Next spring will be the 10th year of the SXSW EDU Conference & Festival in Austin, Texas. From 800 to over 8,000 registrants in SXSW EDU’s first eight years, the elevation of the education community to rockstar status within the world of SXSW has been phenomenal. Like years in the past, the tracks for 2020 have evolved alongside the changes we are all seeing in the education space and our communities. SXSW EDU’s list and topics are intentionally broad to capture all the great work happening. New to this year, the SXSW EDU team is providing definitions for all 16 tracks to better articulate the areas of focus within each track. I strongly encourage you to read through their tracks for 2020 to submit in an idea to PanelPicker. New and expanded tracks this year include Emerging Tech & Development, Global Education, and Policy & Civic Engagement.
Below are a few of the main lineup of conference tracks for March to give you an example.
Climate & Social Action: This track highlights innovations that contribute to a more socially equitable and environmentally sustainable world. With updated studies putting climate change front and center in the global conversation, leaders and scientists from a variety of organizations will cover their challenges and successes in trying to affect lasting positive social, economic, and environmental change.
Connection & Culture: Delve into the challenges of interpersonal relationships in a world that too often favors online interactions. Along with examining how we connect with each other, this track also covers the arts via food, style, and other endeavors that unite us on a cultural level.
Future of Music: Emerging technologies and cultural trends are transforming the music industry more rapidly than ever before. This programming will examine these issues by exploring all aspects of the industry, from rights management and immersive live performances to experiential marketing campaigns and more.
Gaming Industry: Examine the exponentially-increasing influence that the making, marketing, and distribution of video games is having on international culture, tech businesses, and traditional entertainment media including film and music.
Tech Industry & Enterprise: This programming looks at today’s most cutting-edge ideas in software and hardware. Innovators and executives from a variety of industries will discuss the evolving landscape of technology-driven products and services in the B2B and B2C marketplaces.
Do you have an idea you need to share with the world? Draw inspiration from the full list of tracks and prepare yourself to take part in SXSW by entering your speaking proposal in the SXSW PanelPicker®! Proposals will be accepted from Monday, July 1 through Friday, July 19.
Looking to discover and explore new ideas? Registration for SXSW 2020 opens Thursday, August 1. Purchase your badge early for the lowest rates and take advantage of the best options for downtown hotels through our Housing & Travel team. Special discount rates apply for students and groups.
Programming Formats Changes
In terms of conference programming formats, a Podcast Stage will be featured at SXSW EDU this year and will feature live podcast conversations recorded amongst a live audience at the event. SXSW EDU will also bring more focus to their workshop program by shortening workshops to 90 minutes based on feedback from the community. Finally, the folks at SXSW EDU is inviting you to submit performance ideas for the first time in PanelPicker this year.
Last Thursday of SXSW EDU
At the 2019 SXSW EDU festival they trialed a unique program on the final day of SXSW EDU to bridge the learning community at SXSW EDU with the tech innovators at SXSW. They focused on shared areas of interest like developing a talent pipeline for the future of work and building cities of learning that support lifelong development. For 2020 we’re working hard to iterate on the concept and look forward to rolling out some unique programming on the last day of SXSW EDU.
If you are interested in attending or participating with SXSW EDU please apply to participate at their event either through PanelPicker or through one of their many other competitions and programs. All applications for 2020 open on July 1, so get ready! Finally, mark your calendar for August 1 when registration opens for SXSW EDU 2020! For more information on SXSW 2020 please visit www.sxsw.com.
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Source: SXSW