SXSW will kick off with illuminating opening remarks from Kasley Killam—renowned social health expert and award-winning author of The Art and Science of Connection: Why Social Health is the Missing Key to Living Longer, Healthier, and Happier. A trailblazer in the field, Killam will ignite the conversation on the power of social health and set the stage for a week of ground-breaking discussions and authentic connections. Get ready to preview a future where social health takes the lead, transforming industries and society.

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The 2025 SXSW Conference Track Sponsors highlight and reinforce our commitment to staying at the forefront of the ever-expanding social, technological, and creative spaces. These brands have positioned themselves alongside one of the SXSW programming tracks, which seamlessly ties into their core values. Achieve greater exploration from these expert speakers, ready to share successful insights and best practices about how you can incorporate fresh approaches into your own businesses.

Get to know the industry leaders who are making an impact on creative communities that share a similar appetite for forward-focused experiences. For a closer look at these tracks and their full descriptions, head over to our Conference page.

Dubai Future Foundation - 2050

The 2050 track focuses on long-term, big-picture thinking with an emphasis on scientific discovery. The programming features topics ranging from quantum computing and space exploration to robotics and foresight best practices. With the intent of fostering forward thinking, the Dubai Future Foundation strives to challenge the status quo and design a future impacted by leaders and disrupters. Dive into concepts that span across a broad spectrum from ideators who are working to build an innovative ecosystem and reimagine the possibilities of tomorrow.

Eli Lilly and Company - Health & Medtech

Situated at the crossroads of science and technology, the Health & MedTech track sessions explore the solutions and tools that provide better outcomes for medical professionals and patients everywhere. With almost 150 years of dedication, Eli Lilly and Company represents science advancements that solve some of the world's most significant health challenges. Learn from companies like Eli Lilly and Company, who continue to go above and beyond in the healthcare industry to deliver ground-breaking research that reflects the diversity of our world.

IBM - Artificial Intelligence

The rise of Artificial Intelligence introduced a ground-breaking era of technological innovation. This track explores not only technological advancements but also the numerous solutions and implications that continued adoption will have on society. In the spirit of advancing efficiency, IBM aspires to be the catalyst that makes the world work better. Find out how tech pioneers like IBM bring together technology and services to help solve business problems in an ever-changing landscape.

L’Oréal Groupe - Advertising & Brand Experience

Geared towards agencies and organizations that want to strengthen connections with their communities and clients, the Advertising & Brand Experience track programming features effective approaches to brand strategy as well as novel methods of engaging audiences through traditional and digital marketing practices. As the global leader in beauty and one of the largest advertisers worldwide, L'Oréal Groupe and its diverse portfolio of iconic brands are at the forefront of marketing innovation, creating culture-shaping campaigns that resonate with consumers globally. Discover key takeaways from global leaders like L’Oréal who understand the power of brands to create meaningful engagements and experiences for consumers as well as the responsibility of making a positive impact on society.

NRDC - Climate & Sustainability

Explore the most promising, solution-based innovations and strategies to mitigate climate change in the Climate & Sustainability track sessions. From sustainable building solutions to cutting-edge climate technologies, learn how organizations like the NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) combine the power of environmental specialists and activists to confront the climate crisis and protect our planet. Be part of a conversation that fights for the rights of all people to build sustainable and healthy generations to come.

NOBULL - Startups

Be inspired and motivated by the successes and failures of a diverse array of founders, as well as the funders who backed their often unconventional efforts. If you want to translate your great startup idea into a successful reality, then the Startups track will give you a competitive advantage for the long adventure ahead. Along for the journey is NOBULL, a collective of entrepreneurs that prioritize showing up over showing off. Regardless of where you’re starting from, learn from devoted dreamers like NOBULL who can help encourage a willingness to improve and share the truth of how dedication makes hard work pay off.

Rivian - Transportation

New technology continues to transform the transportation ecosystem, driving a new era of connected, sustainable mobility, and enhanced passenger experience. The Transportation track is geared toward understanding the latest trends and best new ideas on how to move people and products. Harnessing the spirit of adventure is what makes Rivian a beacon of inspiration that ensures the world remains worth exploring. Together, Rivian and SXSW will spark electric conversations for those who are hardwired with a curiosity to invent a blueprint for improved efficiency and performance. Find out how transportation innovators like Rivian are creating solutions that shift consumer mindsets and inspire other visionaries to fundamentally change the way they operate.

