerating Growth in Women-Owned CPG | JW Marriott | Salon 1-2 | Panel | 14:30 | 15:30 | While it may seem like female-founded businesses are taking over your feed, one category is still very male-dominated – beverage. Join poppi founder Allison Ellsworth alongside women in beverage (alcoholic and non) to learn how they are challenging this industry norm and emerging as the next generation of female founders. From their start-up journeys to scale, look inside the beverage space that was ripe for disruption by implementing a female POV. | Jen Batchelor, Allison Ellsworth, Kat Hantas | PP150658 | |
| Session | The Agency Owners Meet Up | JW Marriott | Brazos Room | Meet Up | 14:30 | 15:30 | The Agency Owners Meet Up is a place for founders, owners, managers, and directors of creative and digital agencies to come together in the midst of the whirlwind that is SXSW. You are not alone, whether you are one person in a home office or a team of hundreds, we all share similar challenges in the daily struggles of running a successful agency. When agencies talk with each other and collaborate, it benefits everyone! Join your speakers and agency professionals from around the world as we take a moment to network, connect, share, collaborate, and spark ideas. | Simon Erich, Jacqueline Sinex | PP149643 | |
| Session | AI Allows Us As A Society To Raise The Bar | JW Marriott | Salon 7 | Presentation | 14:30 | 15:30 | We are at a pivotal moment in architecture that has not been seen since the modernist movement of the 19th century, particularly the Bauhaus era (1920-1950). We stand on the brink of a new revolution, with AI reshaping our design processes and revolutionizing construction methods. Matthias Hollwich presents a visionary approach, illustrating how HWKN Architecture is leveraging AI technology with multiple projects, allowing architects and designers to create more responsive, human-centered spaces. The focus is not on complete takeover, but rather on leveraging AI as a partner to elevate design practices today, bridging past architectural principles with the innovations of tomorrow. | Matthias Hollwich | PP149329 | |
| Session | AI's Creative Soul: Open Futures, Tech, Media Makers and the Performing Arts | The Thompson Hotel Austin | Red River Ballroom | Fireside Chat | 14:30 | 15:30 | Check out all events Presented by “Muslim Public Affairs Council.”
Nabiha Syed, Executive Director of the Mozilla Foundation joins Sam Gill, President and CEO of the Doris Duke Foundation, for a fireside chat to consider the tremendous impact that creativity has on generating ethical and open technology futures. This conversation will explore two fundamental challenges faced by media makers, performing artists and diverse creatives in today's rapidly changing and dynamic world. We will discuss how tools like AI can open new lanes of immersive storytelling and how to safeguard against any corrosive effects of misuse. | Sam Gill, Nabiha Syed | PP156153 | ✓ |
| Session | The Art of the Doc Pitch: Spy High | Courtyard Marriott | Guadalupe | Workshop | 14:30 | 16:30 | Check out the documentary series “Spy High.”
Advance sign up is required. Please locate the “RSVP” button on the page to reserve your spot. If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available on a first come, first serve basis.
It's getting harder and harder to get documentaries made. The key to making yours stand out in a time of content saturation is pitching it with vision and conviction. What makes your story pop? What elements make a project stand out? Why is yours one that must be made? Unrealistic Ideas President Archie Gips and Director Jody McVeigh-Schultz, the creative team behind the new Amazon doc series SPY HIGH (premiering at SXSW), teach you the keys to pitching a doc. Come prepared with an idea that you are passionate about and this workshop will teach you what it takes to make your project a reality. | Archie Gips, Jody McVeigh-Schultz | PP1148365 | |
| Session | Brain, Sleep, and Tech: Navigating Ethics and Innovation | JW Marriott | Salon BC | Panel | 14:30 | 15:30 | The future of brain enhancement is here. Hear from neuroscientists, industry pioneers, philosophers and ethicists on consumer access to the new technologies enhancing our neuro health & performance. This panel delves into the transformative potential of data-driven advancements and brain-sensing technologies like EEG enabling the optimization of our cognitive and overall well being. Explore the balance of innovation with ethical responsibility to ensure that the rollout of neurotechnology is both beneficial and respectful of individual rights and well-being. | Margot Hanley, Afshin Mehin, Caitlin Shure | PP152281 | ✓ |
| Session | Brand Yourself Like a Shark With Daymond John: How to Scale Your Business Using Access and Influence | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon C | Fireside Chat | 14:30 | 15:30 | Join us for an exclusive fireside chat with Daymond John, renowned entrepreneur, investor, and founder of FUBU, as he shares his secrets to building a successful brand from the ground up. In this intimate conversation, Daymond will dive into the strategies and mindset that have driven his rise to the top, offering invaluable insights on brand development, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Also joining Daymond on stage is Brandon Sawalich, President and CEO of Starkey, a global leader in the design, manufacturing, and delivery of the world’s most innovative and best-sounding hearing healthcare products.
Whether you're a startup founder or an aspiring business leader, this session will provide you with the tools and inspiration to elevate your brand to new heights. Don't miss the chance to learn from one of the most influential voices in the business world!” | Tom Foster, Daymond John, Brandon Sawalich | PP1148371 | ✓ |
| Session | Building Blocks of the Future: Fermentation | Austin Marriott Downtown | Waterloo Ballroom 3 | Fireside Chat | 14:30 | 15:30 | Imagine a facility where rows of fermentation tanks produce the equivalent of a 10,000 acre palm plantation within a single city block. Palm oil– highly optimized yet environmentally costly– represents the limits of industrial agriculture. But what if we could make it better? Predating modern agriculture, fermentation is being revolutionized by synthetic biology and genetic engineering. This ancient art-science has evolved into a precision manufacturing platform which could replace land-based agriculture and create new molecules. What are the implications of a future where sprawling plantations are replaced by efficient bioreactors, and where biology is the foundation of modern industry? | Shara Ticku, Max Ufberg | PP1147692 | ✓ |
| Session | Campfire-Style Experience Design Workshop | Courtyard Marriott | Brazos I-II-III | Workshop | 14:30 | 16:30 | Advance sign up is required. Please locate the “RSVP” button on the page to reserve your spot. If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available on a first come, first serve basis.
This Experience Campfire will be an informal mix of small group and whole group sessions, where experts share approaches on how to stage better experiences. We'll focus on experiences people have been to at SXSW—analyzing what's good, what could be better—no finger pointing, just building on what's possible. We'll consider experience design moments & challenges, e.g., onboarding/crossing the threshold; design for emotion (e.g., challenging emotions); the (over)use of tech; the importance of identity, purpose, participation & story; and how to design for transformation and impact. | Barbara Ann Michaels, James Wallman | PP147906 | |
| Session | Catalyzing Insights with Conscious & Psychedelic Practices | JW Marriott | Room 201-202 | Presentation | 14:30 | 15:30 | Throughout history, extraordinary altered states of consciousness created great art, world-changing inventions, and enabled humans to survive and thrive. Dr. Damer and Dr. Doss will share the latest scientific research and cultures of practice showing that combining endogenous practice (e.g. meditation) and exogenous catalysts (e.g. psychedelics) can supercharge the creative mindset. Intention, set, setting, and intellectual setup can invite creative downloads. Discoveries, products, or companies can result, marking steps in a conscious psychedelic innovator's journey. | Bruce Damer, Manoj Doss | PP150315 | ✓ |
| Session | Connecting French Immersive Creation with U.S. Venues | The Courtyard | The Courtyard ATX | Panel | 14:30 | 15:30 | From domes and movie theaters, to museums, film festivals and art spaces, U.S. venues are hungry for high-quality XR content. But where can they find it? France has become a global leader in immersive storytelling, with award-winning projects and cutting-edge innovations—but many remain untapped in the U.S. market. This panel connects American stakeholders, venue operators with top French creators, exploring how to bring these groundbreaking experiences stateside. | Katayoun Dibamehr, Vincent Florant, Elisha Karmitz, Joanna Popper | PP156332 | |
| Session | Courage Over Chaos: Local Resilience to Combat Instability | Austin Marriott Downtown | Waller Ballroom D | Panel | 14:30 | 15:30 | Unprecedented events have become more commonplace as we encounter more crises, disasters, and instability with greater frequency and scale. Political shifts, economic insecurity, surging natural disasters, and the prevalence of misinformation and disinformation have created a destabilizing effect that has left people feeling more vulnerable now than ever. In these trying times, how are leaders inspiring hope while also building resilience to counter the chaos? Hear from a diverse panel of mayors to learn about the need to fortify your community with strength, preparedness, and trust. | Aftab Pureval, Jim Ross, Sharetta Smith, Mark Updegrove | PP1148164 | ✓ |
| Session | Decolonizing Social Media: Combating Native Erasure Through Shitposting | Austin Convention Center | Room 8ABC | Panel | 14:30 | 15:30 | Since 1776, the U.S. government has worked hard to erase Native American culture and Native people. With the invention of the internet, Native folks are finally able to fight back, get connected and team up to create community, organize and talk trash about our oppressors for all the world to see. In Decolonizing Social Media, Native comedians and entertainment professionals discuss, from Standing Rock to Reservation Dogs, how the internet has helped us build audiences, take ownership over our stories and combat our attempted erasure through jokes, informative threads and shit posts. | Joey Clift, Azie Dungey, Jessica McEver, Savannah Romero | PP153889 | ✓ |
| Session | Define in Space, Design for Earth | Austin Marriott Downtown | Waterloo Ballroom 1-2 | Panel | 14:30 | 15:30 | Join leading experts in design, product development, and marketing to explore how the space age can revolutionizing product innovation, design, and branding. This panel will feature insights from industry pioneers who are shaping products beyond Earth's boundaries, using space as a canvas for storytelling and technology. Discover how microgravity environments and the space context can create breakthrough products with compelling narratives, reshaping consumer perceptions and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. | Phnam Bagley, Michael Mahoney, Ken Miura, Kei Shimada | PP155999 | ✓ |
| Session | Demystifying Rural Life: A Crash Course on Marketing to the Heartland | JW Marriott | Salon E | Presentation | 14:30 | 15:30 | After a 14-week, immersive road trip across small-town America, we learned people in the Heartland feel disrespected, unrepresented, and misunderstood by advertising and media. Instead of focusing on the problem, we turned the spotlight on the truth – what folks in these towns do for fun, what’s important, how they’re showing up for their communities and redefining creativity– to start building a bridge between marketers and the Heartland. In this presentation, we’ll unpack who this vibrant group is as people, not issues. We’ll lean into the positivity and optimism that’s often overlooked and explore how real culture exists in the in-between. | Camila Caldas, Charlie McKittrick | PP148913 | ✓ |
| Session | Development Mentor: Angeline Izquierdo (ShadowMachine) | Austin Convention Center | Room 11B | Mentor Session | 14:30 | 15:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Producers/Production, Development, Below the Line. | Angeline Izquierdo | PP1147505 | |
| Session | Development Mentor: Blaine Pate (Warm Springs Productions) | Austin Convention Center | Room 11B | Mentor Session | 14:30 | 15:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Producers/Production, Development, Doc Filmmakers, Funding/Artist Support. | Blaine Pate | PP1147506 | |
| Session | Development Mentor: Carolina Tamez (Rever Films) | Austin Convention Center | Room 11B | Mentor Session | 14:30 | 15:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Development, International, Producers/Production, Narrative Filmmakers. | Carolina Tamez | PP1147726 | |
| Session | Development Mentor: Joel Stonington (Business Insider) | Austin Convention Center | Room 11B | Mentor Session | 14:30 | 15:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Development, Doc Filmmakers, Producers/Production. | Joel Stonington | PP1147312 | |
| Session | Development Mentor: Jose Canas (Ghost House Pictures) | Austin Convention Center | Room 11B | Mentor Session | 14:30 | 15:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Development, Narrative Filmmakers, Producers/Production. | Jose Canas | PP1147803 | |
| Session | Development Mentor: Nick Romano (18Hz) | Austin Convention Center | Room 11B | Mentor Session | 14:30 | 15:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Producers/Production, Development, Narrative Filmmakers. | Nick Romano | PP1147311 | |
| Session | Development Mentor: Sophia Dilley (Concord Originals) | Austin Convention Center | Room 11B | Mentor Session | 14:30 | 15:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Development, Narrative Filmmakers, Doc Filmmakers. | Sophia Dilley | PP1147508 | |
| Session | Development Mentor: Tracy Rosenblum (BoulderLight Pictures) | Austin Convention Center | Room 11B | Mentor Session | 14:30 | 15:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Development, Producers/Production. | Tracy Rosenblum | PP1148395 | |
| Session | Digital Innovation and Luxury: An Unexpected Journey | Austin Convention Center | Room 18CD | Presentation | 14:30 | 15:30 | Innovation is part of Louis Vuitton’s DNA, a House of Culture exploring new frontiers and horizons. Louis Vuitton is engaged in a digital acceleration leveraging the most innovative technologies, such as IA and blockchain on all its touchpoints, at the service of an exclusive and personalized client experience. Discover the LV VIA journey, a unique Web3-based community engagement program capitalizing on three key pillars: unique products; events and experiences; and a distinctive community of clients. | Gordan Djogasevic | PP155898 | ✓ |
| Session | Dr. Tiktok Will See You Now: Social’s Impact On Obesity Care | The LINE | Topaz Ballroom 1-2-3 | Panel | 14:30 | 15:30 | Check out all events Presented by “Real Chemistry.”
From Oprah to South Park, everyone is talking about GLP-1s and their potential to revolutionize obesity care, for better or worse. This panel will challenge you to move beyond social media chatter and market speculation and consider what really needs to change so industry leaders can work with consumers, clinicians, and change agents alike to unlock a more productive healthcare system and a healthier, sustainable future for all. | Geoff Cook, Rita Glaze-Rowe, Shelby Hines, Courtney Younglove, MD | PP156016 | ✓ |
| Session | ENCORE: Beyond Predictions: Mastering the Art of Shaping the Future | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon F | Book Reading | 14:30 | 15:30 | In a world where 98% of predictions fail, isn’t it time to rethink how we approach the future? Dr. Frederik G. Pferdt, Google’s first Chief Innovation Evangelist and author of What’s Next Is Now: How to Live Future Ready, flips the script: Predictions don’t work—creating does.
Frederik invites you to rethink how you approach tomorrow, challenging you to actively shape what’s next instead of bracing for what might happen. The future isn’t something to wait for—it’s something to shape. And this session will show you how.
By unlocking a “future-ready mindstate”—a dynamic way of experiencing the present that empowers you to shape what comes next, going beyond mindset—you’ll learn how to transform anxiety into action, turn uncertainty into possibility, and design a future you love.
Because the question isn’t, What will the future bring?—it’s, Who do you need to become today to shape a future you love tomorrow? | Frederik Pferdt | PP1148469 | ✓ |
| Session | Factors Influencing the Future (Core Class) | Austin Marriott Downtown | Waterloo Ballroom 4-6 | Presentation | 14:30 | 15:30 | Part of a Multi-day Foresight Master Class Series and Exclusive Certification Opportunity from Amy Webb, her team at the Future Today Institute (FTI), and SXSW. Learn more here.
How do you separate helpful signals from hyped-up noise? We will teach you how to spot important clues that point to the future and tell the difference between trends and trendy. We’ll equip you with practical tools to cut through the clutter, validate what matters, and read critical signals to gain an advantage in your industry. Led by Future Today Institute Managing Director Melanie Subin, attendees will be introduced to FTI methodologies that help them explore factors that are influencing the future – namely, signals and trends. Attendees will walk through FTI’s frameworks for finding signals and validating trends. They’ll also gain access to our secret sauce: deep insights into how we identify the trends for our trend report. Attendees will be eligible for a Credential if they attend two of the three Core classes and one Elective class. | Melanie Subin | PP1147526 | ✓ |
| Session | Farm to Future: The Role of Climate-Smart Agriculture | JW Marriott | Salon 3-4 | Panel | 14:30 | 15:30 | Today’s food system lies at the intersection of some of the world’s biggest environmental challenges, from soil degradation, to freshwater consumption, to biodiversity loss and deforestation, and climate change. With a growing population and the convergence of these polycrises, lies a unique opportunity and responsibility. Through the lens of food and beverage products and retail, this session will explore the integration and scaling of regenerative and other forms of climate-smart agriculture - and the impact of these practices on our people, planet, and profit. | Caitlin Leibert, Paul Lightfoot, Ben Mand | PP152878 | ✓ |
| Session | Fashion's Female Future: Women Innovating in ClimateTech | Austin Convention Center | Room 18AB | Panel | 14:30 | 15:30 | Resale technology increasingly challenges the traditional fast fashion model, offering consumers high quality alternatives that are eco- and budget-friendly. Circular platforms are making secondhand shopping more accessible, owering fashion’s environmental impact by extending the life of garments and curbing demand for new production. Brands are also recognizing the revenue potential in resale as they engage with younger, eco-aware consumers. This evolution is paving the way for a greener future in fashion. | Natasha Franck, Emily Gittins, Jill Manoff, Samina Virk | PP151134 | ✓ |
| Session | Featured Session: Pattern Breakers: Why Some Start-ups Change the Future | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon H | Featured Session | 14:30 | 15:30 | Mike Maples will explore why some startups stumble into massive success while others, despite doing everything “right,” fall short. This session challenges the traditional business narrative, aiming to inspire the next generation of pattern-breakers to defy today’s rules and create tomorrow’s. Alongside big ideas, Mike will share tactical strategies to help potential founders decide if their startup idea is worth pursuing—and, if it is, how to turn it into a company that drives lasting change. | Jim Breyer, Mike Maples | PP1147281 | ✓ |
| Session | Featured Sessions: Prof G Predictions: 2025 | Austin Convention Center | Ballroom D | Featured Session | 14:30 | 15:30 | Prof Galloway shares his annual predictions, examining consumer, tech, and business trends that will have the biggest impact in 2025. Using data-informed insights, he will share his vision for the trends and opportunities that will define the year ahead. | Scott Galloway | PP1146883 | ✓ |
| Activation | FX's Alien: Earth makes impact at SXSW | 318 E 5th St | 318 E 5th St | Activation | 14:30 | 22:00 | Buckle up. FX's Alien: Earth is rapidly approaching Austin, TX and is expected to make impact at SXSW on March 7–8. Highly classified operations are being conducted at 318 E 5th St. Stop by to see if you have what it takes to join the team.
