SXSW values community input and involvement. PanelPicker® was developed to encourage the SXSW community to enter proposals and have a significant voice in Conference programming.

2027 SXSW PanelPicker Opens June 23

• Entry Period: June 23–July 26, 2026
• Community Voting Period: August 5–23, 2026

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2027 SXSW PanelPicker Entry Period: June 23–July 26, 2026

Each year, we encourage the SXSW community to upload proposals for presentations, panels, book readings, workshops, and more across multiple tracks of programming.

What Makes A Good Proposal

Proposals should be specific, well-titled, and illustrative of the impact of your ideas and the depth of research behind them.

• From June 23–July 26, 2026, sign in to panelpicker.sxsw.com to get started on your proposal.
• The more specific a proposal, the better.
• Cute titles are fun, but your title is going to be fighting for attention with hundreds of other titles. Direct and explanatory titles work best.
• The supporting material you enter helps viewers to understand your proposal and distinguish it from the competition.
• Proof your work!
• Meet the final deadline: July 26, 2026 at 11:59pm PT.

Formats

• Book Reading (1-2 Speakers): Sessions focusing on the launch of a new book (publication date of June 2025 or later), giving the author and audience a chance to explore the themes or motifs present in their work.
• Core Conversation (1-2 Speakers): Sessions that blend presentation and group conversation. Speakers will guide participants through a lively discussion framed around specific topics or areas of interest.
• Fireside Chat (2 Speakers): Conversation between two speakers (often a moderator and expert), discussing and dissecting a specific topic.
• Meet Up (1-2 Hosts): Bringing together attendees with similar interests to broaden their community in either a networking/mixer style or a campfire discussion. One or two hosts.
• Podcast: Established episodic audio series around a given theme. Four speakers (including hosts) maximum.
• Panel (4 Speakers max): Diverse discussion around a specific topic. Four speakers maximum (INCLUDING moderator). No exceptions.
• Presentation (1-2 Speakers): One to two speakers offering a deep dive into more targeted topics. Visual presentation often included.
• Workshop (1-2 Speakers): Deep dive sessions with more hands-on learning activities and specific takeaways for professional growth and development.

The easy-to-follow application form on panelpicker.sxsw.com will walk you step by step through the entry process. Read the PanelPicker FAQ to learn valuable tips for creating a great proposal.

To help you put your best proposal forward, we’re hosting a series of support sessions throughout the submission period:

Join us on launch day to learn more about the PanelPicker process, best practices, and get your questions answered.

RSVP for the AMA

SXSW Staff Office Hours Throughout July

Looking for feedback on your proposal or guidance before you submit? Book a slot during our weekly virtual Office Hours and connect directly with SXSW staff and receive application tips and support.

RSVP for Office Hours

2027 SXSW PanelPicker Community Voting Period: August 5–23, 2026

How Ideas are Selected: Voting + Staff + PanelPicker Evaluators

While voting from the community is important, these totals are not the only factor in deciding SXSW programming. The SXSW staff and PanelPicker Evaluators also have significant input in determining the content lineup.

The input of the SXSW staff and PanelPicker Evaluators help ensure that less well-known voices have as much of a chance of being selected to speak at SXSW as individuals with large online followings.

Community Votes
Who knows what you want to see at SXSW better than you? Your input is very important in terms of shaping the look and feel of the March event.

PanelPicker Evaluators
A group of 200+ industry experts from around the world, the SXSW PanelPicker Evaluators provide significant feedback on all proposals.

SXSW Staff
With years of experience programming this event, SXSW staff work to fill any gaps in relevant subject matter, striking a balance between new and veteran speakers.