Two Futurists and an AI: Seeing Trouble Ahead

Delph.ai

Delph.ai, launched in March 2026, is a synthetic futurist avatar trained on the collective insights and perspectives of more than 150 female futurists from around the globe. Drawing from diverse disciplines and worldviews, Delph.ai synthesizes multidisciplinary thinking to offer nuanced, forward-looking perspectives on emerging trends, consumer expectations, and the intersections of technology, culture, society, and sustainability shaping the years ahead.

Sarah Davanzo

Global Chief Innovation Officer

Sarah DaVanzo is a globally recognized futurist, cultural strategist, and “futures activist” who uses foresight, research, and experiential art to provoke positive change. Known for her radically innovative approach to data, analytics, and insights, Sarah has advised Fortune 100 brands, NGOs, and governments on navigating uncertainty. Through guerrilla experiments and global collaborations, she empowers communities to practice “inclusive tomorrowing” and design better futures. A self-described boffin of curiosity, she is a leading voice in shaping the AI epoch through strategic foresight.

Faith Popcorn

Founder and CEO

The founder and CEO of Faith Popcorns BrainReserve,  Faith is recognized one of America's foremost trend experts. She was named 'The Trend Oracle" by The New York Times and "The Nostradamus of Marketing" by Fortune.  For decades, she has advised Fortune 500 companies, bringing applied, market-ready foresight to leading global companies and brands.

BrainReserve’s proprietary TrendBankTM carries a validated 95% prediction accuracy, translating early financial and cultural signals into mission-critical insight for CEOs and Founders. Faith has predicted trends like Cocooning, Cashing Out and much more -- providing game-changing, data driven insight that fuels action, reshaping business and helping companies move "first to the future" to outperform competitors.

Salon AB

How We Could Lose Control: Avoiding the Paths to Runaway AI

U.S. vs. The World: the Future We’re (Currently) Losing

The Clock Is Ticking for Space – Replacing the ISS

Can Media Survive AI? The Fight for Public Trust

Orchestrate or Obsolete: Leading the AI-Powered Near Future

Join celebrity futurist Faith Popcorn, techno-futurist Sarah DaVanzo, and Delph.Ai, an AI Synthetic Human trained on the minds of female futurists in a boundary-pushing, three-way debate on the future of leadership in the age of intelligent machines. With Faith’s dystopian view, Sarah’s utopian counterpoint, and Delph.Ai’s unexpected input, this session explores the trouble coming as AI challenges the very definition of human agency, influence, and power.

TWO FUTURISTS AND AN AI: SEEING TROUBLE AHEAD


You Are STILL the Brand: What AI Can’t Do for You

Ryan Levesque

Founder & Ceo

Mike Kim

Founder

Mike Kim is a brand strategist for thought leaders, coaches, and authors who want to make an impact and get their message heard. His refreshing approach has made him a sought-after speaker, educator, and consultant to NYT bestselling authors and experts featured on PBS, TED, CNN, and Fox. He’s been featured in and written for Inc., Entrepreneur, and The Huffington Post. Mike is the author of the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller You Are the Brand: The 8-Step Blueprint to Showcase Your Unique Expertise and Build a Highly Profitable, Personally Fulfilling Business. He has spoken at top industry events including Social Media Marketing World, Tribe Conference, and Podcast Movement, and appeared on major podcasts like Smart Passive Income, Entrepreneurs on Fire, and Read to Lead.

Rio Grande Ballroom 1

Sprints for Social Impact: Turn Time Pressure into Purpose

Vibe Coding: From Idea to MVP at Warp Speed

Look What You Made Me Do: Revenge as Creative Catalyst

Artistic Disruption for Business Innovation

It Writes Itself: AI Variety Show & Creative Workshop

AI can write your next caption, but it can’t write your legacy. In this empowering and practical session, we are reminded that real personal brands aren’t built on trends or tools. Rather, they’re built on voice, values, and visibility. Learn what parts of your brand should never be outsourced and how to stay unmistakably you in a world of sameness.

YOU ARE STILL THE BRAND: WHAT AI CAN?T DO FOR YOU

Creator Economy track sponsored by Yamaha


The Price of Influence: Why Undefined Value Kills Trust

Julio Cerne Chaves

CEO

Julio Cerne Chaves is a serial entrepreneur and founder of Xrossworld AI, an AI-native platform building the infrastructure layer for programmatic influencer media buying. Having built and exited multiple founder-funded businesses, including a successful acquisition by a publicly listed company, Julio brings two decades of global operating experience across APAC, EMEA, LATAM, and North America. His work focuses on bringing transparency, first-party data, and fair monetization to influencer media. At SXSW 2026, Julio shares what it will realistically take for influencer media to finally operate like real media.

Room 412

Agents vs Managers: When are you ready to be signed and by who?

10 Truths About Technology That Are Shaping Your Life

Tackling the “snakes” undermining digital rights

Come Play at Grief Camp: Healing with Story & Community

Influencer marketing is booming, but no one can answer the most basic question: What is this actually worth? Creators are guessing. Agencies rely on gut checks. Brands spend millions with no clear sense of ROI. The result? A pricing vacuum that erodes trust across the entire ecosystem.

This session explores why the creator economy still lacks a standard for value, and what that's doing to credibility and performance. We'll look at how AI distorts signals and what it will take to rebuild a system where trust is the real currency. This is about the very soul of the economy we’re building.

PRICE OF INFLUENCE: WHY UNDEFINED VALUE KILLS TRUST


AI Safety & Trust: Building Responsible Media Tech

Vanessa McKay

Director-Legal, Data Protection Officer

Vanessa McKay is a Director-Level legal and privacy executive at Tripadvisor, serving as Director Legal and Data Protection Officer. She is responsible for leading aspects of privacy, data protection, and legal compliance at Tripadvisor, advising the company on global privacy strategy and managing its data protection program across multiple jurisdictions. McKay holds certifications in privacy (including CIPP/E and CIPM) and has legal training, having studied law (including at BPP Law School) and practiced in roles focused on corporate counsel and compliance. She is based in the United Kingdom and plays a key role in aligning Tripadvisor’s privacy and legal frameworks with evolving regulatory requirements.

Zakah Ahmadi

Legal Counsel

Zakah Alexander Ahmadi is a Legal Counsel at Tripadvisor, based in London, where he advises on corporate legal matters, regulatory compliance, and data protection for the global travel platform. With a strong foundation from Durham University and professional experience in corporate legal practice, Zakah brings practical insights into navigating complex legal and compliance challenges in a fast-moving, data-driven technology environment.

Monique Bhargava

Partner

Monique (“Nikki”) is a partner in the Advertising section of Reed Smith’s Entertainment & Media group. Nikki is also co-lead of the Artificial Intelligence group within Reed Smith’s Emerging Technologies practice. Nikki focuses on the convergence of advertising, privacy and emerging technology, helping clients navigate compliance and legal risks relating to their advertising, media, technology, and data initiatives, including the development, implementation, and use of artificial intelligence technologies, digital marketing and content, social media, adtech, and martech. She supports consumers brands, advertising agencies, publishers, and media and technology companies in all aspects of their advertising, marketing, and media initiatives, as they innovate to drive consumer engagement.

Andreas Splittgerber

Partner

Andreas is co-managing partner of Reed Smith’s Munich office and a member of the firm’s Emerging Technologies Group. He is also co-head of the global AI practice. Andreas’ practice focuses on legal advice relating to technology, digitalisation, data, artificial intelligence, privacy, and IT/cybersecurity (Germany and the EU). He is a thought leader when it comes to legally evaluating new technologies and finding practical ways to “make things possible”. In addition to advising clients on compliance, product development, and agreements, Andreas is also highly experienced in representing clients before data protection authorities and courts. His clients include renowned U.S. and EU tech companies and providers of internet platforms, as well as organisations using technology.

Topaz Ballroom 1-3

AI in Entertainment: Navigating IP, Ethics & Opportunity

Is Brand Dead? The Brand Leader’s Playbook for the AI Era

Capturing Chaos: A Q&A with the DP & CLT of The Pitt

The De-brief: Rethinking the Brand–Creator Relationship

Future of Loyalty: Gen Z and Gen Alpha will shape a new era

As AI becomes central to media and entertainment, safety and trust are non-negotiable. This session explores practical steps for building and scaling trustworthy AI, including model testing, transparency, and regulatory compliance.

AI SAFETY & TRUST: BUILDING RESPONSIBLE MEDIA TECH


Jenna MacMillan

Jenna MacMillan is an award-winning filmmaker, producer, and founder of Club Red Productions.  Her feature directorial debut "The Snake" is slated to premiere in 2026. She produced the hit comedy "Who's Yer Father?" (Paramount+), and the internationally sold thriller "A Small Fortune". Jenna was named one of Playback Magazine’s 10 to watch in 2025.

Alamo Lamar 5

Seahorse

African American
Health/Disability/Illness
Social Issues
Women

When Jamie, ungovernable 40 something wild child collides with her venomous mother Anne, her life blows up spectacularly leaving her evicted and single. This sends Jamie on a pig in a hurricane journey for “home”; breaking into her Nana’s house to prove it should be hers, a rejected bid to move in with her van dwelling punk rock ex, and a stint in her best friends pied a terre, which ends with Jamie hooking up with her husband.

The Snake

When an ungovernable 40 something wild child collides with her venomous mother, her life blows up spectacularly leaving her newly evicted, partially single, and in bed with her best friend’s husband.

Susan Kent, Robin Duke, Jonathan Torrens, Emma Hunter, Daniel Petronijevic, Jimbo, Kim Roberts, Kenny Robinson, Jacqueline Robbins, Joyce Robbins


The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel

Alamo Lamar 6

Dead Eyes

Dir: Richard E. Williams. DOP: Julian Panetta

Mischa Heywood as Lilly - Dir. Richard E. Williams

#Skyking

Health/Disability/Illness
Politics
Social Issues

Black Zombie

African American
Education
Politics
Social Issue

An in-depth look at the gritty formative years of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the singular vision of original guitarist Hillel Slovak. Featuring interviews with bandmates Flea and Anthony Kiedis and others close to Slovak, the film explores the band’s early evolution on the LA music scene and the deep bond of their childhood friendship.

RISE OF THE RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS: OUR BROTHER, HILLEL

The origin story of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It details the band’s formative years in Los Angeles and tumultuous evolution and the sound that defined their first albums. The film features various interviews from current and past band members.

Dan Braun
Josh Braun
David Blackman
James Slovak
Ben
Feldman


Boots Riley

Boots Riley is a walking contradiction like bullets and love mixin. Slurs his words with perfect diction, he's guilty of his convictions. Complicated compositions, punctuated propositions, it's tenacious two-stops, cinema with ambition. Make you rev your transmission, in the intersection twistin- when the Henny hits the ground, sidewalks will be christened. He's so nervous and sweaty, that the gat might slip out his hand. A homeless dude need a tip in his can (he put his bid in this, man. Now it's just bitterness, man). We need a bid-ness plan [a plan on how to change our economic system] , he's not just spittin at fans. When he's runnin from the police, he don't have to rush- he's so dope he just jumps in the toilet and flush. We cut it, boil it and hush, aluminum foil it and such- tryin to catch the few bucks, the big boys didn't clutch. We use the tweezers for crutch, when we done burned down the dutch, but when they Starsky & Hutch, we just shit out of luck.

