SXSW 2025 Unveils stellar Lineup of Keynote Speakers
Table of Contents
- 1. SXSW 2025 Unveils stellar Lineup of Keynote Speakers
- 2. Music Icon Meets Tech Innovator
- 3. Expert Voices Shape the Future
- 4. A Space for Ideas and Innovation
- 5. Unveiling the Future: From Space Exploration to Social Connection
- 6. How does Bluesky’s approach to decentralization differ from platforms like Mastodon?
The South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference & Festivals has amped up the excitement for its upcoming 39th edition by announcing a dynamic lineup of keynote speakers and featured sessions.This year’s event promises an insightful exploration of the future of social media, the creative landscape, business strategies, and more.
“Whether it be insights from the CEO of one of the fastest-growing social media platforms or tales from a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, the unique perspectives showcased each March is what makes SXSW such an remarkable event,” said Hugh Forrest, president and chief programming officer.”Jay Graber and John Fogerty are excellent additions to what is developing into a engaging Keynote Speaker lineup.”
Music Icon Meets Tech Innovator
This year’s keynote speeches will be headlined by legendary musician John Fogerty and technology visionary Jay Graber, CEO of Bluesky.Fogerty, a Rock and Roll Hall of famer and Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter for Creedence clearwater Revival, will undoubtedly bring his decades of musical wisdom and captivating stage presence to the festival. In contrast, Graber’s keynote, “The Future of Social,” will delve into the world of decentralized social media, exploring bluesky’s potential to revolutionize user experience and privacy in online communities.
Since its public launch in February 2024, Bluesky has gained significant traction, accumulating over 27.5M users who are eager to embrace its open and user-centric approach.
Expert Voices Shape the Future
In addition to the keynote speakers, SXSW 2025 has unveiled a captivating lineup of featured sessions, bringing together influential figures from various industries. The conference will feature prominent voices such as cristiano Amon, President and CEO of Qualcomm Incorporated, and Alan Bergman, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment.Other prominent speakers include Chelsea Clinton, author and Vice Chair of the Clinton Foundation; David Duchovny, two-time Golden Globe-winning actor and author; and Scott Galloway, renowned entrepreneur and Professor of Marketing at New york University’s Stern School of Business.
The SXSW Conference, known for its bold exploration of emerging trends and technologies, is organized into 23 distinct programming tracks, covering a wide spectrum of topics from artificial intelligence and sustainability to filmmaking, gaming, and the future of work.
A Space for Ideas and Innovation
With its insightful keynotes, diverse featured sessions, and comprehensive programming tracks, SXSW 2025 is set to be a remarkable platform for exchanging ideas, fostering connections, and celebrating the power of creativity and innovation.
A confluence of groundbreaking technologies and paradigm-shifting ideas is poised to shape our world in the years to come.this electrifying event brings together some of the brightest minds to explore the frontiers of possibility in various fields, promising insights that will leave you inspired and eager to embrace the future.
Get ready for a journey into the cosmos as you here firsthand from the brave astronauts who will be part of NASA’s Artemis II mission,the first crewed flight to deep space in over 50 years. Victor Glover, Jeremy Hansen, Christina Koch, and Reid Wiseman will share their experiences and shed light on the challenges and triumphs of preparing for humanity’s return to the Moon.
Simultaneously occurring, on Earth, a technological revolution is underway. Experts will delve into the exciting advancements in energy and AI, with a special focus on how Big Tech is driving the transition to cleaner, more sustainable sources of power. Amazon’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Kara Hurst, will join a panel of industry leaders to discuss the crucial role technology will play in shaping a greener future.
“The future of our planet’s climate will be persistent for many generations to come by the decisions and actions we take over the next few decades as we transition our global economy away from fossil fuels,” says RJ Scaringe, founder and CEO of Rivian, elaborating on the urgency of the climate crisis and the need for bold action. He emphasizes the significance of considering future generations and how our choices today will impact the world our great-grandchildren will inherit.
But the future isn’t just about technological advancements. It’s also about redefining how we connect with each other in an increasingly digital world.Emmy Award-nominated host Baratunde Thurston will lead a thought-provoking discussion on the role of social media in our lives and how we can foster genuine social connections in an age dominated by online interactions.
Looking ahead, renowned professor and entrepreneur Scott Galloway will share his expert predictions for 2025, offering a glimpse into the consumer, tech, and business trends that will shape the year ahead.
With a diverse lineup of speakers and a focus on innovation across multiple industries, this event promises to be a must-attend for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the forces shaping our future.
