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.