Formats

The SXSW Conference provides a variety of programming formats aimed at empowering attendees to explore, discover, and build relationships. Maximize your experience by identifying which of these formats align best with your creative and career aspirations.

Conference Formats

Whether you're here for inspiration or you're work has sent you for continuing education, there is a muyriad of formats to fit everyone's needs at the SXSW Conference.

See You at SXSW 2026

Join us for SXSW 2026 from March 12–18 in Austin, TX. Stay tuned for announcements about 2026 registration throughout the season. Subscribe to Event Updates and community newsletters.

Questions about SXSW sessions? Email us at sessions@sxsw.com.

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1 Hour Sessions

Keynotes

Powerful Presentations by Diverse Visionaries

Daily Keynotes showcase some of the world's most inspired thinkers with powerful new ideas in the ever-evolving worlds of technology, film, culture, and music.

Keynote: Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen – SXSW 2024 – Photo by Virginia Hernandez

1 Hour Sessions

Featured Sessions

Mind-expanding Conversations

Featured Sessions bring together some of the biggest and brightest names of our time. Spanning across various trends and SXSW Conference tracks, Featured Speakers present a snapshot of the most transformative ideas shaping our future.

Jane Fonda and David Fenton – SXSW 2024 – Photo by River Callaway

1 Hour Sessions

Presentations / Panels

Gain Industry Expertise

Presentations include 1-2 experts offering deep dives into targeted topics. Panels feature 3-4 industry professionals sharing different perspectives based on a specific subject. Fireside Chats include 2 speakers in conversation discussing a variety of topics.

SXSW 2024 Featured Session: Moviegoing Lift: Loyalty, Subscription & MoviePass – Photo by Lauren Hatfield

90-120 Minute Sessions

Workshops

Up Your Career Development Game

Workshops offer a variety of hands-on learning activities and specific takeaways for professional growth.

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Neuroplasticity Laughter Workshop – SXSW 2023 – Photo by Judy Won

15 Minute Sessions

Mentor Sessions

Connect with Industry Experts

Mentor Sessions offer one-on-one coaching by professionals from all areas of the tech, film, and music industries. Within the 75 minute duration of Mentor Sessions, there will be five one-on-one meetings.

Advance sign-up is required and access is limited to the primary badge type listed for each event on the SXSW Schedule.

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Mentor Sessions – Photo by Alexa Gonzalez Wagner

1 Hour Sessions

Meet Ups

Find Your Next Creative Collaborator

With SXSW attracting registrants from all over the world, Meet Ups are a more relaxed way to connect, seek out inspiration, and find collaboration opportunities across a wide range of industries, interests and groups.

Stay tuned for announcements throughout the season.