Keynotes

At the center of the SXSW Conference, Keynotes drive the shared daily dialogue that connects the many industry professionals in attendance from around the globe.


Dr. Joy Buolamwini Keynote – SXSW 2024 – Photo by Michael Buckner

About Keynotes

 

These sessions run for one hour each, showcasing some of the world's most inspired thinkers as they tackle the most timely topics of today and tomorrow. All SXSW Badges have equal access to all Keynote sessions.

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2025 Keynotes

 

SXSW 2025 Keynote – Arvind Krishna

Arvind Krishna, CEO of IBM

When it comes to AI and quantum computing, it’s time to move past the sci-fi hype and start building real-world applications that expand what is possible with technology. We have entered a new era in which computers can learn, generate and operate independently, and at the same time, an entirely new computing paradigm is rapidly evolving that leverages quantum mechanics to solve seemingly impossible challenges. Join IBM Chairman & CEO Arvind Krishna for a discussion on how business and society can benefit from the convergence of these next frontiers in technology.

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Dive Deeper Into Past Keynotes

Margo Price

“I know I’m on the right path if I have haters. I don’t want everyone to get it - I’m not for everyone.”

Ryan Gellert

“I believe that people are right to be really suspicious about what they hear from business and business people.”

New Order

“One of the prime motivators of it should be to support young musicians- give them a window for their are and let them come through.” -Bernard Sumner

Tilda Swinton

“Keep your dreams soft and malleable, flexible, and porous-and fun!”

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

2023 Keynote

"Any woman that takes a step forward, turn around and pull someone else up with you. "

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Photo by Miguel Esparza

Willie Nelson

2021 Keynote

"It's important to have those valuable things to keep you going."

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2021 SXSW Keynote Willie Nelson - Photo by Pamela Springsteen

Olivia Wilde

2019 Film Keynote

"I realized if I wanted things to change, if I wanted to make my voice heard, I was going to have to shift the paradigm from within."

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Olivia Wilde Film Keynote - Photo by Danny Matson

Ta-Nehisi Coates

2018 Keynote

"Ask me about something I haven’t read on or reported on, I’m not gonna say much about it. When you go into a punch your feet have got to be set."

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SXSW Keynote Ta-Nehisi Coates speaks onstage - SXSW 2018. Photo by Ismael Quintanilla/Getty Images for SXSW

Barack Obama

2016 Keynote

"It’s not enough to focus on the cool, next big thing. It’s harnessing the cool, next big thing to help people in this country."

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2016 Keynote Barack Obama - Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for SXSW

Jessica Shortall 

2017 Keynote

"Love past your comfort zone."

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