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Vote for Stagwell's SXSW 2026 PanelPicker Sessions

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From AI innovations to anime nostalgia, marketing’s biggest trends are set to collide in Austin for SXSW 2026. The SXSW PanelPicker is now LIVE – and you can vote now to ensure several Stagwell agencies, including, Allison, Assembly, Code and Theory, GALE, Instrument, Kettle, Left Field Labs, National Research Group and SKDK, make it to the stage.

Read through the proposals below and cast your votes today! It takes less than ten seconds:

  • Click through the links to each panel
  • Create a free account
  • Click the small heart on the top right corner of each panel title to vote

Voting closes on August 24. See you in Austin!

 

The Future of News

Stagwell

with Linda Yaccarino, The Guardian US and Newsweek

VOTE HERE.

A thriving news industry is essential—not only to democracy, but also as a powerful platform for marketers and advertisers. Yet concerns about brand safety have caused many to retreat from news content, often based on outdated fears and misinformation. In an era of rapid technological disruption—including the rise of AI and increasing cultural polarization— this panel unites marketers and media experts to challenge assumptions and champion news. We’ll explore how advertisers can re-engage with journalism in ways that uphold brand values, build consumer trust, and deliver real business results.

Building Response Networks Under Tribal Sovereignty

Allison

with Winona Starrlight Burley, Jesse Big Crow, Thomas LaPaz, and Partnership with Native Americans

VOTE HERE.

As “domestic dependent nations” under The Constitution, tribes are granted the right to their own court systems and governing bodies and the responsibility of coordinating disaster response with local, state and government agencies. This Native-led conversation will illuminate how tribes self-educate and build disaster response networks and the ways external forces like federal funding and the intensifying climate situation are impacting tribes’ emergency response planning and procedures.

Forks and Facts: Navigating Food and Wellness Information

Allison

With Dr. Trisha Pasricha, Halle Tecco, Glucose Goddess and Dexcom

VOTE HERE.

From the White House to social media — artificial ingredients, food dyes and labels dominate today’s nutrition debates. In the age of information overload, discerning the facts from fiction in food and wellness has become more contentious and polarizing than ever. Panelists across digital health, medicine, academia and marketing will discuss the ongoing culture war, explore ways to combat misinformation through real-life experiences and the latest tools, and offer ideas on how to support one another on their health journey.

Priced Out of Play: Tackling the Youth Sports Access Crisis

Allison

with Good Sports, The Gist, and Under Armour

VOTE HERE.

Youth sports are at a tipping point. While 95% of parents agree sports benefit kids, rising costs are forcing families to make tough decisions. A Harris Poll commissioned by Good Sports shows 75% have considered pulling their child out of a sport, 21% due to cost alone. Nearly 1 in 5 families go into debt to keep their kids on the field. As the model shifts from low-cost recreational leagues to pay-to-play club and travel teams, access gaps are widening. This panel will bring together leaders across the sports world to explore solutions that make sports more equitable and accessible for all.

Taming the Wild West of Prescription Medication Costs

Allison

with GoodRx

VOTE HERE.

The prescription landscape is reminiscent of the Wild West – chaotic, unregulated, and inhospitable to the average American. In no other industry does a consumer not know the price of something they’re purchasing in advance. But it happens every day at the pharmacy counter. Shrinking insurance coverage, rising out-of-pocket costs, and little pricing visibility leaves consumers feeling like they are in a stickup. This panel will explore how meds are priced in the US, the structural and behavioral changes needed to bring down costs, and why healthcare continues to lag behind other industries.

The Business Case for Protecting LGBTQ+ Mental Health

Allison

with LinkedIn and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

VOTE HERE.

In today’s climate, LGBTQ+ mental health is under threat—from discriminatory policies to reduced access to care. For organizations, this is more than a moral issue—it’s a business one. LGBTQ+ patients, employees, and consumers are watching how brands respond. A leading suicide prevention expert and LGBTQ+ advocate will explore how inclusive workplaces can drive impact across employee engagement and health equity. They will discuss the cost of inaction, the power of representation, and the business value of supporting LGBTQ+ mental health—within the workforce and in the communities served.