A crew of professional shoplifters take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It’s like community service.

I Love Boosters

Tom Quinn
Jeff Deutchman
Ryan Friscia
Emily Thomas
Claire Timmons
Ken Kao
Josh Rosenbaum
Megan Ellison
Michael A. Jackman
Gus Deardoff
Matt Medlin
Keke Palmer
and Sharon Palmer

Aaron Ryder
Andrew Swett
Allison Rose Carter
Jon Read
and Boots Riley

Merrill Garbus and Nate Brenner of Tune-yards

Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, and Demi Moore

Casting: Rebecca Dealy, Costume Designer: Shirley Kurata


Action
Biography
Comedy
Crime
Documentary

African American
Books/Literary
Celebrity

Phoenix Jones: The Rise and Fall of a Real Life Superhero

Bayan Joonam

Bayan is a Persian-American filmmaker with an intimate approach to non-fiction storytelling that has received widespread praise for engrossing audiences in uncharted corners of contemporary culture.

Rollins Theatre at the Long Center

Cornbread Mafia

Addiction/Recovery
Legal
Senior/Aging
Social Issue

In 2010, reports began surfacing of a masked vigilante in a black-and-gold supersuit stopping crime on the streets of Seattle. His name is Phoenix Jones. Armed with pepper spray, a taser, and a team of costumed crime fighters, he quickly becomes an international media sensation. But when his true identity is exposed by the Seattle Police, the heroic image begins to unravel and his team abandons him. Ten years later, as protesters seize six blocks of Seattle and declare a no cop zone, Phoenix reemerges amid legal trouble and public skepticism. Is he a hero, or a con-artist hiding behind a mask?

PHOENIX JONES: THE RISE AND FALL OF A REAL LIFE SUPERHERO

Phoenix Jones is a real life superhero who fights crime on the streets of Seattle, but a recent arrest calls his motives into question.

Claire Chubbuck
Marlowe Blue
Duncan Dickerson

Phoenix Jones, Rainn Wilson, Jon Ronson, Midnight Jack, Freedom Fodor, Caros Fodor, Ryan McNamee, Ghost, Lance Coulter, El Caballero

Post Production Manager: Michelle Fenn, Assistant Editor: Kristen Rogers, Kazu Takeda, Daniel Gilette, Talent Coordinator: Farhiya Hirsi, Associate Producer: Ryan McNamee, Consultant: Jonah Spangenthal-Lee


Pete Ohs

Hailed by Indiewire as “a rising filmmaker well worth the attention,” Pete works as a director,
producer, writer, editor and cinematographer. He has produced and directed five feature films in the
past five years. In 2025,  he directed The True Beauty of Being Bitten by a Tick, which premiered at SXSW.

Alamo Lamar 3

I Got Bombed at Harvey's

Biography
Crime
Documentary
Drama
Thriller

I Got Bombed at Harvey's (aka 1,000 Pounds of Dynamite)

Set in Poland, Erupcja follows two women as they complicate their romantic lives. Nel lives in Warsaw where she works at a flower shop. When her childhood friend Bethany comes to visit with a new boyfriend, a volcano erupts.

Erupcja

Pete Ohs
Charli xcx
Luke Arreguin
Jeremy O. Harris
Josh Godfrey

Pete Ohs
Charli xcx
Lena Góra
Jeremy O. Harris
Will Madden

Charlie xcx, Lena Góra, Jeremy O. Harris, Will Madden

Composer: Charles Watson, Composer: Isabella Summers


Austin Eastciders Giddy Up Tasting

Giddy Up & Go at SXSW with Austin Eastciders! We'll be slinging samples of our newest 11% ABV Giddy Up Electric Punch lineup: Tropical Blast & Blue Raspberry. We lassoed that party magic with none of the mixing - just crack it up and let the good times ride.

https://austineastciders.com/


A Flavor-Filled Experience

You’re invited to a flavor-filled experience, where nature meets delicious. Come sip, sample, and explore everything from bold flavor innovations to functional hydration and premium teas. No artificial stuff. Just pure, crafted taste, and a few fun freebies you don't want to miss!


Einstein Energy Super Snack Bars - Think You're A Snack Genius?

Think You’re a Snack Genius?
Einstein Energy Super Smart Snack Bars bring brainpower to SXSW with The Einstein Game Show—fast, buzzer-style trivia hosted by an Albert Einstein look-alike. Win exclusive merch and bars, snap iconic photos, and fuel up with smarter snack breaks guided by brand ambassadors. Live screens, social moments, and QR-powered rewards keep the energy high—plus a special birthday celebration for Albert on March 14.

EINSTEIN ENERGY SUPER SNACK BARS - THINK YOU'RE A SNACK GENIUS?

Einstein Energy Inc.

Einstein Energy is built for ambitious thinkers. More than a snack bar, it’s a smarter snack break. Decadent flavor meets brain-boosting power with Lion’s Mane, Citicoline, L-Theanine, and green tea caffeine to support clarity, focus, and sustained energy. Available in Double Chocolate and Chocolate Peanut Butter. Einstein Energy is the only snack bar officially licensed by the Albert Einstein Estate—fueling curiosity, one breakthrough at a time.

1 Blackfield Dr. #275, Tiburon, CA 94920 (or just Tiburon, California)


Aguasol Tasting

Come sip Aguasol! We’ll be offering complimentary samples of our smooth, additive-free tequila, plus Aguasol cocktails for purchase at the bar. Pure sunshine, spring water, and agave—no shortcuts. Refresh, recharge, and keep the SXSW energy going.
www.aguasol.com


Congress Avenue Block Party

The Congress Avenue Block Party (formerly known as the Registrant Lounge) is the go-to space for all SXSW attendees to maximize their SX experience, offering daily complimentary drinks, food, and sponsor swag. Open throughout the conferences & festivals, this convenient and relaxing meeting point near the hub of SXSW action is an ideal spot to unwind and connect with other attendees. New for 2026, the Block Party is free and open to the public!

TooFar Media

World Premiere of Xiphactinus – An Immersive Storyworld Experience!

TooFar Media is an award-winning Arts Technology company, based in Silicon Valley, that creates Immersive Storyworlds, which combine Book, Music, Art, Animation and Film, to reimagine how stories are told and experienced.

Step inside TooFar Media’s Immersive Portal Experience @ Creative Industries Expo, and at TooFar Media’s PopUp @ Congress Ave Block Party, and discover the world premiere of Xiphactinus!

Plus, download the FREE TooFar Media app!


My/Mochi, the original and world's largest mochi ice cream brand, is inviting SXSW-goers to Taste the Joy! Our delightfully delicious ice cream wrapped in pillowy sweet rice dough comes in more than 20 flavors like Cookie Dough, Strawberry and Mango. So stop by our Joyfully Chill Ice Cream Shoppe at the Congress Ave Block Party Mar 12-18 to experience the joy for yourself!

MY/MOCHI JOYFULLY CHILL ICE CREAM SHOPPE

My/Mochi

Treat Yourself to a Taste of Joy at the My/Mochi Joyfully Chill Ice Cream Shoppe!

My/Mochi is the original and world's largest mochi ice cream brand - and we are inviting SXSW-goers to Taste the Joy! Our delightfully delicious ice cream wrapped in pillowy sweet rice dough comes in more than 20 flavors like Cookie Dough, Strawberry and Mango (and all are gluten free, nut free and 90 calories or less!). So stop by our Joyfully Chill Ice Cream Shoppe at the Congress Ave Block Party Mar 12-18 to experience the joy for yourself!


Paloma Schneideman

Paloma Schneideman is a queer filmmaker and musician based in Auckland, NZ. She was 1 of 10 directors selected by Jane Campion to participate in her film programme 'A Wave In The Ocean' in 2023-24. "Big Girls Don't Cry" is the first feature film from an alumni of the programme. As a musician, Paloma produces and performs under the alias PollyHill.

Alamo Lamar 8

Dead Deer High

Education
Social Issues
The Arts/Theater
Youth/Teen

Summer 2006, 14-year-old Sid is caught between her own burgeoning sexual curiosity and acceptance from an older group of girls. As she delves deeper into rebellion, she leaves behind a trail of destruction as she goes. Big Girls Don’t Cry is a love letter to all the women that still feel shame scars from this time of their lives; who did things they wished they hadn’t, or didn’t do things they wished they had; to hold up a mirror and say yes; that was f#&*ed up.

Big Girls Don't Cry

Rural New Zealand, 2006. Over one transformative summer, 14 year old Sid Bookman discovers desire, identity and the internet, as she imitates the people she longs to be loved by.

Jane Campion
Philippa Campbell
David Ross
Lisa Gutberlet
James Huntsman
Rain Spencer
Noah Taylor

Ani Palmer, Rain Spencer, and Noah Taylor

Costume Designer: Karen Inderbitzen Waller, Music Supervisor: Amine Ramer, Casting: Nikki Barrett, Kate McGill, Tina Cleary, Hair & Make-Up Designer: Katie Melody Rogers


African American
Latino
Texas
Women
Children
Disability
Native American/Indigenous
Youth/Teen

Courtesy of Beautiful Stories and AJNA Films

Alysa Nahmias

Alysa Nahmias is the Emmy-winning director of "Art & Krimes by Krimes" (MTV / Paramount+) and "The New Bauhaus" and co-director of "Unfinished Spaces" (Netflix, PBS), which is in the collection at the Museum of Modern Art, New York. Her recent producing credits include "Wildcat" (Amazon Studios) and "Unrest" (Netflix, PBS). She is the founder of the Los Angeles based production company AJNA Films and co-founder of FWD-Doc. Alysa lives in LA with her partner, two children, and one new kitten.

Alamo Lamar 4

My NDA

African American
Legal
LGBTQ
Politics
Social Issues
Women
Social Issue

The Life We Leave

Business/Entrepreneurial
Environment
Social Issue

American Sign Language
Closed captioned
Subtitles
Audio description

“Cookie Queens” is a coming-of-age story about the joys, pressures, and pain points woven into one of America’s most cherished rituals: Girl Scout Cookie season. Captivating, candid, and full of heart, the film follows four girls ages 5-12 as they navigate the annual whirlwind of selling, striving, and succeeding. For these Girl Scouts, selling cookies isn’t just about Thin Mints and sisterhood - it’s a crash course in commercialism. Behind the smiles lie real pressure: long hours, ambitious goals, and weighty expectations. With humor, warmth, and a keen eye for small moments revealing big truths, “Cookie Queens” shows how growing up is shaped by tensions between community and capitalism.

