SXSW 2026 Unveils AI, Podcast, Spotify Speakers for Innovation Conference Lineup

South by Southwest has unveiled keynote speakers for its 2026 Innovation Conference, led by AI scientist Dr. Rana el Kaliouby talking to journalist Bob Safian about keeping humanity at the center of an evolving artificial intelligence revolution.

Also keynoting in Austin, Texas, is New York-based artist Tom Sachs talking about his creative process. And featured speakers booked for the 2026 SXSW Innovation Conference include journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin discussing his latest book, 1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History; Kalshi co-founder and CEO Tarek Monsour talking about creating prediction betting markets out of cultural events like the Oscars and video game releases; and conversations with Gustav Söderström, co-CEO of Spotify, and BuzzFeed founder Jonah Peretti on a digital reset for his once-dominant online platform.

Other Austin-bound speakers at the intersection of technology, business and culture include author David Pogue on Apple’s first half-century in tech innovation; Disney Consumer Products president Tasia Filippatos discussing how marketing brands can stay culturally relevant; and a panel on the impact of generative AI on youth development to include Rebecca Winthrop, director of the Center for Universal Education at Brookings; Maureen Polo, CEO of Hello Sunshine, and Martin McKay, founder of Everway.

“With SXSW 2026 just two months away, I am incredibly energized by the program our team has built. From deep dives into the enduring success of global leaders to the groundbreaking potential of upstarts and innovators, this year’s sessions offer a roadmap for navigating a rapidly shifting world,” Greg Rosenbaum, senior vp of programming for SXSW, said in a statement. “We’re bringing together some of the world’s biggest and brightest thinkers to explore how we can innovate with intention and build deeper, more meaningful connections across every industry.”

SXSW will also feature its third annual podcast stage, including Pivot hosts Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway, and the Waveform: The MKBHD series hosts Marques Brownlee, Andrew Manganelli and David Imel, among others.

The SXSW Film & TV festival will run from March 12 to March 18 in Austin.