• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

The Pentagon said Iran War costs $29 billion, but the real cost is closer to $200 billion—and counting

2

After forcing workers back to the office, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase are now letting their staff work remotely—but only for the World Cup

3

Amazon's record Prime Day masks a darker truth: Americans are spending more and getting less

1

The Pentagon said Iran War costs $29 billion, but the real cost is closer to $200 billion—and counting

2

After forcing workers back to the office, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase are now letting their staff work remotely—but only for the World Cup

3

Amazon's record Prime Day masks a darker truth: Americans are spending more and getting less
TechSXSW

7 Can’t Miss Things At SXSW 2016

By
Chris Morris
Chris Morris
Former Contributing Writer
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Chris Morris
Chris Morris
Former Contributing Writer
Down Arrow Button Icon
March 8, 2016, 8:45 AM ET
General Atmosphere - 2014 SXSW Music, Film + Interactive Festival
AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 07: "Grumpy Cat" poses during the 2014 SXSW Music, Film + Interactive Festival on March 7, 2014 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Amy E. Price/Getty Images for SXSW)Photograph by Amy E. Price — Getty Images
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

One of the joys of South by Southwest is you’re never really sure what you’re going to find there.

While the annual interactive, film, and music conference in Austin is loaded to the gills with panels, concerts, parties, and screenings, the truly memorable events always seem to be something spontaneous or when one of the planned events goes awry (see Mark Zuckerberg’s infamous 2008 keynote Q&A). But that’s not to say there’s no way to plan for the festival.

This year’s 29th installment, which kicks off March 11, could be the biggest yet with some of the most prominent speakers in the event’s history. If you’re going to Austin over the next couple of weeks, here’s are some of this year’s must-attend events.

The Obamas come to town

This year marks the first time a sitting president will speak at SXSW. But the conference scored a one-two punch in getting both the President and First Lady to give separate keynotes at different parts of the show. President Obama will take the stage at SXSW Interactive on March 11 to discuss civic engagement in today’s tech-intense society. Michelle Obama will deliver the opening keynote at SXSW Music on March 16 to discuss her Let Girls Learn education initiative.

Virtual reality everywhere

With the launch of Oculus’ Rift virtual reality headset becoming available later this month and HTC’s Vive due in April, SXSW is hosting a separate three-day event focused on the new technology and its possibilities. Beyond offering several hands-on demonstrations at the Hilton Austin Downtown, the show will host more than 20 panels focused on the potential impact virtual reality will have on everything from music and fashion to sports and tourism. There’s even a panel on virtual reality porn.

Tackling online harassment

SXSW screwed up last October when it canceled two panels that revolved around Gamergate, an ongoing debate in the video game community about the way women are portrayed in the gaming culture. (It’s a complicated argument that boils down to two sides: One saying many games treat women as sexual objects and the other side arguing that ‘social justice warriors’ are trying to change the hobby they enjoy.)

The decision by SXSW earned it a lot of bad PR and almost lost the show some of its high-profile media partners like Buzzfeed and Vox Media in the process, which said the decision bordered on censorship. Days later, the festival not only reversed course, but doubled down by announcing an all-day Online Harassment Summit that will take place March 12 at the Hyatt Regency. The debate will likely be fierce, but officials hope it will result in a more open dialogue about overcoming harassment in games (and online) without the threats other discussions about the topic have been forced to deal with.

The return of Pee Wee Herman

SXSW certainly has a silly side. It’s located in a city whose motto is “Keep Austin Weird” for cryin’ out loud. This year, that’s best personified by the world premier of Pee-wee’s Big Holiday, Paul Reubens’ return to his most famous character after more than two decades. (He stepped away from the role in 1990, and was arrested the following year for indecent exposure at an adult theater. After a plea of no contest, Reubens withdrew from public life.) The film will begin streaming on Netflix the following day.

Big keynotes

The Obamas get top billing, but there are many other notable keynote speakers at this year’s show. Star Wars: The Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams will share the stage with Andrew Jarecki, whose HBO series The Jinx was one of the breakout shows of 2015. Filmmaker Ken Burns will have a conversation with historian Henry Louis Gates Jr., host of PBS’ Finding Your Roots. Twitter co-founder Biz Stone will talk about combining humanity with technology. And Hollywood will be well represented with talks from America Ferrera, Geena Davis, Scandal star Kerry Washington, and CNN’S resident foodie Anthony Bourdain.

