About
The SXSW Innovation Conference provides an opportunity for the global community of creatives to encounter cutting-edge ideas, discover new interests, and network with other professionals who share a similar appetite for forward-focused experiences.
Explore what's next in the worlds of tech, film, music, culture, and beyond across a variety of Formats, Keynotes, and Featured Speakers at the SXSW Innovation Conference.
With one unified conference spanning different tracks of programming, you'll find more opportunities for networking, learning, and discovery in Austin, Texas.
Featuring a variety of tracks that focus on the most important breakthroughs in technology and culture, SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together.
Check out the important dates and deadlines below, and be sure and sign up for the SXSW Event Updates and Community Newsletters as well.
Important Dates
February 19, 2026
reservations open for platinum badgeholders
1st Window for Reservations at 9am Central for Platinum Badgeholders to reserve Sessions, Screenings and Showcases.
February 26, 2026
reservations open for platinum and innovation badgeholders
2nd Window for Reservations at 9am Central for Platinum and Innovation Badgeholders to reserve Sessions, Screenings and Showcases.
March 12, 2026
SXSW 2026: March 12-18 in Austin, TX
Immerse yourself in unparalleled discovery, learning, professional development, and networking alongside creatives from across the globe at SXSW 2026 from March 12-18 in Austin, TX.
Conference
formats
Keynotes
Powerful Presentations by Diverse Visionaries
Daily Keynotes showcase some of the world's most inspired thinkers with powerful new ideas in the ever-evolving worlds of technology, film, culture, and music.
Featured Sessions
Mind-expanding Conversations
Featured Sessions bring together some of the biggest and brightest names of our time. Spanning across various trends and SXSW Conference tracks, Featured Speakers present a snapshot of the most transformative ideas shaping our future.
Presentations
Gain Industry Expertise
Presentations include 1-2 experts offering deep dives into targeted topics.
Panels
Expert Dialogue
Panels feature 3-4 industry professionals sharing different perspectives based on a specific subject.
Workshops
Up Your Career Development Game
Workshops offer a variety of hands-on learning activities and specific takeaways for professional growth.
Mentor Sessions
Connect with Industry Experts
Mentor Sessions offer one-on-one coaching by professionals from all areas of the tech, film, and music industries. Within the 75 minute duration of Mentor Sessions, there will be five one-on-one meetings.
Meet Ups
Find Your Next Creative Collaborator
With SXSW attracting registrants from all over the world, Meet Ups are a more relaxed way to connect, seek out inspiration, and find collaboration opportunities across a wide range of industries, interests and groups.
Book Reading
Listen In Live
The Book Reading format presents authors and their audience a chance to explore the themes or motifs present in their work, live at SXSW.
Book Signing
Get Face-to-Face with Authors
Connect with authors one-on-one at the SXSW Book Store while they sign their latest work.
Core Conversations
Interact and engage
Sessions with more direct interaction with the audience than a typical Panel format. Leaders engage and guide their audience in a lively discussion on the topic at hand. Audience size limited to approximately 50 participants.
Pitch Events
Discover the Next Big Idea
SXSW Pitch showcases innovative technologies to a panel of industry experts, high-profile media professionals, venture capital investors, and angel investors.
Podcasts
Listen to Stories Unfold
Podcasts bring established episodic audio series to SXSW for special live recordings in front of an engaged audience.
Fireside Chats
Be Part of a Conversation
Fireside Chats include 2 speakers in conversation discussing a variety of topics.
tracks
brand & marketing
March 12 - March 18, 2026
Geared towards agencies and organizations that want to strengthen connections with their communities and clients. This programming features effective approaches to brand strategy as well as novel methods of engaging audiences through traditional, digital, and experiential marketing practices.
Cities & Climate
March 12 - March 18, 2026
Explore the cutting-edge innovations in sustainability, conservation, and climate tech that are building more resilient cities and communities. From decarbonized infrastructure to measurable social impact, see how climate resilience is shaping the urban experience and the future of our planet.
Creator Economy
March 12 - March 15, 2026
The Creator Economy track explores the rapidly evolving world where digital creators, communities, and content shape culture and commerce. With nearly one in four people participating globally in the creator economy, this track unpacks the tools, trends, and tactics to succeed within the fastest-growing sector in small business.
