A New Experience at SXSW EDU 2026

For the team at SXSW EDU, this time of year serves as a bridge between all that we’ve accomplished together in March and the powerful ways we look forward and reimagine the SXSW EDU experience for 2026. In April, the city officially bid adieu to the Austin Convention Center as it undergoes a complete redesign for the next several years, and we can’t wait to reinvent spaces for our community and enable new ways to connect. We’re working on building a journey that will not only take you through four days of learning, connection, and inspiration but also lead you to experience our beloved hometown like never before.

As we kick off the launch of our 2026 season today, we reflect on our unwavering commitment to the SXSW EDU community to drive a bright future of education for all learners. And there’s no better way to start the work of growing that community than by celebrating the opening of PanelPicker to collect session ideas, and the application for the Launch Startup Competition.

The best way to showcase your work and share your passion for critical topics in education is by submitting a proposal to speak at SXSW EDU 2026 through PanelPicker, open now through Sunday, July 27. In a shifting education landscape, have your voice heard on what matters most to educators, students, leaders, parents, funders, and all lifelong learners. For those spearheading innovative education products and services, don’t miss the chance to apply to pitch your early-stage startup on the Launch stage. Not only will you have the opportunity to pitch to a judging panel of leading experts and a live SXSW EDU audience, but you will also have the chance to connect with the SXSW community as part of the SXSW Pitch Showcase.

We’re so excited to see what new ideas and innovations the community will share in the coming months, and as we prepare to host deep conversations, passionate discussions, and showcase exceptional work, we’ve updated our thematic tracks with new definitions and new topics, especially in Accessibility Solutions, Arts & Culture, and Equity & Belonging. We’re also looking forward to unveiling an updated daily schedule as we incorporate more opportunities to explore Austin and connect with fellow attendees.

You can look forward to additional opportunities to participate when applications for the Student Impact Challenge, the Mentor and Roundtable program, and the Film screening program open on August 5. New for this year, we’re celebrating a diverse range of achievements in film like never before, with the inclusion of short films and the return of the Texas High School Shorts program for students.

As we embark on this new adventure for our 16th year, perhaps nothing is as exciting as the latest development for Thursday’s Crossover Day. For the first time in the history of SXSW, the entire family of events will be together on Thursday, March 12, for a day of programming and events for SXSW EDU and SXSW Innovation, Film & TV, and Music registrants. You won’t want to miss this true convergence of communities, so make a plan to attend when badges go on sale on October 1.

Watch SXSW EDU 2025 On-Demand Content

Take a look back at SXSW EDU 2025 and relive exciting Keynotes, Featured Sessions, and more, now available to watch on our official YouTube channel.