FX's Alien: Earth, an all-new original series, premieres this Summer on Hulu and with Hulu on Disney+. | | OE45407 | |
| Session | Gen Z vs the Gerontocracy: Reclaiming America’s Future | Austin Marriott Downtown | Waller Ballroom EF | Panel | 14:30 | 15:30 | Age is more than just a number, shaping pivotal decisions on reproductive rights, environmental protections and the 2024 Presidential Election. Whether you see old age as a sign of experience or being out of touch, it is clear Americans are looking for change. How do we convince our leaders to pass the torch to younger generations – to preserve their legacies and the future of our country? And what can institutions be doing to prepare for the new wave of Gen Z innovators across sectors? Gen Z leaders will share their vision for a future where youth voices are valued across today's society. | Tiana Day, Alex Edgar, Andrew Roth, Dillon St. Bernard | PP151248 | ✓ |
| Screening | Ghost Boy | AFS Cinema | AFS Cinema | Documentary Feature | 14:30 | 16:01 | Purchase Public Presale Tickets Here: "Ghost Boy"
Martin Pistorius, a bright 12 year old boy living in South Africa, fell into a mysterious vegetative state as a child. Three years later, he woke up without any memories and unable to communicate. Starting from zero, he began to teach himself about the world and who he was. He was in a very real sense, a living ghost. Unaware that he understood everything happening around him, his caretakers gave him an unobstructed look at the way people act when no one is watching. Employing an expressive, dream-like style to recreate Martin's journey through layers of consciousness and memory, GHOST BOY is the story of Martin’s journey back to the world, building a life and finding love and meaning. | Rodney Ascher | FS18158 | |
| Session | Green Sets & Great Stories - Film & TV in a Changing Climate | Austin Convention Center | Room 12AB | Panel | 14:30 | 15:30 | This panel will explore the growing opportunities for entertainment to integrate sustainability into our work both offscreen and on. Representatives from leading entertainment studios will discuss how they’re implementing sustainable production practices that reduce our environmental footprint while supporting great stories that engage with our changing climate on screen. This session will offer insight into the business and creative opportunities of embracing sustainability. | Kimberly Burnick, Jennifer Lynch, Sam Read, Emma Stewart | PP1147531 | ✓ |
| Session | Hacker Insights: Overcoming Our Digital Identity Crisis | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon J | Fireside Chat | 14:30 | 15:30 | We’re in the middle of a digital identity crisis where our information is being devoured by others for political, financial and social gain. It’s impacting how we perceive ourselves and the individual decisions we make, while undermining our privacy and security online. In this fireside chat we bust data myths and share wild stories about cybersecurity vulnerabilities. We demonstrate the access data brokers and bad actors have to our personal data, while advocating for new approaches to control our data and overcome the crisis we currently face. | Arjun Bhatnagar, Lisa Plaggemier | PP150870 | ✓ |
| Session | Hook 'Em Horns 2.0: Tech-Powered Brand & Fan Engagement | Antone’s | Antone’s | Panel | 14:30 | 15:30 | The University of Texas relaunched the Longhorn Network, leveraging the latest technology to deliver live and on-demand content and fuel fan engagement. Join industry experts as they discuss the future of sports content delivery, and how innovation is shaping the fan experience. Explore the strategies behind creating compelling content that resonates with today's viewers, and reaching new audiences and expanding the Longhorn Nation. Building a thriving online community and fostering deeper connections with fans. Finally, we’ll discuss utilizing technology to personalize the fan experience and drive interaction. | Grant Jones, Drew Martin, Lily Shane | PP156338 | |
| Session | How Global Influencers Bring Social Impact to Social Media | Austin Convention Center | Room 6AB | Panel | 14:30 | 15:30 | Over the past 25 years, more and more social advocacy campaigns have looked to high-profile champions to help promote their work. Sometimes it creates magic, sometimes it does not. So what does it take to do it well? This session will discuss the critical elements of success to meaningful and authentic influencer engagement strategies and will explore nuances of influencer engagement in Africa, with panelists from Kenya and Nigeria discussing first hand experiences. | Jude (M.I) Abaga, Erin Thornton | PP155099 | ✓ |
| Session | I’m Getting a Hint of Data: Lessons from the Wine Industry | The LINE | Onyx Ballroom 1/2/3/4 | Panel | 14:30 | 15:30 | Check out all events Presented by “IQVIA Digital.”
Today’s innovative winemakers use customer data to guide their work among the vines. In this panel, a chief winemaker joins seasoned marketers from multiple industries to give an inside look at how to use AI, data, and other innovation to drive a successful business. This discussion aims to provide healthcare marketers with valuable insights from the wine industry, demonstrating how to harness customer data to transform brands, adapt to consumer evolution, cut through the noise with precise data to maximize promotional impact, and effectively reach audiences through omnichannel strategies. | Oz Demir, Melissa Giordano, Marinda Kruger, Nicola Partridge | PP156374 | ✓ |
| Session | Is Everything a Cult? | Austin Convention Center | Room 10AB | Book Reading | 14:30 | 15:30 | Cults used to be defined by charismatic leaders and remote compounds. Not anymore. Today we think of cults as brands like Apple or Fenty, influencers like MrBeast or Jessie Lee Ward, conspiracy theorists like Alex Jones, or MLMs like LulaRoe and doTerra. In her new book, Hoodwinked: How Marketers Use the Same Tactics as Cults, Dr. Mara Einstein explains how social media and digital technologies have made us vulnerable to cult tactics, and why marketers are driven to implement these approaches in order to grab our attention and “create community.” | Mara Einstein | PP149707 | ✓ |
| Session | Lessons from AI in Travel and How it Applies to All of Us | Austin Convention Center | Ballroom B | Short Form | 14:30 | 14:40 | In a world where AI is revolutionizing industries, travel brands have a unique opportunity to leverage its power to forge smarter, more meaningful connections with consumers. "Unpacking AI and Travel" explores the cutting-edge AI trends reshaping the travel landscape and reveals how SiriusXM Media is enabling brands to shine through innovative, AI-driven audio solutions. | Laura Fernandez | PP156522 | |
| Session | Lightning Talks by Women Talk Design | JW Marriott | Salon 6 | Panel | 14:30 | 15:30 | Listen, learn, offer feedback, and leave inspired! Women Talk Design Lightning Talks provides speakers an opportunity to practice short talks in front of a supportive audience (that's you) and get feedback. Hear 3 speakers share their perspectives on futures thinking, evolving as a designer at an early-stage company, and leveraging UX design skills to boost small businesses. We hope you'll leave inspired to adopt a new process or mindset in your work – and perhaps leave inspired to start sharing your ideas publicly too! | Danielle Barnes, Leanne Kawahigashi, Lyric Metroplos, Ana Peralta | PP151698 | ✓ |
| Session | Mastering Film Finance: Proven Funding Strategies for Short Films | Austin Convention Center | Room 13AB | Panel | 14:30 | 15:30 | Unlock the secrets to securing funds for your short film in today’s competitive landscape. Join industry veterans as they reveal proven hacks to master crowdfunding, score grants and attract private investors. This panel is a must for creators, filmmakers, producers, directors and writers eager to elevate their projects and career. Dive into real-world success stories and gain actionable insights to transform your film from an idea to a funded reality. Level up your creative journey with expert funding strategies that you can put to work in your projects immediately. | Ramfis Myrthil, Taylor Shaw, John Trefry | PP150212 | ✓ |
| Session | Mentor Session: Carl E. Settles (E4 Youth) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 14:30 | 15:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Storytelling, "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion", Immersive Technology. | Carl E. Settles | PP1147140 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Darlene Fiske (The Fiske Group) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 14:30 | 15:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Business Development, Marketing/Advertising/PR, Storytelling. | Darlene Fiske | PP1147050 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: David Loy (Leverage Brands) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 14:30 | 15:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Marketing/Advertising/PR, Product Management/Development, Business Development. | David Loy | PP1147292 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: David Stephen Muntz (StarBridge Advisors and Muntz and Company) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 14:30 | 15:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Entrepreneurship, Business Development, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning. | David Stephen Muntz | PP1147798 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: David T. Stevens (Olympian Meeting) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 14:30 | 15:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Content Strategy/Production, Marketing/Advertising/PR, Sustainability. | David T. Stevens | PP1147051 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Edney Souza (InterNey) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 14:30 | 15:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Business Development, Entrepreneurship. | Edney Souza | PP1147176 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Emily Gupton (SKG) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 14:30 | 15:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Future of Work, "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion", Entrepreneurship. | Emily Gupton | PP1147424 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Gulay Ozkan (GEDS Strategic Design Consultancy) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 14:30 | 15:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Blockchain & Cryptocurrency, Business Development, Entrepreneurship, Funding, Marketing/Advertising/PR, Product Management/Development. | Gulay Ozkan | PP1147045 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Jakub Szewczyk (Consensys) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 14:30 | 15:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Blockchain & Cryptocurrency, Entrepreneurship, Product Management/Development. | Jakub Szewczyk | PP1147073 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Jenifer Loy (CDW) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 14:30 | 15:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Product Management/Development, Future of Work. | Jenifer Loy | PP1147084 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: John Canning (AMD and Creators Guild) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 14:30 | 15:45 | Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Content Strategy/Production, Immersive Technology. | John Canning | PP1148428 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Kelsey August (Lakeview Ventures) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 14:30 | 15:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Funding, Business Development, Entrepreneurship. | Kelsey August | PP1147184 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Tom Myers (V2R Ventures and DIH Solutions) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 14:30 | 15:45 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Business Development, Entrepreneurship, Fintech, Funding, Marketing/Advertising/PR, Nonprofits, Product Management/Development. | Tom Myers | PP1147190 | |
| Screening | Mola: A Tibetan Tale of Love and Loss | Violet Crown Cinema | Violet Crown Cinema 1 | Documentary Feature | 14:30 | 15:54 | Kunsang Wangmo - known as “Mola” to her family - is a Tibetan nun exiled from her homeland in 1959 to escape the Chinese occupation. Now 100 years old, and after living with her daughter Sonam in Switzerland for the past 45 years, she decides her last wish is to die in Tibet. This is the story of a mother and daughter coming to terms with this phase in Mola’s life, and Sonam and her husband Martin's journey to make Mola’s last wish come true. | Yangzom Brauen, Martin Brauen | FS18309 | |
| Screening | Mola: A Tibetan Tale of Love and Loss | Violet Crown Cinema | Violet Crown Cinema 3 | Documentary Feature | 14:30 | 15:54 | Kunsang Wangmo - known as “Mola” to her family - is a Tibetan nun exiled from her homeland in 1959 to escape the Chinese occupation. Now 100 years old, and after living with her daughter Sonam in Switzerland for the past 45 years, she decides her last wish is to die in Tibet. This is the story of a mother and daughter coming to terms with this phase in Mola’s life, and Sonam and her husband Martin's journey to make Mola’s last wish come true. | Yangzom Brauen, Martin Brauen | FS18310 | |
| Screening | Narrative Short Program 2 | Rollins Theatre at The Long Center | Rollins Theatre at The Long Center | Shorts Program | 14:30 | 16:15 | Exceptional storytelling that captivates, surprises, and excites. | | FS18057 | |
| Session | Navigating the High-Stakes World of Crisis Management | JW Marriott | Salon FG | Panel | 14:30 | 15:30 | Reputation is hard won and easily lost. Public perception impacts sales and customer retention in both the short and long term, with 46 percent of consumers saying they would pay more to purchase from brands they can trust. Plus, uncertain economic times can accelerate humanitarian, social and political issues, and with social media ready to ignite the flame, businesses and brands need to be prepared to act. In this session, join the world's leading crisis comms journalist, TikTok's celebrity PR whisperer and Citi's communications banking lead on the biggest crisis fails. | Laura Barganier, Gregory Galant, Eleanor Hawkins, Molly McPherson | PP150100 | ✓ |
| Session | 'On with Kara Swisher' Live featuring Sen. Elizabeth Warren | Austin Convention Center | Ballroom A | Podcast | 14:30 | 15:30 | Check out all events Presented by “Vox Media.”
Join us for a live taping of On with Kara Swisher. Senator Elizabeth Warren joins Kara for an in-depth, one-on-one interview about the constitutional crisis sparked by Donald Trump, Elon Musk’s hostile takeover of the federal government, and the future of the Democratic party. | Kara Swisher, Elizabeth Warren | PP156445 | |
| Session | Psychedelics in the Media | JW Marriott | Room 203-204 | Panel | 14:30 | 15:30 | This panel explores the presence of psychedelics in mainstream media and its impact on public perception, policy, and the future. We'll examine the historical impact of media, fear mongering, and the war on drugs. This session delves into the critical role of design and communication in shaping the acceptance of psychedelics, highlighting gray market products and the current state of CPG for illicit substances. The goal is to communicate how the collective can create a meaningful, realistic, and positive narrative around psychedelics and their potential to create meaningful change. | Carly Dutch-Greene, Cesar Marin, Alexandra Plesner, Dennis Walker | PP148862 | ✓ |
| Session | Redefining Leadership: Humanity in a Digital Era | Austin Marriott Downtown | Waller Ballroom AB | Panel | 14:30 | 15:30 | Our session is designed for emerging leaders navigating a technology driven world, aiming to lead with integrity and humanity, no matter what your title is. Balancing technological innovation with authentic leadership is key, and this session ensures you can thrive in a hyper-connected, rapidly evolving environment. We'll share actionable strategies so that you learn to lead with purpose, regardless of your position. You'll walk away knowing how to position yourself as a thought leader. Remember: You don’t have to wait until you reach the top to become a leader! | Deboshree Dutta, Upasna Gautam, Hitha Palepu, Sonal Shah | PP154408 | ✓ |
| Session | Reframing Allyship and Solidarity: How We Shift To Deepen Our Connections | Austin Convention Center | Room 9ABC | Presentation | 14:30 | 15:30 | We know that healthy culture and workplaces have strong social cohesion. We've spent the past few years understanding the importance of showing up as our full selves and encouraging others to do the same. And yet, as the world has become increasingly divided, and as so many of our relationships have disintegrated, it's become more and more difficult to figure out how to show up as with allyship and solidarity. | Simran Singh, Jerry Won | PP155750 | ✓ |
| Session | Robotics and the Future of Human Touch | Speakeasy | Speakeasy | Panel | 14:30 | 15:30 | From vacuuming to healthcare, robots are quietly infiltrating our lives. But what does this mean for the future of work and human connection? Robots are increasingly taking over tasks traditionally associated with women, such as cleaning and caregiving, potentially reinforcing existing gender roles. Additionally, the rise of automation is disproportionately affecting low-skilled jobs, which are often held by women, leading to concerns about job displacement and economic inequality. Are robots stealing our jobs and our humanity? As AI and robotics advance, how will it impact our lives? | Isabelle Blanchot, Rahel de Vriend, Deniz Houston, Sten Saluveer | PP156340 | |
| Session | Round Table: Acting: Alexandra Barreto, Rider Strong, and Sujata Day | Austin Convention Center | Room 15 | Round Table | 14:30 | 15:30 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked.
