SXSW Sessions
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Women’s representation in media and entertainment has come a long way, but there's still much to be done, especially for women of color and mothers. Social media's omnipresence has raised the stakes, creating an often dangerous environment which has led to serious mental health issues for teenage girls in particular. On International Women’s Day, we’ll hear from visionary female leaders at the forefront of news, media, entertainment and philanthropy who are breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and working toward a healthier society on and off our screens.
* * * Join Amy Webb for the launch of the Future Today Institute's 17th edition of its Tech Trends Report and a deep dive into all the tech trends you'll need to follow in 2024. In this mind-bending session, futurist Amy Webb, CEO of the Future Today Institute and professor at NYU Stern School of Business, will provide a data-driven analysis for the emerging tech trends that need to be on your radar this year––and she’ll show you scenarios that will change your perspective on the futures. For those who have attended this session at previous SXSW festivals and already know what to expect from this session, you'll be in for an extra-special treat this year.
Each year, MIT Technology Review reporters and editors assemble a list of the top breakthrough technologies that will change the world. In this SXSW Session, Elizabeth Bramson-Boudreau, the Publisher and CEO of MIT Technolgy Review will share the publication’s list of ten breakthrough technologies with the SXSW audience, explaining each one and how it will impact the way we live and work.
These last few years have been characterized by prolonged uncertainty when it comes to our health, politics, economy, and beyond. Can you blame us for falling deeper into the siren song of our increasingly predictive technologies? Endless suggestions of what to buy, who to date, what to write, where to turn, and what to listen to next flow right into our palms—fooling us into thinking we have control over this unknowable, messy world. The deluge of perfectly curated feeds doesn't help. Renowned psychotherapist, podcast host, and author Esther Perel wants to know: what is this doing to our relationships? How are our expectations of one another changing? It is possible that “knowing” everything is making us less prepared for the uncertainties and imperfections intrinsic to life and love. Chasing certainty has left us inflexible and socially atrophied. How is this impacting our partnerships, friendships, and communities? Much as we try, we can’t optimize intimacy—or can we?
Our country continues to take steps backward when it comes to civil liberties and voting rights when we should be expanding those rights and making it easier for everyone to participate in the democratic process. In this panel, leaders in the fight for civil rights and voting access will be sharing their insight into how we can expand access to voting for marginalized groups.
NASA’S JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE, A PARTNERSHIP WITH ESA (EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY) AND THE CANADIAN SPACE AGENCY (CSA), RELEASED ITS FIRST FULL-COLOR IMAGES AND SPECTROSCOPIC DATA ON JULY 12, 2022. AS THE LARGEST AND MOST COMPLEX OBSERVATORY EVER LAUNCHED INTO SPACE, WEBB WENT THROUGH A SIX-MONTH PERIOD OF PREPARATION BEFORE IT BEGAN SCIENCE OPERATIONS WITH 50 MAJOR DEPLOYMENTS, CAREFUL ALIGNMENT OF THE MIRRORS, AND CALIBRATING THE INSTRUMENTS. THESE EXPERTS WILL TALK ABOUT WEBB’S LATEST SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERIES, AND HOW THIS OBSERVATORY WILL CONTINUE TO EXPLORE THE UNCHARTED TERRITORIES OF OUR COSMOS, AND SHARE A NEVER BEFORE SEEN IMAGE FROM THE JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE.
Moderated by self-proclaimed Dateline fan and Grace & Frankie star June Diane Raphael, join Dateline correspondents Josh Mankiewicz & Keith Morrison and Executive Producers David Corvo & Liz Cole for a conversation about how NBC’s longest running primetime program evolved into a true crime powerhouse with a mega podcast hub. With numerous #1 podcasts, including The Thing About Pam, Motive for Murder, Dateline: Missing in America & Mommy Doomsday, along with a Dateline 24/7 streaming channel on Peacock, the team will discuss how the true crime juggernaut is reaching a new generation of fans with its signature storytelling.
2022 saw a record number of anti-LGBTQ bills introduced across the country, and we’ve already seen one Texas lawmaker announce that he will introduce a bill to ban youth from attending drag shows next year. The heated political discourse has led to threats against Pride celebrations and drag shows around the world. We know these debates are negatively impacting LGBTQ youth — and that access to affirming spaces and representation is crucial to mental health. Amid these relentless attacks on the LGBTQ community, top drag queens from RuPaul's Drag Race will join The Trevor Project to discuss drag’s historical roots and cultural significance today, why promoting self-expression is so important, and how we can all help create a more accepting world.