YouTube - Creator Economy

An estimated 1 in 4 people worldwide contribute to the creator economy, the fastest-growing type of small business today. Within the Creator Economy track, discover innovative strategies for audience building and monetization, and gain insights into the future of this booming industry. There’s no real formula for overnight success, however, YouTube believes that change and growth are rooted in building communities through shared stories. Find out how social leaders like YouTube have paved the dynamic landscape of self-produced content for creators, their collaborators, and their communities.

Boost your SXSW Experience

Spark conversations on the newest innovations and advancements by connecting with an audience of changemakers from around the globe at SXSW. Grab a group and save with discounted rates for 10 or more. The SXSW Conference is the perfect opportunity for making connections, staying informed on trends, and finding inspiration for your own achievements. This is your chance to gain early insights into where industries are headed.

Photo by Roger Tam

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South by Southwest is widely recognized as an early career hot spot for professional development. Don't miss your chance to develop a network that spans across the globe.

Need assistance making the case to your boss to send you to SXSW this March? We've put together a few tips and an email template to help you convince your boss to fund your SXSW journey.

Step 1: Choose Your Badge

Not sure which badge is right for you, or when to arrive? We’ve got your back. Use our SXSW Badge Quiz as your guide to the best badge and dates for you and your company’s needs. Review the SXSW Timeline for a visual overview of event programming dates.

Step 2: Add It Up

Once you know your badge type and dates, it’s time to crunch the numbers. Current badge prices can be found here, and your team can save even more with our group rates. Use your arrival date to find out an estimate for hotels using our SXSW hotel availability page. Check out our transportation options, and remember most SXSW venues are a short walk or ride from one another.

Step 3: Send The Email

Now to tie it all together. We’ve created a pre-filled email for you. Make sure to fill out the empty fields, and give it a close read before sending it off.

Hi [insert name here],

I’d like to discuss attending the 2025 SXSW Conference and Festivals from March [enter dates here] in Austin, Texas. Thousands of global creatives come together at SXSW for discovery, learning, and networking across the tech, film & tv, and music industries. A SXSW [Platinum, Interactive, Film & TV, Music] Badge will give me access to [remove those which don’t apply]:

- Insightful Keynotes and Featured Sessions from industry experts
- In-depth panels covering a wide range of topics across 24 tracks
- Mentor Sessions offering one-on-one coaching by industry professionals
- Networking opportunities to establish meaningful and lasting connections
- Workshops aimed at fostering professional skill enhancement
- Countless opportunities to discover “what’s next”

Attending SXSW will aid my professional growth, and I will be able to share valuable takeaways and insights with our entire team. The Conference tracks that I’m specifically interested in are:

- [Track 1]
- [Track 2]
- [Track 3]

I have estimated how much attendance costs:

- Travel: [Cost of Airfare/Travel]
- Lodging: [Cost of Hotel]
- Event Registration: [Cost for Badge]

If I register now, I can save the company money off the walk-up rate and have access to the best available hotel rates. SXSW also offers Group Registration rates for teams of 10 or more if we send a larger team. Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to discussing this further.

Sincerely,
[insert name here]

Download Template

Need more help convincing? Hear what others have to say about SXSW.

Good luck and we hope to see you at SXSW 2025!

Discover Additional Discounts

Recent college graduates can unlock the Early Career discount - access 40% off your badge during your first year out of school, and 30% off throughout your second year in the professional world.

Plus, attend as a group to access exclusive group rates for each badge!

See You at SXSW 2025

Register today to lock in the lowest badge rates and best hotel options for March 7-15, 2025 in downtown Austin.

Sign up for SXSW email updates, check out the News feed, watch videos, and follow us on Bluesky, LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok to get the most up-to-date information.

Register Now

SXSW Attendees – Photo by Keira Lindgren

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Join us for an exclusive look at the unimaginable potential of quantum computing from March 12-13. During two full days of dedicated quantum-related programming, explore its rapid growth and tech industry impact. Bonus, this quantum content seamlessly aligns with our Artificial Intelligence track (March 9-13), creating a can't-miss opportunity to explore both game-changing technologies in one power-packed week.