An extension of our popular Mentor Sessions, our Round Table Sessions not only allow attendees to learn from the industry experts that sit at each of the three tables in this session but they also allow attendees to learn from the questions and experiences of their peers as well. This Round Table Session will bring together industry experts and SXSW attendees for an enlightening discussion on Acting. | Alexandra Barreto, Sujata Day, Rider Strong | PP1147016 | |
| Session | Science of Design: Leveraging Data To Address Neuroinclusion | Austin Marriott Downtown | Waller Ballroom C | Presentation | 14:30 | 15:30 | We are living in a time of increased numbers and awareness about neurodiversity. In fact, 1 in 5 people are considered neurodivergent. Not only is designing for inclusive the right thing to do, there is a compelling business case to do so as well. HOK has conducted multiple studies, surveys, workshops, and biometric analysis to collect qualitative and quantitative data so we can ascertain how sensory stimulation in the built environment impacts occupants. Our goals is to determine the key factors that are impacting us and develop design strategies to aid in creating inclusive spa | Kay Sargent | PP151511 | ✓ |
| Session | The Science of Virality: How Analytics Drive Dynamic Content | Austin Convention Center | Room 5ABC | Presentation | 14:30 | 15:30 | Virality - it’s what every creator and brand longs for. But contrary to popular belief, it’s not about luck. It all comes down to analytics. There’s a science to driving engagement and producing eye-catching content.
Drawing from The Rapping Chef’s own experience as a successful creator, learn how elements like drop off rates, trending sounds, even color palettes impact engagement, and how creators can leverage analytics without sacrificing authenticity. In this session, hear from those who have mastered the art of virality while maintaining creative integrity and their unique brand voice. | Richelle Batuigas Iduwe, Joshua Williford | PP153184 | ✓ |
| Session | Solo Travelers Meet Up | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 406 | Meet Up | 14:30 | 15:30 | Where to next? Traveling alone doesn't mean being lonely! This casual meet up is for SXSW attendees who enjoy exploring the world, swapping travel stories, and sharing recommendations for their favorite destinations. If you've traveled to SXSW solo, don't be shy – come say hi, meet fellow travelers, make new connections, and maybe even get inspiration for a future trip. | Deepa Lakshmin | PP154646 | |
| Session | Start To Scale: Managing the Chaos of Rapid Growth | Courtyard Marriott | Rio Grande Ballroom 2 | Workshop | 14:30 | 16:30 | Advance sign up is required. Please locate the “RSVP” button on the page to reserve your spot. If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available on a first come, first serve basis.
Make your own plan to address the operational challenges of scaling a startup rapidly. Join Katrina Purcell and Rachel Anderson, fractional c-suite executives, for a master class in overcoming hurdles on process optimization, scaling teams, and utilizing technology to streamline operations. Audience members will have the opportunity to influence the details of the topics being addressed, through offering their own real-world examples to get real-time advice. This session is ideal for any leader trying to grow and scale. | Rachel Anderson, Katrina Purcell | PP152386 | |
| Session | Startup Founders and Funders Meet Up | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 410 | Meet Up | 14:30 | 15:30 | Join us at SXSW for Founders & Funders, where entrepreneurs and investors connect, share insights, and build meaningful relationships. We know building a business is tough, and the right conversations can make all the difference. This year, we’re structuring the event for maximum impact—attendees will rotate every 5–10 minutes, with guided prompts at key moments. Come ready to engage, learn, and form valuable connections in a dynamic, fast-paced setting! | Alexandra Friedman, Brian Schopfel | PP155663 | |
| Session | SXSW Pitch: Smart Cities, Transportation & Sustainability
| Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon DE | Pitch Event | 14:30 | 15:30 | SXSW Pitch is a platform that allows early-stage technology startups to pitch their product and/or services to industry technology experts, high-profile media personnel, and venture capitalists/angel investors.
Smart Cities, Transportation & Sustainability Technologies create and advance smart cities and/or enhance sustainable practices by providing services and products for local environments, which include buildings, neighborhoods, communities, and public spaces. These innovations may find applications in sustainability, climate change, renewable power sources, real estate development, transportation, tourism, logistics, product delivery, autonomous vehicles, ridesharing, infrastructure, utilities, public works, security, population data, government and civic services, urban planning and design, waste management and recycling, water management and conservation, green building, air quality monitoring and pollution control, disaster resilience and emergency management, and more.
The Smart Cities, Transportation & Sustainability Technology category winner will be announced at the SXSW Pitch Awards Ceremony on Sunday, March 9, at 6:30 p.m. in Salon H on the 6th floor of the Hilton Austin Hotel.
Also, attendees can make face-to-face connections with all 70+ SXSW Pitch finalists for 2025 at the special “Meet the Finalists” event on Monday, March 10, at 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Griffin Hall on the 2nd floor of the JW Marriott.
FINALISTS
Carbon Negative Solutions
Portland, OR
Carbon Negative Solutions remediates air and ground pollution for industrial companies, converting these waste streams into carbon-negative cement supplements (SCMs).
Emobi
San Francisco, CA
Emobi is the leading EV charging digital infrastructure that delivers a single point of integration to a vast network of charging stations and e-mobility partners through its advanced AI and data refinement models.
Helix Earth
Houston, TX
Helix Earth is adapting tech we created for NASA space missions to build a retrofit device that improves commercial rooftop AC efficiency and lowers your power bill by up to 50%.
Importal
Austin, TX
Importal is an AI-powered trade compliance platform that empowers companies to seamlessly and compliantly import goods into the United States.
Tern AI
Austin, TX
Tern AI is building the future of positioning, where figuring out where we are doesn’t require a trip to space.
ALTERNATES
Sluicebox
San Francisco, CA
Building the technical infrastructure to accelerate the green transition for the $2T electronic value chain.
Velo AI
Pittsburgh, PA
Our mission at Velo AI is to improve road safety by addressing the alarming surge in bicyclist fatalities and injuries over the past decade. | Lisa Burton , Bryony Cooper, Brian Dixon, Rahul Meka, Jessica Robinson | PP1146966 | |
| Session | Texas is So Hot: An Energy Future of Extremes | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon B | Panel | 14:30 | 15:30 | Around the world, extreme temperatures are rising past human livability— more than a moment in the uninhabited desert. In places suffering under war or deep drought, traditional energy cannot operate. How do the lessons of extremes instruct us about the future of energy? How do new energy futures imply radical change in society? This panel will explore future energy dynamics, profiling extreme conditions and energy system operation under duress. Speakers will discuss radical and hostile contexts and models for adaptation in a hot and less habitable world. | Andrew Bochman, Rebecca O'Neil, Tess Sprague | PP151660 | ✓ |
| Session | To Seed or Not to Seed: Exploring Inefficiencies in VC | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon G | Panel | 14:30 | 15:30 | How many of you have repeatedly heard that [insert underrepresented demographic here] receives less than 1-2% of venture capital?
We have also heard this statistic.
While many publications have focused on who is(n’t) getting capital, few have focused on defining the ideal distribution or uncovering the factors behind these disparities. Join our panel discussion where we’ll delve into comprehensive data exploring these issues, aiming to enhance the dialogue within the venture community and beyond. | Ethan Austin, Kwame Boler, Esosa Ighodaro, Lance Mason | PP1147894 | ✓ |
| Session | Transforming Women's Health: From Pain to Progress | JW Marriott | Salon D | Panel | 14:30 | 15:30 | Women’s healthcare has long been overlooked, plagued by misconceptions, underinvestment, and lack of access to equitable solutions. Our panelists, driven by personal experiences, are transforming women's health through groundbreaking technologies, innovative investments, and paradigm-shifting policies. This panel features a diverse group of game-changers, from doctors and philanthropists to investors and entrepreneurs, who have used their experiences as catalysts for change. This isn’t just a discussion – it’s an invitation to join a movement demanding women’s health be a global priority. | Chelsea Hirschhorn, Maneesh Jain, Dina Radenkovic, Olivia Walton | PP147424 | ✓ |
| Session | 'What if Pigs CAN Fly?' Transforming Curiosity into Reality | Courtyard Marriott | Rio Grande Ballroom 1 | Workshop | 14:30 | 16:30 | Advance sign up is required. Please locate the “RSVP” button on the page to reserve your spot. If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available on a first come, first serve basis.
Whether you're a professional seeking fresh perspectives, an entrepreneur looking for innovative ideas, or simply someone with a curiosity that has been tapping you on the shoulder, this book reading and workshop offer valuable tools and insights to help you create possibilities for yourself and others by following your curiosities. Based on Van Lai-DuMone's book 'What if Pigs Can Fly? In A Practical Guide to Follow Your Curiosities to Achieve Impractical Possibilities,' you'll learn a simple framework that addresses mindset, skill set, and behaviors to turn imaginative ideas into reality. | Van Lai-DuMone | PP147323 | |
| Session | What’s It Really Like To Be In a Documentary? | Austin Convention Center | Room 17AB | Panel | 14:30 | 15:30 | There is immense value and power in documentaries, but individuals who share their personal experiences and perspectives on screen can also face significant risks. The rising popularity of documentary films has brought this ethical complexity into sharper focus. For the first time, a groundbreaking large-scale study has asked documentary participants to share their experiences: Would they do it again? What would they change? Join us as we unpack these eye-opening findings and explore actionable steps to promote more equitable practices in documentary filmmaking. | Grace Anglin, Royd Chung, Margie Ratliff, Kim Snyder | PP149333 | ✓ |
| Session | Why Nuclear? State and Local Views | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon A | Panel | 14:30 | 15:30 | Explore the complexity, nuances and lessons learned in pursuing an “all of the above” energy strategy that includes nuclear energy with leaders from Kentucky, Colorado and Texas. Understand how energy is intermingled across many aspects of the state beyond just providing electricity. For Kentucky, energy transition means economic transformation. For Colorado, achieving decarbonization must be balanced with impact to rural energy communities. For Texas, energy is central to the economy and independence. | Glenn Davis, Betsy Madru, Matt Solomon, Virginia (V.A.) Stephens | PP150524 | ✓ |
| Session | Podcast advertising grows up: Smarter metrics, more impact | Austin Convention Center | Ballroom B | Short Form | 14:40 | 14:50 | Podcast advertising has evolved from a niche experiment to a data-driven, measurable channel. Unlike digital ads adapting to a cookie-less world, podcasts were never reliant on cookies - brands now use behavioral insights, multi-touch attribution, and exposure tracking to measure real impact.
This session explores how podcast metrics have become as trackable and actionable as social and CTV, with programmatic buying and precise audience targeting. Beyond downloads, brands gain deep insights into who’s listening, what they care about, and how to reach them effectively. | Cameron Hendrix | PP156524 | |
| Session | Arlan Hamilton Book Signing | Austin Convention Center | Room 10C | Book Signing | 14:45 | 15:10 | Arlan Hamilton will be signing copies of “Your First Million" at the SXSW Bookstore. | Arlan Hamilton | PP1148296 | |
| Screening | Bunny | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 6 | Narrative Feature | 14:45 | 16:12 | Bunny is a hustler out on a job when things go sideways and he’s thrown into a fight for his life. With the help of his best friend Dino, this fight kicks off one hot, endless, New York summer day spent scheming with the neighbors of their East Village tenement building to try — and repeatedly fail — to hide a dead body. Did I say body? I meant bodies. The cops keep sniffing around, the downstairs neighbors want to party, an Airbnb guest longs for love, an estranged father resurfaces, and Bunny just wants to make it through the night. | Ben Jacobson | FS18090 | |
| Screening | Bunny | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 5 | Narrative Feature | 14:45 | 16:12 | Bunny is a hustler out on a job when things go sideways and he’s thrown into a fight for his life. With the help of his best friend Dino, this fight kicks off one hot, endless, New York summer day spent scheming with the neighbors of their East Village tenement building to try — and repeatedly fail — to hide a dead body. Did I say body? I meant bodies. The cops keep sniffing around, the downstairs neighbors want to party, an Airbnb guest longs for love, an estranged father resurfaces, and Bunny just wants to make it through the night. | Ben Jacobson | FS18089 | |
| Screening | Mermaid | Hyatt Regency Austin | SXSW Film & TV Theater @ The Hyatt Regency | Narrative Feature | 14:45 | 16:30 | Purchase Public Presale Tickets Here: "Mermaid"
Doug is an awkward Florida drug addict. Divorced and alone, he shares custody of his young daughter with his ex. Doug's reeling from losing his job at a local strip club, where he takes care of the fish in the aquarium. Things are beyond bleak - so Doug zips his boat out into the Gulf to end the pain of his reality. But at his lowest point, he discovers an injured Mermaid creature clinging to life. For Doug, it's a sign from the Universe - so he brings her home, gives her shelter in his tub and begins to nurse her back to health. He even names her Destiny. As their rapport blossoms, word of his secret gets out and he is forced to protect his new friend by any means necessary. | Tyler Cornack | FS18525 | |
| Session | Why Brands Are (Finally) Catching Up to Comedy Podcasts | Austin Convention Center | Ballroom B | Short Form | 14:50 | 15:00 | Comedy podcasts were once seen as too risky for mainstream brands. Now, they’re among the most powerful ad platforms. What changed? This fast-paced session breaks down why brands are embracing comedy podcasts and how shows like Your Mom’s House and Bad Friends turn chaos into cash. With real ad-read examples, eye-opening data, and humor, we’ll show why comedy audiences convert better, why “brand-safe” is outdated, and why a Bert Kreischer manscaping ad outperforms a polished scripted read—proving comedy is the gold standard in podcast advertising. | Alan Abdine | PP156554 | |
| Session | Amy Webb Book Signing | Austin Convention Center | Room 10C | Book Signing | 15:00 | 15:25 | Amy Webb will be signing copies of “The Big Nine”, The Genesis Machine", and "The Signals Are Talking" at the SXSW Bookstore. | Amy Webb | PP1148295 | |
| Screening | Glorious Summer | Violet Crown Cinema | Violet Crown Cinema 4 | Narrative Feature | 15:00 | 16:30 | A sun-drenched Renaissance palace. Three women exist in an airy state of suspension, a liminal, responsibility-free bubble, where summer never ends. An enigmatic system fulfills all their needs - providing food, entertainment and a daily routine focused on wellness affirmations. There’s just one rule: they are forbidden to cross the surrounding wall. Soon, cracks begin to appear in this idyllic picture: using a "touch language” - as some things can't be said out loud, secretly practicing how to die, which is supposed to be their ticket to "another place". Long-suppressed anger and a desperate need to escape emerge. Will the girls, raised in perpetual immaturity, be able to overcome the fear? | Helena Ganjalyan, Bartosz Szpak | FS18192 | |
| Screening | Glorious Summer | Violet Crown Cinema | Violet Crown Cinema 2 | Narrative Feature | 15:00 | 16:30 | A sun-drenched Renaissance palace. Three women exist in an airy state of suspension, a liminal, responsibility-free bubble, where summer never ends. An enigmatic system fulfills all their needs - providing food, entertainment and a daily routine focused on wellness affirmations. There’s just one rule: they are forbidden to cross the surrounding wall. Soon, cracks begin to appear in this idyllic picture: using a "touch language” - as some things can't be said out loud, secretly practicing how to die, which is supposed to be their ticket to "another place". Long-suppressed anger and a desperate need to escape emerge. Will the girls, raised in perpetual immaturity, be able to overcome the fear? | Helena Ganjalyan, Bartosz Szpak | FS18191 | |
| Special Event | GoFundMe Happy Hour: Innovating for Good | Central District Brewing | Central District Brewing | Special Event | 15:00 | 18:00 | Looking for a happy hour that will make you feel truly happy? GoFundMe is here to help.
Learn how the world’s #1 crowdfunding platform is innovating with new products like GoFundMe Profiles, which help people not just give back, but also give forward. Don’t forget to see how you can donate to a local Texas cause without ever spending a cent. | | OE45425 | |
| Special Event | How US & UK Tech Collaboration is Transforming the Music Industry | UK House @ Palm Door on Sixth | UK House @ Palm Door on Sixth | Special Event | 15:00 | 16:00 | A Conversation Series in partnership with WIRED.
Hosted by Michael Calore, Director Consumer Tech & Culture at WIRED, this talk will explore how US-UK collaboration is helping to transform the music industry. Featuring Rubin Patel, CEO of TenWest, LaTecia Johnson, Co-Founder, Ingenius Studios and Anne McKinnon, CEO and co-founder, Ristband, the speakers will discuss how transatlantic innovation is driving transformation in music creation, distribution, and audience engagement. | | OE46164 | |
| Session | Podcasting on TV | Austin Convention Center | Ballroom B | Short Form | 15:00 | 15:10 | 1 billion people watch podcasts on YouTube, on TV, every month.
For a billion people, Podcasts are now premium TV.