The ‘me too.’ Movement is one of the best examples of the power of a platform to drive equity and disruptive change. For innovators, creators, and business leaders alike, there are powerful learnings in why #MeToo went viral, how the me too. Movement has defined modern culture, and how brands can more deeply connect with communities through personal storytelling. Brands & companies, leaders, and influencers today all are expected to stand for and demonstrate intentional effort in leading change. This is easier said than done amid discomfort and even fear of moving forward imperfectly, making mistakes, and publicly being called to task. This discussion will inspire business leaders, storytellers and change makers to overcome “perfection paralysis” and move forward courageously in the direction of disruptive change for good.
Join Mike Jackson, Emmy® and Tony Award-winning producer and co-founder and managing partner of Get Lifted Film Co. for his ongoing conversation series Why Not Me? hosted at the Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas. The series explores diversity in the media industry. Why Not Me? creates a platform for people of color and underrepresented communities across film, TV, theatre, books, and sports to share stories of breaking into the industry and making a lasting impact for generations to follow. Jackson grants opportunity to diverse filmmakers and casts through his acclaimed productions and has developed projects with major networks and studios featuring people of color in front of and behind the camera amid fascinating storylines, bringing elevated multicultural content to global audiences alongside Ty Stiklorius and EGOT-winner John Legend. Additional talent to be confirmed.
William Shatner has cultivated a career spanning over 60 years as an award-winning actor, director, producer, writer, recording artist, and horseman. He is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable figures and a major philanthropist. He has won Emmys and also won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of eccentric lawyer “Denny Crane” on both The Practice and Boston Legal. He has received four additional Emmy nominations as well as other Golden Globe and SAG Award nods. Mr. Shatner currently is the host and executive producer of The UnXplained on The History Channel. From the producers of Ancient Aliens and The Curse of Oak Island, the one-hour, non-fiction series explores the world’s most fascinating, strange and inexplicable mysteries. Shatner continues to act, write, produce and direct while still making time to work with charities and further his passion in equestrian sports. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
Sexual pleasure has been lurking in the shadows, hidden discretely in store aisles, lit up in neon on the side of highways, in glimpses on late-night TV, or relegated to the dark and dirty corners of the internet. The sex industry deserves innovation. Global sextech leader Bryony Cole set up Sextech School to do exactly that - bring founders, entrepreneurs, investors, job seekers and learners together in a six week online school to share the best new sextech ideas to transform them into viable businesses and create a vibrant, collaborative and sex positive community that is growing the sextech industry together.
* * * With music consumption at an all-time high, a new songwriter economy has emerged, where music creators of all levels thrive and local repertoire reaches new fans across borders and genres. It's not just about writing hits but tapping into global opportunities that span various regions, art forms, and entertainment mediums, from TV/film, gaming, and Web3 to theater and production music. Music publishers will need to adapt their way of working to remain relevant, taking advantage of these new opportunities for their entire roster vs. focusing only on megastars and market share. Join Warner Chappell Music Co-Chair and CEO Guy Moot along with Grammy Award-winning songwriting/production duo Nova Wav, Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum producer and artist Murda Beatz, and Billboard Editorial Director Hannah Karp for a lively discussion about the future of music publishing and the new songwriter economy.
Music ownership has historically been concentrated in the hands of institutions and people with access. Despite streaming generating tens of billions of dollars for the music industry each year, music artists see very little of this money, largely due to signing away ownership early in their careers. Join renowned DJ and CEO/co-founder of Royal Justin Blau to discuss how new technology is shifting power and control into the hands of artists and their fans. Unlike merch, vinyl, and other collectibles, a system of shared music ownership empowers artists toward greater creative freedom and gives fans a deeper connection to the music they love.
In her final year of competitive racing, Allyson Felix, the most decorated track and field athlete of all time, shared with the world that she was no longer competing for medals, but for a mission greater than any medal or podium: empowering women with better childcare access childcare. Her corporate sponsor Athleta, not only stood by her in this mission, but helped amplify it—co-creating a childcare grant to support other athlete mothers with childcare costs, matching the maternity benefit offered through Allyson’s community-centered footwear brand for and by women, Saysh. Working together to help build a program for on-site childcare at athletic events in partnership with the non-profit organization &Mother. Join Allyson for a conversation with ABC News Correspondent Gloria Riviera to explore the possibilities of modern brand partnerships that support athletes’ ambitions both on and off the track (or court or field), how Athleta is expanding its holistic approach to partnerships in 2023 and what’s next for the fierce advocate and entrepreneur Allyson Felix.