The post Expanded Quantum Programming Coming to SXSW 2025 appeared first on SXSW.

Returning for a second year to SXSW, the multi-day Foresight Master Class from the Future Today Institute will provide skills to unlock the incredible superpower of peering into the future of tech trends.

Over the course of four days at SXSW 2025, the Future Today Institute (FTI) will adapt its proprietary Foresight Master Class offerings into a six-session continuing education course, including elective course options to choose your own adventure. Attendees will learn FTI’s methodology and at the end be able to say they have basic foresight skills. SXSW registrants who attend two of the three Core classes and one Elective class will receive a certificate from FTI and SXSW credentialing their participation in Foresight Master Classes.

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From channeling authentic expression through the creative arts to the imitation of life depicted by AI, this year’s conference will run the gamut of the challenges and possibilities of our connected future.

Across multiple tracks of the SXSW Conference, we’ve collected 23 standout sessions directly from our Programming team. These sessions aim to highlight topics that are extremely relevant in our evolving world and to help our audience imagine future possibilities.

Examine the impact of immersive technologies and personal privacy. Discover innovative solutions in sustainability and mental health. Engage in empowering sessions about leadership, entrepreneurship, community, and beyond. Together, these conversations will inspire us to embrace our common values and strengthen our connections.

Don’t miss the top 23 essential sessions at the 2025 SXSW Conference! Sign in to the SXSW Schedule to add these sessions to your Favorites list as you read on.

Top 23 Can’t-Miss Sessions

2050 – Hi! I'm Future You: Cultivating Long-Term Wellbeing with AI
While many tech-focused thinkers are transfixed with AI, this session follows a team of researchers from MIT, Harvard, and UCLA and their innovative use of tools to examine potential applications in psychology.

Advertising & Brand Experience – Elevate Your Brand: The Rise of B2B Creators
Explore the emerging collaboration between influencers and B2B brands, highlighting a new frontier in influencer marketing that warrants further exploration.

Artificial Intelligence – Our AI-Driven World: A Utopian Dream or Dystopian Nightmare?
Does AI bring promise or peril? The session embodies the essence of the Artificial Intelligence track by exploring the promises and perils of AI, emphasizing that there is no definitive answer regarding its impact on society.

Climate & Sustainability – Extracting High-Value Molecules From the Waste Stream
The Plant, once a meat packing facility, has been transformed into a living laboratory that houses 19 small food businesses operating on a closed-loop system. This session, featuring the visionaries behind Bubbly Dynamics and The Plant in Chicago, exemplifies how climate technology can drive the development of a circular economy.

Creating Film & TV – Live, From Space! Visualizing the Future With NASA
For over six decades, NASA has offered a glimpse into our expansive universe. At the intersection of space and film, this panel will discuss non-traditional career opportunities for filmmakers and storytellers, promising an informative and out-of-this-world experience.

Creator Economy – Social Media Masterclass with Ex-YouTube & Instagram Insider
Great content starts with great ideas. In this fun and informative session with Jon Youshaei, gain practical advice on generating engaging content and building an audience, making it an excellent representation of the Creator Economy track as a whole.

Culture – Art in Protest: Fostering Democracy Through Creative Dissent
How can you harness creativity as a force for change? Hear from a remarkable lineup of international artists who use various media, including performance art, film, visual arts, and music, as a tool for peace.

Design – Hyperrealism in an Age of Visual Illiteracy
Explore the cultural shift toward digital perfection in this session, which examines how hyperrealistic visuals often prioritize seamlessness over the authenticity of flawed reality. By breaking or distorting 3D CGI, we might reintroduce the organic, emotional elements that help us reconnect with the messiness of real life.

Energy – A World Without Lithium: Next-Gen Battery Tech
From crushing rocks and batteries to create thermal storage, to using nickel-zinc batteries to improve energy grids, the session emphasizes the importance of continuously innovating and exploring eco-friendly solutions to meet our growing energy needs.

Fashion & Beauty – Fashion Innovation: NextGen Materials for Sustainable Future
Is the fashion industry ready to clean up its act? Highlighting the crucial need for sustainable fashion, this session addresses the industry's environmental impact, current challenges, and strategies for adopting a more sustainable future, aligning closely with our Climate & Sustainability track.