Cookie Queens

It’s Girl Scout Cookie season, and four tenacious girls strive to be a top-selling “Cookie Queen,” navigating an $800 million business in which innocence and ambition collide.

Prince Harry
Duke of Sussex
Meghan
Duchess of Sussex
Tegan Acton
Hallee Adelman
Trevor Burgess
James Costa
Geralyn Dreyfous
Stephen G. Hall
Ruth Ann Harnisch
Melony Lewis
Adam Lewis
Ann Lewnes
Emma Pompetti
Chanel Pysnik
Regina K. Scully
Andrea van Beuren
Jennifer Pelling
Sheri Sobrato
Nathalie Seaver
Jamie Wolf

Gregory Kershaw
Michael Dweck
Alysa Nahmias
Jennifer Sims

Kim Roberts
Jeanne Applegate
Fátima de los Santos

Nikki B., Olive G., Shannon Elizabeth S., Ara E.

Production Sound: Veralucia Quispe Chirinos, Production Sound: Allie Boettger, Music Supervisors: Bruce Gilbert & Lauren Mikus, Casting Producers: Whitney Adams, Dan Bell, Co-Producers: Chloe Simmons, Ann Rogers, Qadriyyah Shamsid-Deen, Consulting Producer: Tim Rummel


Jay Duplass

Jay Duplass began his career in the early 2000’s writing, directing and producing several award winning independent and studio films with his brother Mark, including THE PUFFY CHAIR and CYRUS. In 2014, Jay and Mark created the television series, TOGETHERNESS at HBO, where they’ve since produced shows like SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE and ROOM 104.

With the help of his family, a comedy writer battles PTSD after the tragic death of his sister.

See You When I See You

Mark Duplass
Mel Eslyn
Shuli Harel
Rick Jackson

Fred Bernstein
Jay Duplass
Kumail Nanjiani
Emily V. Gordon
Adam Cayton-Holland

Cooper Raiff, David Duchovny, Kaitlyn Dever, Hope Davis, Lucy Boynton, Ariela Barer

Costume Designer: Tasha Goldthwait, Casting Director: Jeanne McCarthy, Nicole Abellera Hallman, Co-Executive Producers: Corey Sklov, Jeff David, Visual Effects: Bastiaan Koch


Alyse Walsh

Alyse Walsh is an award-winning documentary filmmaker whose work spans multiple continents and genres. Recently she was a Director and Executive Producer of the Emmy-winning Season 2 of "Home," an Apple Original Documentary Series produced with A24. She directed several episodes of the Emmy-nominated Netflix science series "Connected." Alyse was the Supervising Producer of "Diagnosis," also for Netflix, as well as for "Defying Gravity," a PGA award-winning YouTube Original series about women’s gymnastics.

Jackie Jesko

Jackie Jesko is a director and journalist who seeks out stories about complicated people, places, and societies. Her most recent credits include "Barbara Walters Tell Me Everything" (Hulu, Tribeca Premiere 2025) and "Savior Complex" (HBO, 2023). Jackie’s work has been honored with several awards including a DuPont, an Emmy, and the James Foley Medal for Courage in Journalism. She is also a co-founder of Latchkey Films.

Alamo Lamar 2

Ugly Cry

Health/Disability/Illness
The Arts/Theater
Women

Your Attention Please

Health/Disability/Illness
Politics
Technology
Social Issue

My Brother's Killer

LGBTQ
Sex
Social Issues
Mature/Adult
Social Issue

Small Town Boys: The Murder of Billy London

"Baby/Girls" is a verité documentary set in Arkansas that explores what teen motherhood looks like in post-Dobbs America. Filmed over two years with unprecedented access inside a Christian maternity home for pregnant teens, the film follows three young women as they carry their pregnancies, give birth, and adapt to their new realities. Through their stories, the film offers a rare, unfiltered portrait of life at the intersection of girlhood and motherhood in the American South.

Baby/Girls

Set in post-Dobbs Arkansas, "Baby/Girls" follows three teens living in a Christian maternity home as they navigate pregnancy and early motherhood. The film offers an intimate, unfiltered look at girlhood and motherhood colliding in the American South.

Grace Dulaney, Ariana Green, Olivia Malott, Audra Dulaney, Brian Rivera, Paula Woods

Co-Editor: Andrew Morreale, Associate Editor: Michael Cutrone, Additional Cinematographer: Christopher Gill, Additional Cinematographer: Carissa Henderson, Line Producer: Marina G. Stadler, Colorist: Steve Beganyi


How Death Became the New Wellness Frontier

Rebecca Feinglos

Founder and CEO

Rebecca Feinglos is a certified grief support specialist, founder of Grieve Leave, and host of the Grief’d Up podcast. After losing her mother as a teen, her father in 2020, and navigating a divorce, she took a grief sabbatical, and Grieve Leave was born. The platform now reaches millions, offering real tools, humor, and honest conversation to help people take intentional time to grieve. Rebecca previously worked as a policy advisor in state and local government, and began her career as a bilingual educator. She holds degrees from Duke University and the University of Chicago, and her voice has been featured in TIME, LA Times, ELLE, and more. She splits her time between North Carolina and Montreal with her dogs, Daisy Duke and Ralphie.

Darnell Lamont Walker

Death Doula | TV Writer

Darnell Lamont Walker is a death doula, Emmy-nominated writer, and cultural anthropologist whose work lives at the intersection of grief, culture, and storytelling. His voice shows up in children’s television, writing for Karma’s World, Work It Out Wombats!, Blue’s Clues & You, and more, as well as in books and in the quiet, sacred rooms where people take their last breaths. Across the world, from Johannesburg and Saigon to London, Amsterdam, Ghana, and beyond, Darnell has helped individuals and communities find spaces where their stories could be shared safely and held with care. In his legacy work with dying clients, this often looks like preserving favorite recipes, ensuring that long after someone is gone, families can still gather, cook, eat, and remember the love that once lived at the table. His book, Never Can Say Goodbye (HarperOne), reflects on his journey as a death doula and the lessons learned from walking alongside the dying. At the heart of all his work is a simple mission: to help people tell the truth of their lives, tend to one another through transition, and leave behind something nourishing, whether that’s a story, a ritual, or a meal that keeps them close.

David Oliver

Deputy Wellness Editor

David Oliver is an accomplished journalist and educator currently serving as the deputy wellness editor at USA TODAY. With a Master's degree in nonfiction writing from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Maryland, Oliver brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his reporting. His work primarily focuses on wellness trends, health issues, pop culture, and LGBTQ+ topics. In addition to his role at USA TODAY, Oliver is an adjunct professor at his alma mater, the University of Maryland, where he teaches journalism courses. His commitment to impactful storytelling has earned him recognition in the field, including the AACR June L. Biedler Prize for Cancer Journalism and a GLAAD Media Award nomination.

Jamie Thrower

Death Doula, Grief Educator & Funeral Celebrant

Jamie Thrower weaves together deep tenderness, creative courage, and fierce advocacy in their work as a death doula, community grief care worker, end of life educator and funeral celebrant. As the founder of Queer Grief Club, they have established a dynamic online space designed to center LGBTQ+ voices in the grief and death world—from death to non-death grief, end of life advocacy and more.

Salon D

Who’s Funding the Future—and Who’s Getting Left Out

Thrive or Survive: Why Creativity is the Key to an AI-Future

The Story of Stories—The Million Year History of Storytelling

Skills You’ll Need To Succeed in the Post-AI Age

Through the Noise: The State of Science Storytelling

Fitness has trainers. Mental health has therapists. Now, death and grief have their own guides. From eco-burials to "grief influencers" leading online communities, death wellness is emerging as the next phase of the wellness industry. In this provocative panel, Grieve Leave founder Rebecca Feinglos, Queer Grief Club founder and death doula Jamie Thrower, Emmy-nominated writer and death doula Darnell Walker, and USA Today wellness editor David Oliver explore how a new generation  is embracing dying and grieving with the same intention, aesthetics, and openness as modern wellness culture.

HOW DEATH BECAME THE NEW WELLNESS FRONTIER


The Lucky 10%: CPGs Flipping Off the Startup Failure Rate

Denise Woodard

Founder & CEO

Denise is the Founder and CEO of Partake, a natural food company that was inspired by her daughter’s experience with food allergies. Launched in 2017, Partake’s first product — delicious, allergy-friendly cookies — can now be found in more than 18,000 retailers including Target, Kroger, and Whole Foods Market. Partake's offerings have since expanded to include graham crackers and vanilla wafers.

Denise is the first Black woman to raise more than $1 Million publicly for a CPG food startup. To date, the company has raised over $30M from investors.

Prior to launching Partake, Denise spent a decade in consumer packaged goods at various Fortune 100 companies. She graduated with her BA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MBA from Arizona State University.

Greg LaVecchia

CEO & Co-Founder

Greg is a serial entrepreneur and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree who co-founded Bloom Nutrition with his wife, Mari Llewellyn, to create high-quality wellness supplements. Since launching in 2019, they’ve grown Bloom from Mari’s father’s attic into a 9-figure brand with viral products like Greens & Superfoods, Sparkling Energy Drinks, and Bloom Pop. Beyond product innovation, Greg has been instrumental in shaping Bloom’s rapid growth strategy, scaling its distribution from e-commerce to major retailers nationwide. Today, Bloom serves a largely first-time wellness audience, resonating strongly with Gen Z and millennials.

Jesse Merrill

Co-Founder & CEO

Jesse Merrill is an entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, specializing in building mission-led emerging growth brands. He helped lead Honest Tea to a successful exit to Coca-Cola in 2011 and is now the Co-Founder & CEO of Good Culture, a brand that disrupted the cottage cheese category in 2015. Jesse saw cottage cheese as an overlooked superfood and, inspired by his own health journey, created a clean-label product line made with high-quality ingredients and no additives. Now in over 16,000 stores, Good Culture has nearly tripled sales in the last three years, becoming a top-selling brand across several key retailers and bringing new relevance to the category by attracting millennials and Gen Z consumers.

Brad Charron

CEO

Brad took the helm of ALOHA in 2017 as CEO and “Re-Founder,” driving its transformation from a struggling startup to a highly profitable, nationally recognized brand. His success as a leader stems from his founder-operator balanced mindset—combining entrepreneurial vision with operational expertise. Today, ALOHA is the fastest-growing bar in the Natural Channel and US Food, a certified B Corp, one of the few climate-neutral brands in its category, and has been recognized as one of Inc.’s fastest-growing private companies. A seasoned leader in the CPG industry, Brad has a track record of driving turnarounds and growth for major health and wellness brands. As SVP/GM, he led the revival of Nature’s Bounty, consulted for KIND Snacks, and held key roles at Chobani, Under Armour, and Frito-Lay.

