SXSW 2023 Keynotes will feature more out-of-this-world programming, including a Keynote Session with NASA.
Laura Betz, Knicole Colón, Stefanie Milam, and Amber Straughn will present an exclusive that no other keynotes have ever done. A never-before-seen image of the James Webb Space Telescope.
“We are delighted to host a Keynote Session featuring members of the James Webb Space Telescope team. They join an impressive group of Featured Speakers who have consistently pursued progress and discovery across a broad range of industries, including healthcare, technology, transportation, food, and the arts.”
Hugh Forrest, Chief Programming Officer and Co-President
During SXSW 2023, Simran Jeet Singh, author of The Light We Give: How Sikh Wisdom Can Transform Your Life, will be the opening keynote.
Several speakers have been announced today, including Eric André, Blxst, Josh D’Amaro, Tommy Dorfman, Ashley Flowers, Gottmik, Nick Jonas, Martin Luther King III, Damon Lindelof, Eva Longoria, Alexis Ohanian, Maya Penn, Austin Russell, RZA, Dan Schulman, Cheryl Strayed, Jen Wong, among others.
Get your SXSW badge by February 2 to save money. Worth every penny for these awesome keynotes, stellar programming and more in Austin, TX, from March 10-19.
Check out the newly announced Featured Speakers and Featured Sessions across 25 tracks of programming below. Stay tuned for more SXSW updates throughout the season.
Keynotes
NASA’s Webb Space Telescope: Unfolding The Universe
The James Webb Space Telescope, a collaboration between NASA, ESA, and CSA, unveiled striking full-color images and spectroscopic data on July 12, 2022. This achievement followed six months of rigorous preparation that included 50 deployments, mirror alignment, and instrument calibration.
Communications Team Lead Laura Betz will host an event showcasing new discoveries from the telescope, and providing an inside look at its exploration of the unknown universe. Attendees will also receive a special image from Deputy Project Scientists Dr. Knicole Colón (Exoplanet Science), Dr. Stefanie Milam (Planetary Science), and Dr. Amber Straughn (Science Communications).
There are still more Keynotes to come this season, including Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert.
KEYNOTES FOR 2023
Featured Speakers
Variety Intelligence Platform analysts Gavin Bridge, Heidi Chung, and Andrew Wallenstein engage in a dynamic conversation, with Bridge as Senior Media Analyst, Chung as Media Analyst and Correspondent, and Wallenstein as President and Chief Media Analyst.
Kent Bye is the host and founder of the Voices of VR podcast
Guillermo Diaz and Katie Lowes, stars of ABC’s Scandal, discuss their new Shondaland Audio and iHeartPodcasts rewatch podcast Unpacking the Toolbox.
Tommy Dorfman is an actress, writer, director, producer, and the founder and Creative Director of CURRAN
Ashley Flowers, host of the podcast Crime Junkie and founder and CEO of audiochuck, talks with Kevin Mills, president of audiochuck
Adrienne A. Harris, Superintendent of the New York State Department of Financial Services, in conversation with Dan Schulman, President and CEO of PayPal
They’ll discuss Damon Lindelof’s career, including his role as creator, writer, executive producer, and showrunner for Lost and Watchmen. As well as his upcoming Peacock series, Mrs. Davis. Tara Hernandez, Lindelof’s co-executive producer on Young Sheldon and The Big Bang Theory, is also a Lost co-creator.
Kevin Kelly is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and the co-founder and Senior Maverick at Wired
Eva Longoria is an Emmy-nominated director, producer, actress, entrepreneur, and activist
Killer Mike is a Grammy-award winning rapper, businessman, and activist
With Alexis Ohanian, Founder of Seven Seven Six and former Executive Chair of Reddit, Lissie Garvin, Program Director for 776 Foundation and Fellowship Program, activist, eco-entrepreneur and founder of Upenndo! Rostam Reifschneider, co-founder and CTO of Hydrova Inc., and Maya Penn, co-founder of Productions
Boots Riley is an activist, filmmaker, and musician
RZA is a record producer, director, screenwriter, rapper, and composer
Simran Jeet Singh is the author of the national bestseller The Light We Give: How Sikh Wisdom Can Transform Your Life at the Aspen Institute.
