Meet a superintendent piloting a new community initiative. Share an elevator with an expert on national education data. Grab coffee with a startup founder who has the perfect tool for your classroom. SXSW EDU is full of magical moments, and knowing your way around will help you make the most of your experience.
The conference and festival is right around the corner, taking place March 9-12 in Austin, TX. You’ll want to block off your calendar, text your friend in Texas, and start searching for the best BBQ. But first, let’s jump into our essential tips:
Register Early for a Seamless Stay
To start your journey, you’ll need two things: a badge and a place to stay.
You won’t be able to see the latest thoughts on student burnout or human-centered tech without a badge. There is one type of SXSW EDU 2026 badge, and it will give you access to everything you’ll want to attend, from meet ups to Keynote and Featured Sessions, and even Crossover Day.
Early registrants get the best rates, and you still have time to save if you register through November 6. Join other educators and innovators by purchasing your SXSW EDU 2026 badge, and find the perfect place to rest with SXSW EDU housing.
There are plenty of other opportunities to save on your badge. SXSW EDU is a great way to kickstart your career, so students and recent graduates can get a significant discount. Groups that register together can also cut costs on a shared learning experience. Invite your coworker, manager, community leader, client, or even some friends to get some extra savings.
Get Your Bearings with New Venues
SXSW EDU will look a little different this year, so whether you’re a new attendee or a returning veteran, it will be helpful to explore the map.
Sessions and events will take place in four centrally-located hotels in downtown Austin. These spots are all within a few blocks of each other—just a short walk or scooter ride apart.
Know what is happening where:
- Hilton Austin: The host of this year’s Keynote and Featured Sessions.
- Austin Marriott Downtown: Features the Expo and a diverse array of programming.
- Courtyard by Marriott Downtown: Home to workshops and more exciting sessions.
- Westin Austin Downtown: Holds a wide range of talks, meet ups, and panels.
The four venues are perfect places to stay if you want to be immersed in the action. Additionally, there is a wide range of hotels across town, so you can find the room that’s right for you.
Make a Project Out of Planning
Some attendees enjoy carefully plotting their schedule in advance. It’s never too early to start digging through the sessions and picking out your favorites.
There is already a wide range of confirmed sessions you can see in the schedule, with more coming soon. Sessions span across 12 thematic tracks and 5 stages of the learning lifecycle. You can either search for specific speakers and sessions by name or filter the options by track, focus area, event type, and theme. When you find something you like, you can “star” the session to save it for later.
You will be able to start piecing together a more detailed itinerary in January when session dates and times are added. Until then, enjoy browsing a wide range of speakers and sessions.
Save Your Tools for Exploration
No matter how much planning you put in, there is always room for spontaneity. Some of the best moments of SXSW EDU come from chance encounters and wandering into unexpected sessions. Don’t forget these tools to help you stumble onto your favorite experiences.
The Attendee Guide has important information to help you navigate the conference. The page includes tips, maps, contact information, and attendee services. Bookmarks it so you can pull up the right guidance on a moment's notice.
As we get closer to the event, you’ll also be able to download SXSW EDU GO. The app will have a wide range of features to help you keep track of your schedule, from building the perfect itinerary to getting last-minute session insights.
Connect In-Person and Online
You may start a conversation with a principal from across the country, a policy analyst presenting at your next session, or a content creator you follow. Building community is at the heart of SXSW EDU. Embrace in-person networking with the right events and digital tools.
Beyond the chance encounters and casual conversations, certain event formats will help you meet other education professionals. Keep an eye out for these opportunities if you’re looking to network and connect:
- Meet ups
- One-on-one mentorship
- Roundtable mentor sessions
- Socials and parties
- Mixers and networking events
The SXSW EDU GO app will give you even more ways to connect digitally. Stay tuned for features that will help you navigate networking opportunities, from exchanging contact information to scheduling meaningful conversations.
Explore Music and Screenings at Crossover Day
In 2026, there will be even more opportunities to learn across industries and disciplines. The Crossover Day on Thursday, March 12 allows SXSW EDU attendees to enjoy SXSW events, and it will be bigger than ever.
Watch a screening at the SXSW Film & TV Festival. Jam out at a SXSW Music Festival showcase. Get inspired at a SXSW Innovation Conference Keynote or a co-programmed session. Or if you want to stay focused on education, there is still a full day of SXSW EDU programming.
Enjoy Your SXSW EDU Experience
Most importantly, enjoy your time. You’ll want to stay immersed in the action every moment you can. From joining a hands-on workshop to shaping SXSW EDU next year and beyond, there are many ways to stay engaged.
If you want to explore opportunities beyond the Keynote and Featured Sessions, try visiting one of these events:
- Expo
- Workshops
- Performances
- Student Impact Competition
- Launch Startup Competition
- Texas High School Student Shorts
We look forward to seeing you March 9-12 here in Austin, Texas!
