Workplace
innovation conference
Work, reimagined
Where, how, and why we work shapes the core of our daily lives. Dive into dynamic conversations on the evolving job market and diversity, equity, inclkusion, and reskilling in the face of emerging technologies, and the shifting expectations around flexibility, purpose, and meaning at work.
Morra Aarons-Mele
author, harvard business review
“A lot of times when people are worried about what AI is going to do to their job, what they’re really asking is, will I still matter? Do I, as a human, still have value to you? That is a profound question.”
programming themes
- Leadership at Work
- Beyond the 9-5
- Tech & AI
- Workplace Culture & Design
- Future of Work
Past Speakers
The people shaping how stories get made.
Jamila Taylor, Institute for Women’s Policy Research
“Reproductive Freedom: Good for Workers, Good for Business”
Wesley Faulkner, Work Evolution Framework
“Radical Respect: How to Work Together Better”
Ruchika T. Malhotra, Candour
“UNCOMPETE: Choosing Collaboration Over Competition”
Vanessa Tanicien, Peloton
“What AI Can’t Replace: People Skills in a Changing World”
Conference Rewind
Take a look back at the sessions you don’t want to miss.
How to Design a Company That AI Can’t Outpace
Yes. We’re failing at AI. But it’s not because the tools aren’t good enough. We’re failing because we’re designing for a system that’s already obsolete. The winners of the AI era won’t be the fastest tool adopters, but the ones who redesign how work is organized, value is created, and ecosystems are navigated. In this session, Ian shows you how to think and build like an AI-native and re-architect organizations, sharing a practical map and mindset shift to thrive in a future where what’s valued changes in real time.
Actionable Ikigai: Career Planning in the age of AI
Why? Because we can’t manage what we don’t measure, and most of us are flying blind.<br>Join futurist and three-time SXSW fan favorite Mike Bechtel as he turns his foresight toolkit inward and demystifies the future of career planning in the age of AI with a flight-tested dashboard he’s used himself for the past 20 years.<br>Tuned towards early to mid-stage professionals, with relevance to students and senior leaders seeking a recalibration, this fast, story-rich session blends personality with practicality, giving today’s audience the mindset and toolset to design more intentional futures.
Why Work Feels So Unfair and How Hard Conversations Help
Let's be honest: many managers would rather eat glass than tell you why you really didn't get the promotion, assignment, raise, or bonus. But their avoidance is creating a bigger problem – when leaders dodge difficult conversations, they create a vacuum where perceptions of unfairness flourish. Workplace expert Amy Gallo reveals how the inability (or unwillingness) to have hard conversations is eroding trust in organizations. You'll learn what transparency really looks like, how to demand the feedback you deserve, and why meritocracy is impossible without managers who can handle the heat.
Additional Information
Each year, SXSW brings the best speakers in the world to Austin, TX< to present sessions on what’s next in the worlds of film, culture, music, and technology.
The convergence of first-class talent from so many different disciplines and backgrounds creates a unique environment for attendees to explore.
SXSW Conferences include the Innovation Conference, Music Conference, and Film & TV Conference.
Accompanying the SXSW Conference are events including expos, a pitch competition, parties, and more.
Explore Keynotes, Featured Speakers, Session Formats, and programming tracks, of visit the Conference Formats page.
SXSW Conference sessions will be divided into multiple tracks across three overarching verticals:
- Innovation Conference Tracks explore technology, marketing, health, the creator economy and more.
- Film & TV Conference covers both the creative and business elements of film and TV production.
- Music Conference features content on the making, marketing, impact and future of music.
Visit the Tracks pages for detailed information on each of the tracks.
Conference session formats range from presentations and fireside chats to panels, workshops, mentoring, networking and more.