Find out why and what it means. | Evan Shapiro | PP156564 | |
| Screening | Surviving Earth | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 2 | Narrative Feature | 15:00 | 16:40 | Based on a true story, SURVIVING EARTH follows Vlad, a talented harmonica player who arrived in the UK after fleeing the conflict in Yugoslavia. Now a counsellor living in Bristol, Vlad has brought his love for Balkan music to the city with a band formed with his friends from work. As the band strives for success, Vlad is revisited by the traumas of his past and his carefully rebuilt world starts to fracture, jeopardising the relationships with those closest to him and particularly with his daughter, Maria. | Thea Gajić | FS18497 | |
| Screening | Surviving Earth | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 7 | Narrative Feature | 15:00 | 16:40 | Based on a true story, SURVIVING EARTH follows Vlad, a talented harmonica player who arrived in the UK after fleeing the conflict in Yugoslavia. Now a counsellor living in Bristol, Vlad has brought his love for Balkan music to the city with a band formed with his friends from work. As the band strives for success, Vlad is revisited by the traumas of his past and his carefully rebuilt world starts to fracture, jeopardising the relationships with those closest to him and particularly with his daughter, Maria. | Thea Gajić | FS18498 | |
| Screening | We Are Storror | ZACH Theatre | ZACH Theatre | Documentary Feature | 15:00 | 16:35 | Purchase Public Presale Tickets Here: "We Are Storror"
At the peak of a death-defying career, the 7 friends of parkour team Storror embark on what could be their final project: a globetrotting quest to conquer 4 extreme environments. Faced with harrowing accidents and personal conflicts, the team grapples to maintain the bonds that have united them since their beginnings as ragtag street kids. From Michael Bay, this immersive documentary delves into these thrilling athletes who command over 10 million YouTube subscribers and nearly 3 billion views. Equal parts adrenaline and heart, the film takes you to the edge and asks: What's truly worth risking your life for? | Michael Bay | FS18234 | |
| Session | The History of Kids Advertising | Austin Convention Center | Ballroom B | Short Form | 15:10 | 15:20 | Kids are a crucial yet often overlooked audience for brands. Though they lack direct purchasing power, they wield immense influence over household buying decisions—often called the "nag factor" or "pester power." This marketing force has evolved over 50 years. Starglow explores the history of kid-focused branding, from the birth of the toy market and 1980s deregulation to the rise of '90s kid programming and today's fragmented media landscape. We uncover the most effective ways brands can authentically engage youth audiences today. | Jed Baker | PP156539 | |
| Session | Darryl Campbell Book Signing | Austin Convention Center | Room 10C | Book Signing | 15:15 | 15:40 | Darryl Campbell will be signing copies of “Fatal Abstraction" at the SXSW Bookstore. | Darryl Campbell | PP1148338 | |
| Screening | The Python Hunt | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 3 | Documentary Feature | 15:15 | 16:46 | Every year, the Florida government calls upon the general public to compete in an invasive python removal contest in the Everglades in an attempt to save the threatened ecosystem. For ten grueling nights, an eclectic group of amateur hunters confront the dangerous terrain, nocturnal creatures and their own tiny demons. Meanwhile, one professional hunter leads the charge to undermine the competition, questioning what hides beneath the python mania gripping the ‘glades. | Xander Robin | FS18403 | |
| Screening | The Python Hunt | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 4 | Documentary Feature | 15:15 | 16:46 | Every year, the Florida government calls upon the general public to compete in an invasive python removal contest in the Everglades in an attempt to save the threatened ecosystem. For ten grueling nights, an eclectic group of amateur hunters confront the dangerous terrain, nocturnal creatures and their own tiny demons. Meanwhile, one professional hunter leads the charge to undermine the competition, questioning what hides beneath the python mania gripping the ‘glades. | Xander Robin | FS18407 | |
| Special Event | Are the strongest really on Strava? | The Courtyard | The Courtyard | Special Event | 15:30 | 16:00 | A special event with:
- Hugo Travers, Founder of HugoDécrypte and Elan
- Olivier Goy, Ambassador of The Paris Brain Institue and patron of Les Invicibles
- Nicolas Santi-Weil, CEO of Ami Paris and Founder of French Parade | | OE46014 | |
| Special Event | Every Woman’s Marathon Social Hour | Rivian Park | Rivian Park | Special Event | 15:30 | 18:00 | Join Every Woman’s Marathon and Team Milk for a social reception. Enjoy complimentary refreshments while networking with people who are passionate about empowerment, resilience, and community. Every Woman’s Marathon is more than just a race—it’s a race experience made for women, by women. Come raise a glass and learn more about how you can be part of the most inspiring female-led race of the year. | | OE45412 | |
| Session | Dr. Mara Einstein Book Signing | Austin Convention Center | Room 10C | Book Signing | 15:45 | 16:10 | Dr. Mara Einstein will be signing copies of “Hoodwinked: How Marketers Use the Same Tactics as Cults" at the SXSW Bookstore. | Mara Einstein | PP1148318 | |
| Session | AI Models Driving the Next Generation of Psychedelics | JW Marriott | Room 203-204 | Presentation | 16:00 | 17:00 | The explorations of consciousness that started in the 1960s with early psychonauts’ attempts to articulate the psychedelic experience have now been rocketed into something entirely new with frontier AI models. Artists are using image and video models to express the ineffable frontiers of human experience, and biotech researchers are using large language models to calculate psychonauts’ “trip reports” and create novel altered states of consciousness that are now being tested in human trials. AI is now pushing the boundaries at the cutting edge of human experience. | Dillan DiNardo, Josie Kins | PP149956 | ✓ |
| Session | AI Native Companies: A Blueprint for Future Dominance | Austin Marriott Downtown | Waller Ballroom C | Presentation | 16:00 | 17:00 | Brace yourselves: AI is set to revolutionize the workplace like never before. The integration of AI into business isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a seismic shift that will challenge every norm. No aspect of work, from organizational structures to productivity metrics, will be left untouched. Microsoft’s latest research and insights from cutting-edge AI-native companies reveal a bold new blueprint for how businesses can thrive, and employees can excel in this AI-driven era. Get ready to confront the future head-on and redefine success. | Matthew Duncan | PP153677 | ✓ |
| Session | Armed Only With A Camera – Why Reporters/Filmmakers Go To War | Austin Convention Center | Room 17AB | Panel | 16:00 | 17:00 | Check out the short film, “Armed only with a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud."
Journalism has become one of the most dangerous professions in the world. Every week, two journalists are murdered or die in combat. This panel has covered wars for over a combined 100 years. They will discuss how witnessing war changed them and changed Brent Renaud.
They have dedicated their lives to inform the public of the horrors of war, even if it means the ultimate sacrifice. | Jon Alpert, Juan Arredondo, Amy Goodman, Craig Renaud | PP1147744 | ✓ |
| Session | An Artist and a Scientist Contemplate the Future of Humanity | Austin Marriott Downtown | Waterloo Ballroom 3 | Fireside Chat | 16:00 | 17:00 | Biologist & filmmaker Nathan Dappen, PhD, Director & Co-creator of PBS's Human Footprint & co-owner at Day’s Edge Productions, joins artist Emily Montoya, co-founder of Meow Wolf, for a thought-provoking conversation about the future of our planet & society. They will explore how creativity & science shape our world & the significant role humans play in the planet’s evolution. Montoya’s artistic vision, paired with Dappen’s scientific insights will provide a compelling look at where we are headed. Expect engaging humorous dialogue that may even touch on the weirdness of grocery stores. | Nate Dappen, Emily Montoya | PP152691 | ✓ |
| Session | Bridging the Gap: AI-Driven Utility Transformation and Nuclear Energy | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon B | Panel | 16:00 | 17:00 | As the world pushes to increase nuclear output by 2.5 times by 2050, a cultural and technological shift is underway. The rise of small modular reactors (SMRs) represents a game-changing innovation in nuclear energy, but traditional utility models are clashing with the fast-paced ethos of tech companies eager to lead in this new era. This panel will explore how these two worlds—nuclear and technology—must align to meet the energy needs of tomorrow while balancing safety, speed, and sustainability in this digital transformation of utilities. | Brad Fox, Drew Griffiths, Archie Manoharan, Phillip Zeringue | PP1146683 | ✓ |
| Comedy Event | Comedy Bang! Bang! The Podcast (Live Recording) | Esther's Follies | Esther's Follies | Comedy | 16:00 | 17:30 | Host Scott Aukerman (Mr. Show) brings his signature Earwolf podcast to the stage, blending quick-witted conversation and hilarious character work from today’s funniest comedians.
Comedy Bang! Bang!, a long-time staple of SXSW Comedy, always features a few very special guests -- so expect plenty of surprises (and maybe a few familiar faces...) | Scott Aukerman, Lauren Lapkus | CE00471 | |
| Session | The Creative Industry Meet Up | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 406 | Meet Up | 16:00 | 17:00 | Ready to tap into the creative pulse of a global industry? The UK is home to one of the world’s most vibrant creator economies, but this session isn’t just about us—it’s about connecting innovators, brand leaders, and startup founders worldwide. Whether you’re a longtime friend of UK Advertising or new to SXSW, join us and connect with the brightest stars of the global creative industry. No formalities, share ideas, connect, and have conversations with trailblazers shaping the future of creativity across the Atlantic and beyond. | Aisling Conlon | PP154677 | |
| Session | Creators at the Epicenter of Culture | Austin Convention Center | Room 6AB | Panel | 16:00 | 17:00 | As video viewing continues to fragment across TV, streaming, digital and more, there's one thing that hasn't changed: YouTube creators continue to be the most loved and most trusted voices breaking through in culture right now. Hear from top YouTube creators on how the platform allows them to be at the epicenter of culture and connect with their audiences across every format and every device. | Sean Evans, Cassey Ho, Michelle Khare, Josh Scherer | PP156276 | ✓ |
| Special Event | CULTURE3 @ SXSW: Brands & Impact In A Changing World | UK House @ Palm Door on Sixth | UK House @ Palm Door on Sixth | Special Event | 16:00 | 17:00 | Oscar-nominated film-maker, celebrated photographer, chairman of London's biggest arts centre, the Southbank, and Culture3 founder Misan Harriman in conversation with Louis Levin, influence broker and founder of Conspirators creative impact agency.
As major companies pull back from sharing their values, these two cultural architects discuss how brands can still play an essential role in societal conversations. Beyond culture wars, brands can leverage their immense cultural firepower to spark meaningful dialogue on important issues - creating social impact while driving deep brand loyalty and profitability.
https://lu.ma/630o7pcv | | OE45646 | |
| Session | Defying Invisibility: Muslim Narratives & Writing the Wrongs | The Thompson Hotel Austin | Red River Ballroom | Panel | 16:00 | 17:00 | Check out all events Presented by “Muslim Public Affairs Council.”
Hollywood's approach to representation and existing infrastructure continues to leave Muslim communities misunderstood and marginalized. Despite the entertainment industry’s strides in DEI and purpose-driven storytelling, Muslim narratives remain in danger of being reduced to misrepresentation or erased altogether. This panel will discuss how Muslim narratives can be a catalyst for social justice and inspire systemic growth. We will explore how storytellers can combat invisibility and challenge stereotypes to foster dialogue and champion authentic representation. | Hoda Abrahim, Asif Ali, Yasmin Elhady, Saagar Shaikh | PP156301 | ✓ |
| Session | Designing with Women to End Cervical Cancer | JW Marriott | Salon D | Presentation | 16:00 | 17:00 | We’re entering a new era in women’s healthcare, where the entire design process centers on the voices of the women it serves. This session explores how a fresh approach—engaging a diverse set of women from concept to launch—is redefining the outdated cervical cancer screening experience, replacing the dreaded in-office Pap smear with a more empowering (and much preferred) alternative. Learn how asking why, how, and what else we should know has helped break down barriers, prioritize women’s unique needs, and drive innovation toward a more equitable future in healthcare—ultimately working to eradicate cervical cancer. | Kara Egan, Jennifer Lo | PP1146983 | ✓ |
| Session | Featured Session: Peter Attia: The Science and Art of Longevity | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon H | Featured Session | 16:00 | 17:00 | Join us for a fireside chat with Dr. Peter Attia as we explore the science and principles behind living a longer, healthier life. This engaging discussion will uncover the foundations of longevity, examine the balance between lifespan (how long you live) and healthspan (how well you live), and share actionable strategies to help you take control of your health journey. Discover how much of longevity is within your control, what "Medicine 3.0" means for taking a more proactive approach to health, and why it’s never too early—or too late—to start prioritizing your well-being. Whether you're just beginning or looking to refine your approach, this talk will offer invaluable insights to help you build and personalize your longevity toolkit. | Peter Attia, Marty Munson | PP1146827 | ✓ |
| Session | Featured Session: The Last of Us: Cast and Creators on Season 2
| Austin Convention Center | Ballroom D | Featured Session | 16:00 | 17:00 | The cast and creators behind HBO’s Emmy-winning series THE LAST OF US provide a glimpse into the show’s highly anticipated second season debuting this April. Panelists include Craig Mazin (Co-Showrunner/EP/Writer/Director), Neil Druckmann (Co-Showrunner/EP/Writer/Director), Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, and Young Mazino. | Kaitlyn Dever, Neil Druckmann, Gabriel Luna, Craig Mazin, Young Mazino, Isabela Merced, Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Joanna Robinson | PP1147717 | ✓ |
| Session | Featured Session: Visual Healing: Fantastic Fungi's Louie Schwartzberg | Austin Convention Center | Room 16AB | Featured Session | 16:00 | 17:00 | Fantastic Fungi filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg will discuss the impact of sensory experiences—sight and sound—to amplify the benefits of visual healing with psychedelics. Louie will explain how his films use time-lapse and VFX cinematography to create journeys through time and scale that are transcendent and promote healing, opening your heart to beauty, and celebrating life. He will share personal journeys, clinical trials, immersive experiences from music festivals, the Sphere, and the Vatican, and how the future is fungi.
Concludes with a Q&A session. | Louie Schwartzberg | PP152518 | |
| Session | Featured Session: Weirding the Digital: An Invocation | Austin Convention Center | Ballroom EF | Featured Session | 16:00 | 17:00 | The net began as a haven for the counterculture and a catalyst for strange new possibilities, yet it quickly surrendered to the needs of the market for predictability and profits. Digital technologies promote utilitarian ends instead of creative ones, and artificial intelligence favors the probable over the possible. It's time to talk ourselves down off this bad trip and - in the spirit of the OG SXSW - to fold the weirdest fringes back to the center of our digital society. This session will initiate the next interactive age. Convened by Douglas Rushkoff, celebrating the new 15th anniversary edition of his classic text, Program or Be Programmed. | Douglas Rushkoff | PP1146798 | ✓ |
| Session | FIFA World Cup 2026™: Delivering the World’s Biggest Event - Ever | Austin Marriott Downtown | Waller Ballroom EF | Panel | 16:00 | 17:00 | The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final hosted by New York New Jersey will be the biggest and most-watched event ever with viewership of over 3 billion worldwide and bringing millions to North America during the six-week tournament.
As we approach not one but two monumental events—the FIFA World Cup 2026, hosted across 16 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and the 250th Anniversary of the United States —our panel will explore the transformative, long-term impacts of 2026 on the NYNJ and Philadelphia regions. Focused on community, we will also highlight the importance of big-picture thinking and fostering unity of purpose among all stakeholders as we plan for these unprecedented events.
We will share best practices for collaboration, offering strategies to unite diverse groups and create a powerful, collaborative ethos within teams. Our panel will demonstrate the necessity of a coordinated approach across many different sectors. Nonprofits will be highlighted as essential catalysts in driving effective public-private partnerships and fostering unprecedented collaboration.
This panel is a must-attend for leaders and stakeholders from other cities hosting large-scale events, as it will provide invaluable lessons and actionable insights on creating lasting, positive impacts for all. Join us for a dynamic session where we share transformative strategies to ensure these historic events leave an enduring legacy of success for our communities.
#FIFAWorldCup #WeAre26 #WeAreNYNJ #WeArePhiladelphia | Jeremy Goldberg, Meg Kane, Kely Nascimento, Lauren Nathan-LaRusso | PP151057 | ✓ |
| Session | From FOMO to Fulfillment: The Science of Consumer Behavior | JW Marriott | Salon FG | Panel | 16:00 | 17:00 | With online shopping hype cycles such as “TikTok made me buy it” “Dupes” and “Must-haves” everything has begun to feel more and more like an ad. Buyers are often asking “why do people buy that? Wait, why did I buy that?”
