SXSW 2021 announced its initial wave of programming for SXSW Online, which is scheduled to take place on March 16–20, 2021.
Known to feature conference sessions, music festival showcases, film festival screenings, and world-class networking, SXSW 2021 will continue to share its electrifying music and film offerings that the annual event is known to deliver.
SXSW Online will play host to over 50 speakers and 230 conference sessions with musician, philanthropist, and entrepreneur Willie Nelson as its Keynote. Other speakers will include Samantha Bee, Sir Richard Branson, Nicholas Britell, Dave Burd (aka Lil Dicky), The Chainsmokers, Chiquis, Laurieann Gibson, Taraji P. Henson, Barry Jenkins, Jim McKelvey, Michael Lewis, Matthew McConaughey, Alexi Pappas, Queen Latifah, LL COOL J, Brian Grazer, Cynthia Erivo, and more. A complete list of conference sessions can be found here.
“No individual has had the cultural impact on or been more synonymous with the creative vibrancy of Austin than Willie Nelson, and we are incredibly honored to have him as an SXSW Online 2021 Keynote. In addition to dozens of incredible Featured Speakers, today’s announcement also includes more than 200 sessions curated from our global community via PanelPicker, and is a key part of the premium content you can expect from SXSW Online 2021.”
Hugh Forrest, Chief Programming Officer
The annual SXSW Conference explores what’s next across entertainment, culture, and technology, presented in a variety of formats. This year’s online programming sessions will be organized by themes, which include “A New Urgency, Challenging Tech’s Path Forward,” “Cultural Resilience in the Arts,” “The Rebirth Of Business,” “Transforming the Entertainment Landscape,” “Connection in Disconnection and An Uncharted Future.” These themes specifically focus on 2021’s pivotal moment in history offering a glimpse into what the future could look like. For additional information about SXSW programming formats and themes, please click here.