Film & TV Industry – Mastering Film Finance: Proven Funding Strategies for Short Films
Funding and financing feature-length films are recurring popular topics in the Film & TV Industry track. But how about the under 40 minutes crowd? Experts in this session will focus specifically on short films, offering valuable insights for indie filmmakers and serving as a strong representation of the track as a whole.

Food – The Evolution of CPG Brand Purpose: Necessity or Luxury?
Food has the ability to connect cultures and bridge the gap between communities across the globe. The session features entrepreneurs and innovators from leading CPG brands, exploring the significance of a brand's mission in today's competitive consumer marketplace.

Game Industry – Cultural Collision: Erupting Trends in Music & Gaming
Gaming trends are evolving and fostering a more inclusive and vibrant cultural landscape than ever before. Featuring a panel from Cxmmunity Media and XSET, this session appeals to a broad SXSW audience with its crossover content, making it the highlight of the Game Industry track.

Government & Civic Engagement – The Antidote to a Divided America
Functional government and civic engagement are imperative to ensure that everyone’s voices and needs are understood in today’s complicated societies. The session addresses perceptions of the current state of the nation while reminding us of our shared values and the importance of fostering meaningful connections.

Health & MedTech – Reconstructing the Human Brain in the Lab
Embark on a journey through the human brain, exploring its evolutionary pathways and potential contributions to humanity's future in space. This session looks at the cutting-edge intersection of neuroscience and space exploration, combining innovation and curiosity about what makes us human.

Music & Tech – From Data Deluge to Data Strategy: Get the Power of Insights
There's an overwhelming amount of data available for artists and their teams, but it’s only valuable if used effectively. This session will assist music professionals in leveraging data from DSPs, charts, and social media with real-world examples and applications.

Music Industry – The Future of Music: Building a Superfan-Centric Business
Superfans are a $4.2B market per Goldman Sachs' 2024 Music in The Air report. A diverse panel of music industry experts will discuss this highly relevant topic, ensuring it resonates with a broad audience of attendees.

Psychedelics – Beyond the Mind: Psychedelics to Heal the Body
It’s time we expand our understanding of the profound potential of psychoactive substances. In this session, leading clinical psychedelic researchers will discuss the potential benefits of psychedelics for chronic pain treatment, advancing the conversation on their role in mainstream healthcare.

Startups – Discovering What's Next: From Space to Climate Tech
Get an inside look at Jim Adler’s journey as the Founder and General Partner of Toyota Ventures, where he shares his vision for investing in early-stage startups that aim to transform our world and explores the pivotal moments that have shaped his career in frontier and climate tech.

Tech Industry – Reclaim, Reframe, Reimagine: AI Design for Human Agency
How do we design a new universe of possible technologies valuing human agency and creativity? The session offers a positive perspective on AI and design from experts at Google and the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

Transportation – Data-Driven Dreams: Is Your Car Your Friend or Big Brother?
Cars are evolving into data-gathering machines but at what cost? This session tackles pressing concerns about cybersecurity and personal privacy in the era of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs), connected mobility, and the future driver and passenger experience.

Workplace – Redefining Leadership: Humanity in a Digital Era
You don’t have to wait until you reach the top to become a leader! The session sparks an important discussion on how leaders can embrace authenticity amid rapid technological evolution, emphasizing that everyone can be a purposeful leader, regardless of their title.

XR – Future Visions: Extending the Worlds of Sports, Music & Film
With an expert-packed panel from ESPN, Meta, Mercury Studios, and Nexus Studios, this session highlights the integration of immersive technology across various industries and its role in shaping the future of entertainment.

Explore All Sessions

Consider this an appetizer of the creative feast in store for the 2025 SXSW Conference from March 7–14. Dive into the main programming course of 450+ recently-announced sessions and build your own personalized SXSW Schedule. Stay tuned for more Keynotes, Featured Speakers, mentors, demo listening sessions, workshops, and much more from the SXSW Conference.

Join Us at SXSW 2025

Register early to secure your spot at hundreds of conference sessions and a myriad of professional development and networking opportunities this March! Plus, experience Film & TV Festival screenings, Music Festival showcases, world-class Exhibitions, tech competitions, and more at SXSW 2025.

Stay in the SX know all season long – subscribe to event updates and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X.

Photo by Patrick Quiring

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