Three professors share their research on how and why consumers are motivated, covering factors such as scarcity, meaning, and brand empathy. This panel serves as a resource and conversation point for understanding consumer decision making and spark conversations around the tactics used in the marketing industry to influence these decisions. | Tom Denari, Kelly Goldsmith, Michael Platt, Lawrence Williams | PP152661 | ✓ |
| Session | Funding/Artist Support Mentor: Robert Baltazar (NBCUniversal) | Austin Convention Center | Room 11B | Mentor Session | 16:00 | 17:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Producers/Production, Screenwriting. | Robert Baltazar | PP1147308 | |
| Session | The Future of Integrated Energy Systems | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon A | Panel | 16:00 | 17:00 | Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is driving innovative research to enhance energy efficiency, resilience, and security. This panel will highlight the latest designs from industry for rapidly scaling up the production of hydrogen, fuels, commodity chemicals, and thermal energy. This panel will also highlight how the INL Energy Technology Proving Ground bridges the gap between innovations in research and industry’s emerging technologies, allowing private public partnerships that demonstrate and validate novel energy solutions. | Brent Cheldelin, Zachary Helm, Lee Jestings, Lynn Wendt, PhD | PP1148140 | ✓ |
| Session | Future Shock Therapy: Revolutionizing How We Measure Minds | Austin Marriott Downtown | Waller Ballroom AB | Panel | 16:00 | 17:00 | What if learning wasn’t something that ended after high school or college? What if culture positioned education as an always-on pursuit? For centuries, we've trapped human potential in one-dimensional metrics—numbers, tests, and static assessments. But in an unpredictable world where tomorrow's jobs and industries are anyone's guess, how do we prepare for the unknown? The answer: future readiness; a revolution in how we identify and nurture talent. This panel smashes old models and embraces a lifelong learning approach, ensuring every individual's potential is recognized and cultivated. | Chris Duffey, Craig Elimeliah, Michelle Froah | PP151579 | ✓ |
| Session | Gatecreeping: Who Defines Art in the Age of Content | Austin Convention Center | Room 5ABC | Fireside Chat | 16:00 | 17:00 | When is art “art” and not “content”, and does it matter? Viral typographic artist and content creator Michael James Schneider, along with writer, director, activist and popular online personality Sarah Jones, will discuss what’s at stake (and what’s at risk) in defining art, and the clunky and often problematic origins of defining what art is (and who does the defining). They will examine their own journey to find their artistic voices in the age of social media, and in the face of a wave of people defining their art for them. | Sarah Jones, Michael Schneider | PP149689 | ✓ |
| Session | Harnessing Local Talent to Propel Creative Industries | The Courtyard | The Courtyard ATX | Panel | 16:00 | 17:00 | Discover how countries are leveraging their unique cultural specialties and local talents and start-ups to propel their national creative industries onto the global stage. With insights from leaders like The French Touch Movement (France), TAICCA (Taiwann), the Austin Film Society (US), this panel delves into strategies for nurturing creative ecosystems, fostering innovation, and celebrating cultural heritage. Join us for a lively discussion on turning national creativity into international success. | Martin Jones, Rachel Parent, Nicolas Parpex, Rae Yen | PP156331 | |
| Session | Health Points: Why Gaming is the Real Media Score for Pharma | The LINE | Onyx Ballroom 1/2/3/4 | Panel | 16:00 | 17:00 | Check out all events Presented by “IQVIA Digital.”
TV, once the cornerstone of pharma marketing strategies, is witnessing a decline in viewership. To maintain reach to healthcare professionals and consumers, brands must rapidly innovate their approach. With two-thirds of the U.S. population playing video games, in-game advertising offers a uniquely large, leaned-in audience. This session explores the strategic fusion of interactive experiences and brand messaging, addressing the challenges and opportunities that arise when pixels meet play. Join us to unlock the next level of audience engagement and redefine the future of entertainment media. | Dave Gluck, Kimberly Jones, Cristin Liberatore, Alison Tapia | PP156064 | ✓ |
| Session | Hyperrealism in an Age of Visual Illiteracy | JW Marriott | Salon 7 | Presentation | 16:00 | 17:00 | Like hyperpop’s sped-up, distorted, and self-referential lens on traditional pop music, hyperreal visuals have been an artistic undercurrent to today’s mainstream visual language for the past decade. However, as Baudrillard warned, hyperrealism is “the simulation of something which never really existed”—describing our algorithmic present where the perfect representation of something has more cultural currency than its imperfect reality. This session explores strategies for distorting, interrupting, and breaking 3D CGI as a reclamation of humanity in its viewing experience. | Roger Dario, Caroline Leong | PP154658 | |
| Session | Indigenous Cinema Has No Borders | Austin Convention Center | Room 12AB | Panel | 16:00 | 17:00 | Check out the documentary short directed by Loren Waters, “Tiger.”
Check out the documentary feature directed by Paige Bethmann, “Remaining Native.”
Check out the narrative short directed by Shane McSauby, “The Beguiling.”
Check out the XR project by Kayla Briët, “Ways of Knowing: A Navajo Nuclear History.”
At the intersection of creativity, culture, and reclamation, this panel brings together four Indigenous filmmakers premiering their latest work at SXSW. In a vibrant conversation, they will explore the concept of narrative sovereignty—the right of Indigenous peoples to tell their own stories, represent their identities on their own terms, and shape their cultural legacies in the cinematic world. | Paige Bethmann, Kayla Briët, Shane McSauby, Loren Waters | PP1148125 | ✓ |
| Session | Katie Kime Shares How to Turn Your Passion into a Business | Austin Convention Center | Room 18AB | Presentation | 16:00 | 17:00 | Founder and Creative Director Katie Kime launched her namesake print-based lifestyle brand in 2013. Today, Katie Kime is a thriving business renowned for its vibrant approach to clothing, home décor, wallpaper, and stationery. Join Katie as she shares her creative journey, the inspirations behind her brand, entrepreneurial lessons learned as a female founder, and how she continues to foster meaningful connections with her loyal consumer base. | Katie Kime, Lauren Petrowski | PP1148364 | ✓ |
| Session | Ken-Ya Dig It? A Sexy & Gender Responsive African Ag Revival | JW Marriott | Salon 1-2 | Fireside Chat | 16:00 | 17:00 | Can an African farmer be both a style icon and a changemaker? Discover the new wave of Kenyan women who are making farming sexy by merging glamor with groundbreaking practices. These leaders blend tradition with innovation, bridge continents for Glocal community development, and lead a food revolution with gender-responsive, youth-focused strategies. See how female innovators use philanthropy and storytelling to bring appeal, turning farming into a beacon of climate resilience, equity, and inclusion — inspiring emerging leaders, and rewriting the narrative of what it means to feed the future! | Dr. Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg, Vanessa Mukhebi | PP147307 | ✓ |
| Session | Make it in Texas! Film, TV and Digital Media Meet Up | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 410 | Meet Up | 16:00 | 17:00 | Love to make movies, shows or digital media content? Do you have a project to produce in Texas? Are you wanting to connect with the Texas production community and beyond? If so, the Texas Film Commission invites you to come chat about ways to make it happen. Let’s talk about locations, local production crews, vendors, grants, incentives, new technologies and the creative community in the Lone Star State. We want to share with you the many resources that Texas has to offer as a destination for your next project. | Steven Mccaig, Robert Houston Rodriguez | PP148616 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Andrew Gyger (LA Weekly) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 16:00 | 17:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Marketing/Advertising/PR, Business Development. | Andrew Gyger | PP1147048 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Anthony E. Gellert (Livingston Capital Ventures, LP) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 16:00 | 17:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Business Development, Entrepreneurship, Marketing/Advertising/PR. | Anthony E. Gellert | PP1147170 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Brian Zisk (Miami MusicTech Summit) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 16:00 | 17:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Business Development, Entrepreneurship, Funding. | Brian Zisk | PP1147546 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Fang Fang (Big Plan LLC) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 16:00 | 17:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Nonprofits, "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion", Sustainability, Entrepreneurship. | Fang Fang | PP1147155 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Frankie Berkoben (Frankly Quite ADHD) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 16:00 | 17:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion", Future of Work, Storytelling. | Frankie Berkoben | PP1147434 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Graham Nolan (Do the WeRQ) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 16:00 | 17:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion", Marketing/Advertising/PR, Storytelling. | Graham Nolan | PP1147052 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Joel Granoff (JSGRAN) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 16:00 | 17:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Business Development, MedTech, Future of Work. | Joel Granoff | PP1147807 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Latresa McLawhorn Ryan (Blackbird Strategy Group) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 16:00 | 17:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Business Development, Entrepreneurship, Funding. | Latresa McLawhorn Ryan | PP1147654 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Laura Haykel (iFlourish Consulting) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 16:00 | 17:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Business Development, Entrepreneurship, Marketing/Advertising/PR. | Laura Haykel | PP1147549 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Michael V. Marrale (M Science) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 16:00 | 17:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Funding, Fintech, Data Science. | Michael V. Marrale | PP1147637 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Neil Juneja (Gleam Law) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 16:00 | 17:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Entrepreneurship, Future of Work, Policy. | Neil Juneja | PP1147452 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Patricia Lusia Carneiro da Silva (Plann.hub Inteligência, Estratégia E Inovação ) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 16:00 | 17:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Business Development, "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion", Product Management/Development. | Patricia Lusia Carneiro da Silva | PP1147406 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Paul Newnham (SDG2 Advocacy hub) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 16:00 | 17:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Food/AgTech, Nonprofits, Sustainability. | Paul Newnham | PP1147089 | |
| Session | Mentor Session: Tony Fay (Tony Fay Public Relations) | Hilton Austin Downtown | Room 400-402 | Mentor Session | 16:00 | 17:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Marketing/Advertising/PR, Sports, Storytelling. | Tony Fay | PP1147551 | |
| Session | Mike Maples Book Signing | Austin Convention Center | Room 10C | Book Signing | 16:00 | 16:25 | Mike Maples will be signing copies of “Pattern Breakers" at the SXSW Bookstore. | Mike Maples | PP1148297 | |
| Session | Most AI Startups Are Doomed | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon G | Panel | 16:00 | 17:00 | Most AI startups are doomed. This isn’t because of the recent Goldman report or other doubts about AI’s potential. It’s the nature of tech booms to have busts. The fact that it’s coming is uninteresting. What’s really interesting is what comes after. After all, Google and Amazon came out of the Dotcom bust to completely reshape our world, quietly—and then not-so-quietly. We are bringing together top AI scientists, investors, and experts to talk about what AI actually is, what startups just might survive, and more importantly, what comes after the fall. | Chidi Nwankpa, Sergei Polevikov, Kartik Tiwari, James Wang | PP149806 | ✓ |
| Session | Music Urbanism in Motion: Affordable Spaces to Preserve Austin's Cultural Pulse | JW Marriott | Salon 6 | Panel | 16:00 | 17:00 | The sound of the streets awakens us. We gather around acts of creativity; individuals brave enough to alter our sense of time and we celebrate what it is to be alive, together. Let’s protect our musicians, our artists, our creative class, making sure there is still room for them to work, live, and spread joy. Hear from experts in music, placemaking, and urban design who share real-life solutions out of Austin, Jacksonville, and Philadelphia. Join in as they discuss innovative strategies that position retired city buses, under-used alleys, and vacant storefronts into vibrant gathering spaces. | Brian Phillips, Michael J. Winningham, Kady Yellow | PP1146953 | |
| Session | 'Networth & Chill' Live with Your Rich BFF Vivian Tu featuring Nico Santos
| Austin Convention Center | Ballroom A | Podcast | 16:00 | 17:00 | Check out all events Presented by “Vox Media.”
Join Your Rich BFF Vivian Tu for a live taping of her podcast, Networth & Chill, where she gets up close and personal with guest actor and comedian Nico Santos about the good, bad, and ugly of how money impacts all of our lives. Instead of your traditional boring business show, Networth & Chill covers financial topics as they relate to your actual life. At SXSW, Tu will break complicated economic concepts down into understandable terms, and share advice on how to make the most of your money. | Nico Santos, Vivian Tu | PP156396 | |
| Session | News in the Digital Age: Distinguishing Fact from Fiction | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon K | Panel | 16:00 | 17:00 | The digital age has revolutionized how we consume information and how news gets reported. The rapid advancement of social media, AI and citizen journalism, among other factors, is making it harder than ever to distinguish facts from fiction. Join media and tech leaders to learn how these new challenges are impacting how news is produced and how to differentiate between real journalism and unverified news in this ever- evolving information landscape. | Sarah Brandt, Sally Lehrman, Naomi Nix, Mike Wendling | PP152702 | ✓ |
| Special Event | One Health: Data & AI for Humans, Animals & Planet | Speakeasy | Speakeasy | Special Event | 16:00 | 17:00 | Planetary health, human and animal health as well as social well-being are interlinked. To ensure our future on this planet, we need to adopt an interdisciplinary One Health approach. The experts on this panel will discuss how data enables holistic solutions. They will explore how we can collect better data and how decision-makers in politics, healthcare and business can leverage this data with the help of AI to create healthy, sustainable and prosperous communities.
https://www.german-haus.com | | OE45465 | |
| Session | Performing Space: Weaving Art and Science on the Stage | Austin Convention Center | Room 9ABC | Panel | 16:00 | 17:00 | The intersection of art and science is a consistent hot topic in communication theory, the art realm, academic research, and related industries. Join professionals from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) to discuss projects, research, and communication strategies focused on the relationship between science and the arts that can be brought to the stage to inspire audiences from various backgrounds. A special performance viewing will follow this panel. | Felipe Cervera, Dolores Chavez, Kaitlyn Soares | PP154349 | ✓ |
| Session | The Podcast Advertising Playbook for Brand Marketers | Austin Convention Center | Ballroom B | Short Form | 16:00 | 16:10 | Dr. Tamara Zubatiy Nelson, CEO of Barometer, will discuss how programmatic enablement and curation are key to unlocking the power of podcast advertising for brand advertisers. Podcasts have historically lacked comparable brand safety solutions to other digital channels, Barometer solves this problem. This panel showcases the tech advancements that have enabled pre-bid programmatic advertising for podcasting at scale! This session will also discuss balancing programmatic and direct opportunities through curation revealing the blueprint for qualifying opportunities for inclusion! | Tamara Zubatiy-Nelson | PP156515 | |
| Session | Protecting Digital Identity When Disasters Strike | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon J | Presentation | 16:00 | 17:00 | Disasters don’t just destroy physical infrastructure—they open the door to digital exploitation. Scammers prey on vulnerable populations, exploiting compromised ID systems and fractured communication. In this session, a digital ID expert will take you inside the mind of a scammer, showing how they target crises and what steps we can take to protect digital identities. From emergency data protocols to privacy-focused technology, explore how we can outsmart malicious actors before they strike, ensuring people don’t face a digital crisis on top of other disasters. | Yasodara Cordova, Fabiola Maurice | PP156058 | ✓ |
| Session | Psychedelic Medicine: Five Trips to Healing Your Mind | Austin Convention Center | Room 10AB | Book Reading | 16:00 | 17:00 | This talk explores the transformative power of psychedelics in addressing deep-seated mental health issues, including depression and trauma. Drawing from a personal five-year journey across the globe, multi-national Emmy award-winning journalist Kendis Gibson shares profound insights into how these unconventional therapies can reshape the way we understand healing, offering a new frontier in mental health treatment. | Kendis Gibson, Alex Holley | PP1147897 | ✓ |
| Session | Representing a Client Charged With Murder--It's Not Like TV | Austin Marriott Downtown | Waller Ballroom D | Panel | 16:00 | 17:00 | A lawyer, a mitigation investigator, as forensic psychologist, and a paralegal/case manager discuss the realities of representing a person charged with murder, and perhaps facing the death penalty. This very experienced team of professionals will share their experiences handling the most serious cases in our legal system.The focus is on how we develop mitigation evidence and the use of forensic psychology to humanize our clients. We will also explore the realities and challenges of developing trust and rapport with the client, the client's family, and often with the victim's family. | Russell Barnett, Carin Connell, Erika Henao, Megan McNeal | PP155836 | ✓ |
| Session | Round Table: Producing: Ashleigh Snead, Chris Debiec, and Milan Chakraborty | Austin Convention Center | Room 15 | Round Table | 16:00 | 17:00 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked.
An extension of our popular Mentor Sessions, our Round Table Sessions not only allow attendees to learn from the industry experts that sit at each of the three tables in this session but they also allow attendees to learn from the questions and experiences of their peers as well. This Round Table Session will bring together industry experts and SXSW attendees for an enlightening discussion on Producing. | Milan Chakraborty, Chris Debiec, Ashleigh Snead | PP1147289 | |
| Session | Running the Future: Women, Movement & Community | Rivian Park | Rivian Park | Panel | 16:00 | 17:00 | Join Every Woman’s Marathon and Team Milk for Running the Future: Women, Movement & Community, a dynamic conversation on the challenges and triumphs in women’s running and sports. Led by Emily Abbate, host of the Hurdle podcast, this discussion brings together an elite athlete, a mental health professional, and a dedicated community runner to explore the mental and physical aspects of training, overcoming barriers, and building a stronger, more inclusive running community. | Emily Abbate, Citlalli Gomez, Sarah Joyner, Des Linden | PP156559 | |
| Session | Sales, Acquisitions, and Distribution Mentor: Benjamin Wiessner (Vanishing Angle) | Austin Convention Center | Room 11B | Mentor Session | 16:00 | 17:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in "Sales, Acquisitions, & Distribution", Producers/Production, International. | Benjamin Wiessner | PP1147240 | |
| Session | Sales, Acquisitions, and Distribution Mentor: Chris Beaver (Allrites, LTD) | Austin Convention Center | Room 11B | Mentor Session | 16:00 | 17:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in "Sales, Acquisitions, & Distribution", Development, Programming. | Chris Beaver | PP1147341 | |
| Session | Sales, Acquisitions, and Distribution Mentor: Eli Zavala (La Filmadora) | Austin Convention Center | Room 11B | Mentor Session | 16:00 | 17:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in "Sales, Acquisitions, & Distribution", Programming, Publicity & Marketing. | Eli Zavala | PP1147681 | |
| Session | Sales, Acquisitions, and Distribution Mentor: Haley Tomsheck (Magnolia Pictures) | Austin Convention Center | Room 11B | Mentor Session | 16:00 | 17:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Doc Filmmakers, "Sales, Acquisitions, & Distribution". | Haley Tomsheck | PP1147738 | |
| Session | Sales, Acquisitions, and Distribution Mentor: Joe Tufano (Submarine) | Austin Convention Center | Room 11B | Mentor Session | 16:00 | 17:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Doc Filmmakers, "Sales, Acquisitions, & Distribution". | Joe Tufano | PP1148264 | |
| Session | Sales, Acquisitions, and Distribution Mentor: Joe Yanick (Yellow Veil Pictures) | Austin Convention Center | Room 11B | Mentor Session | 16:00 | 17:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Narrative Filmmakers, Producers/Production, "Sales, Acquisitions, & Distribution". | Joe Yanick | PP1147869 | |
| Session | Sales, Acquisitions, and Distribution Mentor: Justin DiPietro (MPI Media Group / Dark Sky Films) | Austin Convention Center | Room 11B | Mentor Session | 16:00 | 17:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Development, "Sales, Acquisitions, & Distribution", Producers/Production. | Justin DiPietro | PP1147510 | |
| Session | Sales, Acquisitions, and Distribution Mentor: Tania Sarra (Hot Sauce) | Austin Convention Center | Room 11B | Mentor Session | 16:00 | 17:15 | Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked. You will only be able to RSVP for one time slot per mentor.
