SXSW values community input and involvement. The two-step online process PanelPicker® was developed to encourage the SXSW community to enter proposals and have a significant voice in Conference programming.

2026 SXSW PanelPicker Opens June 24

• Entry Period: June 24–July 27, 2025
• Community Voting Period: August 5–24, 2025

Subscribe to community newsletters for the latest event updates.

2026 SXSW PanelPicker Entry Period: June 24–July 27, 2025

Each year, we encourage the SXSW community to upload proposals for solo 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 24–July 27, 2025, 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 27, 2025 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Short Form (1 Speaker): Short solo presentations grouped in an hour block (staff to determine grouping based on topic).
• 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.

Learn More

2026 SXSW PanelPicker Community Voting Period: August 5–24, 2025

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 inform a significant percentage in determining the content lineup.

The input of the SXSW staff (30%) and PanelPicker Evaluators (40%) 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: 30%
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: 40%
A group of 200+ industry experts from around the world, the SXSW PanelPicker Evaluators provide significant feedback on all proposals.

SXSW Staff: 30%
With years of experience programming this event, SXSW staffers work to fill any gaps in relevant subject matter, striking a balance between new and veteran speakers.

Learn More