SXSW 2019 unveils first round of keynotes & featured speakers

South by Southwest (SXSW) conference and festivals has unveiled its first round of keynotes and featured speakers for its 2019 edition, running March 8—17 in Austin, Texas.

Among the keynotes are Instagram CEO and co-founder Kevin Systrom, interviewed by TechCrunch editor-at-large Josh Constine.

In conversation are Garbage’s Shirley Manson, Lauren Mayberry of Chvrches, and writer, producer and director Marti Noxon.

Among the featured speakers are:

• New filmmaking model pioneer Jason Blum in conversation with fellow entertainment influencer John Pierson.
  
  
• Writer, scientist and 2017 Time person of the year Susan Fowler who is a central figure to the #MeToo movement.
• World-renowned architect Bjarke Ingels who is a purveyor of data-driven design.
• Artist, blogger and musician Amanda Palmer who explodes traditional frameworks of music, theatre, and art.
• Eli Pariser, co-founder of Upworthy and fellow at the New America Foundation which studies how platforms can effectively promote civic good.
• New York Times bestselling author Michael Pollan who writes on social changes.
• Media theorist and author Douglas Rushkoff who’s become a major influencer on his writings on how new media and technology are impacting culture, business, and the economy.
• Joanna Shields, digital entrepreneur and CEO of BenevolentAI, the global leader in the development and application of AI for scientific innovation.
• Amy Webb, a quantitative futurist, a professor of strategic foresight at the NYU Stern School of Business and the founder of the foresight and strategy Future Today Institute that helps leaders and their organisations prepare for complex future.

Said Hugh Forrest, chief programming officer: “We’re excited about the addition of our keynotes — Kevin Systrom, who as the co-founder of Instagram has redefined the culture of the modern internet and the way that we connect with others; Marti Noxon, whose prolific career and dedication to her craft has created some of the most beloved and acclaimed series of the past two decades; and Shirley Manson with Lauren Mayberry, two talented musicians whose passion, continued experimentation and career evolution are values we celebrate at SXSW.

“As a premier destination for innovation and creative discovery, SXSW is proud to begin our 2019 season by announcing a strong and dynamic group of leaders, storytellers, and visionaries holding important conversations about the challenges and opportunities ahead of us.”

SXSW conference programming is organised into 25 tracks divided between interactive, film, music, and convergence.