If you are unable to RSVP, there are walk up slots available and we encourage you to check in at the start time and put your name on the list.
Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Development, International, "Sales, Acquisitions, & Distribution". | Tania Sarra | PP1147346 | |
| Session | Science Fiction or Real Science? AI + Health Hype vs Reality | The LINE | Topaz Ballroom 1-2-3 | Panel | 16:00 | 17:00 | Check out all events Presented by “Real Chemistry.”
Join us to explore the transformative changes on the healthcare horizon, from consumer wellness and drug research to treatment paradigms. We’ll delve into seismic shifts reshaping the landscape, the remarkable progress that has already been made and groundbreaking innovations and advancements that are revolutionizing how new products and approaches are created, developed, and delivered. We'll investigate how cutting-edge technologies such as AI and machine learning are enabling more personalized health solutions and improving lives. | Shawna Butler, Kingson Man, Gabi Viljoen | PP156055 | ✓ |
| Session | Sensing the Sacred: Aromatic Pathways to Psychedelic Healing | JW Marriott | Room 201-202 | Presentation | 16:00 | 17:00 | Join Dr. Florian Birkmayer, psychiatrist-turned-aromatherapist, for an experiential journey into the power of scent in psychedelic healing. Moderated by Meredith Thomas of Thank You Life, this session explores how fragrant plants enhance altered states, support emotional integration, and unlock deep healing.
Through guided aromatic experiences, Dr. Birkmayer will lead attendees in engaging with sacred scents, offering a sensory gateway to expanded awareness. Whether you're a practitioner or a seeker, this session illuminates the synergy between aromatherapy and psychedelic-assisted therapy. | Florian Birkmayer, MD, Meredith Thomas | PP1148153 | ✓ |
| Session | Shaping Tomorrow: Understanding Gen Z & Alpha Fashion Trends | Austin Convention Center | Room 18CD | Presentation | 16:00 | 17:00 | Explore how Gen Z and Gen Alpha are reshaping fashion trends through digital lifestyles and cultural influences. This session delves into their unique style and purchasing preferences, the impact of technology and social media, sustainability trends, and the commitment to inclusivity. Aimed at fashion professionals and curious consumers alike, it offers actionable insights to navigate and embrace the evolving dynamics of the fashion industry. | Athena Burgueno, Caryn Pang | PP148977 | ✓ |
| Session | Sober Space | JW Marriott | Brazos Room | Meet Up | 16:00 | 17:00 | Sober Space is a place for sober and sober curious people to gather and attend an all-format meeting. This is for Friends of Bill, and all other SXSW attendees, production crew, artists, and volunteers who are looking for a meeting during the festival to sit and share on your experience, strength, and hope. These meetings are facilitated by The SIMS Foundation and other leaders within the recovery community. | Dave Horstmann, Conrádo Markel | PP1148155 | |
| Session | Speaker Connect: Molly McPherson | JW Marriott | Salon H | Speaker Connects | 16:00 | 17:00 | Speaker Connects are an opportunity to join a limited number of attendees for an intimate discussion with SXSW Speakers. Come brainstorm new ideas and engage in conversation in this unique format. Advance sign-up is required and will be limited to primary access only. In order to RSVP, please log into schedule.sxsw.com with your registration linked.
In Molly McPherson's world, just about anything is a tell. That's how The Boston Globe described Molly's work as a crisis communications expert who moonlights as a celebrity PR whisperer on TikTok. As an APR-certified crisis management and public relations practitioner, Molly uses her deep understanding of media culture to benefit her clients and the over half a million social media followers who look to her for insight into brand and celebrity actions, whether genuine or part of a PR stunt. In her career, she's known as an innovator in crisis communication, from introducing digital media strategies at FEMA to developing some of the first crisis communication web resources. | Molly McPherson | PP1148261 | |
| Session | Spite Tracking: Why & How It's Changing Women's Healthcare | JW Marriott | Salon BC | Panel | 16:00 | 17:00 | Years of being ignored by dismissive doctors have sparked a surge in women using health apps and wearables to self-diagnose, track their symptoms, advocate for themselves and prove a point: a trend called “spite tracking.”
Spite tracking is ultimately less about spite and more about hope. Women finally have the tools and resources to validate their health concerns and find the best treatment. This panel will explore why spite tracking is happening and how it’s transforming women’s healthcare globally and driving improvements in healthcare equality. | Jennifer Hintzsche, PhD, Jennifer Kite-Powell, Theresa Neil, Kim A. Smith | PP154506 | ✓ |
| Session | Strategic Fundraising: New Ways to Find the Right Investors | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon F | Presentation | 16:00 | 17:00 | Have you ever wondered how to find the right investors at the right time for your startup? Discover how to leverage equity, debt, and revenue-based crowdfunding, attract philanthropic investors, and use innovative platforms to connect with aligned backers at all stages in the fundraising lifecycle, even the earliest. This session will simplify fundraising, making it more efficient and effective. You'll leave with practical tools and strategies to transform your entrepreneurial journey and know what capital to go after that makes sense for your business and when to seek it out. | Allison Byers, Marcia Dawood | PP152301 | ✓ |
| Session | SXSW Pitch: Security, GovTech & Space
| Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon DE | Pitch Event | 16:00 | 17:00 | SXSW Pitch is a platform that allows early-stage technology startups to pitch their product and/or services to industry technology experts, high-profile media personnel, and venture capitalists/angel investors.
Security, GovTech, & Space Technology in this category improve the ability of first responders & other public safety personnel to serve their communities. This category leverages technology from six major areas: artificial intelligence/machine learning, autonomy, cyber, energy, human systems, and space. Autonomous systems can be further subcategorized into awareness & security, unmanned aerial systems, and maritime autonomy. Space can be further subcategorized into launch services, domain & situational awareness, transport & navigation, satellites & connectivity," manufacturing and hypersonic.
The Security, GovTech, and Space Technology category winner will be announced at the SXSW Pitch Awards Ceremony on Sunday, March 9, at 6:30 p.m. in Salon H on the 6th floor of the Hilton Austin Hotel.
Also, attendees can make face-to-face connections with all 70+ SXSW Pitch finalists for 2025 at the special “Meet the Finalists” event on Monday, March 10, at 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Griffin Hall on the 2nd floor of the JW Marriott.
FINALISTS
Charter
Los Angeles, CA
Charter is building the infrastructure technology to financialize the space industry and underwrite the entire space economy. With Ubik, Charter’s platform for spacecraft manufacturing, we accelerate engineering by 2x, and we’re the first-in-the-world to enable space asset insurance through data-driven underwriting in partnership with the world’s leading insurers.
Hyphen Innovations
Dayton, OH
Hyphen Innovations is a startup from an Air Force entrepreneur program focused on R&D that makes space, defense, and aerospace parts better. Key activities include creating test devices, damage free parts, and manufacturing processes. Promising products from the R&D are i-DAMP designs for engines and accelerated testing for manufacturing qualifications.
LifeKnight
Traverse City, MI
LifeKnight is an AI-powered safety platform revolutionizing emergency detection & response.
Little Place Labs
Houston, TX
Little Place Labs leverages advanced space edge computing and machine learning on satellites to deliver near-real-time insights for applications like asset monitoring, disaster detection, and maritime surveillance.
Verisoul
Austin, TX
Verisoul helps companies automate fake account and fraud detection throughout the entire user journey. We secure the integrity of online accounts, interactions, and transactions for businesses worldwide.
ALTERNATES
Elodin
San Francisco, CA
Unified flight software and hardware are needed for tomorrow's mission.
Rarefied
Sommerville, MA
Rarefied is a Harvard University spin-out developing technology that enables lightweight platforms to levitate indefinitely in near-space (30–100 km altitudes) using only sunlight.
Tempest Dronworx
Houston, TX
Tempest Droneworx is a service-disabled Veteran owned software company whose mission is to prevent issues from becoming serious problems via early warning. | Paul Campbell, Mo Jomaa, James Massaquoi, Mike Sherbakov, Maggie Sprenger | PP1146967 | |
| Session | Today & Tomorrow: What Makes a Futurist? | Austin Marriott Downtown | Waterloo Ballroom 1-2 | Panel | 16:00 | 17:00 | Speakers will explore whether futurists really are worth their salt, and if there is more to the profession than meets the eye. Right now, there aren’t many major organizations certifying futurists, but that could change in the future. The panel will dive into what futurists aim to achieve in their work and the different ways people can get into these careers. As the field of futures and foresight grows, it’s expected to evolve, especially now that the “future” plays such a big role in public strategies. Before looking ahead, we'll also take a step back and reflect on how the profession has developed so far. | Michael Costigan, Geci Karuri-Sebina, Patrick Noack, Nahjae Nunes | PP156031 | ✓ |
| Session | When Your New Business Strategy Becomes Your Brand | JW Marriott | Salon E | Presentation | 16:00 | 17:00 | How can a small, independent agency stand out among industry giants? Atlantic New York has found an innovative solution: headline-grabbing new-business approaches designed to enhance their brand while bringing in clients. In this discussion chat, we’ll dive into how Atlantic’s unconventional tactics—like the "Request for Test," the agency’s answer to the RFP, in which the brand is invited to “test” Atlantic for six weeks; the "Atlantic Car Service at Cannes," where executives pitch to brand leaders during a free car ride; and "The Reverse Pitch," where brands present their briefs to the agency—have not only attracted new clients but also differentiated the agency and brought in fresh talent. Discover how embracing bold approaches can build a brand and drive growth in unexpected ways. | Suzanne Barbosa, Marco Pupo | PP1146295 | ✓ |
| Session | Women Empowering Women For a Brighter Film Future | Austin Convention Center | Room 13AB | Panel | 16:00 | 17:00 | In a world where diversity is the key to innovation and progress, the screen industries stand at a pivotal crossroads. This transformative discussion delves into the crucial role women play in championing and empowering one another and non-binary people to advance a more equitable and inclusive industry. When we foster a culture of collaboration and support among women, we uplift individual talents, enrich the industry with a diverse range of perspectives and narratives, and create safer, more inclusive work environments that attract more women and non-binary people to the industry workforce. | Juliet Blake, Yvonne Boudreaux, Rakeda Ervin, Emily Gipson | PP150544 | ✓ |
| Session | The Anatomy of a Hit Podcast | Austin Convention Center | Ballroom B | Short Form | 16:10 | 16:20 | Hollywood is obsessed with talk-based podcasts, but it isn’t easy to make a hit show without first understanding what it means to step into a direct-to-consumer environment. There are key distinctions to long-running talk-based podcasts that keep them in the top 50. What are those distinctions and what does Hollywood need to adopt, throw out, and relearn in order to capture audiences and $$ in podcasting? | A.J. Feliciano | PP156516 | |
| Special Event | Purpose, Power & Birth Equity | 304 E 3rd St | 304 E 3rd St | Special Event | 16:15 | 16:35 | Elaine Welteroth has redefined success—shaping culture through media, storytelling, and activism. In this conversation, Welteroth shares how her career evolution has deepened her sense of purpose, why birth equity demands urgent action, and how brands, media, and individuals can drive real change. From career reinvention to using storytelling as a force for impact, she’ll break down what it takes to build a legacy that matters
Speaker: Elaine Welteroth, Award-winning journalist, NYT bestselling author, and Founder of birthFUND
Moderator: Dr. Bayo Curry Winchell, Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Beyond Clinical Walls Podcast | | OE46209 | |
| Session | Simran Jeet Singh Book Signing | Austin Convention Center | Room 10C | Book Signing | 16:15 | 16:40 | Simran Jeet Singh will be signing copies of “The Light We Give: How Sikh Wisdom Can Transform Your Life" at the SXSW Bookstore. | Simran Singh | PP1148320 | |
| Special Event | Drinking Has Evolved | SXSW Registrant Lounge | SXSW Registrant Lounge | Special Event | 16:20 | 18:00 | The New Happy Hour
Drinking has evolved, and BRĒZ is leading the way. Sip on feel-good social tonics that bring euphoria, clarity, and relaxation with no hangovers or regrets. Feel better without feeling worse. Stop by and experience a fresh way to unwind! | | OE45688 | |
| Session | Power of Multicultural Voices | Austin Convention Center | Ballroom B | Short Form | 16:20 | 16:30 | Leverage the rich tapestry of diverse cultural narratives to engage and resonate with audiences. Podcasts have become a powerful medium for underrepresented voices to share unique perspectives, build community, and influence change. They amplify stories that matter, driving inclusivity and fostering a deeper understanding across different cultures. This power lies in the authenticity and connectivity of multicultural content that not only reflects a spectrum of experiences but also harnesses the vast economic potential of diverse audiences. | Gary Coichy | PP156549 | |
| Special Event | Bold Prompts: Meet Germany’s Top AI Startups | Speakeasy | Speakeasy | Special Event | 16:30 | 18:00 | Germany’s boldest AI innovation is taking the stage at SXSW, ready to shake up the U.S. market! As part of German Accelerator’s U.S. Market Discovery AI program, they’re pitching game-changing tech — big ideas, zero fluff. Witness cutting-edge innovation, connect with industry leaders, and get a front-row seat to the next wave of German AI excellence. Who’s in?
https://www.german-haus.com | | OE45538 | |
| Session | Podcast Apps Need to Step It Up | Austin Convention Center | Ballroom B | Short Form | 16:30 | 16:40 | Podcast apps are the connective tissue between Podcasters and the Audience. As the industry continues to grow, these open solutions continue to grow into walled gardens, which rarely keeps the Podcasters needs at the forefront. What role should podcast apps play in the economic success of the podcasters and how can the next wave of apps truly benefit publishers? | Theo Romeo | PP156502 | |
| Special Event | Rewriting the Rules: Aging, Health & Power with Sophia Bush and Stacy London | 304 E 3rd St | 304 E 3rd St | Special Event | 16:30 | 17:00 | Aging isn’t a problem to solve—it’s something to own. Join Stacy London & Sophia Bush as they tackle the real issues that impact women as they navigate midlife, aging, and personal empowerment. Unpack the mental and emotional shifts of midlife and explore why advocating for women’s health isn’t just personal- its’s movement for societal change.
Hear From:
Stacy London, Designer, Stylist, Midlife Advocate
Sophia Bush, Actress, Activist, Producer, and Entrepreneur | | OE46093 | |
| Session | Susan McPherson Book Signing | Austin Convention Center | Room 10C | Book Signing | 16:30 | 16:55 | Susan McPherson will be signing copies of “The Lost Art of Connecting" at the SXSW Bookstore. | Susan Mcpherson | PP1148335 | |
| Session | Understanding the ROI of Podcasting for Businesses | Austin Convention Center | Ballroom B | Short Form | 16:40 | 16:50 | Podcasting is growing but it isn't worth doing as a brand unless you have a clear understanding of the ROI behind it.
In this session, you will walk away with an understanding of the roadmap to building a successful podcast for your brand along with the key indicators that your podcast is delivering the ROI you want. Many businesses say "we want more customers" from their podcast but they don't have a clear answer to if their strategy is working.