Revealed: LA28’s Gold Medal Partnership Playbook

Allison

with Lizzi Smith, Bloomberg, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee

VOTE HERE.

Following the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan, the 2028 Summer Olympic Games return to LA for the 1st time in four decades and feature 36 Olympic sports, 800 events, and 15,000 athletes – aiming to be the most accessible, innovative, and culturally relevant US Olympics ever. Learn how this $7B+ event will deliver a new blueprint for the world’s largest global sporting event. We will discuss strategies behind US Olympic partnerships, support of Team USA and nuances involved in connecting a divisive world in a space where celebration and positivity triumph in the face of ongoing global conflict.

You Can’t Create Cultural Relevance Without Community

Allison

with Marcus Collins, Spouts Farmers Market, and e.l.f. Beauty

VOTE HERE.

For marketers, being part of culture is no longer optional. As community-led discovery overtakes search monoculture, smart brands recognize that communities don’t want sponsors; they want neighbors. 65% of consumers say they’re more loyal to brands that foster meaningful connections. This panel explores the difference between relevance and rejection and demonstrates how showing up with humility, consistency, and value turns audiences into collaborators, unlocking cultural traction that drives lasting loyalty.

Inside the Most Tech-Driven World Cup Ever​

Assembly

with Lenovo and The Harris Poll

VOTE HERE.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to become the most immersive, tech-powered sporting event in history. This panel explores how AI, mobile tech, and predictive data are transforming global fandom, from personalized viewing and real-time connections to enhanced in-stadium moments. Backed by new research on fan expectations, we’ll examine how technology is being woven into every layer of the tournament. With innovations powering smarter broadcasts and deeper engagement, this session reveals how the world’s biggest game is being redefined for a new era of fans.

Make ‘Em Laugh or Lose ‘Em: The New Rules of Joy in Media

Assembly

with Trey Kennedy, iHeartmedia and Meta

VOTE HERE.

Let’s be honest—most branded content is easy to scroll past. But the stuff that makes you laugh? You send it to your group chat, quote it, share it, remember it. That’s the power of joy. In a media world full of noise, the brands winning today aren’t just loud—they’re fun. This panel brings together cultural creators and brand leaders who know how to turn laughs into loyalty. We’ll get real about what it takes to be funny on purpose (and not get canceled), how to bake humor into brand DNA, and why joy is actually a killer business strategy.

The Intelligence Behind Main Street​

Assembly

with Lenovo

VOTE HERE.

The future of small business isn’t small—it’s smart. This panel explores how AI is reshaping local business with real impact, not lofty promises. Lenovo’s Evolve Small campaign equips small businesses across North America with access, visibility, and technology. Hear from innovators using AI to close the digital divide, strengthen community connection, and build an inclusive economy. It’s not about replacing people—it’s about empowering them to grow and lead.

They Ain’t Dead Yet: Reaching the “Forgotten” Generation​

Assembly 

with AARP and National Research Group 

VOTE HERE.

Think the “Forgotten” Generation is out of the game? Think again. This panel will bring together agency powerhouses and visionary industry leaders to unveil the untapped potential of this overlooked demographic, Generation X. Discover why brands can no longer afford to ignore the buying power and influence of the generation that still rocks the boat. Our expert panelists will dive into innovative strategies, compelling case studies, and cutting-edge campaigns that have successfully engaged this savvy audience. ​

Marketers: Developers Hate You. Stop Selling. Start Serving.​

Code and Theory 

with Microsoft, Lenovo, and Qualcomm Incorporated 

VOTE HERE.

Developers are allergic to marketing. They don’t want your brand story — they want your API docs. As developers gain influence across industries, brands are struggling to connect with them authentically. This panel breaks down why traditional advertising fails with this notoriously cynical and skeptical audience — and how a combination of utility, empathy and embedded experience is helping Qualcomm, Lenovo and Microsoft build trust and traction in one of the most ad-resistant communities on the internet.

Solving Inequities through Investment in Women’s Sports

GALE

with Kathrine Switzer and MilkPEP 

VOTE HERE.

