SXSW Online: Keynote Speakers
Annual media festival South by Southwest is set to go virtual for 2021, headlining five days of online programming packed with keynote speakers, mentor sessions, podcasts, panels and roundtables.
Whether virtual or in-person, the foundation of SXSW lies in its keynote speakers, who provide compelling discussions on the issues of our time. Read on to discover 2021’s lineup of talented keynote guests, each bringing their unique perspective to the SXSW virtual stage.
Willie Nelson
A beloved Texan artist who needs no introduction, legendary musician Willie Nelson will be featured in conversation with Andy Langer: host of the Texas Monthly’s online program: National Podcast of Texas.
Nelson is an accomplished musician, author, actor and activist who has been honoured with virtually every possible music award throughout his career. His work has been hailed for depicting the nuances and charms of Texan life, and in 2020 the Austin City Council moved to rename Second Street as “Willie Nelson Blvd” in his honour. A bronze statue of the famed artist can be found on display there, as well.
Stacey Abrams
Author of the New York Times bestsellers Our Time is Now and Lead from the Outside, Stacey Abrams will be featured in conversation with N.K. Jemisen: author of the Hugo Award-winning series Broken Earth.
Abrams has founded multiple organizations throughout her career, all geared towards upholding voting rights, tackling social issues and defending employment opportunities for young people of colour. She currently serves on the Board of Advisors for groups such as Climate Power 2020 and the Center for American Progress. Abrams holds degrees from Spelman College, LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas, and Yale Law School.
Charles Yu
Charles Yu is a New York Times bestselling author and screenwriter. His work includes his most recent book: Interior Chinatown, as well as writing done for shows featured on HBO, FX, AMC and Adult Swim. Yu’s work has also appeared in many notable publications, including The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Atlantic and Wired.
Priya Parker
Priya Parker is a strategic advisor and critically-acclaimed author of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters. She will be featured at this year’s event in conversation with Anand Giridharadas: editor-at-large for Time Magazine and political analyst for MSNBC.
Parker’s career is largely focused on race relations across America’s college campuses, along with peace negotiations in southern Africa, India and the Middle East.
Pete Buttigieg
Pete Buttigieg was sworn into office in January of 2021 as the 19th U.S. Secretary of Transportation. Buttigieg previously served two terms as mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and is a graduate of Harvard University.
In 2014, he took a brief leave of absence as mayor to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve on a deployment to Afghanistan. He is the first openly gay person to serve in a U President’s Cabinet.
Additional Speakers
Keynotes are only the beginning of SXSW’s 2021 online lineup. Additional speakers include Elizabeth Banks, Mary J. Blige, James Cameron, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Matthew McConaughey, Amy Klobuchar and more.
Programing will include featured sessions, keynotes, mentor sessions, podcasts, panels and roundtables. SXSW Online is set to take place from March 16th-20th, 2021. Attendees can currently register for an all-access event pass for $325. The pass includes access to keynote and featured speakers, film screenings, music showcases and more. Group rates are also available.