Sports
March 12 - March 18, 2026
The Sports Track dives into the future of athletic performance, next-generation fan experiences, and the evolving economics of professional leagues, from AI-driven analytics to immersive media. Discover how groundbreaking startups and established organizations are redefining the global sports ecosystem.
Gaming
March 12 - March 18, 2026
The Gaming track explores the industry’s powerhouse status as a dominant entertainment and cultural platform. This programming highlights how brands, marketers, and creators are leveraging immersive gaming ecosystems to build deep community connections and launch next-generation digital campaigns. Dive into the groundbreaking innovations and creative breakthroughs leading the next wave of multimedia evolution.
Lifestyle
March 12 - March 18, 2026
The Lifestyle track is dedicated to exploring how personal identity, culture, and emerging trends shape our daily lives and choices. It offers a wide lens on content ranging from the future of fashion and wellness to the dynamics of relationships and the impact of digital media. Discover conversations that celebrate individual expression and innovation within communities, defining what it means to live in the modern world.
tech & ai
March 12 - March 18, 2026
Artificial intelligence and the tech industry have become inseparable forces driving innovation and transformation across the globe. This track highlights cutting-edge platforms, visionary leaders, advanced software, and state-of-the-art hardware that are shaping the future of technology and society. Explore how Tech is redefining industries, powering new business models, and creating the next wave of breakthroughs in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
design
March 16 - March 18, 2026
The Design track looks at the intersection of creativity and functionality, spotlighting the creatives shaping how we interact with the world around us. From UI to UX, explore the visual, structural, and strategic layers of design that define our digital and physical environments.
health
March 16 - March 18, 2026
This track showcases the cutting-edge technologies transforming healthcare, delivering more personalized and effective patient outcomes. It serves as a dynamic forum for exploring innovations in longevity, life extension, and mental health. Join conversations that highlight how technology and comprehensive care models are redefining the future of health and well-being for all.
SXSW Pitch
SXSW Pitch showcases innovative technologies to a panel of industry experts, high-profile media professionals, venture capital investors, and angel investors.
Jessica Robinson, Rahul Meka, Brian Dixon, Bryony Cooper, Lisa Burton, Keith Crossland, Lin Sun Fa, Brad Husick, Bryce Oldham, Shaun Moore, Elmar Kert, Courtney Ehrlichman SXSW Pitch: Smart Cities, Transportation & Sustainability at "SXSW Pitch: Smart Cities, Transportation & Sustainability" at Hilton Austin Downtown on March 08, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Clubhouse
New for 2026, the Innovation clubhouse will be at Brazos Hall, located at 204 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701. It will serve as the home base for Innovation attendees to relax, network, discuss, and plan their next move. Hours: Noon-10pm
The historic Brazos Hall is the official Innovation Clubhouse for SXSW 2026
innovation FAQ
Submissions faq
We’ve compiled a comprehensive FAQ page to cover all of your questions about PanelPicker
2026 event timeline
SXSW celebrates its 40th event with a reimagined experience, bringing the Innovation Conference, Film & TV Festival, Music Festival, and Comedy Festival together for the first time to run concurrently over seven exciting days and nights.

event access & lines guide
For the first time, Reservations are available for SXSW Innovation Badges – Innovation (2 per day). When your Reservation window opens, sign in to the Schedule to reserve admittance to all sessions, and comedy festival showcases.
- Mentor Sessions & Workshops require Reservations, but these don’t count against your daily limit.
- Innovation Badgeholders are able to make their Reservations once the 2nd Window opens on Thursday, February 26th at 9am Central time.
- Check out the Reservations and Lines Guide for more information.
conference venues
Sessions for the SXSW Innovation Conference will take place at numerous hotels and venues throughout downtown Austin. Venues include the Hilton, JW Marriott, Marriott Downtown, Fairmont, Courtyard Marriott, Thompson hotel, and The Line.
The Innovation Clubhouse is located at Brazos Hall and will serve as the Innovation hub throughout the festival.
Shuttle access will be available to take badgeholders to and from their preferred sessions and events.
Archive
Visit the schedule to stay current on every Format and Track to make sure you don't miss a beat. Some of the brightest minds in the world converge at South by Southwest each year. Through careful curation, SXSW has made sure that your access to these thought leaders is unparalleled.