Austin’s famed media conference SXSW, the cooler older brother of TED, has announced its lineup of keynotes and featured speakers for their 2019 convention. While the Millennial Woodstock has already rolled out a list of artists performing as part of their music showcase, they’ve only just announced several dozen speakers who will partake in events organized by themes of film, music, interactive and “convergence.”
A wide range of figureheads will speak on keynote panels and in solo presentations. Adam Horovtiz and Michael Diamond of the Beastie Boys will appear in conversation with Amazon Music editorial head Nathan Brackett. Former Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner will talk with Kevin Murphy, CEO of the largest multi-state cannabis operator Acreage Holdings. Record producer, solo artist and soundtracking extraordinaire T Bone Burnett has his own block of time for a keynote address. Editor-in-chief of WIRED Nicholas Thompson will speak with Roger McNamee, Silicon Valley investor, author, bassist and business partner to Bono. Finally, Vox’s Recode editor-at-large and SXSW regular Kara Swisher will host a panel with a surprise guest.
Featured speakers will include an assorted variety of public figures, industry leaders and innovators: beloved Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, Talking Heads legend David Byrne, Gibson guitars CEO JC Curleigh, designer and futurist Hans Ulrich Obrist, and best-selling authors Rachel Hollis and Brian Solis.
The speaker lineup will also feature panels, conversations and live podcasts. Appearing as “entertainment influencers”: Gen X hero Ethan Hawke will speak with powerhouse producer Jason Blum, Elizabeth Banks will talk to Aidy Bryant about their Hulu series Shrill, Elisabeth Moss and Brandi Carlile will speak on their recent ventures, and The Ringer’s Big Picture and Talk the Thrones casts will appear for live shows.