Salon E

The Creative Economy is Thriving: Why Founders Keep Building for Creators

The Art of Scaling Your Startup Without Venture Capital

Who Owns What: The State of Startups & Top Trends to Watch

Now is Japan's Time: Leading the Future with Deep Tech

Build the Future: Entrepreneurship Within Reach

90% of CPG startups flame out within two years. This panel is for the scrappy founders and CEOs determined not to be a statistic. Hear from leaders who clawed their way from pre-revenue chaos to nine figures, and who know the secret sauce to sustaining viral and culturally relevant high-growth brands. No BS. No fairy tales. Just hard-won lessons from the trenches on what it really takes to scale in one of the most ruthless industries.

LUCKY 10%: CPGS FLIPPING OFF THE STARTUP FAILURE RATE


SXSW Pitch-Sustainability, AgTech & Food

Keyona Meeks

CEO & Founder

Rachel Stinebaugh

Investor

Gustavo	 Caetano

CEO

Elisa Miller-Out

Managing Partner

Managing Partner, Chloe Capital, Seed Stage Venture Capital Firm and Accelerator Operator

Bryan STUBBS

Managing Partner / CEO

Stubbs is a prominent leader in driving economic development through technology,
particularly focused on the water innovation sector, currently serving as the President and
CEO of the Cleveland Water Alliance (CWA) where he has successfully
established one of North America’s leading water innovation hubs; his key achievement is
demonstrating how improving water quality through innovative technology can simultaneously
boost regional economic growth, with CWA recently securing over $13 million in investments for
its advanced Water Accelerator Testbeds, leading to significant job creation in the water
economy exceeding other industries in the greater Cleveland area. Stubbs is also the Managing
Partner of the Freshwater Innovation Fund, a $25 million investment fund currently being
established by the Cleveland Water Alliance (CWA). He holds a BA from the University of
Kansas and an MBA from the University of Illinois at Chicago. A former entrepreneur, Stubbs
enjoys spending his free time with his family and friends, cycling, and exploring new bourbons.

Salon FGH

SXSW Pitch-Healthcare, AssistiveTech & BioTech

SXSW Pitch-Smart Cities, Transportation, Manufacturing & Logistics

SXSW Pitch-Smart Data, Security, and FinTech

SXSW Pitch-Intelligent Systems, Robotics, & Multisensory Technology

The SXSW Pitch provides a platform for early-stage technology startups to present their groundbreaking products and services to a panel of distinguished industry experts, influential media professionals, and leading venture capitalists and angel investors.
On Friday, March 13, five innovative companies will take the stage in Salon FGH at the JW Marriott, showcasing their ideas, innovations, and entrepreneurial vision before a live audience and judging panel. Come be inspired by the next generation of tech innovators shaping the future.

Sustainability, AgTech & Food Technologies that enhance agricultural efficiency, improve sustainability, and drive profitability in food production. This includes innovations in agriculture, horticulture, and aquaculture, as well as broader sustainability efforts in environmental management. Examples include food sustainability, food waste reduction, farm data, soil microbe data, crop protection, biofertilizers, biostimulants, supply chain transparency, agri-food testing, alternative proteins, animal health, aquaculture, farm management software, the blue economy, the green economy, hydroponics, vertical farming, Consumer Product Goods (CPG), and precision agriculture. Additionally, this category includes AI-driven farm automation, regenerative agriculture, controlled environments, and smart irrigation systems, along with sustainable practices such as waste management and recycling, water management and conservation, water security, carbon-neutral construction, air quality monitoring and pollution control, and climate change solutionns.

Winner of the Sustainability, AgTech and Food Technologies will be announced at the Award Ceremony, Saturday, March 14th at 6:30pm.

SXSW PITCH-SUSTAINABILITY, AGTECH & FOOD


Featured Session: A Conversation With Spotify's New Co-CEO About The Past, Present And Future Of Delivering Creativity To The World

Gustav Söderström

Co-Chief Executive Officer

Gustav Söderström is Spotify's Co-Chief Executive Officer and a member of its board of directors. He is responsible for executing on the Company's mission and strategy, and co-leading the management team. Mr. Söderström was previously Co-President, Chief Product & Technology Officer, where he oversaw global product and technology strategy, including the product, design, data, and engineering teams at Spotify. Prior to joining Spotify in 2009, Mr. Söderström founded Kenet Works in 2003, a company that developed community software for mobile phones, and served as the company’s Chief Executive Officer until it was acquired by Yahoo! in 2006. Mr. Söderström was Director of Product and Business Development for Yahoo! Mobile from 2006-2009. Mr. Söderström is a startup seed investor and founder of 13th Lab (acquired by Facebook’s Oculus). Mr. Söderström holds a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from KTH Royal Institute of Technology.

Salon 6-8

Featured Session: Shaping Brand Relevance for a New Generation

Featured Session: A Waste of Time with Larry David and Jeff Schaffer

Featured Session: Why Saying Yes to the Unthinkable Works

Featured Session: Albuquerque Aftermath: From Breaking Bad to Pluribus with Rhea Seehorn, Vince Gilligan, and Key Creatives

Featured Session: The Culture Layer of Financial Markets

Twenty years ago, the music industry faced an existential crisis. Piracy was reshaping consumption, the old model was unraveling, and no clear path forward existed. Spotify was born from a simple but radical belief: that technology could reconnect artists and fans in a way that worked for both. Join Gustav for a look at the future of Spotify’s technological transformation across music, podcasts, and audiobooks, exploring how user control, creator innovation, and thoughtful technology are shaping the next chapter of entertainment.

FEATURED SESSION: A CONVERSATION WITH SPOTIFY'S NEW CO-CEO ABOUT THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF DELIVERING CREATIVITY TO THE WORLD


Mentor Session: Graham Nolan (Do the WeRQ)

Graham Nolan

Co-Chair, Storytelling and Partnerships

Graham is an NYC-based public relations, reputation management and communications consultant — empowered by 24+ years of experience advancing meaningful brand conversations. His roles have included brand manager, lead strategist, creative thought leader, mentor, fighter for inclusion and disruptor who’s willing to address what’s not working – so we can get to building what will work, now. He recently supported the global team at Wasserman, with strong focus on their Brands + Properties business, creative agency brand Laundry Service and women-focused expertise The Collective – including its academic Think Tank. Other current/recent clients include Ubisoft, Unsplash, Lupine Creative and more.

As a co-founder of Do the WeRQ, Graham helps tell the platform's story and connect the movement to partners who embrace the value of queer creativity. The mission of Do the WeRQ is simple: increase queer creativity, representation and share of voice in the advertising industry. The organization brings people across the industry together to foster connections, share experiences and collaborate on cultural transformations that support the LGBTQ+ community both in front of, and behind the scenes, 365-days-a-year. Because only when queer marketing talent is inspired, mobilized and celebrated – by brands and marketing leaders – will queer cultural creativity translate into meaningful business solutions.

His speaking appearances include placement on stages/platforms like SXSW, Advertising Week, Brand Innovators, the 3% Conference, Fishbowl Live, Unleashed LGBTQ+, New York Comic Con, The ANA Virtual Diversity Fair, and more. Graham also has experience as a stand-up comedian, writer and storyteller who has performed at Second City's Skybox Theater, the Gotham Comedy Club, UCBeast, The People's Improv Theater and more.

Room 400-402

Mentor Session: Ali Tager (National Cryptocurrency Association)

Mentor Session: Aniesia Williams (dreambloc)

Mentor Session: Avantika Bagri (Centana Growth Partners)

Mentor Session: Brittan Heller (Stanford Law School)

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion", Marketing/Advertising/PR, Storytelling.

MENTOR SESSION: GRAHAM NOLAN (DO THE WERQ)

Brand & Marketing track sponsored by Youtube


Mentor Session: Amira Pollock (McCombs School of Business, Center for Professional Education/University of Texas at Austin)

Amira Pollock

McCombs School of Business/Center for Professional Education/University of Texas at Austin

Instructor/Leadership Coach

Amira is a versatile educator with 20 years of teaching and training experience. Amira specializes in creating interactive corporate training for businesses and is a sought-after instructor and coach who makes her sessions engaging, practical and impactful. Amira possesses high energy and a warm personality that helps everyone feel comfortable leaving their comfort zone to maximize learning outcomes. She has a proven track record of success, as demonstrated by consistent high evaluations, testimonials, repeat business and referrals.

In addition to delivering coaching, webinars, and workshops for Texas McCombs+, Amira is an instructor at UT’s Center for Professional Education and Extended Campus Custom Training. Amira is also a conference speaker, most notably returning to SXSW for her 10-year anniversary in Spring 2025.

Amira earned a BA from Rice University and an MFA from The University of Texas at Austin.

Topics: improv/think on your feet, self-promotion, public speaking, leadership presence, confidence and creativity

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Storytelling, Future of Work, "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion".

MENTOR SESSION: AMIRA POLLOCK (MCCOMBS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, CENTER FOR PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION/UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN)

Workplace track sponsored by University of Cincinnati


Mentor Session: Nikki Pesusich (Coterie Media)

Nikki Pesusich

Founding Partner/Chief Strategy Officer

"Nikki Pesusich is a proven marketing and communications leader with more than two decades of expertise, building multimedia brand experiences that accelerate growth, drive engagement, and deliver measurable results across today’s evolving media landscape.

As Founding Partner and Chief Strategy Officer at Coterie Media — an award-winning integrated marketing and communications agency — Nikki leads the development and execution of integrated publicity campaigns, influencer and social media marketing strategies, high-impact celebrity partnerships, large-scale events, and brand activations for global and emerging companies across entertainment, lifestyle, health & beauty, longevity, wellness, medtech, CPG, and social impact sectors.

Over the course of her career, Nikki has led campaigns for a diverse range of renowned brands, including American Express, A&E Networks, American Heart Association, Autism Speaks, BTL Aesthetics, Discovery Networks, History, Microsoft, MGM Studios, NBCUniversal, Netflix, PBS, and Paramount Studios. She has also launched and promoted some of the most iconic entertainment franchises and cultural touchstones — including Judge Judy, Will & Grace, America’s Got Talent, Deadliest Catch, Dirty Jobs, and The Crocodile Hunter, among numerous others.

Drawing upon decades of trusted relationships across the entertainment industry, Nikki connects brands with A-list celebrity talent and negotiates high-impact influencer and brand ambassador campaigns. She has produced hundreds of successful influencer and celebrity-driven initiatives — collaborating with globally recognized actors, athletes, rockstars, and pop culture icons — for campaigns that consistently deliver extensive media coverage, measurable ROI, and lasting brand equity.

Before launching Coterie Media (formerly NPPR), Nikki served as Vice President of Entertainment at Rogers & Cowan, one of the world’s leading entertainment public relations and marketing agencies, where she led high-profile publicity and promotional campaigns for entertainment and technology clients. Earlier in her career, she spearheaded media relations and corporate communications for A&E Networks, where she was an integral part of the launch team for The History Channel. She also worked on NBC’s groundbreaking Olympics TripleCast — the first pay-per-view telecast to deliver wall-to-wall livestream coverage across multi-platforms.