The days of wondering if your podcast is doing it's job are over. | Seth Silvers | PP156538 | |
| Session | Laila Lalami Book Signing | Austin Convention Center | Room 10C | Book Signing | 16:45 | 17:10 | Laila Lalami will be signing copies of “THE DREAM HOTEL" at the SXSW Bookstore. | Laila Lalami | PP1148345 | |
| Special Event | The Bathroom of the Future | UK House @ Palm Door on Sixth | UK House @ Palm Door on Sixth | Special Event | 17:00 | 18:00 | Jack Constantine is the man behind all things digital at Lush and he’s on a mission to find tech solutions that not only make Lush a better, fairer and more sustainable place but that also revolutionalize the bathroom experience. Jack will share his vision for the ‘bathroom of the future’, where everyone has a Bath Bot bathing companion and can use the ‘Lush Club’ app as a one-stop safe space for all digital social needs. | | OE45733 | |
| Comedy Event | The Comedian's Comedian with Aparna Nancherla (Live Podcast) | The Creek and the Cave | The Creek and the Cave | Comedy | 17:00 | 18:30 | Stuart Goldsmith’s The Comedian’s Comedian podcast is “absolutely riveting” (Guardian) and “recommended” listening (Ricky Gervais). The show has steadily become a force in the UK, attracting a who’s who of British comedy. His genuine curiosity about a comedian’s path and motivations prompts revelations that are a treat for any comedian or comedy fan.
Stuart sits down with comedian, writer, and actress, Aparna Nancherla. Aparna is known for her distinctive dry, existential, and whimsical sense of humor. She has written for and appeared in various TV shows, including Late Night with Seth Meyers, Corporate, and BoJack Horseman. Nancherla also released a stand-up album, Just Putting It Out There, and authored the book Unreliable Narrator: Me, Myself, and Impostor Syndrome. | Stuart Goldsmith, Aparna Nancherla | CE00488 | |
| Special Event | Creators & Cocktails: Happy Hour with Kwame Appiah | Fairmont | Rules & Regs | Special Event | 17:00 | 19:00 | Join the Later team for a happy hour hosted by Kwame Appiah, Love is Blind alum, cohost of Beyond Influence, and Head of Influencer Engagement at Later.
Connect with top brands and creators, learn more about influencer marketing, and chat all things creator economy—you don’t want to miss it!
https://later.com/ | | OE45540 | |
| Special Event | Giant Pictures & Tribeca Films Industry Happy Hour | Stephen F Austin | Royal Sonesta Bar | Special Event | 17:00 | 19:00 | Filmmakers and friends, join us at our annual Happy Hour sponsored by Giant Pictures & Tribeca Films. Enjoy free drinks while celebrating the indie film community and Tribeca Films! | | OE45400 | |
| Activation | Love is Blind | Lucille | Lucille | Activation | 17:00 | 03:00 | Celebrating 5 years of Love is Blind and timed to the S8 reunion, Love is Blind is coming to SXSW with fun photo moments, gold goblets, and more. Join us at Lucille Bar on Rainey street for 3 days of Love Is Blind inspired fun. Guests can capture photos, drink out of golden goblets, meet and greet with alumns and on Sunday we will even be hosting a special screening of the season 8 reunion, complete with a cast conversation led by Vulture.
Additionally, a giant 15ft golden goblet will be available for fans to take photos with on the corner of 2nd and Trinity, while they sip in a free coffee and take a ride in one of our branded pedicabs around the city!
https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/love-is-blind-sxsw-event-tickets | | OE45790 | |
| Activation | Meet California Dune | Rivian Electric Roadhouse | Rivian Electric Roadhouse | Activation | 17:00 | 19:00 | Step inside the Rivian Electric Roadhouse and be among the first to experience our Limited Edition California Dune – our adventure-ready, all-electric truck and SUV inspired by the extremes of the desert and built for off-road exploration. Join us for beverages, local food and interactive events inspired by the wind-shaped sands of the desert.
Space is limited. Admittance is on a first come, first serve capacity. | | OE45654 | |
| Screening | Starman | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 9 | Documentary Feature | 17:00 | 18:25 | Are we alone in the universe? For over half a century, legendary NASA engineer and best-selling science fiction author, Gentry Lee, has explored every aspect of this question in the realms of space science, robotic exploration and the human imagination. At age 82, he has come to a revelatory conclusion. | Robert Stone | FS18378 | |
| Special Event | SXSW Books Launch Happy Hour | Austin Convention Center | 3rd Floor Palazzo Foyer | Special Event | 17:00 | 19:00 | Join us as we celebrate the official launch of SXSW Books! This exclusive happy hour is your chance to discover how our new, groundbreaking publishing initiative can empower you as a thought leader. Enjoy complimentary beverages, engaging conversations, and an exciting first look at how this collaboration is transforming the future of business storytelling. This is an ideal opportunity for leaders who want to differentiate themselves as the authority in their field in order to expand their audience reach and unlock new growth opportunities. We look forward to raising a glass with you!
books.sxsw.com | | OE45638 | |
| Activation | Tennessee House: Nash at Night | Electric Shuffle | Electric Shuffle | Activation | 17:00 | 23:00 | The Tennessee House showcases what's happening in tech, innovation, and creativity across the Volunteer State.
It's Nashville night at the Tennessee House:
5pm – Doors open
5:30pm – Oracle sees its future in Music City
6:00pm – Where Creative Brands Thrive panel
7:00pm – Spotlight on Vanderbilt's Latest Tech
8:00pm – Hip Hop Karaoke II: The Return
10:00pm – Late Night Line Dancing x Grand Ole Opry's 100th anniversary
** Limited-edition swag, bites, and drinks all day **
https://www.tn.house/ | | OE45594 | |
| Session | Douglas Rushkoff Book Signing | Austin Convention Center | Room 10C | Book Signing | 17:15 | 17:40 | Douglas Rushkoff will be signing copies of “Program or Be Programmed, 2024 Ed. ” at the SXSW Bookstore. | Douglas Rushkoff | PP1148294 | |
| Session | Kendis Gibson Book Signing | Austin Convention Center | Room 10C | Book Signing | 17:15 | 17:40 | Kendis Gibson will be signing copies of “Five Trips: An Investigative Journey into Mental Health, Psychedelic Healing, and Saving a Life" at the SXSW Bookstore. | Kendis Gibson | PP1148348 | |
| Screening | Death of a Unicorn | Paramount Theatre | Paramount Theatre | Narrative Feature | 17:30 | 19:18 | A father and daughter accidentally hit and kill a unicorn while en route to a weekend retreat, where his billionaire boss seeks to exploit the creature’s miraculous curative properties. | Alex Scharfman | FS18333 | |
| Screening | Deeper | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 1 | Documentary Feature | 17:30 | 18:57 | In a remote part of New Zealand, lies a cold, dark and mysterious cave system with the potential to be the deepest dived cave in the world. It’s here that explorer and hero of the Thai cave rescue Richard “Harry” Harris is searching for a sense of self. There’s no question that this is the highest stakes dive he has ever attempted. Underground, underwater, with a finite amount of gas to breathe, it’s a dangerous game to play. So what drives Harry to continue in his pursuit when he knows the cost - not just to himself, but to those he loves - and will he make it back to them? | Jennifer Peedom | FS18269 | |
| Screening | Deeper | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 8 | Documentary Feature | 17:30 | 18:57 | In a remote part of New Zealand, lies a cold, dark and mysterious cave system with the potential to be the deepest dived cave in the world. It’s here that explorer and hero of the Thai cave rescue Richard “Harry” Harris is searching for a sense of self. There’s no question that this is the highest stakes dive he has ever attempted. Underground, underwater, with a finite amount of gas to breathe, it’s a dangerous game to play. So what drives Harry to continue in his pursuit when he knows the cost - not just to himself, but to those he loves - and will he make it back to them? | Jennifer Peedom | FS18270 | |
| Session | SXSW Pitch: Student Pitch | Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon DE | Pitch Event | 17:30 | 18:30 | SXSW Pitch is a platform that allows early-stage technology startups to pitch their product and/or services to industry technology experts, high-profile media personnel, and venture capitalists/angel investors.
Student Startups that are showcasing innovative technology with a focus on Agtech & Food; Security, GovTech & Space; Enterprise, Smart Data, FinTech, & Future of Work; Entertainment, Media, Sports, & Content; Extended Reality, Web3, Voice & Robotics; Healthcare, MedTech, AssistiveTech & BioTech; Innovative World Tech; Smart Cities, Transportation, & Sustainability.
The Student Startups Technology category winner will be announced at the SXSW Pitch Awards Ceremony on Sunday, March 9, at 6:30 pm in Salon H on the 6th floor of the Hilton Austin Hotel.
Also, attendees can make face-to-face connections with all 70+ SXSW Pitch finalists for 2025 at the special “Meet the Finalists” event on Monday, March 10, at 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Griffin Hall on the 2nd floor of the JW Marriott.
FINALISTS
MabLab
Boston, MA
MabLab is a healthcare startup based at Harvard University building rapid tests to screen for laced drugs and spiked drinks.
MyEndoscope
Tokyo, Japan
We develop MyEndoscope, a portable endoscopic training system combining a VR simulation app and a Bluetooth-enabled controller.
The Dev Difference
Chicago, IL
The Dev Difference is an AI mock interview platform that helps candidates practice their communication and technical skills, get instant feedback, and grow confidence to land high-quality roles in tech.
The Flossy Organization
Brooklyn, NY
Closing the advocacy gap in marginalized communities through intergenerational civics training, tech and grassroots mobilization.
Vocadian
Boston, MA
A health tech venture building predictive fatigue risk management for safer, healthier, and more productive frontline workforces.
ALTERNATES
BRCE
Detroit, MI
BRCĒ develops advanced athletic gear using proprietary composite materials to enhance performance, safety, and recovery.
FindRX
Boston, MA
FindRx is a cutting-edge healthcare solution dedicated to addressing medication shortages, including ADHD treatments and diabetic injections.
RevcoEnergy
Austin, TX
RevcoEnergy is a sustainable, grid-optional energy provider. We provide easily deployable solar power systems with integrated battery storage and EV charging capabilities | Marcos Fernandez, Gail Christine Gannon, Richard Gu , Akif Malik | PP1146968 | |
| Screening | American Sons | AFS Cinema | AFS Cinema | Documentary Feature | 17:45 | 18:44 | Purchase Public Presale Tickets Here: "American Sons"
"American Sons" follows a brotherhood of Marines a decade after their deployment to Afghanistan, as they struggle to overcome the trauma of combat and the loss of their best friend, Corporal JV Villarreal. Leaving more than his memory behind, JV’s narrated, first-person video diary of his life in Afghanistan serves as both a haunting window into these Marines’ past and a testament to the unbreakable bonds of those who sacrifice in war together. | Andrew James Gonzales | FS18032 | |
| Screening | Make It Look Real | Violet Crown Cinema | Violet Crown Cinema 3 | Documentary Feature | 17:45 | 19:02 | Check out the Conference Session Safe Sex on Set" with Director Kate Blackmore
Claire Warden is a trailblazing intimacy coordinator, helping directors and actors craft convincing on screen intimacy while safeguarding personal boundaries. Hired for a new Australian film, Tightrope, Claire is unsure how the director, Kieran Darcy-Smith, will respond to her presence on set. As she choreographs scenes, designs modesty garments, and navigates the complexities of nudity riders, tensions rise when one of the actors grows uneasy about performing a proposed threesome. Claire and Kieran must collaborate to reimagine the scene balancing the actors’ comfort with the artistic demands of the story. | Kate Blackmore | FS18299 | |
| Screening | Make It Look Real | Violet Crown Cinema | Violet Crown Cinema 1 | Documentary Feature | 17:45 | 19:02 | Check out the Conference Session Safe Sex on Set" with Director Kate Blackmore
Claire Warden is a trailblazing intimacy coordinator, helping directors and actors craft convincing on screen intimacy while safeguarding personal boundaries. Hired for a new Australian film, Tightrope, Claire is unsure how the director, Kieran Darcy-Smith, will respond to her presence on set. As she choreographs scenes, designs modesty garments, and navigates the complexities of nudity riders, tensions rise when one of the actors grows uneasy about performing a proposed threesome. Claire and Kieran must collaborate to reimagine the scene balancing the actors’ comfort with the artistic demands of the story. | Kate Blackmore | FS18298 | |
| Screening | Fantasy Life | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 5 | Narrative Feature | 18:00 | 19:31 | After losing his job as a paralegal, Sam Stein suffers a panic attack and stumbles into a job babysitting his psychiatrist's three granddaughters. The girls' mother, Dianne, is an actor whose once-promising career has stalled; she's in a difficult marriage to David, a rock bassist. When David goes abroad on tour, Dianne and Sam discover an easy rapport as well as a shared history of mental illness. Sam joins Dianne's family to babysit for the summer on Martha's Vineyard, and he ends up in a house with the woman he pines for, her husband, the three kids, and all four grandparents, including his psychiatrist. | Matthew Shear | FS18102 | |
| Screening | Fantasy Life | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 6 | Narrative Feature | 18:00 | 19:31 | After losing his job as a paralegal, Sam Stein suffers a panic attack and stumbles into a job babysitting his psychiatrist's three granddaughters. The girls' mother, Dianne, is an actor whose once-promising career has stalled; she's in a difficult marriage to David, a rock bassist. When David goes abroad on tour, Dianne and Sam discover an easy rapport as well as a shared history of mental illness. Sam joins Dianne's family to babysit for the summer on Martha's Vineyard, and he ends up in a house with the woman he pines for, her husband, the three kids, and all four grandparents, including his psychiatrist. | Matthew Shear | FS18103 | |
| Screening | Narrative Short Program 3 | Rollins Theatre at The Long Center | Rollins Theatre at The Long Center | Shorts Program | 18:00 | 19:45 | Exceptional storytelling that captivates, surprises, and excites. | | FS18059 | |
| Comedy Event | Upright Citizens Brigade's ASSSSCAT (Live Comedy) | Esther's Follies | Esther's Follies | Comedy | 18:00 | 19:30 | Created by the Upright Citizens Brigade (founded by Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Matt Walsh, and Ian Roberts), ASSSSCAT features true tales from a celebrity guest monologist and inspired scenes acted out by some of today’s most skilled improvisers. Besser brings the comedy mainstay back to SXSW this year for another performance of the longest running improv show in UCB history. | Anthony Atamanuik, Scott Aukerman, Matt Besser, Lisa Gilroy, Lauren Lapkus | CE00474 | |
| Screening | The Ballad of Wallis Island | ZACH Theatre | ZACH Theatre | Narrative Feature | 18:15 | 19:54 | Purchase Public Presale Tickets Here: "The Ballad of Wallis Island"
The Ballad of Wallis Island follows Charles, an eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island and dreams of getting his favorite musicians, McGwyer Mortimer back together. His fantasy quickly turns into reality when the bandmates and former lovers accept his invitation to play a private show at his home on Wallis Island. Old tensions resurface as Charles tries desperately to salvage his dream gig. | James Griffiths | FS18121 | |
| Screening | Corina | Violet Crown Cinema | Violet Crown Cinema 4 | Narrative Feature | 18:15 | 19:51 | Corina is a young woman who, for the past 20 years, has rarely left her home except to work at a publishing house in her neighborhood. After making a serious mistake with the end of the company's most famous book saga, Corina must overcome her fears with the help of Carlos and embark on a journey in search of a mysterious writer to save her job and the whole company. | Urzula Barba Hopfner | FS18177 | |
| Screening | Corina | Violet Crown Cinema | Violet Crown Cinema 2 | Narrative Feature | 18:15 | 19:51 | Corina is a young woman who, for the past 20 years, has rarely left her home except to work at a publishing house in her neighborhood. After making a serious mistake with the end of the company's most famous book saga, Corina must overcome her fears with the help of Carlos and embark on a journey in search of a mysterious writer to save her job and the whole company. | Urzula Barba Hopfner | FS18176 | |
| Screening | Seen & Heard | Hyatt Regency Austin | SXSW Film & TV Theater @ The Hyatt Regency | Documentary Feature | 18:15 | 19:47 | Purchase Public Presale Tickets Here: "Seen and Heard"
Check out the Keynote: "A Conversation with Issa Rae "
From executive producer Issa Rae, Seen and Heard is a two-part documentary that travels through time, creating a kaleidoscopic portrait of Black talent being “seen,” to Black creatives being “heard,” shaping today’s Golden Age of Black television. | Giselle Bailey, Phil Bertelsen, Issa Rae | FS18335 | |
| Screening | Lifehack | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 2 | Narrative Feature | 18:30 | 20:06 | Check out the Conference Session How to Catch A Pirate with director Ronan Corrigan
LifeHack is a gripping cyberheist thriller following four teenage slackers as they plot to steal £24M from a tech billionaire’s crypto wallet. Armed with hacking skills, social engineering tactics, and cryptocurrency expertise, they attempt the heist of the century from their bedrooms. The film is packed with tension, suspense, and unexpected twists as they face countless obstacles to execute their daring plan. However, the aftermath proves just as dramatic, exploring the impact of their actions. Beyond the thrilling heist, LifeHack offers a raw and compelling look into the lives of teenagers in today’s tech-driven world, blending excitement with emotional depth. | Ronan Corrigan, Ronan Corrigan | FS18514 | |
| Screening | Lifehack | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 7 | Narrative Feature | 18:30 | 20:06 | Check out the Conference Session How to Catch A Pirate with director Ronan Corrigan
LifeHack is a gripping cyberheist thriller following four teenage slackers as they plot to steal £24M from a tech billionaire’s crypto wallet. Armed with hacking skills, social engineering tactics, and cryptocurrency expertise, they attempt the heist of the century from their bedrooms. The film is packed with tension, suspense, and unexpected twists as they face countless obstacles to execute their daring plan. However, the aftermath proves just as dramatic, exploring the impact of their actions. Beyond the thrilling heist, LifeHack offers a raw and compelling look into the lives of teenagers in today’s tech-driven world, blending excitement with emotional depth. | Ronan Corrigan, Ronan Corrigan | FS18515 | |
| Screening | Shuffle | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 4 | Documentary Feature | 18:45 | 20:06 | Shot over the course of three years, "Shuffle" follows three individuals whose lives depend not on getting into treatment, but on getting out alive, and in the process, shines a light on the insurance-fueled cycle of addiction treatment fraud spreading across the country. With the filmmaker serving as narrator, using his own experience as a roadmap, these personal stories provide the framework for a more public investigation with the help of an FBI informant, an insurance analyst and the former Executive Director of a Philadelphia-based treatment facility. "Shuffle" unravels a web of public policy and private interest preying on a desperate population for the sake of profit. | Benjamin Flaherty | FS18395 | |
| Screening | Shuffle | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 3 | Documentary Feature | 18:45 | 20:06 | Shot over the course of three years, "Shuffle" follows three individuals whose lives depend not on getting into treatment, but on getting out alive, and in the process, shines a light on the insurance-fueled cycle of addiction treatment fraud spreading across the country. With the filmmaker serving as narrator, using his own experience as a roadmap, these personal stories provide the framework for a more public investigation with the help of an FBI informant, an insurance analyst and the former Executive Director of a Philadelphia-based treatment facility. "Shuffle" unravels a web of public policy and private interest preying on a desperate population for the sake of profit. | Benjamin Flaherty | FS18393 | |
| Comedy Event | Creekside Comedy (Live Comedy) | The Creek and the Cave | The Creek and the Cave | Comedy | 19:00 | 20:30 | Come discover your new favorite comic at The Creek (and maybe catch an unexpected drop-in or two). | James Adomian, Nico Carney, Megan Gailey, Stuart Goldsmith, Lynne Koplitz | CE00489 | |
| Comedy Event | An Evening at the Hollywood Improv (Live Comedy) | Esther's Follies | Esther's Follies | Comedy | 20:00 | 21:30 | SXSW Comedy is excited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of LA's legendary Hollywood Improv, returning to the festival with club favorites.
