Every spring, Austin transforms into a vibrant hub of innovation, creativity, and culture during South by Southwest (SxSW). This eclectic festival, a nine-day extravaganza, has become a sacred gathering for enthusiasts of tech, music, film, and innovation of all kinds. SxSW—"South By" to its friends—is where the future collides with the present in an enchanting blend of what's next.
This year, South By takes over Austin with an exciting lineup that includes three fresh tracks: AI, Creator Economy, and Fashion and Beauty.
The festival is a kaleidoscope of performances, live podcast recordings, conferences, and a veritable who's who of the pop culture and business scenes—this is where agendas are made, where collaboration takes flight.
Keynote speakers at SxSW are always a big deal, drawing crowds from all corners of the globe. They're the thought leaders, innovators, and cultural icons who shape our world. Let's tuck into the movers and shakers headlining SxSW this year:
Tracy Chou & Deonne Castaneda | Protecting Your Internet Privacy
Founder & CEO of Block Party; Head of Product Design at Block Party
Speaker Topic
Advocating for a privacy-forward, safer internet.
Why You Should Care
They're fighting the digital dystopia so you can tweet, scroll, and post without feeling like Big Brother's watching your every click. It's like having your own personal internet bodyguards.
Jack Conte | Digital Creativity's Savior
Co-founder and CEO of Patreon
Speaker Topic
Revolutionizing how creators connect with their communities in the face of algorithmic challenges.
Why You Should Care
Jack’s on a crusade to save your feed from becoming a wasteland of ads and echo chambers, ensuring that the internet remains a place for genuine creativity and connection.
Dr. Joy Buolamwini | The AI Watchdog You Didn’t Know You Needed
Founder of the Algorithmic Justice League; Author of "Unmasking AI"
Speaker Topic
Highlighting and combating bias in AI to protect human rights and dignity.
Why You Should Care
Dr. Joy is basically the AI world's superhero, fighting to ensure technology serves humanity, not the other way around. She’s ensuring your future robot overlords are fair and just.
Sue Bird & Jessica Robertson | Empowering Female Athletes Everywhere
WNBA Legend; COO of TOGETHXR
Speaker Topic
Elevating the representation and recognition of female athletes and women’s sports.
Why You Should Care
Sue’s not just a hoops legend with four WNBA titles and a mountain of assists; she’s turning the spotlight on women’s sports with TOGETHXR, alongside a squad of superstar co-founders. Jessica’s at the helm, steering this ship into uncharted media waters where female athletes are the heroes, not footnotes.
Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert | Everything Under the Sun with Cinema Royalty
Academy Award-winning Directors of "Everything Everywhere All at Once"
Speaker Topic
Exploring storytelling, creativity, and the unexpected tangents of film-making.
Why You Should Care
Beyond their cinematic achievements, Daniel and Daniel are storytellers for the modern age, unafraid to question, challenge, and delight. Their keynote is a backstage pass to the creative process, offering wisdom and whimsy in equal measure.
Dan Auerbach & Patrick Carney | Talkin' The Blues with Rock N’ Roll Royalty
Members of The Black Keys
Speaker Topic
From playing small clubs to becoming six-time Grammy-winning rock icons.
Why You Should Care
Their story is a backstage pass to the highs and lows of rock stardom, proving that a little grit (and a lot of guitar) can take you from garage band to global sensation.
Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex | Spotlighting Women in Media with Actual Royalty
Duchess of Sussex; Advocate for Women's Rights and Gender Equity
Speaker Topic
Championing the rights of women and girls, particularly in media and entertainment.
Why You Should Care
Meghan's advocacy goes beyond headlines, addressing the deep-seated issues that affect women's lives daily. Her efforts are a beacon for anyone committed to gender equity and the power of using one's platform for change.
Lisa Su with Ryan Patel | Transforming Tech with Global Implications
President & CEO of AMD; Global Business Executive
Speaker Topic
Discussing the transformation of AMD and the impact on global technology trends.
Why You Should Care
Lisa Su's leadership has not only transformed a company but is reshaping the entire tech landscape. Her insights are a masterclass in innovation, resilience, and the art of leading through change, making the impossible seem suddenly within reach.
The Spirit of South By Southwest
SxSW 2024's keynote speakers are the people at the forefront of their fields, bringing fresh insights and real change. They're the ones shaping the future of technology, culture, sports, and entertainment, inspiring us all to think differently about what comes next.
Elevate your event by tapping into the spirit of SxSW. We offer a range of speakers from tech innovators making the internet a better place, to cultural figures who know what’s on the verge of breaking big. Contact us to find the perfect match for your audience, someone who will bring the unique energy and insight of SxSW, creating an experience that's engaging, informative, and memorable.
