Keynotes

March 8-15, 2024

Daily Keynotes present diverse, visionary speakers who deliver the most powerful new ideas in the ever-evolving worlds of technology, film, culture, and music.


Keynote José Andrés: The Stories We Tell Can Change the World – SXSW 2023 – Photo by Karen Rowe

About Keynotes

 

At the center of the SXSW Conference, Keynotes drive the shared daily dialogue that connects the many industry professionals in attendance from around the globe.

These presentations run for one hour each, showcasing some of the world's most inspired thinkers as they tackle the most timely topics of today and tomorrow. All SXSW Badges have equal access to all Keynote sessions.

See You in 2024

Get ready to experience more opportunities for discovery, networking, learning, and career-enhancing connections than ever before at SXSW 2024 from March 8-16 in Austin, TX. Learn more about SXSW participation opportunities. Registration and housing for SXSW 2024 open on August 1, 2023.

Subscribe to Event Updates and the Conference Community Newsletter to stay in the SX know.

Relive the Memorable Keynotes of 2023

Step into the time capsule and relive the memorable keynotes of 2023, where visionary speakers captivated audiences with their groundbreaking insights and thought-provoking ideas.

Dive Deeper Into Past Keynotes

Margo Price

“I know I’m on the right path if I have haters. I don’t want everyone to get it - I’m not for everyone.”

Ryan Gellert

“I believe that people are right to be really suspicious about what they hear from business and business people.”

New Order

“One of the prime motivators of it should be to support young musicians- give them a window for their are and let them come through.” -Bernard Sumner

Tilda Swinton

“Keep your dreams soft and malleable, flexible, and porous-and fun!”

Lizzo

2022 Keynote

"You have dreams and you never think they’re gonna happen. Then you look up, and you’re on a keynote stage talking about your new TV show."

Watch Now
Lizzo and Angela Yee at SXSW 2022

Willie Nelson

2021 Keynote

"It's important to have those valuable things to keep you going."

Watch Now
2021 SXSW Keynote Willie Nelson - Photo by Pamela Springsteen

Olivia Wilde

2019 Film Keynote

"I realized if I wanted things to change, if I wanted to make my voice heard, I was going to have to shift the paradigm from within."

Watch Now
Olivia Wilde Film Keynote - Photo by Danny Matson

Ta-Nehisi Coates

2018 Keynote

"Ask me about something I haven’t read on or reported on, I’m not gonna say much about it. When you go into a punch your feet have got to be set."

Watch Now
SXSW Keynote Ta-Nehisi Coates speaks onstage - SXSW 2018. Photo by Ismael Quintanilla/Getty Images for SXSW

Barack Obama

2016 Keynote

"It’s not enough to focus on the cool, next big thing. It’s harnessing the cool, next big thing to help people in this country."

Watch Now
2016 Keynote Barack Obama - Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for SXSW

Jessica Shortall 

2017 Keynote

"Love past your comfort zone."

Watch Now

Explore the SXSW Conference

Learn More

Dive Into SXSW News

Browse the latest announcements, programming features, and important dates.

Read On

See You at SXSW 2024

Take a look back at 2023 and get ready for the next SXSW Conference & Festivals in Austin from March 8-16, 2024.

Learn More

Conference Sponsors

Porsche logo
C4 logo
Austin Chronicle logo

Stay Tuned

Sign up to receive the latest announcements, tips, networking invitations and more.