* * * For nearly 70 years, Disney Parks has created happiness for millions through experiences that bring Disney’s beloved stories to life. Across its theme parks, hotels, cruises and adventures, Disney Parks has curated magical places around the world where a simple moment can become a treasured lifelong memory. The ‘Art & Science’ of storytelling is the secret to how Disney amazes its Guests and delivers memorable experiences. Disney Parks, Experiences & Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro will share how Disney’s storytelling techniques will build on its legacy of creativity and innovation for a world that can always use just a little more happiness. * * *
* * * In the early to mid 2000s, many of the pioneers of social media gathered at SXSW to brainstorm about the potentials and possibilities of these new platforms for communication. 15 years later, so much of the optimism of those early discussions has fallen by the wayside. So where do we go from here? Is it possible to build a new kind of social media that emphasizes our shared humanity as opposed to our divisions? In this In this very interactive session, attendees are invited to come to the microphone and offer their one minute solution on what a more functional system of scalable networked communication looks like. * * *
Of the $150 billion in U.S. venture capital less than 1 percent of total funding goes to Black founders. Black led startups are an underestimated, overlooked business opportunity that represents a prolific investment opportunity. Kathryn Finney, Managing General Partner of the venture fund, is working to change that, increasing Black wealth and injecting capital into startups led by Black entrepreneurs. Kathryn shares her journey and storied career as an entrepreneur, inclusion champion, and investor to encourage Black founders and female entrepreneurs to build their damn thing.
Chef and humanitarian José Andrés founded World Central Kitchen (WCK) with the simple belief that a plate of food is more than a meal—it’s hope and comfort in times of crisis. Since its founding in 2010, WCK has provided more than 250 million nourishing meals in response to disasters around the world, most recently the wildfires in Chile, earthquakes in Türkiye, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. WCK’s approach to emergency response is rooted in listening to the needs of the community. When the organization is in a community facing unthinkable tragedy, they often hear stories that show the best of humanity. This keynote will dive into the responsibility that comes with this privilege and the power of storytelling to move people to act. No matter the platform, we all have the power to uplift voices to help build shared understanding—something so desperately needed in our world today. Announced during José’s keynote, The World Central Kitchen Cookbook: Feeding Humanity, Feeding Hope, is a captivating collection of stories and recipes from renowned chefs, local cooks, friends of WCK, and José. The book is a celebration of dignity and perseverance—and about building longer tables, not higher walls. It is available now at https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/711636/the-world-central-kitchen-cookbook-by-jose-andres-and-world-central-kitchen-with-sam-chapple-sokol/?ref=PRH6DD7AB1328A8&aid=37171&linkid=PRH6DD7AB1328A8.
Killer Mike gets recognized for many things - being an Outkast protege, a member of rap powerhouse Run The Jewels, one of Atlanta’s biggest advocates, a Bernie Sanders whisperer, and, perhaps most importantly, a voice of reason in an increasingly insane world. Some might know one or two of those sides of Mike, but he is finally ready to introduce the world to the totality of Michael Render, a lifelong rap fiend whose consciousness is seeped in the sounds of community that raised him - multiple eras of southern rap flows, Sunday church service, and barbershop discourse.
Having worked consistently in Hollywood for over 20 years, Eva Longoria has cemented herself as an industry staple known for her work both in front of and behind the camera. An award-winning actress, Emmy-nominated director, producer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and activist, Longoria has been leading the charge of diverse and female representation since her starring role in the hit ABC series Desperate Housewives. Through her production company UnbeliEVAble Entertainment, Longoria has become one the most significant trailblazers in entertainment and recently renewed her overall deal with Twentieth Television for another three years. Founded in 2005, the company actively chooses purposeful projects that accurately represent the stories of the Latinx and other underrepresented communities. Named by Variety Magazine as one of the directors to watch in 2023, this year Longoria will make her feature directorial debut with the highly anticipated Searchlight Pictures biopic Flamin’ Hot about the story of Richard Montañez and the spicy Flamin’ Hot Cheetos snack for which she beat out multiple high profile film directors vying for the job. The film will be released on Hulu on June 9.
Filmmaking twin brothers Danny and Michael Philippou are RackaRacka, online purveyors of comic horror and action. Their YouTube videos have been watched over 1.5 billion times and amassed over 6.6 million subscribers. In 2015, their channel was awarded Best International YouTube Channel at the 6th Streamy Awards. Named one of Variety’s 2016 Fame Changers and ranked 5th on Financial Review’s Cultural Power List, the brothers have won numerous awards, including Best Overall at the Online Video Awards and the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Award for the Best Web Show. Talk to Me is their debut feature film.
Voices of VR podcast host Kent Bye has been asking thousands of virtual reality creators "What is the ultimate potential of VR?" for over 8 years now, and he will be sharing some of the best answers that map out the future of spatial computing, immersive storytelling, and experiential design. He will also share how VR is catalyzing an interdisciplinary fusion of design processes from video games, filmmaking, HCI, social media, theatre, architecture, and new modes of multi-sensory design. VR also presents unique tech ethics challenges around privacy, accessibility, conduct moderation, etc., that will potentially require new laws or tech architectures. This session will set a broad context for some of the promises and perils of this new medium while also providing a glimmer for what's to come.
