Convergence Tracks at SXSW 2020: Cannabis, Politics, Journalism, Sports & More
SXSW 2020 is just about here! From March 13-21 explore common threads between different industries during SXSW Conference Convergence programming to achieve new levels of creative collaboration.
Participate in various Convergence formats of programming like panels, workshops, Keynotes, and Featured Speakers that delve into the worlds of climate change, cannabis, politics, gaming, social change, sports, mixed reality, and beyond.
From our 22 Tracks of programming, these 10 Convergence Tracks spotlight the connection that business, tech, and culture have when they come together. Sessions in any Convergence Track are open to all SXSW Badge types.
Recently announced Convergence Keynotes include Gabo Arora, Reggie Fils-Aimé, Laurene Powell Jobs, Cat Packer with Kelly Perez, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross with Damon Lindelof, and Janelle Monáe. Also joining the star-studded lineup of Featured Speakers, we have added Steve Ballmer, Noam Chomsky, Natalie Fertig, Ozzy Osbourne, Tim Draper, Jaboukie Young-White, and many more to the 2020 Conference lineup.
Before you explore the full SXSW Schedule and begin adding events to your Favorites list, learn more about the unique, cross-industry programming found in our Convergence Tracks.
Convergence Tracks
Cannabusiness
March 18-21
Learn about the technological, cultural, financial, legal and political ecosystems that are defining the cannabis-focused enterprises of both today and tomorrow. The Cannabusiness Track includes content that will appeal to more experienced professionals in this rapidly evolving industry, as well as to newcomers who are just starting to enter this space.
What does the future of CBD wellness products look like? Learn about more about the future of this young industry in our CBD sessions spotlight.
Climate & Social Action
March 13-18
The Climate & Social Action Track highlights innovations that contribute to a more socially equitable and environmentally sustainable world. With updated studies putting climate change front and center in the global conversation, leaders and scientists from a variety of organizations will cover their challenges and successes in trying to affect lasting positive social, economic, and environmental change.
Connection & Culture
March 13-18
New for 2020, the Connection & Culture Track addresses the challenges of interpersonal relationships in a world that too often favors online interactions. Along with examining how we connect with each other, this track also covers the arts via food, style, and other endeavors that unite us on a cultural level.
Experiential Storytelling
March 13-15
The Experiential Storytelling Track investigates how new and experimental strategies are redefining and re-imagining the methods in which creators develop cutting-edge narrative structures. While blending more traditional methods of storytelling with technology-enhanced mediums, audiences can explore new worlds and experiences.
Game Industry
March 16-18
New for 2020, the Game Industry Track examines the exponentially-increasing influence that the making, marketing, and distribution of video games is having on international culture, tech businesses, and traditional entertainment media including film and music.
Government & Politics
March 13-16
The Government & Politics Track aims to discuss issues that affect the lives of all citizens. Topics focus on questions surrounding technology regulation, livable cities, privacy issues, and the challenges of maintaining civil engagement in the age of social media. These sessions also address the difficulties of creating policies that encourage competition and economic growth while balancing legacy systems.
Media & Journalism
March 13-17
The Media & Journalism Track explores how the process of news, analysis, and content distribution are being impacted by technology and society. These sessions also examine the fast-changing media industry landscape, as older institutions and newer organizations battle for consumer attention.
Explore our spotlight on battling misinformation to further examine the fast-changing media industry landscape.
Professional Development
March 16-21
New for 2020, the Professional Development Track offers learning and accreditation opportunities across the range of industries represented at SXSW. From Continuing Legal Education credits to cloud services workshops, this track provides in-depth and specialized education.
Sharpen your design skills with these select sessions that demonstrate the rigor and dedication that this track will give to multiple continuing education categories. Explore more CLE session highlights that provide in-depth and specialized education opportunities.
Sports
March 13-16
The Sports Track explores the future of game-playing from a cultural, philosophical, and technological perspective. Topics will include how esports is challenging our traditional understanding of competitive athletes, big data’s role in revolutionizing various areas within the sports industry, and reimagining the state of fan engagement.
XR
March 16-19
Focusing on current capabilities with immersive interfaces, the XR Track explores where these mind-expanding systems are heading. Also referred to as Extended Reality, XR covers virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). Formerly known as VR/AR/MR, this track complements the Virtual Cinema programming.
Explore all 22 Tracks of the SXSW Conference for Interactive, Film, and Music programming.
Attend SXSW 2020
Join us for SXSW 2020 from March 13-22 in Austin, TX. Check out how to attend, plan your housing, and stay up to date on SXSW 2020 news by following us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Bozoma Saint John and Ashley Graham 2019 SXSW Conference by Hubert Vestil/Getty Images *
02/26/2020