With Creator, Executive Producer, and Showrunner Liz Tigelaar, who is adapting the book for a Hulu Original Series produced by ABC Signature, best-selling author Cheryl Strayed (Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail) discusses the adaptation of her bestselling book Tiny Beautiful Things.
Everette Taylor is the CEO of Kickstarter
Hamdi Ulukaya is the founder and CEO of Chobani
Jen Wong is the COO of Reddit
Featured Sessions
Autonomous Driving: More Time to Do What You Love
The automotive industry is changing, and a new era of mobility is beginning. With Rana June (ZYNC), Austin Russell (Luminar), and Markus Schäfer, you will learn how software-defined cars, self-driving technology, and embedded entertainment content can offer more freedom than ever before. Discover how these innovations can help you. Also, optimize your most valuable asset. – TIME – and give a new car experience during this session.
Creating Happiness: The Art & Science of Disney Parks Storytelling
Disney Parks has been committed to spreading joy to millions worldwide for nearly seven decades. Its wide array of theme parks, hotels, and cruises. Providing thrilling adventures and make even the most mundane moments a memorable occasion. Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, will discuss the company’s commitment to invention and positivity in an ever-more cheerful universe.
Crushing: The Burden of Diabetes on Patients
One out of every ten Americans have diabetes, making them take countless small actions to survive. Although those with access to the best treatments and tools still face a heavy mark from this condition. What can be done for those without? In this session, you can hear from Colorado State Representative Leslie Herod and Nick Jonas. Also, Dexcom’s Executive Vice President and COO Jake Leach, and Rev. Mireya Martínez (Pastor at Pattison United Methodist Church in Texas) regarding their views on the diabetic ecosystem and see if our efforts are sufficient or not.
Don’t be a Drag, Just be a Queen
In 2022, a notable increase in anti-LGBTQ bills was seen throughout America, with one Texas politician proposing a ban on minors attending drag shows. This hostile atmosphere around Pride events and drag performances has threatened the LGBTQ+ community worldwide. Sadly the lack of access to affirming spaces can have a detrimental effect on young people’s mental health. The panel discusses the importance of drag throughout history and today’s society. In addition, the power of self-expression, and ways to foster global acceptance with Gottmik, Jaida Essence Hall, Preston Mitchum, and Symone.
Have a Good Trip: Psychedelics in Film and TV
It has been 50 years since psychedelics were stigmatized and criminalized. GOOD TRIP STUDIOS has been working to eliminate stigmas through its projects. Especially the acclaimed 2020 SXSW selection Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics. This movie was instantly successful when released on Netflix, attaining the #1 spot globally within its first month. In addition, celebrities and artists sharing their accounts with psychedelics has propelled the psychedelic renaissance movement forward. Host Eric Andre, Emmy-winner Donick Cary, Natalie Ginsberg from MAPS, and Executive Producer/Showrunner Mike Rosenstein will participate. They will discuss how psychedelics are represented in media. Their influence on artistry and pop culture—plus complete sequences from other planets!
How Music, Entrepreneurship & Independence Intersect
Have you ever considered constructing a flourishing career within the music industry? Regaining your intellectual rights? How about initiating new undertakings to start a multi-faceted business? Sign up for this session! You’ll get the opportunity to hear from Billboard R&B/Hip Hop Rookie of the Year, multi-platinum artist, producer, and EVGLE Blxst co-founders/CEO Victor Burnett (President), Karl Fowlkes (COO) and Martin Mamo (R&B/Hip Hop Reporter at Billboard). Learn the processes needed to launch an effective, boundary-breaking entertainment firm.
Voting is a Civil Rights Issue
Join Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, President Arndrea Waters King, Chairman Martin Luther King III, civil rights leader Ralph Neas, and CEO Bradley Tusk in this session to learn how to improve voting accessibility for marginalized groups. American elections and democracy have been under threat and attempts have been made to reduce civil liberties and voting rights. With these experts in the same virtual room, we hope to reverse this trend by promoting these vital societal assets.