Psychedelic-based therapies continue to influence the evolving landscape of mental health. As humanity begins to understand the complexity of consciousness and its impact on mental health, these worlds will become increasingly intertwined. Discover the connection between consciousness, mental health, and psychedelic therapeutics as Dr. Deepak Chopra explores the need for humanity to focus on the internal work required to heal. Joined by industry experts conducting clinical trials with psychedelic-based therapies, this panel features guests from the upcoming mini-series Open Minds to explore current medical innovations that have the potential to treat mental health conditions with breakthrough therapies.
Join the lead analysts at Variety Intelligence Platform for a provocative tour of the media and tech landscape. Their data-driven exploration of sectors including streaming, film, TV, music, gaming and much more is an essential experience for those seeking an understanding of a fast-changing business.
Join Rob Jonas, CEO of Luminate, as he offers an updated, data-driven forecast for the entertainment industry over the next year, providing insights on some of the fastest-growing trends across music, TV, film, gaming, and more. The session will connect all of Luminate's world-class data sets, including its industry-standard music consumption database, which has been fueling the Billboard Charts since 1991, along with its film and TV tracking system, and its expert research studies that continuously capture global audience and content-creator habits, casting them through a human lens. From the consumption preferences of Gen Z audiences to the ways in which content discovery methods interact across music and TV, from the power of gamers to nostalgia's effects on music streaming, it's now more essential than ever to understand data's role as a tool to connect audiences and drive creativity across the media and entertainment fields.
In the past five years Formula 1 has seen monumental growth not just in its fanbase but in its digital and global appeal. In 2023, Formula 1 will host a record 23 races around the globe, with the United States becoming the first country to host three races across three different states, with Grand Prix in Austin, Miami and Las Vegas. With races spanning across five different continents and drivers representing four of them, Formula 1 holds the unique title of being the world’s only truly global sport. Alongside its mission to deliver the world’s greatest sports and entertainment spectacle for fans, Formula 1 has an underlying commitment to leave a positive legacy wherever it races, with big plans in place to improve its sustainability and diversity. In this session, join Global Director of Race Promotion at Formula 1, Chloe Targett-Adams, who is instrumental in delivering the company’s global strategy, working with promoters around the world and identifying new locations, as she sits down with NBC Sports' Leigh Diffey to discuss the work Formula 1 is doing to become more sustainable, and the work it does with its hosts to ensure local people and businesses all see the benefits when the world’s biggest sport comes to town.
Join actor and comedian John Leguizamo, NBC News Anchor and Senior National Correspondent Tom Llamas, Director Ben DeJesus and Showrunner Carolina Saavedra as they preview the upcoming MSNBC Films and NBC News Studios series Leguizamo Does America. Llamas will moderate an in-depth discussion with Leguizamo, DeJesus and Saavedra on Leguizamo’s storied career and the groundbreaking new series that focuses on the unmistakable influence and contributions of U.S. Latinos. Available on MSNBC beginning April 16, Leguizamo Does America invites viewers to grab a seat and ride alongside Leguizamo on a tour across the country to celebrate the history, culture, food, and politics of Latinos shaping America.
Climate Change is the single biggest threat facing our planet at this moment. We’ve seen young climate activists rise to the challenge and use their voices to start global movements and influence change. But what would happen if we equipped them with the capital and the resources to tackle the issue head on, in the same way we invest in hungry start-up founders? That’s the question investor and Seven Seven Six founder Alexis Ohanian asked himself when he started the 776 Foundation and Fellowship Program and pledged $20M to climate issues over the next 10 years. The inaugural class of Fellows are nearly one year into the program and are hard at work on projects across the climate solution spectrum from curbing food waste in rural Kenya by deploying solar powered cold storage units to building highly specialized robots working to automate synthetic biology. Hear from Alexis, Lissie Garvin the Director of the 776 Foundation and two of the fellowship program’s bright young minds Maya Penn and Rostam Reifschneider, as they discuss their respective companies, the urgency for climate action and why they all believe our next generation holds the key to unlocking the solutions.
Imagine you're running late for your flight from JFK, traffic is heavy and your map app is predicting two hours of traffic. Instead of jumping in a cab, you walk to the nearest Skyport, board your flying taxi and make your Delta flight with time left to grab your morning coffee. Joby’s flying taxis - an all-electric aircraft vehicle - are here. In this session, join JoeBen Bevirt (Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation) and Pam Fletcher (Chief Sustainability Officer of Delta Air Lines) as they discuss exploring uncharted territories and reimagining travel to build a more sustainable and innovative future for travel.
