The SXSW Innovation Conference allows attendees to immerse themselves in the thought-provoking discussions that can only occur when a global community of creatives, tech disruptors, and industry insiders converge.

As an Innovation Badgeholder, you have access to 10 tracks of Innovation Conference and the Innovation Clubhouse during South by Southwest. Whether you’re checking out the next exciting startup coming out of SXSW Pitch, an eye-opening Keynote Session from a visionary speaker, a mind-blowing interactive installation at SXSW Expos, or a live recording of your favorite podcast, you’ll be experiencing everything the SXSW Innovation Conference has to offer.

This guide gives insights into how to make the most of your time at SXSW as an Innovation Badgeholder. Make sure you’ve looked at our quick-start guide for all badgeholders here: Attendee Guide.

Explore all of the Formats and Keynotes & Featured Sessions in the schedule. Plan out your week using the SXSW GO app, the essential tool for keeping you on point during the festival.

Second Window

Thursday, February 26 at 9am CT
Keynotes and Featured Speakers, Sessions, Screenings, Workshops, and Showcases

New for 2026, Reservations (two per day) are available for SXSW Innovation Badges. When your Reservation window opens, sign in to the Schedule to reserve admittance to select Innovation Sessions.

With a Reservation, be sure to arrive 30 minutes prior for Keynotes and featured sessions, and arrive 15 minutes prior for Mentor Sessions, Workshops, and non-featured sessions. Join the Reservations line or if there is only one line, move to the front for faster admission. Mentor Sessions & Workshops require Reservations, but these don’t count against your daily limit.

Check out the Reservations and Walk-up Lines Guide for more information.

If you don't have a Reservation, check the event status on your SXSW Go app before joining the walk-up line. You should expect longer lines for popular sessions, so plan accordingly.

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 bring together some of the biggest and brightest names of our time. Spanning across various trends and Conference Tracks, Featured Sessions present a snapshot of the most transformative ideas shaping our future.

Start planning your Keynotes & Featured Sessions Schedule

Now in its 18th year, SXSW Pitch, presented by KPMG, is a premier startup showcase spotlighting the most ambitious entrepreneurs and disruptive technologies from around the world.

All Innovation Badgeholders and Platinum Badgeholders are invited to join us March 13-14, 2026, as startup innovation takes center stage in downtown Austin. Over two high-energy days, a live audience and a panel of expert investor judges will explore the forefront of emerging technology sectors.

Join us at JW Marriott

110 East 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 3rd floor / Rooms F & G & H

• March 13th 10am 6:30pm Pitch Event
• March 14th 10am-5:00pm Pitch Event
• March 14th 6:30pm Award Ceremony
• March 15th 10:30am Meet the Startups

Start planning your Pitch Schedule

Innovation Badgeholders can let loose at the Innovation opening night party. Looking to expand your circle with the whole SXSW community? Check out the Crossover Day Mixer, where all badgeholders from SXSW and SXSW EDU intersect. It's part of what makes SXSW one of the friendliest places to network.

Crossover Day Mixer at Arriba Abajo
March 12, 5pm – 7pm

Innovation Opening Party at Brazos Hall
March 12, 7pm – 10pm