When Kathrine Switzer became the first woman to run the Boston Marathon in 1967, a race official tried to stop her. That level of inequity has eroded with time, but the representation gap in sports remains. It has started to dwindle in past years, thanks in part to major brands drawing attention – and dollars – to women’s sports. See how brands can help create a more inclusive sport culture through authentic partnerships, like MilkPEP’s Every Women’s Marathon. Gain actionable insights into how to create a lasting cultural impact by challenging inequity in women’s sports.

The Secret Sauce: What Keeps My Chili’s Members Loyal

GALE

with Chili’s Grill and Bar

VOTE HERE.

New research from GALE shows consumers are more likely to join a loyalty program with an active community. Loyalty programs are everywhere, from national clothing stores and leading travel companies to local coffee shops and pilates studios. But an emptiness often lies at their core. In this session, gain insight into how Chili’s, one of today’s most beloved restaurants, transformed its reward program to keep members coming back. Learn how to cultivate community and connection through loyalty programs.

Darwin Never Said That: Rethinking Evolution and Creativity

Instrument 

VOTE HERE.

We’ve been doing evolution dirty. ‘Survival of the fittest’ wasn’t even Darwin’s idea, yet it’s been used for over a century to justify cutthroat competition and zero-sum thinking in business. But 165 years of science tell a different story—one where cooperation, adaptability, and creativity are the real competitive advantage. This workshop unpacks that truth through live exercises, science, and reflection, offering tools to build cultures that reward generosity, spark collaboration, and evolve for long-term creative growth.

I’m Not Creative (And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves)

Instrument 

VOTE HERE.

In a world where AI tools can generate logos, write copy, and compose music in seconds, what does creativity look like for the rest of us — especially those who don’t carry a “creative” title? This workshop is for the engineers, strategists, analysts, producers, and anyone else who’s ever said, “I’m not creative.” Through a series of provocative exercises and hands-on prompts, we’ll explore how creativity is evolving beyond traditional mediums — into product flows, systems thinking, code, and prompt design.

Scaling Vision Beyond Hype

Instrument

with Dicsord and ŌURA

VOTE HERE.

In a tech landscape obsessed with speed and trends, this panel explores how to build products that endure. Featuring leaders from Discord, Oura, and Instrument, we’ll share practical frameworks—like Cathedral Thinking—for bridging the gap between visionary ambition and buildable reality. Attendees will learn how to align teams, set lasting product principles, and deliver meaningful work under pressure. This session is for anyone tired of chasing hype and ready to build with intention.

The Art of the Sprint: Innovation Under Pressure

Instrument

with Vanport Studio 

VOTE HERE.

What happens when creativity meets a countdown clock—and community impact is the finish line? This session explores how time-boxed sprints, purpose-driven collaboration, and bold, unconventional briefs can unlock meaningful change for underestimated small businesses. We’ll share lessons from immersive, fast-paced creative sprints designed to drive real-world impact—highlighting ways to rethink innovation culture, amplify underestimated voices, and reframe how and why we build. It’s not just about speed—it’s about intention, equity, and collective growth.

A Rocket’s Pace: Transforming Digital at Scale

Kettle

with T-Mobile and e.l.f. Beauty

VOTE HERE.

Technology is moving faster than ever. Everybody talks about wanting to be innovative and move at the speed of culture but we often can’t rally our organizations to make it happen. We will map out ways to make it happen and show parallel examples across two different brands.

Accelerating Accessibility: From Edge Case to Everyday

Kettle

with T-Mobile

VOTE HERE.

What can technology unlock when we center the needs of people with disabilities? And how are companies rethinking connection for communities that have long been excluded? This conversation will explore how accessibility is evolving in the telecom space, particularly for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) community and what it takes to design communication tools that truly work for everyone. Expect a candid discussion on where accessible design stands today, what challenges remain and the future possibilities that lie ahead.

2035 Called. It Needs Its Creative Team Back.

Left Field Labs 

with Launch Studio, Hasbro, and Acrylic.LA

VOTE HERE.