Nikki earned her B.A. in Advertising with a minor in Marketing from Pepperdine University. She is passionate about collaborating with visionary brands and changemakers, and is an advocate for causes supporting animal welfare, children, and mental health initiatives."

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Entrepreneurship, Marketing/Advertising/PR, Nonprofits.

MENTOR SESSION: NIKKI PESUSICH (COTERIE MEDIA)


Mentor Session: Anthony Conway (Public School)

Anthony Conway

Sr Manager, Brand Entertainment

Anthony Conway is the Senior Manager of Branded Entertainment at Public School, where he develops and executes creative partnerships that connect brands with culture. Previously, he spent several years at Dick Clark Productions, overseeing talent relations for major live events such as the American Music Awards and Golden Globes. His background spans music licensing, artist negotiations, and end-to-end event logistics, giving him a unique perspective on how to build meaningful connections between talent, brands, and audiences. Anthony is passionate about mentoring the next generation of entertainment professionals and sharing insights on navigating career pivots, cultivating relationships, and finding purpose-driven opportunities in a competitive industry.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Storytelling, Marketing/Advertising/PR.

MENTOR SESSION: ANTHONY CONWAY (PUBLIC SCHOOL)


Mentor Session: Isabella Uknis (Universal Music Publishing Group)

Isabella Uknis

Manager, Music for Advertising

Izzy’s passion for music has been lifelong, but her actual work began at Temple University (go birds!) as an on-air talent for the school’s radio station, where she co-founded the campus’ first Reggae/Ska show, Coast 2 Coast. This opened the door to various internships at major labels and publishers, including the Urban Promotions department at Atlantic Records, the musical theater label at Warner Music Group: Ghostlight Records, the marketing department at Ultra Records, World Café Live at WXPN, the marketing department at Sony Nashville, and finally, the sync department at Warner Chappell. After graduating, she was lucky enough to start her professional career at Warner Chappell, which is where she fell in love with all things sync.
Now, Izzy works at Universal Music Publishing Group as a Manager in the Music for Ads department. She has cleared music from many different genres for hundreds of small-scale and large-scale international and domestic ad campaigns. The most rewarding aspect of her role is that she has the privilege to represent and advocate for some of the most talented songwriters in the world, and that she gets to introduce new audiences to music that they may not have been exposed to otherwise.
Outside of work, Izzy loves to run, read, paint, and build hyper-niche Spotify playlists!

Tannehill

Global Stage @ Downright Austin Backyard

Mentor Session: Arnaecia Alridge (Methix)

Mentor Session: Lauren Apolito (The Harry Fox Agency/Rumblefish )

Mentor Session: Max Christensen (Crunchy Frog/Crunchy Tunes)

Mentor Session: Noel Morrison (SiriusXM/Pandora)

Mentor Session: Rachel Jacobson (Warner Chappell Music)

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Women in Music, Sync/Licensing.

MENTOR SESSION: ISABELLA UKNIS (UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUBLISHING GROUP)


Arnaecia Alridge

Founder/CEO

Arnaecia Alridge has shaped the careers of GRAMMY® Award–winning and nominated talent—and now she’s reshaping the future of the music business for everyone else.

With roots in talent management and communications for independent icons like Paul Wall, Yolanda Adams, Bun B, and Yung Bleu, she helped define their narrative, expand their brands, and strengthen how they connect with fans.

Today, she’s the founder of Methix—a music-business app backed by Microsoft for Startups—built to give independent artists a real roadmap to their dreams and access to the same opportunities and people usually reserved for the top 1% of the industry.

An elected music leader, Arnaecia has served on the Recording Academy/GRAMMYs board and continues to shape key committees across education, nominating, advocacy, and Rap/R&B membership.

Driven by transparency, integrity, and a deep respect for the craft, she remains a vocal champion for creator rights and ethical industry practices—bringing the next era of music business leadership to the forefront while keeping artists at the center.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in A&R, Music Tech, Marketing/PR.

MENTOR SESSION: ARNAECIA ALRIDGE (METHIX)


Round Table: Programming: Landon Zakheim, Monica Garcia Massague, and R.J. LaForce

R.J. LaForce

Senior Film Programmer

R.J. LaForce is a film programmer and professor based in Austin, TX. He has previously worked in the programming and creative departments for the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, the Austin Film Society, SXSW Film Festival, and Fantastic Fest and as a professor at Sam Houston State University. Currently he works as a senior programmer for Rooftop Cinema Club and media professor at Austin Community College. In a past life he also worked on numerous film and TV productions.

Landon Zakheim

Sundance Film Festival/Overlook Film Fest

Programmer / Executive Director

Landon Zakheim is a short film programmer for the Sundance Film Festival and the co-founder and co-director of the Overlook Film Festival, a four day celebration of all things horror held annually in New Orleans. Among a myriad of additional festival organizations for which he’s worked, he has been a senior programmer for AFI Fest and the Philadelphia Film Festival, an associate programmer for narrative and XR at Tribeca Film Festival, the interactive curator for Denver Film, and he was formerly both director of programming for Aspen ShortsFest and head of shorts for the now-defunct LA Film Festival.

Monica Garcia-Massague

Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival Of Catalonia

General Manager

I have been the General Manager of the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia since 2015, with over two decades of experience in the film industry. I began my career in the festival sector in 2004 as Head of Communications at Sitges, where I helped position the festival as a key international benchmark in fantastic cinema. I later broadened my expertise in international audiovisual promotion, connecting filmmakers and productions to global markets, as well as in the evaluation of film festivals, providing strategic insight into their impact and positioning.
At Sitges, I oversee the festival’s industry program, fostering collaboration between creators, producers, distributors, and emerging talent. I have designed and led internationally oriented projects such as Sitges Cocoon, a platform exploring the convergence of technology and audiovisual production, and WomanInFan, a pioneering initiative dedicated to increasing the visibility and participation of women creators in fantastic cinema.

Representative

Round Table: Sales, Acquisitions, and Distribution: Amy Beecroft, Joe Yanick, and Shaked Berenson

Round Table: Producing: Ashleigh Snead, Kelly Williams, and Liz Cardenas

Round Table: Acting: Alexandra Barreto, Alyssa Rodriguez, and Rider Strong

Round Table: Development: Carolina Tamez and Henry Kittredge

Round Table: Narrative Filmmaking: Adam Hoelzel, Jessica M. Thompson, and Paul Gandersman

An extension of our popular Mentor Sessions, our Round Table Sessions not only allow attendees to learn from the industry experts that sit at each of the three tables in this session but they also allow attendees to learn from the questions and experiences of their peers as well. This Round Table Session will bring together industry experts and SXSW attendees for an enlightening discussion on  Programming.

ROUND TABLE: PROGRAMMING: LANDON ZAKHEIM, MONICA GARCIA MASSAGUE, AND R.J. LAFORCE

Film & TV track sponsored by Crunchyroll


Activate Your Art House

Kolby Webster

Founder

Kolby Ari is an urban designer, journalist, curator, and facilitator working at the intersection of public imagination and community repair. They are rebuilding the historic Dreamland Theater in Tulsa, OK, established in 1914 by Greenwood (Black Wall Street) founding residents John and Loula Williams, whose living descendants continue to guide Dreamland’s values today.

Annalisa Shoemaker

Founder/Ceo

Annalisa Shoemaker (she/her) is the founder and CEO of Suncatcher Productions. Since Suncatcher’s inception, Annalisa has led the theatrical execution for ten feature films including TO KILL A TIGER, an Academy Award® nominee for Best Documentary Feature. Annalisa also released the disability themed rom-com GOOD BAD THINGS in over 50 theaters before licensing home entertainment rights to Music Box Films and streaming rights to Hulu. She also is an adjunct professor at AFI teaching movie marketing and distribution. Prior to Suncatcher, Annalisa spent over a decade working on theatrical distribution campaigns at Amazon Studios and Focus Features.

Lela Meadow-Conner

Interim Executive Director

Lela joined the team as Interim Executive Director in January 2026. Elected to the inaugural AHC Board of Directors, she served as Board President from 2023-2025.  She’s the founder of mamafilm, where her work includes supporting bold, socially  bold, socially-conscious stories, both as an exhibitor (mamafilm operates as a nomadic microcinema in Wichita, KS) and as a Creative Producer. She has over 20 years of experience connecting films to audiences and building community within the independent film sector. She served as Executive Director of Film Festival Alliance from 2017-2022, and is co-founder of The Popcorn List, an annual list & series, featuring exceptional films that have yet to secure wide release. As a Producer, her work has screened at festivals including Sundance, Tribeca, Palm Springs, BFI London and more. She is a member of the Documentary Producers Alliance and the Brown Girls Doc Mafia.

Pennybacker

Busting Myths: Why Virtual Production Isn’t What You Think

Unscripted Gold: Turning Real Life into Global Hits

Audible Dimensions: Expanding Story Through Spatial Audio

From Niche to Noticed: New Paths for Indie Films

From Headline to Streamer: How Publishers Adapt Stories for TV

Art House Convergence - a coalition that amplifies & connects community and mission-drives exhibitors  -  is working to provide filmmakers with best practices and resources for connecting with independent cinemas,  with  - or without - a traditional distributor.


Max Christensen

Sync & Licensing Manager

Max is an experienced music rights, licensing and sync professional with a passion for connecting music with visuals. He currently serves as a valuable member of Crunchy Frog/Tune's sync department, clearing music rights for advertising, feature films, and TV series in collaboration with music supervisors globally.

Max's career began in trailer production and editing, where he contributed to high-profile promotional campaigns for blockbuster films like The Twilight Saga, Kick-Ass, and Hunger Games. His close relationship with the power of music in storytelling has been a driving force throughout his journey.

During his tenure at Lucas Arts and Lego productions, Max led audio mixing sessions involving composers from around the world. Subsequently, he assumed the role of Producer for TV series and feature films at Copenhagen Bombay, where he skillfully oversaw production teams, finances, and creative departments.

With a strong musical background as an avid musician himself, Max naturally gravitated towards sync, curating moods, genres, and hidden gems for music supervisors worldwide through Crunchy Frog/Crunchy Tunes.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Max has also taken on the role of a sync music specialist, offering valuable guidance and mentorship to emerging artists through industry conferences and gatherings.

Tannehill

Global Stage @ Downright Austin Backyard

Mentor Session: Arnaecia Alridge (Methix)

Mentor Session: Isabella Uknis (Universal Music Publishing Group)

Mentor Session: Lauren Apolito (The Harry Fox Agency/Rumblefish )

Mentor Session: Noel Morrison (SiriusXM/Pandora)

Mentor Session: Rachel Jacobson (Warner Chappell Music)

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Sync/Licensing.