From the moment Budd Friedman unveiled the iconic brick wall at The Improvisation in Hell’s Kitchen, comedy history was made. The Improv stage continues to be one of the most important live venues for new comedians across the country including venues in Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Miami, and Washington D.C. Now, while our stage at SXSW may not boast the iconic brick wall, it's still a part of our legacy, and we're excited to feature some of our favorite comedians bringing down the house! | Doug Benson, Jay Jurden, Opey Olagbaju, Melissa Villasenor | CE00472 | |
| Special Event | Film & TV Late Night Saloon | Stephen F Austin | Royal Sonesta Bar | Special Event | 20:00 | 00:00 | A last call stop to gather with fellow industry and filmmakers after your evening screenings and events have wrapped for the day. | | OE45572 | |
| Activation | La French Touch Rendez-Vous by Night | The Courtyard | The Courtyard | Activation | 20:00 | 01:00 | Get ready for one of the hottest SXSW events! Join us for La French Touch Rendez-Vous by Night, featuring the trendiest French artists of the year!
Performance & DJ Set
· Møme: The rising star of the French DJ scene
· Barbara Butch: The iconic DJ from the Paris Olympics
· Agoria: The electro king who owns the world’s biggest stages
It’s going to be a night of unforgettable beats.
https://evenements.bpifrance.fr/la-french-touch-rendez-vous-2025/en | | OE46204 | |
| Special Event | UK House BME Opening Party | Palm Door on Sixth | Palm Door on Sixth | Special Event | 20:00 | 00:00 | Saturday 8th March
8pm - Midnight
UK House / BME Opening Party
Sam Ryder 11pm
Tokio Myers 10pm
Beth McCarthy 9pm
Jo Hill 8pm
SXSW Credentials get priority entry
Subject to capacity
https://www.thebritishmusicembassy.com/ | | OE46206 | |
| Screening | Spreadsheet Champions | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 9 | Documentary Feature | 20:30 | 21:56 | Spreadsheet Champions follows six students as they put their Excel-lent skills to the ultimate test in Microsoft's most prestigious and difficult category. A heartwarming tale of formulas and friendship, Spreadsheet Champions reveals the far-reaching influence of spreadsheets in today’s world and the power of young minds to shape our future.Who will triumph, who will fail, who will EXCEL? | Kristina Kraskov | FS18371 | |
| Screening | Your Higher Self | Violet Crown Cinema | Violet Crown Cinema 3 | Documentary Feature | 20:45 | 22:05 | By observing the sessions of fifteen life coaches, Your Higher Self offers an offbeat philosophical essay around this booming profession, a true mirror of the values of our time. In a form that plays on distance to frame the intimate, the plot playfully explores the new sacralization of individual emancipation. Between an empathetic gaze and the unveiling of the absurd, Your Higher Self is a cinematic reflection on the universal and perpetual quest of all human beings: the search for meaning. | Annie St-Pierre | FS18255 | |
| Screening | Your Higher Self | Violet Crown Cinema | Violet Crown Cinema 1 | Documentary Feature | 20:45 | 22:05 | By observing the sessions of fifteen life coaches, Your Higher Self offers an offbeat philosophical essay around this booming profession, a true mirror of the values of our time. In a form that plays on distance to frame the intimate, the plot playfully explores the new sacralization of individual emancipation. Between an empathetic gaze and the unveiling of the absurd, Your Higher Self is a cinematic reflection on the universal and perpetual quest of all human beings: the search for meaning. | Annie St-Pierre | FS18254 | |
| Screening | The Accountant 2 | Paramount Theatre | Paramount Theatre | Narrative Feature | 21:00 | 23:04 | Purchase Public Presale Tickets Here: "The Accountant 2"
When someone close to her is killed by unknown assassins, Treasury Agent Marybeth Medina is forced to contact Christian Wolff to solve the murder. With the help of his estranged but highly lethal brother Brax, Chris applies his brilliant mind and less-than-legal methods to piece together the unsolved puzzle. As they get closer to the truth, the trio draw the attention of some of the most ruthless killers alive — all intent on putting a stop to their search. | Gavin O'Connor | FS18325 | |
| Comedy Event | Comedy for Cave Dwellers (Live Comedy) | The Creek and the Cave | The Creek and the Cave | Comedy | 21:00 | 22:30 | Come discover your new favorite comic (and maybe catch an unexpected drop-in or two). | Greer Barnes, Katherine Blanford, Reggie Conquest, Punkie Johnson, Caitlin Peluffo | CE00490 | |
| Comedy Event | SXSW 2025 Comedy Festival Party | Atelier 1205 | Atelier 1205 | Comedy | 21:00 | 03:00 | Join SXSW and The Stand at the Official Comedy Festival Party of SXSW 2025. Come network and mingle with industry, press and some of our official comedy showcase performers at a party you won't want to miss. | | OE46241 | |
| Screening | Zodiac Killer Project | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 1 | Documentary Feature | 21:00 | 22:31 | The true crime genre’s ubiquity is driven by people’s endless fascination, disgust, and—bizarrely—search for comfort in genre conventions that still have the ability to generate complex emotions despite their predictability and familiarity.Having tried and failed to make a documentary about the infamous Zodiac Killer, filmmaker Charlie Shackleton walks the viewer through what his film would have been like and why, using Bay Area landscapes, reenactments, film and TV clips, and voice-over. In this wholly original, self-aware cinematic work, a filmmaker chews over what might have been and playfully probes the inner workings of a genre at saturation point. | Charlie Shackleton | FS18163 | |
| Screening | Zodiac Killer Project | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 8 | Documentary Feature | 21:00 | 22:31 | The true crime genre’s ubiquity is driven by people’s endless fascination, disgust, and—bizarrely—search for comfort in genre conventions that still have the ability to generate complex emotions despite their predictability and familiarity.Having tried and failed to make a documentary about the infamous Zodiac Killer, filmmaker Charlie Shackleton walks the viewer through what his film would have been like and why, using Bay Area landscapes, reenactments, film and TV clips, and voice-over. In this wholly original, self-aware cinematic work, a filmmaker chews over what might have been and playfully probes the inner workings of a genre at saturation point. | Charlie Shackleton | FS18165 | |
| Screening | La Salsa Vive | AFS Cinema | AFS Cinema | Documentary Feature | 21:15 | 22:56 | Purchase Public Presale Tickets Here: "La Salsa Vive"
"La Salsa Vive" is a documentary that tells the story of two cities bound by the rhythm of salsa: New York, where the genre was born, and Cali, Colombia, where it thrives with unmatched passion. The film delves into the lives of Cali's diverse characters who fervently keep the spirit of salsa alive amid various challenges—dedicated dancers, music collectors, resilient veterans, and enthusiastic youth. Featuring insights from salsa legends like Rubén Blades, Henry Fiol, and Willie Rosario, the documentary portrays how salsa unites the people of Cali, offering hope and expression in their daily lives. "La Salsa Vive" is a testament to Cali's cultural heritage and the enduring spirit of salsa. | Juan Carvajal | FS18218 | |
| Screening | American Sweatshop | ZACH Theatre | ZACH Theatre | Narrative Feature | 21:30 | 23:10 | Purchase Public Presale Tickets Here: "American Sweatshop"
In a device driven world, "American Sweatshop" takes a searing look at the toll of social media through the eyes of Daisy, who finds herself sucked into the underbelly of the internet. Daisy, and a motley group of coworkers, toil in a cottage industry of agencies that evaluate harmful and offensive pictures and videos uploaded to social media. With detached caution and a deranged sense of humor, they examine the millions of posts that get “flagged for review." But one particularly violent video grabs hold of Daisy, luring her out of this office, away from the safety of her keyboard and into a dangerous world as she obsessively seeks to hold someone accountable. | Uta Briesewitz | FS18414 | |
| Screening | Animated Short Program | Rollins Theatre at The Long Center | Rollins Theatre at The Long Center | Shorts Program | 21:30 | 23:24 | A whirlwind tour of hand drawn, stop-motion, and digital revelries. | | FS18049 | |
| Screening | Deepfaking Sam Altman | Hyatt Regency Austin | SXSW Film & TV Theater @ The Hyatt Regency | Documentary Feature | 21:30 | 23:03 | Purchase Public Presale Tickets Here: "Deepfaking Sam Altman"
Director Adam Bhala Lough sets out to better understand the technology and people at the center of the AI boom. His quest sends him on a path towards the father of AI, OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman. When he isn’t able to sit down with Altman himself, Adam travels to India to create an AI version of him to interview instead.Sam Bot is a new kind of documentary subject and collaborator, who challenges Adam in surprising and hilarious ways. Together, Adam and Sam Bot explore what it means to be alive, create art, and understand each other in an increasingly artificial world. Hartbeat partners with Vox Media Studios and Lough for this documentary based on reporting from New York Magazine. | Adam Bhala Lough | FS18277 | |
| Screening | Good Boy | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 5 | Narrative Feature | 21:30 | 22:43 | Good Boy started with a simple high concept: a haunted house film, where the main character is the family dog–and the only one who can see the forces that haunt us. Our canine hero, Indy, finds himself on a new adventure with his human—and best friend—Todd, leaving city life for a long-vacant family home in the country. After moving in, Indy is immediately vexed by empty corners, tracks an invisible presence, perceives phantasmagoric warnings from a long-dead dog, and is haunted by visions of the previous occupant’s grim death. When Todd begins succumbing to the dark forces swirling around the house, Indy must battle a malevolence intent on dragging his beloved Todd into the afterlife! | Ben Leonberg | FS18338 | |
| Screening | Good Boy | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 6 | Narrative Feature | 21:30 | 22:43 | Good Boy started with a simple high concept: a haunted house film, where the main character is the family dog–and the only one who can see the forces that haunt us. Our canine hero, Indy, finds himself on a new adventure with his human—and best friend—Todd, leaving city life for a long-vacant family home in the country. After moving in, Indy is immediately vexed by empty corners, tracks an invisible presence, perceives phantasmagoric warnings from a long-dead dog, and is haunted by visions of the previous occupant’s grim death. When Todd begins succumbing to the dark forces swirling around the house, Indy must battle a malevolence intent on dragging his beloved Todd into the afterlife! | Ben Leonberg | FS18340 | |
| Screening | Real Faces | Violet Crown Cinema | Violet Crown Cinema 4 | Narrative Feature | 21:30 | 23:02 | Julia (29), an ambitious casting director, moves to Brussels and finds a freelance job in the advertising industry and meets Eliott (32), a reclused microbiologist who studies lichen and works on his PhD. Intrigued by each other’s opposing professions and personalities, Julia and Eliott slowly grow closer. Julia gets assigned an important perfume ad and she sees it as the ultimate opportunity to prove herself. After her frantic long working days, Eliott is her only source of tranquility. Until Julia loses herself and crosses people’s boundaries, including Eliott’s. During the perfume ad shoot, things spiral out of control, pushing Julia to finally decide to take her life in her own hands. | Leni Huyghe | FS18206 | |
| Screening | Real Faces | Violet Crown Cinema | Violet Crown Cinema 2 | Narrative Feature | 21:30 | 23:02 | Julia (29), an ambitious casting director, moves to Brussels and finds a freelance job in the advertising industry and meets Eliott (32), a reclused microbiologist who studies lichen and works on his PhD. Intrigued by each other’s opposing professions and personalities, Julia and Eliott slowly grow closer. Julia gets assigned an important perfume ad and she sees it as the ultimate opportunity to prove herself. After her frantic long working days, Eliott is her only source of tranquility. Until Julia loses herself and crosses people’s boundaries, including Eliott’s. During the perfume ad shoot, things spiral out of control, pushing Julia to finally decide to take her life in her own hands. | Leni Huyghe | FS18205 | |
| Screening | $POSITIONS | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 7 | Narrative Feature | 22:00 | 23:37 | Blue-collar Midwesterner Mike Alvarado attempts to save his family from the throes of poverty by investing their savings into speculative cryptocurrencies. However, as his investment strategy decays into a full-blown gambling addiction, he sends his life into a nightmarish anxiety-inducing downward spiral, compromising his relationships with his girlfriend, his developmentally disabled brother, and his recovering addict cousin. A twitchy, hyper-contemporary comedy with equal doses of laughs and panic attacks. | Brandon Daley | FS18072 | |
| Screening | $POSITIONS | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 2 | Narrative Feature | 22:00 | 23:37 | Blue-collar Midwesterner Mike Alvarado attempts to save his family from the throes of poverty by investing their savings into speculative cryptocurrencies. However, as his investment strategy decays into a full-blown gambling addiction, he sends his life into a nightmarish anxiety-inducing downward spiral, compromising his relationships with his girlfriend, his developmentally disabled brother, and his recovering addict cousin. A twitchy, hyper-contemporary comedy with equal doses of laughs and panic attacks. | Brandon Daley | FS18071 | |
| Comedy Event | Good Sets (Live Comedy) | Esther's Follies | Esther's Follies | Comedy | 22:00 | 23:30 | Who doesn’t like good sets? Some of the strongest emerging and established comics at the fest take the stage for an unmissable lineup. | Alex English, Todd Glass, Aparna Nancherla, Kristen Toomey | CE00502 | |
| Screening | Redux Redux | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 3 | Narrative Feature | 22:15 | 00:02 | In an attempt to avenge her daughter’s death, Irene Kelly travels through parallel universes, killing her daughter’s murderer over and over again. She grows addicted to the revenge streak, putting her own humanity in jeopardy. | Kevin McManus, Matthew McManus | FS18449 | |
| Screening | Redux Redux | Alamo Lamar | Alamo Lamar 4 | Narrative Feature | 22:15 | 00:02 | In an attempt to avenge her daughter’s death, Irene Kelly travels through parallel universes, killing her daughter’s murderer over and over again. She grows addicted to the revenge streak, putting her own humanity in jeopardy. | Kevin McManus, Matthew McManus | FS18450 | |
| Comedy Event | Southwest Skankfest (Live Comedy) | The Creek and the Cave | The Creek and the Cave | Comedy | 23:00 | 00:30 | Comedy festival Skankfest and SXSW team up to bring you the festival mashup showcase, Southwest Skankfest. Skankfest has created a playground for loyal superfans and their favorite comics, inspired by the unique community built in the early days of comedy club, The Creek and The Cave. | Joe DeRosa, Sam Jay, Bonnie Mcfarlane, Eddie Pepitone | CE00491 | |