Imagine a world where physical objects dissolve into light, and digital creations intertwine with our reality. This isn’t just science fiction; it’s the promise of holography, a technology rapidly moving from the realm of fantasy to our everyday lives.
Joining us to explore this exciting frontier are charlie Fink, columnist, author, professor, and co-host of the podcast This Week in XR, and Jon Karafin, CEO of Light Field Lab. Together, they’ll delve into the current applications of holography and shed light on the revolutionary advancements light Field Lab is pioneering.
But our journey into the future doesn’t end there. We’ll also be examining the urgent need to democratize AI evaluation with Dr. Rumman Chowdhury, CEO of Humane Intelligence and the United States Envoy for artificial Intelligence. Drawing from the insights of 5,000 global voices, Chowdhury will reveal practical steps to build AI systems that are transparent, fair, and accountable.
In a world where reproductive rights are increasingly under fire, a panel of leading voices, including Dr. Chelsea Clinton,Nancy Northup,and Dr. Jamila K. Taylor,will delve into the evolving legal landscape and its impact on workers and businesses.
As the crypto industry consolidates its power, so too does the need for critical analysis.Molly White, writer, researcher, and founder of Web3 is Going Just Great, will provide invaluable insights into the industry’s growing political influence and the fight for responsible crypto regulation.
This event promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of the future, where innovation intersects with crucial social and ethical challenges.
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from these unbelievable speakers.
Announced Featured Speakers include:
- Cristiano Amon, President and CEO of Qualcomm Incorporated
- Arlan Hamilton, Author and Founder of Backstage Capital
- Marc maron, Stand-up Comedian, Writer, Actor, Musician, and Host of the Podcast WTF with Marc Maron
How does Bluesky’s approach to decentralization differ from platforms like Mastodon?
Archyde: Welcome to Archyde, where we bridge the gap between news and insight. Today,we have a very special guest with us. Jay Graber, CEO of Bluesky, a decentralized social media platform that’s been making waves since its launch last year. Jay, thank you for joining us.
Jay Graber: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to be here.
Archyde: Let’s dive right in. Bluesky has seen amazing growth since its launch. What do you attribute this success to?
Jay Graber: I think there are a few key factors. Frist,people are hungry for alternatives to the current social media landscape. They want more control over their data and more say in how thes platforms are run. Bluesky offers that. Second, our team has worked tirelessly to build a platform that’s user-pleasant, secure, and respectful of user privacy. And I believe people are drawn to our mission – to create a healthier, more open internet.
Archyde: Speaking of mission, you’ll be delivering a keynote at SXSW 2025 titled “The Future of Social.” What can attendees expect from your talk?
Jay Graber: I’m really looking forward to sharing my vision for the future of social media at SXSW. I’ll be discussing the potential of decentralized platforms like Bluesky to reshape the way we connect online. I’ll talk about the challenges we face in achieving this vision, but also the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. I hope to inspire attendees to think critically about the role of technology in society and the power of collective action.
Archyde: That’s certainly an inspiring message. Now, Bluesky is often compared to other decentralized platforms like Mastodon. How does Bluesky differentiate itself?
Jay Graber: while we share many goals with platforms like Mastodon, Bluesky has a unique approach to decentralization. We’re building on the Bitcoin blockchain, wich provides a robust and secure foundation for our platform. We also have a strong focus on user experience and accessibility. We want Bluesky to be a place where everyone feels welcome and empowered to participate.
Archyde: That’s a compelling vision.Let’s switch gears a bit.SXSW is known for its diverse programming. What other sessions or speakers are you excited to see?
Jay Graber: I’m really looking forward to hearing from John fogerty. His music has been a source of inspiration for me, and I think his viewpoint on creativity and innovation will be fascinating. I’m also excited to see the panels on artificial intelligence and sustainability. These are critical issues that will shape our future, and I’m eager to learn from the experts.
Archyde: Absolutely. Before we wrap up, what advice do you have for entrepreneurs and innovators looking to make a difference in the tech industry?
Jay Graber: My advice would be to stay true to your mission and values. It’s easy to get caught up in the hype and pressure of the tech industry, but if you have a clear vision for what you want to achieve, it can guide you through the challenges and setbacks. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help or collaborate with others. The tech industry can be competitive, but it’s also full of amazing people who want to make the world a better place.
Archyde: Wise words indeed. Thank you, Jay, for your time and insight. We’re looking forward to hearing more from you at SXSW 2025.
Jay Graber: Thank you. I’m looking forward to it!