MENTOR SESSION: MAX CHRISTENSEN (CRUNCHY FROG/CRUNCHY TUNES)


Mentor Session: Weston McGowen (Global Music Trade Initiative/SourceAudio/Equal Songs)

Weston Mcgowen

Vice President, Music Label Partnerships

Weston McGowen is VP of Music Industry Partnerships at SourceAudio, where he leads business development across sync and functional audio platforms. He spearheaded the launch of Mood Magic, an education-focused music catalog co-developed with PhDs and music therapists, and Amplify, a marketplace connecting indie music to top media brands. In addition to his role at Source Audio, Weston is also co-founder of Equal Songs alongside Stefan Skarbek, where the two manage and publish a diverse roster of composers and songwriters, managing rights for works by artists like Harry Styles and Amy Winehouse. Weston blends 15+ years of expertise in publishing, music export, and rights infrastructure to elevate music’s impact and monetization.

Tannehill

Mentor Session: Max Christensen (Crunchy Frog/Crunchy Tunes)

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in A&R, Audio/Production (Recording/Mixing/Mastering), Contracts & Agreements, Data, Education, Distribution, Emerging Technologies, Health & Wellness, IP & Copyright, Management, Songwriting, Streaming & Programming, Sync/Licensing, Women in Music, Startups, Publishing, Music Tech, Nonprofits.

MENTOR SESSION: WESTON MCGOWEN (GLOBAL MUSIC TRADE INITIATIVE/SOURCEAUDIO/EQUAL SONGS)


CTRL + ALT + CREATE: How AI Is Reshaping the Creative Process

Zac Clark

Recording Artist & Touring Musician

I’m Zac Clark. I’ve been a singer since before I could string together a sentence and a songwriter and recording artist since I could reliably stand upright to reach the record button on the tape deck.

In the magical life of music that’s unfolded since, I’ve found myself in dream after dream- touring the world as a member of Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, Something Corporate, Jack’s Mannequin and Dashboard Confessional, playing festivals including Lollapalooza, Coachella & Bonnaroo, sharing the stage with artists from Billy Joel to Weezer, and appearing on TV shows like Conan, Today & Jimmy Kimmel Live.

As a solo artist I’ve released four records, toured them with Allen Stone, Guster & Augustana, written, produced & performed a song for the soundtrack to the Emmy-winning Disney & Marvel show Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur, performed & co-written the theme song for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s TNT series Wake Up Call, and had my music featured in shows on MTV & Showtime. I’ve composed the original score for the Saban feature film The Aviary, made music for the Netflix show Soundtrack by Gossip Girl & Smash showrunner Josh Safran, and I’m currently working on the score for a new documentary while I finish my fifth solo record and start my sixth.

I’ve played everywhere from Red Rocks to the Ryman Auditorium to a fan’s rooftop, and I feel as lucky to play a library or a living room as I felt playing for 70,000 people at Lambeau Field with Billy Joel. I’ve always lived for the thrill of a silent moment turning into a song, but I now believe my life is the song, its melody continuously shaped by the often astonishing connections with those whose worlds are soundtracked by my music and my words.

Mike Pell

Envisioneer. Author. Outlaw.

Bold, insightful, and uncompromising, Mike Pell regularly disrupts the thinking, strategy, and business models of the world’s most successful companies and organizations. Widely recognized as a world-class Designer and industry thought leader in the fields of Innovation, Visualization , and Data + AI, Pell currently leads The Microsoft Garage in New York City. His evolution from intrepid entrepreneur, to VC-backed startup veteran, to corporate man for Adobe and Microsoft has given him a unique perspective on how to combine business, design, and technology to create breakthrough experiences.

Learn more at https://Mike-Pell.com

Room 410

Technology Convergence: Winning the Exponential Upswing

Leading the AI Future: How to Think Exponentially in a Chaotic Decade

How Anyone Can Help Create Social Change: A Conversation with the authors of Somebody Should Do Something

Breaking Cultural Codes That Keep Latino Leaders Silent

A tech titan and a touring musician dig into how AI is making us reconsider creativity—fueling ideas, speeding production, and widening access, while also raising concerns about ownership, authenticity, and sameness. This candid conversation explores where AI elevates human imagination, where it threatens it, and how creators can keep art innovative and human.

CTRL + ALT + CREATE: HOW AI IS RESHAPING THE CREATIVE PROCESS


Mentor Session: Jeremy Lowe (Dick Clark Productions/Penske)

Jeremy Lowe

VP, Talent and Partnerships

As Vice President of Talent and Partnerships at Dick Clark Productions, Jeremy Lowe oversees talent booking, creator collaborations, and brand partnerships across the company’s biggest live events. He played a leading role in booking talent for the 2025 American Music Awards and “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” the #1 New Year’s special on TV. Lowe also developed viral creator partnerships with Amelia Dimoldenberg, Recess Therapy, and Matt Friend for the Golden Globes, helping drive a 50% ratings increase year-over-year by reinventing the red carpet for a new generation.

Room 400-402

Mentor Session: Ali Tager (National Cryptocurrency Association)

Mentor Session: Aniesia Williams (dreambloc)

Mentor Session: Avantika Bagri (Centana Growth Partners)

Mentor Session: Brittan Heller (Stanford Law School)

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Marketing/Advertising/PR, Business Development.

MENTOR SESSION: JEREMY LOWE (DICK CLARK PRODUCTIONS/PENSKE)


Mentor Session: Andrea Virgin (The Center for Arts & Innovation, Inc.)

Andrea Virgin

Chair & CEO

Andrea Virgin is a visionary leader whose life and work exist at the crossroads of creativity and resilience. A former professional ballerina turned civil engineer, entrepreneur, and nonprofit founder, her journey embodies the power of reinvention—and how creativity, when embraced across every field of life, can be profoundly transformative.

After performing with Houston Ballet II and Ballet Florida, Andrea earned degrees from Florida Atlantic University and Cornell University, transitioning from the stage to the built environment. She went on to launch her own firm, Virgin Design, where she infused human-centered creativity into land development. Once an anomaly for bridging the arts and engineering, she became determined to make creativity the rule in a future that demands more imagination, not less.

That mission inspired her founding of The Center, where she serves as Chair & CEO. Under her leadership, The Center has raised nearly $25 million, engaged Pritzker Prize-winning Renzo Piano Building Workshop, and positioned itself to redefine creativity and its role in society for the 21st century.

A sought-after speaker on creativity, resilience, and technology, Andrea has been featured at CreativeMornings, BitBasel, Leading Between the Lines, Launching Simplified, and Quantum Beach 2025. Her work has been recognized by Palm Beach Illustrated’s Women On Top, The Palm Beach 100, and Boca Magazine’s Fantastic Four.

When she’s not leading transformative initiatives, Andrea finds creative renewal with her daughters and husband—or on the ballroom dance floor at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Boca Raton.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Entrepreneurship, Future of Work, Nonprofits.

MENTOR SESSION: ANDREA VIRGIN (THE CENTER FOR ARTS & INNOVATION, INC.)


From Data to Decisions: Lives, Livelihoods, and the Planet

Dr. Katharine Hayhoe

Professor & Chief Scientist

Katharine Hayhoe is an atmospheric scientist whose research focuses on understanding the impacts of climate change on people and the planet. She is the Chief Scientist for The Nature Conservancy and a Horn Distinguished Professor and Endowed Professor of Public Policy and Public Law at Texas Tech University. She has served as a lead author for the Second, Third, and Fourth U.S. National Climate Assessments and her work has resulted in over 125 peer-reviewed papers, abstracts, and other publications. She is the author of the best-selling book Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World. She also hosts the PBS Digital Series Global Weirding and is a co-founder of Science Moms. Hayhoe is a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union and the American Scientific Affiliation, an Honourary Fellow of the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society, an Oxfam Sister of the Planet, and the World Evangelical Alliance’s Climate Ambassador. She has been named to lists including the TIME 100 Most Influential People and Fortune's 50 World's Greatest Leaders, received a number of awards including the National Center for Science Education’s Friend of the Planet Award, the American Geophysical Union’s Climate Communication Prize and Ambassador Award, and the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award, and is a United Nations Champion of the Earth in Science and Innovation.

Dr. Catherine Nakalembe

Professor/Nasa Harvest Africa Director

Dr. Catherine Nakalembe is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geographical Sciences at the University of Maryland. In her role as the NASA Harvest Africa Lead and Agriculture and Food Security Thematic Lead on NASA's SERVIR Applied Sciences Team, she applies her extensive expertise in satellite remote sensing, AI and machine learning to conduct groundbreaking research and develop applications aimed at advancing agriculture, climate change, supporting food security initiative, mapping land use, facilitating disaster response and humanitarian aid, and enhancing climate resilience with a focus on Africa. She received her Ph.D. in Geographical Science from the University of Maryland, a Master's in Geography and Environmental Engineering from Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, and a B.Sc. Environmental Science from Makerere University Kampala, Uganda Dr. Nakalembe has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including the prestigious Al Sumait Prize, the 2022 Golden Jubilee Medal (the highest civilian award in Uganda), the 2020 Africa Food Prize (the preeminent award recognizing an outstanding individual or institution that is leading the effort to change the reality of farming in Africa), and a 2019 GEO Individual Excellence Award for her dedication to improving food security in Africa through the enhanced use of Earth observations.

Room 203-204

XR Immersive Filmmaking & The Future of Entertainment

Portraits Beyond the Frame: Jonathan Yeo & Spectacles

SIMULCAST: Amy Webb Launches 2026 Emerging Tech Trend Report

Beta Testing a City: Startups, Sidewalks & Robotics

Artificial Imagination and The Fiction After Cinema

Decisions about land, conservation, food and energy systems, and climate are increasingly shaped by data and AI. But how does that information actually enter a decision? How does a farmer decide when to plant, or a policymaker weigh risk and uncertainty? This fireside chat explores how data-driven insights move from analysis to real-world decision-making across very different contexts, and what it takes for data and models to be reliable enough to act on when the stakes are high.

FROM DATA TO DECISIONS: LIVES, LIVELIHOODS, AND THE PLANET


Mentor Session: Sean Evans (EVOQ)

Sean Thomas Evans

CTO & Executive Producer

Sean Thomas Evans is a renowned XR producer, filmmaker, and creative technologist with over 25 years of experience. Since 2015, Sean has led the creation of dozens of immersive and transmedia productions, including Sharkwater VR, Living with Jaguars, and the award-winning VR experience The Holy City. His works have been showcased at prestigious festivals such as TIFF, Cannes, Venice, FIPADOC, Annecy, SIGGRAPH, and many others internationally.

His credits include the award-winning documentary ""Spots of Light,"" which chronicles an emotional journey into blindness and back again, and was screened at SIGGRAPH's VR Theatre 2024.
Sean's expertise spans a range of cutting-edge XR technologies, contributing to advancements in photogrammetry-driven environments, NLP-based narratives, and frameworks for real-time visualization and interactions with biometric data in virtual spaces. He continues pushing XR's boundaries, blending technology and storytelling to create powerful and transformative experiences.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Immersive Technology, XR, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning.


