You may think that panels are just a glorified meet-up for Tech Bros...
...but in reality it’s an amazing chance to attend one-of-a-kind sessions led by experts in their respective fields. To see what we mean, here's a guide to ten of the weirdest, most futuristic and seriously fascinating panels & sessions SXSW has to offer this year.
______________________________
March 13 | 11:30 am | Hilton Austin Downtown - Room 412
If this year's Super Bowl ads are any indication, AI and other emerging technologies are changing our everyday lives, whether we know about it or not. This session uncovers 10 hidden truths about how algorithms, AI models, and digital platforms subtly reprogram human behavior. Through real-world examples, this talk explores how technology influences us psychologically and culturally, and what we can do to remain in control.
______________________________
March 13 | 4:00 pm | JW Marriott - Salon 6-8
After terrorizing the citizens of the west side of Los Angeles in the comedy masterpiece Curb Your Enthusiasm, Larry David and Jeff Schaffer are back on HBO to give us an American history lesson, god help us all. In honor of America’s 250th anniversary they have teamed up with the Obamas and Higher Ground for a historical sketch comedy series debuting this summer. Larry and Jeff will discuss their process for Curb and the similarities and differences in making their new series - including a sneak peak of footage from the new show.
________________________
March 16 | 2:30 pm | Omni Downtown - Mansfield AB
For those of us who couldn't wait for the next episode of Dragon Ball Z on Saturday mornings when we were kids, it's wild to see how popular this world has become. Anime isn't niche; it’s the fastest-growing global fandom in entertainment. For Gen Z, it's just as popular as professional sports and celebrity culture. For Gen X and millennials, there's a HUGE nostalgia factor. With leaders from Crunchyroll, Twitch, and anime community voice Lena Lemon, this panel explores anime’s rise and future.
________________________
March 17 | 11:30 am | Austin Marriott Downtown - Waller Ballroom D
Some things don't fade away, they evolve. This session will explore how iconic franchises like Tetris and Sonic continue to shape culture and spark creativity. Maya Rogers, President & CEO of Tetris, and Shuji Utsumi, President & COO of SEGA, share how legacy IP adapts to new generations. Moderated by Greg Off, a 20-year game industry veteran and CEO of creative agency Off Base, this panel dives into the enduring power—and future—of beloved entertainment worlds.
________________________
March 13 | 4:00 pm | Downright Austin - Capitol Ballroom E
If you've attended a major music festival recently, be it Coachella, Lollapalooza, or our ACL Fest right here in our backyard, you might wanna hear from the industry experts.
Danny Wimmer Presents and friends take you backstage to reveal how they sell out rock’s most popular festivals, including Louder Than Life, Welcome to Rockville, Aftershock, and more. It takes a helluva lot more than a killer lineup. It takes innovation. So what's coming next? Discover the tech shaping the future of rock festivals this year and beyond. You'll probably see some of it in action this summer.
________________________
March 13 | 4:00 pm | Hilton Grand Ballroom (Salon HJK)
What do you want your last meal to be before you die???
SXSW is no stranger to culinary events, and this just might be one of our favorites this year. Last Meals is the hit food-interview series where guests share the meal they'd want to eat before they travel to the Great Beyond. Featuring a special guest tied to the festival, this session promises big questions, culinary conversation, and a good amount of humor as well.
________________________
March 14 | 10:30 am | Venue TBA
lEach year, MIT Technology Review assembles a list of the top breakthrough technologies that will change the world. They're not fortune tellers, and they don't always get it right, but they expect these technologies to affect our world in a big way, for decades to come. Niall Firth 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.
________________________
March 13 | 10:00 am | Hilton Austin Downtown - Salon A
Don't let the name fool you - this one isn't just for the Swifties.
Swiftynomics assesses the complex economic lives of everyday American women through the stories of groundbreakers like Taylor Swift, Reese Witherspoon, and Beyoncé. Misty L. Heggeness digs into the data and highlights the abundance of productive activity in women's daily lives, while still acknowledging the barriers they still face. Overall, this talk will give solid advice on how women can thrive in an economy that was not built for them.
________________________
March 14 | 11:30 am | JW Marriott - Salon 6-8
Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, and now the new hit show Pluribus. All we can say is: Welcome To Albuquerque. Creator Vince Gilligan will be joined by actress Rhea Seehorn as well as composer Dave Porter, costume designer Jennifer Bryan, and producer Trina Siopy. The conversation will explore the collaborative process behind some of television's most acclaimed series, and the challenges of inventing a new universe in a familiar city.
________________________
March 15 | 10:00 am | Hilton Austin Downtown - Salon D
Finally, a panel for the rest of us. It seems like AI topics have completely taken over the conversation in tech news, Silicon Valley... even the Super Bowl. And SXSW is no exception this year. With this trend happening at a breakneck pace, many of us are stepping away from emerging technologies and choosing to go analog! From viral stop motion to sold-out film rolls and indie zines, analog crafts are booming. This panel explores how creators use nostalgia, scarcity, and authenticity to build loyal communities, collaborate, and cut through digital noise.
________________________
Want more SXSW events to drop in on? Check out our site dedicated to the fest to stay up-to-date!