An update on the Hyperloop

Dirk Ahlborn, CEO of Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, will give a presentation at this year’s SXSW. Hyperloop is Elon Musk’s vision for a system that could efficiently shoot hovering pods containing cargo or passengers through a depressurized tube at up to 760 mph. Ahlborn will discuss the project’s progress, the collaboration of the project’s partners, and what it takes to build the first passenger-ready version of the Hyperloop.

The marketing sideshows

With nearly 35,000 people expected at SXSW Interactive (and around 30,000 headed to the music festival), when it comes to marketing stunts at this show, it’s go big or go home. This year, USA Network may win that battle with a 10-story Ferris wheel near the convention center promoting the second season of its hit show Mr. Robot. HBO will once again be on hand to promote Game of Thrones at an offsite location, but it’s keeping the details of that exhibit under wraps.

Meanwhile Gatorade and McDonalds (MDNDF) are also planning large-scale events in the downtown area. Friskies is bringing back Grumpy Cat, one of the Internet’s favorite pets, to meet attendees. And Spotify (SPOTIFY), Pandora (P), and online music video site Vevo will all host separate block parties and events.

About the Author
By Chris MorrisFormer Contributing Writer

Chris Morris is a former contributing writer at Fortune, covering everything from general business news to the video game and theme park industries.

See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Latest in Tech

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Tech

Getting past the pilot: Why so many AI test projects have trouble scaling
SuccessBrainstorm Tech
Getting past the pilot: Why so many AI test projects have trouble scaling
By Alexei OreskovicJune 24, 2026
2 hours ago
‘Godmother of AI’ and tech entrepreneurs draw investors by pivoting from chatbots to ‘world models’ saying AI has to read the room, not just books
AIRobots
‘Godmother of AI’ and tech entrepreneurs draw investors by pivoting from chatbots to ‘world models’ saying AI has to read the room, not just books
By The Associated PressJune 24, 2026
3 hours ago
‘We are in agony’: Today Show host Savannah Guthrie begs public for help as reports surface her missing 84-year-old mom might be dead
North AmericaMedia
‘We are in agony’: Today Show host Savannah Guthrie begs public for help as reports surface her missing 84-year-old mom might be dead
By The Associated PressJune 24, 2026
3 hours ago
Asia’s defense boom is rewiring the global arms supply chain
Commentaryarms, weapons, and defense
Asia’s defense boom is rewiring the global arms supply chain
By Chris OberoiJune 24, 2026
4 hours ago
Institute's Global Conference at the Beverly Hilton Hotel,on May 6, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California.
RetailSpaceX
Elon Musk was the world’s first trillionaire for 12 days
By Eva RoytburgJune 24, 2026
5 hours ago
President Donald Trump pictured in September 2025 signing an executive order that overhauled the H-1B visa program.
EconomyImmigration
Trump’s international student crackdown kicked off a domino effect that could shave nearly $500 billion off the economy
By Tristan BoveJune 24, 2026
6 hours ago

Most Popular

The Pentagon said Iran War costs $29 billion, but the real cost is closer to $200 billion—and counting
Economy
The Pentagon said Iran War costs $29 billion, but the real cost is closer to $200 billion—and counting
By Jacqueline MunisJune 24, 2026
18 hours ago
After forcing workers back to the office, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase are now letting their staff work remotely—but only for the World Cup
Success
After forcing workers back to the office, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase are now letting their staff work remotely—but only for the World Cup
By Orianna Rosa RoyleJune 23, 2026
2 days ago
Amazon's record Prime Day masks a darker truth: Americans are spending more and getting less
Retail
Amazon's record Prime Day masks a darker truth: Americans are spending more and getting less
By Nick LichtenbergJune 24, 2026
10 hours ago
Ray Dalio just finished a 10-day trip to China. He says global leaders know America ‘doesn’t have what it takes to fight to maintain its empire’
Asia
Ray Dalio just finished a 10-day trip to China. He says global leaders know America ‘doesn’t have what it takes to fight to maintain its empire’
By Nick LichtenbergJune 24, 2026
11 hours ago
Now worth $200 million, Sarah Jessica Parker credits being ‘one of eight kids that struggled financially’ for her hunger, ambition, and work ethic
Success
Now worth $200 million, Sarah Jessica Parker credits being ‘one of eight kids that struggled financially’ for her hunger, ambition, and work ethic
By Orianna Rosa RoyleJune 24, 2026
18 hours ago
Current price of oil as of June 23, 2026
Personal Finance
Current price of oil as of June 23, 2026
By Joseph HostetlerJune 23, 2026
1 day ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.