South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference and Festivals has announced the initial keynotes and featured speakers for the 2019 Conference, running March 8-17, 2019 in Austin, TX.
Keynotes announced today include Instagram CEO and co-founder Kevin Systrom, interviewed by TechCrunch Editor-At-Large Josh Constine, and a Keynote Conversation between Shirley Manson, lead vocalist of the critically acclaimed alternative rock band Garbage, singer-songwriter Lauren Mayberry of the Scottish electronic pop band Chvrches, and writer, producer, and director Marti Noxon.
Among the Featured Speakers revealed today are Jason Blum in conversation with John Pierson; writer and 2017 Time Person of the Year Susan Fowler; world-renowned architect Bjarke Ingels; artist and musician Amanda Palmer; co-founder of Upworthy and Fellow at the New America Foundation Eli Pariser; New York Times bestselling author Michael Pollan; media theorist and author Douglas Rushkoff; BenevolentAI CEO Joanna Shields; futurist and author Amy Webb; and more.
“We’re excited about the addition of our Keynotes — Kevin Systrom, who as the co-founder of Instagram has redefined the culture of the modern internet and the way that we connect with others; Marti Noxon, whose prolific career and dedication to her craft has created some of the most beloved and acclaimed series of the past two decades; and Shirley Manson with Lauren Mayberry, two talented musicians whose passion, continued experimentation and career evolution are values we celebrate at SXSW,” said Hugh Forrest, Chief Programming Officer. “As a premier destination for innovation and creative discovery, SXSW is proud to begin our 2019 season by announcing a strong and dynamic group of leaders, storytellers, and visionaries holding important conversations about the challenges and opportunities ahead of us.”
SXSW Conference programming is organized into 25 tracks divided between Interactive, Film, Music, and Convergence, presented in a variety of session formats. Once again, SXSW is offering expanded access to events for all registrants. Attendees will receive primary access to programming associated with their badge type but now also enjoy secondary entry to most other SXSW events.
There are still many ways to participate in SXSW 2019: the SXSW Film Festival is now accepting Feature Film, Short Film, Episodics, Music Video, and Virtual Cinema submissions through Oct. 18. Texas High School Short and Title Sequence will accept submissions through Dec.13.
Artists can now apply to showcase at the 2019 Music Festival directly through SXSW. The application period closes on October 25, 2018. Apply early for a discounted rate.
In addition to applications to the Film Festival and Music Festival, SXSW is now accepting entries for the best digital creative work for the Interactive Innovation Awards, inventive startups for SXSW Pitch, and proposals for the Place by Design and Art Program.
For more, visit sxsw.com