Mentor Session: Lauren Apolito (The Harry Fox Agency/Rumblefish )

Lauren Apolito

Executive Vice President

Lauren Apolito is the Executive Vice President of Strategy & Business Development at HFA/Rumblefish, a SESAC Music Group company. For over two decades, Lauren has been a driving force in the music tech industry as she led the strategic development and evolution of HFA’s rights management platform, branded Rumblefish, designed to support digital licensing and innovation. Today Rumblefish is one of the leading providers of intellectual rights administration serving music tech, mobile, streaming, gaming, metaverse, AI and online video clientele.

Lauren operates at the intersection of music, data and technology. During her distinguished music industry career, Lauren’s achievements have had an industry-wide impact, providing the music rightsholder community with first-of-its-kind revenue opportunities for all types of new media and facilitating administration for those in the music distribution chain. She led and negotiated key licensing and rights management engagements with the largest global music tech and consumer media brands and her leadership has propelled revenue growth and diversification.

Lauren is a trusted thought leader in the industry and serves on the Advisory Board of Women in Music; mentors for New York University (NY) Steinhardt’s Entrepreneurship in Music program, SXSW, Empowered Women, TechStars Music and GRAMMY® U; is a voting member of The Recording Academy and the Country Music Association; and was recognized as a 3x Billboard Digital Power Player. She is also a frequent industry event speaker and judge at events including The Clio Awards, MusicTectonics, Miami Music Week, and MusicAlly.

Prior to her HFA/Rumblefish tenure, Lauren was an international banking executive. She was VP at eCiti, Citigroup’s center for strategic investments in technology and an incubator for new online businesses, and with Nikko where she focused on global asset management strategies. Additionally Lauren has launched entrepreneurial ventures, is experienced in the inclusive capital arena, and functions as a trusted advisor for social impact and diverse-founder companies. She is also passionate about the human/animal therapeutic bond and is a Board Member of Pet Partners.

Recent press includes:
·      Rumblefish inks ByteDance deal to provide music licensing services to TikTok, CapCut - Music Business Worldwide
·      Rumblefish Services Support the 65th Annual GRAMMY Awards® - Rumblefish
·      Lauren Apolito promoted to Executive Vice President at SESAC-owned Rumblefish - Music Business Worldwide
·      Music Ally Connect Day 1 PM: publishing, JKBX, sustainability - Music Ally
·      Rumblefish Powers Pinterest's Music Metadata and Music License Management for its Expanded Music Experience - Rumblefish
·      Miamimusictech.com/startups and judges

Tannehill

Global Stage @ Downright Austin Backyard

Mentor Session: Arnaecia Alridge (Methix)

Mentor Session: Isabella Uknis (Universal Music Publishing Group)

Mentor Session: Max Christensen (Crunchy Frog/Crunchy Tunes)

Mentor Session: Noel Morrison (SiriusXM/Pandora)

Mentor Session: Rachel Jacobson (Warner Chappell Music)

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Music Tech, Women in Music, Publishing.

MENTOR SESSION: LAUREN APOLITO (THE HARRY FOX AGENCY/RUMBLEFISH )


Mentor Session: Marie De Jesus (Reynolds Journalism Instutute, University of Missouri)

Marie De Jesús

Reynolds Journalism Institute, University of Missouri School of Journalism

Director, Pictures Of The Year International

Marie D. De Jesús is the director of Pictures of the Year (POY) and College Photographer of the Year (CPOY) programs at the Mizzou School of Journalism. The two international photojournalism competitions are respected worldwide as a leader in recognizing the best in visual journalism.

Before coming to Mizzou, Marie served as the founding director of photography for the Houston Landing and worked as a staff photojournalist for the Houston Chronicle for nearly a decade.

Room 400-402

Mentor Session: Ali Tager (National Cryptocurrency Association)

Mentor Session: Aniesia Williams (dreambloc)

Mentor Session: Avantika Bagri (Centana Growth Partners)

Mentor Session: Brittan Heller (Stanford Law School)

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Journalism.

MENTOR SESSION: MARIE DE JESUS (REYNOLDS JOURNALISM INSTUTUTE, UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI)


Beyond the Track: Storytelling Across Music, Film & New Visual Frontiers with Vic Mensa

Vic Mensa

Musician, Actor, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist

Vic Mensa is an acclaimed musician, actor, and entrepreneur whose work spans music, film, and social advocacy. His albums, including The Autobiography and Victor, have reached millions, while his EP sundiata marked his first fully independent release. An actor on The Chi and Bel-Air, he’s also the founder of 93 Boyz, Illinois’ first Black-owned cannabis brand. With a strong social media presence, Mensa uses his platform to drive cultural conversation, creative innovation and community impact.

Capitol Ballroom ABCD

Who Gets Credit When Anyone Can Train a Music AI?

Darkchild On the Record: Music, Legacy, and Change

The Numbers Behind the Hits: How Data is Driving K-pop's Global Domination

Music has long been a powerful storytelling tool, but today’s artists are expanding beyond the song. GRAMMY-nominated artist, actor and visionary Vic Mensa explores how musicality shapes cinematic storytelling across film, episodic content and emerging mediums. Mensa shares insights from still with the smoke–filmed on an iPhone in Senegal, his Orange Tree Series, award-winning film Blue Eyes, and a first look at his forthcoming short film. Designed for musicians, filmmakers and creators who refuse to stay in one lane.

BEYOND THE TRACK: STORYTELLING ACROSS MUSIC, FILM & NEW VISUAL FRONTIERS WITH VIC MENSA


Noel Morrison

Vice President, Product

Noel Morrison is a 25‐year veteran at the intersection of music and technology, having worked on the launch of flagship services such as Apple Music, Beats Music, and Epitonic. As Vice President of Product, Content Supply Chain, Stations, & Creators at SiriusXM + Pandora, he leads the product teams that develop internal platforms to power experiences for millions of listeners and equip artists and labels with industry‐leading creator tools. A proven team builder and leader, Noel excels at translating complex audio ecosystem challenges into scalable solutions. His daily work involves navigating product strategy, catalog growth, and the creator ecosystem in today’s rapidly evolving audio landscape.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Distribution, Music Tech, Data.

MENTOR SESSION: NOEL MORRISON (SIRIUSXM/PANDORA)


Rachel Jacobson

SVP, Creative Sync

Based in Los Angeles, Rachel Jacobson has been working in creative licensing since 2008 – elevating artists and songwriters through impactful projects across advertising, film, trailers and promos, TV, and video games. Rachel joined Warner Chappell Music in 2023 as SVP of Creative Sync, Head of Film & TV. Over the past two years, she has taken on leadership of the Los Angeles, New York, and Nashville Creative Sync teams. In this expanded role, she and her team are helping to reimagine WCM’s approach to sync, with a focus on sourcing and developing songwriters for creative opportunities.

Before joining Warner Chappell Music, Rachel served as Head of Sync and Artist Relations for the Paris-based Because Music Group. During her time at Because, she oversaw dynamic sync placements for a variety of high-profile advertising, film, and TV spotsand also supported artist and songwriter relations, providing creative insights during the songwriting process and helping to organize writing sessions and camps.

Prior to her work with Because, Rachel was part of the creative licensing teams at SONGS Music Publishing and Atlantic Records.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Publishing, Sync/Licensing, Women in Music.

MENTOR SESSION: RACHEL JACOBSON (WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC)


Mentor Session: Zoë Young (Zoë A&R)

Zoë Young

Founder

Zoë Young is founder of Zoë A&R, AnR University, and former VP at Epic Records, where she discovered and developed gold, platinum, and diamond-selling artists responsible for over 3 billion streams. Her work has resulted in diamond and platinum certifications.

Former Epic Records VP Zoë Young reveals the exact strategies she used to elevate French Montana, BIA, DDG, Bay Swag, and Stunna Girl to multi-platinum status. This is real-world intel from someone who sat in the room where decisions were made, who had the authority to greenlight careers, and who turned unknowns into chart-toppers.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in A&R, Women in Music, Contracts & Agreements.


Mentor Session: Michelle Prince (SXSW Books - Advantage | The Authority Company)

Michelle Prince

Publisher

Michelle Prince serves as a Publisher across all Advantage | The Authority Company brands, including SXSW Books, partnering with CEOs, founders, and senior leaders to create, publish, and position books that elevate thought leadership and expand global influence. With two decades of expertise in authority strategy, Michelle helps leaders translate their ideas, experience, and credibility into lasting authority and meaningful impact.
Michelle is the author of 19 books and multiple bestsellers, including Winning in Life Now, The Power of Authority, SHINE Through Your Story, and Illuminate Your Greatness. She is widely regarded as a leading expert on using books as a strategic asset to build authority and drive long-term business growth.
She is a certified Zig Ziglar Speaker and Trainer and was later honored to be named Zig Ziglar Brand Ambassador—recognizing her commitment to advancing Zig Ziglar’s timeless principles of leadership, success, and influence worldwide. Michelle is also the creator of The Authority Framework, a proven system that helps leaders turn their expertise into an authority-building book and platform.

Meeting with this mentor is highly recommended if you're interested in Entrepreneurship, Marketing/Advertising/PR, Storytelling.

MENTOR SESSION: MICHELLE PRINCE (SXSW BOOKS - ADVANTAGE | THE AUTHORITY COMPANY)


Prune or Perish: Cut Toxic Leadership for a Thriving Culture

Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett

Organizational Psychologist, Speaker, Author, Adjunct Professor, Podcast Host

Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is an Organizational Psychologist, Keynote Speaker, Business Leader, Author, and Podcast Host of Where Work Meets LifeTM, with 25 years of experience. She is a thought leader in workplace psychology, career development, and the future of work. Dr. Laura founded Canada Career Counselling and other consulting practices and is an Adjunct Professor of Psychology. A Canadian Women of Inspiration Award winner, she is dedicated to helping people and organizations thrive. Her forthcoming book, I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss, will be published on January 13th.

Salon A

The Creative Power of Letting Go: Why Quitting Can Be Your Biggest Breakthrough

Charmageddon: Robots That Steal Hearts and Jobs

Shortchanged: Gen Z, the Economy, and Brands

SWIFTYNOMICS: How Women Mastermind and Redefine Our Economy

Toxic leaders can look successful on the surface while quietly poisoning teams and cultures. This research-backed session reveals how to spot early warning signs of toxic leadership, recognize eight common toxic personas, and take courageous action to prevent damage. Learn how to build a healthier, more human-centered workplace where trust and engagement thrive—and where toxic behaviors are addressed before they take root.

PRUNE OR PERISH: CUT TOXIC LEADERSHIP FOR A THRIVING CULTURE


How We Could Lose Control: Avoiding the Paths to Runaway AI

Tristan Harris

Co-founder

Called “the closest thing Silicon Valley has to a conscience” by the Atlantic, Tristan Harris is a technology ethicist and co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology, a nonprofit dedicated to aligning technology with humanity’s best interest. Tristan gained international recognition when he was featured in the Emmy-winning Netflix documentary, The Social Dilemma. Since raising the alarm on the harms of social media, Tristan has emerged as a leading public educator on the harms of unregulated artificial intelligence. Named to the TIME100 AI list in 2023, Tristan is “a tech leader committed to ensuring that we get this generation of AI right, because we simply can’t afford to get it wrong.”

