SXSW 2026 Innovation Conference Unveils Star-Studded Keynote Lineup
ahead of its in-person program in austin, the SXSW Innovation Conference has released its slate of keynote speakers for 2026, spotlighting leaders in artificial intelligence, art, business and media as the event edges closer.
Headlining in Austin
AI scientist Dr. Rana el Kaliouby will discuss keeping humanity at the center of a rapidly evolving artificial intelligence landscape, in a conversation with journalist Bob Safian.
New York–based artist Tom Sachs is also slated to deliver a keynote,offering insights into his creative process.
Notable Voices and Topics
Additional featured speakers include journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin, who will discuss his latest book, 1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History. Kalshi co-founder and CEO Tarek Monsour will explore the concept of turning cultural events—such as the Oscars and major video game releases—into prediction markets. Conversations will also feature Gustav Söderström, co-president and CTO of Spotify, and BuzzFeed founder Jonah Peretti, who will discuss a digital reset for once-dominant online platforms.
intersections of Tech, Business and Culture
Other Austin-based voices span author David Pogue discussing Apple’s first half-century in tech innovation; Disney Consumer Products president Tasia Filippatos on keeping brands culturally relevant; and panels on the impact of generative AI on youth development with Rebecca Winthrop of the Brookings Institution, Maureen Polo of Hello Sunshine, and Martin mckay, founder of Evergage.
“With SXSW 2026 just two months away, I am incredibly energized by the program our team has built. From deep dives into the enduring successes of global leaders to the breakthrough potential of upstarts and innovators, this year’s sessions offer a roadmap for navigating a rapidly shifting world,” said Greg Rosenbaum, SXSW’s senior vice president of programming.
“We’re bringing together some of the world’s biggest and brightest thinkers to explore how we can innovate with intention and build deeper, more meaningful connections across every industry.”
Stages,Podcasts and Screen
The festival will also host its third annual podcast stage,featuring Pivot hosts Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway,along with the Waveform: The MKBHD series with Marques Brownlee,Andrew Manganelli and David imel,among others.
The SXSW Film & TV Festival is scheduled to run from March 12 to March 18 in Austin.
Key facts at a Glance
| Speaker | Role / Topic | Notable Tie-Ins |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Rana el Kaliouby | Keynote on human-centered AI | Conversation with Bob Safian |
| Tom Sachs | Creative process | Artists’ outlook on innovation |
| andrew Ross Sorkin | Book discussion: 1929 | Financial history context |
| Tarek Monsour | Prediction markets in culture | Oscars, video games |
| Gustav Söderström | spotify leadership | Digital platform strategy |
| Jonah Peretti | Digital reset strategy | BuzzFeed evolution |
| David Pogue | Apple’s tech evolution | Past tech insights |
| Tasia Filippatos | Brand relevance | Disney marketing insights |
| Rebecca Winthrop | Youth and AI | Brookings perspective |
| Maureen Polo | Media and brands | Hello Sunshine context |
| Martin McKay | AI and personalization | evergage background |
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