“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.”
South by Southwest have announced their first wave of keynote and featured speakers for the 2019 conference set from March 8-17 in Austin, Texas and it’s looking mighty fine. Renowned for its diverse lineups, next years SXSW conference features a variety of high profile keynote speakers including Kevin Synstrom, the co-founder and CEO of social media giant Instagram interviewed by TechCrunch’s Josh Constine; a joint keynote by Shirley Manson of legendary alternative rock band Garbage and Lauren Mayberry of Scottish electronic pop powerhouse Chvrches; and writer, producer and director Marti Noxon (Sharp Objects, UnReal).
“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 Chief Programming Officer Hugh Forrest.
Featured speakers announced include industry influencers Jason Blum and John Pierson in conversation; writer, software engineer and TIME Person of the Year 2017 Susan Fowler; artist and musician Amanda Palmer of The Dresden Dolls fame; co-founder of Upworthy and Fellow at the New America Foundation Eli Pariser; New York Times bestselling author Michael Pollan (the Omnivores Dilemma); media theorist and author Douglas Rushkoff; CEO of BenevolentAI Joanna Shields; futurist and author Amy Webb; and more.
Organised into 25 tracks presented in a variety of formats, next years conference continues SXSW’s legacy of celebrating “the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries” upheld since its founding in 1987.
Keep an eye out as SXSW continues to release programming for the 2019 SXSW Conference & Festivals throughout the season HERE. SXSW 2019 will take place March 8-17, 2019 in Austin Texas and the AU will return for its 10th year!
Photo: Lauren Mayberry at Splendour in the Grass, photo by John Goodridge.