What happens when AI moves beyond assistance and starts co-creating? Let’s fast-forward to 2035, when AI is a constant collaborator, then rewind to today, using current AI disruptions as a springboard. From design to strategy, we’ll unpack how creative work survives, evolves or gets rewritten. Which roles do we fight to protect? What do we let go of? And how do we stay human in this new creative landscape? Join creative leaders, designers and technologists across industries to examine how our roles, teams and ethics evolve as AI steps into the role of co-creator.

Bridging the Dad Gap: Fatherhood on Screen and in Real Life

National Research Group (NRG)

with American Institute for Boys and Men

VOTE HERE.

From sitcom and superhero father figures to viral TikToks, cultural portrayals of fatherhood have long shaped how society sees dads—and how dads see themselves. But do these on-screen fathers match dads’ lived realities? Drawing from research by NRG and the American Institute for Boys and Men, this session explores the evolving narrative of fatherhood, the disconnect between fiction and reality, and the role of media in helping dads navigate parenting. We’ll shed light on the stories that feel authentic to today’s dads and unpack the implications for marketers, creators, and policymakers.

Creators vs. Viewers: The Great Disconnect

National Research Group (NRG)

with TikTok and Disney/ESPN Media Networks

VOTE HERE.

Today’s creators often approach content with a mission: build community, share similar values, or create meaningful emotional impact. But most viewers? They just want to be entertained. This session explores the growing disconnect between audience expectations and creator intentions, and asks whether platforms should offer better analytics to help creators stay attuned, or build purpose-driven tools that support passion over performance. What happens when “just for fun” meets “something deeper”?

Growing Pains: The Changing Face of Childhood

National Research Group (NRG)

VOTE HERE

Growing up has changed, radically. Today’s youth are navigating a digital-first world shaped by global uncertainty, post-pandemic isolation, and limitless content choices—so what does it mean to grow up today? Using gen AI, we analyzed 7,000+ kids’ stories written over 2 decades, then validated these findings by surveying kids and parents to understand their priorities and worldviews. Join us as we explore how kids and teens are asserting their need for autonomy in a world that often feels like it’s trying to strip it away—and what this means for the future of storytelling and kids media..

How Anime Became a Worldwide Cultural Force

 National Research Group (NRG)

with Crunchyroll

VOTE HERE. 

Anime isn’t niche; it’s the fastest-growing global fandom in entertainment. Among Gen Z, 54% say they “like” or “love” it, placing anime’s cultural relevance alongside major sports and global icons. Its emotional power runs deep: 48% of fans have had a crush on a character, showing anime’s ability to build emotional worlds and deep connections. For Gen Z, it’s identity and community; for Gen X, nostalgia. With leaders from Crunchyroll, Twitch, and anime community voice Lena Lemon joining us, this panel explores anime’s rise and future.

Death of the Rebrand – Why Identity is Perpetually Evolving

SKDK

VOTE HERE.

Rebrands used to be big unveilings—a new logo, a new direction, a new look. Today, brand identity has become iterative, emergent, and always in motion. Driven by real-time cultural shifts, platform trends, and customer feedback, the idea of “locking in” a brand is outdated. In this session, we’ll explore how to design brand identities that flex without breaking—and what it means to lead a brand in a world that punishes static positioning.

The Future of Trust: Navigating Politics & Misinformation

SKDK

with Abby Livingston and Hypatia Labs

VOTE HERE.

In a world where misinformation spreads faster than facts, how do we navigate a political landscape and build meaningful trust at times shaped by illusion? This panel unpacks the rise of fake narratives, AI-driven distortions, and performative politics — and explores how truth, trust, and democracy can survive in a post-truth era. Join experts from media, tech, and communications as they chart a path through the noise.

Wired for Change: How AI Is Supercharging Renewable Energy

SKDK

with Pattern Energy, Knobloch Energy, and Crux

VOTE HERE.

The transition to renewable energy systems presents unprecedented challenges for power system reliability and financial stability during the integration of clean energy sources. AI technology transforms the ability of utilities and investors, and technologists to predict renewable energy output while maintaining grid stability and securing funding for advanced energy infrastructure. The panel unites experts from the technology and finance sectors with industry professionals and policymakers to examine AI’s practical effects on future energy systems

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