Anthony Aguirre

Executive Director

Anthony is the Executive Director & Secretary of the Board at the Future of Life Institute, and the Faggin Presidential Professor for the Physics of Information at UC Santa Cruz. He has done research in an array of topics in theoretical cosmology, gravitation, statistical mechanics, and other fields of physics. He also has strong interest in science outreach, and has appeared in numerous science documentaries. He is a creator of the science and technology prediction platform Metaculus.com, and is founder (with Max Tegmark) of the Foundational Questions Institute.

Salon AB

Two Futurists and an AI: Seeing Trouble Ahead

U.S. vs. The World: the Future We’re (Currently) Losing

The Clock Is Ticking for Space – Replacing the ISS

Can Media Survive AI? The Fight for Public Trust

Orchestrate or Obsolete: Leading the AI-Powered Near Future

When experts talk about AI risks, they often talk about the loss of human control – but what does that actually mean? And how could it happen? In this fireside chat, physicist Anthony Aguirre and tech ethicist Tristan Harris go beyond surface-level alarm to map out the real mechanisms that could lead humanity to be sidelined by its own creation. From opaque incentives and design choices to systemic misalignment and power concentration, they’ll unpack how humans could lose control over AI and what can still be done to prevent it.

HOW WE COULD LOSE CONTROL: AVOIDING THE PATHS TO RUNAWAY AI


Launch with 0 Investors: A Playbook for Crowdfunding in 2026

Mark Pecota

CEO

Mark Pecota is the CEO & Co-Founder of LaunchBoom – a company dedicated to helping product creators launch their product ideas and turn them into profitable businesses. Mark is the author of Crowdfunded: the bestselling book on crowdfunding worldwide.

Alex Levine

CEO

Alex Levine is the CEO and co-founder of Xebec, a consumer tech brand started in 2018 that has raised over $1.5 million across multiple crowdfunding campaigns and scaled into a thriving DTC business. Alex brings a rare combination of product obsession as the company’s lead engineer, financial strategy, operational precision, and brand-building savvy.

At Xebec, he leads product development, marketing and go-to-market strategy across several category-defining launches. He’s passionate about helping other founders navigate the messy middle, especially when it comes to using crowdfunding as both a launch engine and growth tool.

Salon C

Missionary Misfits: Why Not Belonging Makes You Build Better

How to Raise $$$ From Angel Groups: What We Really Look For

The Next Five Years of Private Markets: What Founders Can’t Afford to Miss

Reinvention Not Repetition: Shifting the Innovation Mindset

VC money isn't flowing like it used to, but great products still deserve to launch. Crowdfunding is one of the most powerful tools a founder can use in 2026, but most get it totally wrong. This fireside chat brings together top Kickstarter consultancy LaunchBoom's CEO Mark Pecota and Austin-based hardware brand Xebec's CEO Alex Levine to show you how to crowdfund the right way. Learn why just hitting "launch" won't cut it and tactical tips on how to build momentum before day one and the operational strategies brands like Xebec use to win every launch.

LAUNCH WITH 0 INVESTORS: A PLAYBOOK FOR CROWDFUNDING IN 2026


From Field to Fan: The Future of Sports Storytelling

Ryan Dornbusch

Head of Sports and Live Entertainment, Reality Labs

Ryan leads strategy and production for sports media across Meta’s VR, wearable devices, and immersive experiences. Current partnerships include the NBA, ESPN, UFC, Fox Sports, TNT Sports, and DAZN—spanning live games, VOD, interactive apps, and metaverse worlds. Previously, they led Yahoo Sports and Fantasy video and served as a development executive at Morgan Freeman’s Revelations Entertainment.

Gotham Chopra

Founder

Gotham Chopra is an award-winning filmmaker and storyteller at the crossroads of sports, spirituality, and human potential. As co-founder of The Religion of Sports, he has redefined sports storytelling, revealing the deeper mindset and resilience behind elite athletes like Serena Williams, Kobe Bryant and Tom Brady. His work bridges entertainment and enlightenment, exploring sports as modern-day religions and pathways to self-discovery. Gotham’s content has earned multiple Sports Emmy Awards and global recognition, influencing how we understand sports’ cultural and personal impact.

Devon Fox

Senior Director, Program Management

Devon is an award-winning leader in the sports tech and media space. With a focus on the fan, she leads the technology change management efforts for the PGA TOUR and is the founder of PRISM, an LGBTQ+ ERG at the PGA TOUR. Before joining the TOUR in 2016, she built a global IT & Digital Operations organization at Nike and led the Digital Operations department at NASCAR. Devon serves as a SXSW Pitch Advisory Board member, a Board Member for the Northeast Florida Regional STEM2 Hub, and as an Advisor to ayana Foundation. Devon earned a BS in Information Science with minors in Computer Science and Philosophy from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA with a concentration in Marketing from Drexel University. Devon also holds CSM, CSPO, and PMP certifications and is currently working toward the PgMP certification.

Chris O'Reilly

Co-Founder & CCO

Christopher O’Reilly is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Nexus Studios, a global studio specialising in Film, and Experience Design. He oversees the strategic and creative direction across entertainment, music, sports, and brand projects. Nexus Studios combines artistry and technology to produce multi-platform content, immersive events, and real-time and AI-driven experiences. Its work spans animated features, XR, and boundary-pushing experiences like ABBA Voyage and groundbreaking work at the Sphere. The studio has received an Emmy, multiple BAFTAs, Cannes Grand Prix, and Oscar, Emmys and Grammy nominations. Clients include Netflix, Disney+, Meta, Google, Apple, Universal Music, the NBA, and the UFC, with work recognized at Cannes Lions, Tribeca X and beyond.

Waller Ballroom D

Media That Matters: Nuclear Weapons & the Next Generation

Rethinking Higher Education to Build an AI-First Workforce

The Big Blur: Rethinking the Transition from School to Work

Building AI Pathways for HBCU Talent & Community Impact

The Fandom Force: How to Create a Fan-First Social Approach

Sports brands have more tools than ever to tell powerful, emotionally resonant stories. By bringing fans closer to the action, they are immersed in the atmosphere, and given deeper access to athlete narratives. New opportunities from emerging technologies – from real-time data and spatial experiences to AI-enhanced content and personalised touchpoints – are reshaping how stories are crafted and delivered. This panel brings together top sports storytellers and technologists to explore the future of fan engagement and narrative innovation.

FROM FIELD TO FAN: THE FUTURE OF SPORTS STORYTELLING


Syncrets to Success: Conversation With Music Supervisors

Paige Mount

Senior Producer

Senior Custom Music Producer at Verdaunt Music, Paige has spent over five years crafting impactful trailer music. Her recent projects include notable titles such as Arcane, Marvel's Thunderbolts, Predator, Planet of the Apes, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and Diablo. She collaborates with composers, vocalists and musicians from all over the globe to create work for HBO, Netflix, Amazon, Riot, Blizzard, Apple TV, MUBI, Disney, Warner Bros, Sony, Universal and many more. With a passion for the madness of custom music production, Paige continues to push boundaries and elevate the cinematic experience through sound.

Marcus Manderson

Music Composer, Producer

Josh Young

Founder & CEO

Josh Young is the Founder and CEO of Atrium Music, a leading music publishing and sync licensing agency providing high-quality, pre-cleared music for television, film, and advertising worldwide.

With more than twenty years in entertainment, Josh is a three-time Emmy-nominated supervising editor and music supervisor whose work includes some of television’s most recognizable shows: Big Brother, World of Dance, The Masked Singer, Lego Masters, Dancing with the Stars, The Voice, The Bachelor, Hollywood Houselift with Jeff Lewis, and Temptation Island, among others.

Josh founded Atrium Music with a mission to create a sync agency rooted in integrity, authenticity, and an artist-first philosophy. Guided by the belief to “let artists be artists,” Atrium handles the business side so creators can focus on making impactful, story-driven music.

Today, Atrium represents over 1,600 artists and composers across multiple genres and cultures, with music featured in hit TV shows, global ad campaigns, and award-winning films reaching audiences in more than 200 countries.

Beyond the company’s success, Josh is a respected mentor, speaker, and educator, sharing his expertise at conferences, universities, and creative summits nationwide. His rare blend of artistic vision and business acumen continues to inspire the next generation of creators while setting new standards in the sync and media industries.

Deja Seigler

Music Supervisor / CEO

Deja Seigler is a rising force in music supervision and the founder of Alooma, a boutique agency dedicated to bridging music and visual storytelling. She has contributed to music-driven projects for leading platforms including Netflix, Paramount+, and Hulu, bringing both a sharp creative ear and a strategic approach to every production.

Her experience spans internships, music coordination, and supervision, reflecting a deep passion for the intersection of music and media. Through Alooma, Deja champions authentic artistic expression and is committed to empowering artists while curating impactful sonic moments that elevate stories on screen.

Capitol Ballroom FGH

Global Stage @ Downright Austin Backyard

Mexico Amplified: How Música Mexicana is Reshaping Global Music

Streaming, Shorts & AI: Where Are Your Royalties Going?

How to Get the Job: Building a Career in Music

Want to get your music placed in TV, film, or games?

Hear directly from top music supervisors on how they discover music, what makes a great pitch, and why some tracks get skipped.

We’ll break down how artists can build trust, when to reach out, and how sync agents help.

This is a candid conversation for music creators serious about sync and a continuation from the SXSW experiences I brought in 2025 — with real advice from the people who make the placements happen.

SYNCRETS TO SUCCESS: CONVERSATION WITH MUSIC SUPERVISORS


Understanding Crypto: Conversations for the Curious Meet Up

Ali Tager

VP of Communications

Ali Tager is the Vice President of Communications at the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA) where she helps Americans make sense of crypto by sharing real stories of how crypto can benefit everyday life and support communities with the most to gain. Her focus is on giving a voice to the millions of people and businesses using crypto, providing educational resources to demystify the hype and jargon, and offering guidance and support. She's previously worked with tech, finance and consumer brands including PayPal/Venmo, Microsoft, Adobe and Canva.

Brazos

More Analog, Less Noise Please: City Builders Meet Up

Curious about crypto but unsure where to start? You're not alone. This meet up is a safe, beginner-friendly space to ask real questions and meet everyday people using crypto in practical ways. Join the National Cryptocurrency Association’s VP of Communications, Ali Tager, to demystify how people are using crypto – and why 76% of American crypto users say it has made a positive impact on their everyday lives. No bros, no pros, and no company pitches. Whether you've taken the first step or are trying to figure out what blockchain even means, come ready to share ideas, learn and connect.

UNDERSTANDING CRYPTO: CONVERSATIONS FOR THE CURIOUS MEET UP