Innovation Conference march 12–18, 2026

austin, tx

Meet the Astronauts Going to the Moon with NASA’s Artemis II – SXSW 2025 – Photo by Benedict Jones
Photo by Benedict Jones
2026 Schedule Buy a badge

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.

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.

dates & deadlines

The SXSW Innovation Conference runs from March 12-18, 2026. With so many options, it's easy to forget a few important dates and details that go along with the SXSW experience. Take a look below to stay in the SX Know.

  • October 1, 2025 - First speakers announced, including The All-American Rejects, President and CEO of PBS Paula Kerger, Futurist Amy Webb, and AI expert Timnit Gebru.
  • December 2, 2025 - First Keynote speaker announced for SXSW 2026, Jennifer B. Wallace.
  • January 20, 2026 - Newly announced Keynotes and Featured Speakers for the SXSW 2026 Innovation Conference: author and journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin and CEO Lucy Blakiston.
  • February 19, 2026 - 1st Reservations Window opens at 9am Central for Platinum badgeholders to reserve Sessions, Screenings and Showcases.
  • February 26, 2026 - 2nd Reservations Window opens at 9am Central. Platinum and Innovation badgeholders can reserve Sessions, Screenings and Showcases.

Be sure and sign up for the SXSW Event Updates and Community Newsletters as well.

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Important Dates

February 19, 2026
reservations open for platinum badges holders

1st Window for Reservations at 9am Central for Platinum badges holders to reserve Sessions, Screenings and Showcases.

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March 6, 2026
reservations open for platinum and innovation badges holders

2nd Window for Reservations at 9am Central for Platinum and Innovation badges holders to reserve Sessions, Screenings and Showcases.

Explore
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.

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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 / Panels /Fireside Chats
Gain Industry Expertise

Presentations include 1-2 experts offering deep dives into targeted topics. Panels feature 3-4 industry professionals sharing different perspectives based on a specific subject. Fireside Chats include 2 speakers in conversation discussing a variety of topics.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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Creator Economy
March 12 - March 18, 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.

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culture
March 12 - March 18, 2026

Celebrate the intersection of creativity, identity, and expression. A home for wide ranging content covering art, fashion, relationships, media, storytelling and much more. The Culture track explores how communities shape and are shaped by their stories, traditions, and innovations.

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startups
March 12 - March 18, 2026

Step into the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship where ideas become impact. This track explores the strategies, stories, and systems driving early-stage innovation. From fundraising and scaling tactics to market trends and investment strategies, discover how today’s boldest thinkers are building the companies of tomorrow.

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sports & gaming
March 12 - March 18, 2026

Step into the space where Community and playful competition converge to reshape the future of entertainment. From the evolution of gaming as a platform for storytelling, education, and culture to the rapid rise of women’s sports and tech-driven fan engagement, this programming highlights how brands are tapping into these dynamic spaces to build deeper, more meaningful connections.

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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.

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workplace
March 12 - March 18, 2026

Where, how, and why we work shapes the core of our daily lives. This track offers invaluable guidance for both employees and employers navigating every stage of career development. Dive into dynamic conversations on the evolving job market and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). Explore innovations in physical workplace design, strategies for upskilling and reskilling in the face of emerging technologies, and the shifting expectations around flexibility, purpose, and meaning at work.

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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.

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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, alongside the broader wellness movement. Join conversations that highlight how technology and holistic approaches are redefining the future of health and well-being for all.

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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.

innovation FAQ

Submissions faq

We’ve compiled a comprehensive FAQ page to cover all of your questions about PanelPicker

Innovation Conference FAQ

SXSW celebrates its 40th event with a reimagined experience, bringing the Conference, Film & TV Festival, and Music Festival together for the first time to run concurrently over seven exciting days and nights.

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.

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.

Innovation Badge

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