The upcoming 39th edition of the South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference is set to take place in Austin, Texas, from March 7 to March 15, 2025. The event, known for its blend of technology, arts, and culture, has announced its initial keynote speaker and a second round of featured speakers.
Leading the keynote session will be Arvind Krishna, the Chairman and CEO of IBM. Krishna's keynote, titled "From Sci-Fi to Society: The Next Era of AI and Quantum Computing," aims to demystify the current ‘sci-fi hype’ associated with these technological advancements and shed light on their tangible benefits in real-world applications. "Exploring the benefits of new advances in technology while addressing their potential challenges represents a core part of the SXSW experience we curate each year," stated Hugh Forrest, Co-President and Chief Programming Officer, highlighting the Conference's focus on presenting both sides of emerging technologies.
Alongside Krishna, a diverse selection of featured speakers has been announced, including Rohit Bhargava, founder and Chief Trend Curator at The Non-Obvious Company, who will present the session "7 Non-Obvious Secrets Of Understanding People To Predict the Future." Other notable speakers include Ghazi, founder and CEO of EMPIRE; Alex Haraus, a director and social media strategist; and Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, Chief Scientist for The Nature Conservancy and a preeminent voice in climate change advocacy.
The line-up also features prominent figures such as Lidiane Jones, CEO of Bumble; Amanda Nguyen, an activist and astronaut; and Candace Parker, a celebrated WNBA Champion and broadcaster. Donald Passman, an author and music attorney, and Rishad Tobaccowala, an author and futurist, will round out the list of distinguished speakers expected to share their insights.
Several engaging sessions have been scheduled, with topics that range from workplace dynamics to environmental sustainability. Notable sessions include "Spill the Tea: A Strategic Guide to Office Gossip," led by Amy Gallo, contributing editor at the Harvard Business Review, and "Cleaning Up Our Atmosphere: Carbon Removal Prepares to Go Mainstream," featuring Climeworks COO Douglas Chan alongside Dr. Hayhoe.
This announcement builds upon the initial round of speakers revealed in September, which included figures such as Dr. Peter Attia and Johanna Faries, ensuring a comprehensive and thought-provoking programme is set for attendees.
For those interested in more details about the speakers, sessions, and the full schedule, additional information is available on the SXSW website.
Source: Noah Wire Services