2019 SXSW Convergence Tracks Highlight Food, Politics, VR/AR/MR & More
At the core of the SXSW Conference, Convergence Tracks blend technology and culture into innovative and cross-disciplinary programming that inspires new levels of creative collaboration.
Among many other topics, 2019 SXSW Convergence programming will explore the connection between tech, journalism, activism, and politics. Look forward to sessions about the eruption of new sectors like cannabis-focused enterprise, and the emergence of new technology like VR/AR/MR and its applications. Learn how previously separate industries have combined in unique ways to affect change and get inspired to disrupt and build something new of your own!
Convergence programming brings new industries and new ideas to the forefront of the event. The Convergence Tracks are open to all SXSW badgeholders. Explore the full list of Convergence Tracks for SXSW 2019 below.
2019 Convergence Tracks
Cannabusiness
March 14-16 | New for 2019, navigate the technological, cultural, and political ecosystem surrounding the future of cannabis-focused enterprise within the Cannabusiness Track. As cannabis becomes more widely legalized, there is immense opportunity for entrepreneurs to seek funding and grow their businesses within a rapidly evolving industry.
Read more about the Cannabusiness Track:
High Hopes for Cannabusiness
Cannatech, The Future of Hemp, and Trends in the Cannabis Industry: Cannabusiness Track Sessions for SXSW 2019
Browse More Cannabusiness Sessions
Cities, Government, & Politics
March 8-11 | The Cities, Government & Politics Track focuses on innovative city development, privacy issues, and how politics plays a role in shaping policy on all levels of government.
Read more about the Cities, Government, & Politics Track:
Government Surveillance, Elections Under Attack, and Gen Z’s Political Revolution: Cities, Government & Politics Track Sessions for SXSW 2019
Browse More Cities, Government, & Politics Sessions
CLE
March 14-16 | Designed for US-based attorneys, entrepreneurs, and beyond – the Continuing Legal Education Track will include up to 12 hours of accredited sessions available at no extra cost to SXSW registrants. Delve into sessions covering hot-button legal issues across the music, film and emerging technologies industries.
Experiential Storytelling
March 8-10 | Investigate how experimental strategies are redefining the ways in which audiences experience their world.
Read more about the Experiential Storytelling Track:
Cirque du Soleil, Pop Ups, Space & More: Experiential Storytelling Track Sessions
Browse More Experiential Storytelling Sessions
Food
March 11-13 | Chefs, entrepreneurs, activists, farmers, scientists, and enthusiasts come together in the Food Track to explore ways in which technology and innovation can be leveraged to change the way we grow, cook and consume food to create a more sustainable and healthier world.
Read more about the Food Track:
Alternative Protein, the Next Generation of Food Innovators, and the Food Desert Dilemma: Food Track Sessions for SXSW 2019
Media & Journalism
March 8-14 | Explore how journalism, analysis, and content distribution are being impacted by technology and culture. This track will examine the fast-changing media landscape, as older institutions and newer organizations battle for consumer attention.
Read more about the Media & Journalism Track:
AI, Fighting Misinformation, and the Future of Journalism: Media & Journalism Track Sessions for SXSW 2019
Browse More Media & Journalism Sessions
Social & Global Impact
March 8-13 | The Social & Global Impact Track highlights innovations and initiatives that are contributing to a better and more equitable world.
Read more about the Social & Global Impact Track:
Black Twitter, Women’s Rights, and the Economics of Equality: Social & Global Impact Track Sessions for SXSW 2019
Browse More Social & Global Impact Sessions
Sports
March 8-10 | Dive into topics such as diversity and equality in sports, the implications of legal gambling, and athlete entrepreneurship. The Sports Track explores the future of sport from a cultural, philosophical, and technological perspective.
Read more about the Sports Track:
Sports Betting, Tech Advancements in Live Sports Broadcasting, and Adaptive Athletics: Sports Track Sessions for SXSW 2019
VR/AR/MR
March 11-13 | Virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality are pioneering new ways to dramatically enhance how we experience the world around us. Learn about our current capabilities with these interfaces as well as where these systems are heading in the next few years.
Read more about the VR/AR/MR Track:
Spacecraft, Contemporary Art, Ethics, and More: VR/AR/MR Track Sessions for SXSW 2019
Join Us in March 2019
Look out for programming announcements this fall! Register to attend and book your stay in Austin to join us for another exciting event from March 8–17, 2019.
If you're unsure about which SXSW badge is right for you, take our badge quiz to find out. Whether you're leaning towards a Film, Music, or Interactive Badge, you can still explore as much Convergence programming as you'd like. All badge types receive primary access to Convergence Tracks, Keynotes, and Featured Speakers.
Stay tuned to SXSW News for the latest SXSW coverage and be sure to follow us on social – Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Swim with a Shark: Rise and Grind to Maximize Your Day - Photo by Debra Reyes
By Ari Roth
01/3/2019