Hey SXSW Community,

The PanelPicker® submission period for SXSW 2027 is officially closed, and our team is digging into more than 3,200 submitted proposals. There is a lot to consider and some fascinating points are already emerging about the ideas, questions, and conversations our community wants to bring to Austin next March.

Now it’s your turn to weigh in. PanelPicker Community Voting is now open through August 23, and your votes and comments are a key part of our decision-making process. Take a look at the proposals, follow your curiosity, and help shape what takes the stage next March.

Thank you to everyone who submitted an idea this year — and to everyone taking the time to help us craft next year’s event.

Here’s to what’s next,

Katie Perera

Katie Perera, Director of Conference Strategy

Katie Perera is the Director of Conference Strategy at SXSW. She drives the Innovation Conference’s vision, shaping programs that elevate emerging voices, spark cross-industry conversations, and showcase the ideas that are shaping tomorrow.

Take a look at the 2027 PanelPicker submission data and overarching trends across the 3200+ proposals entered.

By the Numbers:

• Tech & AI led the overall submissions by track (17.6%) followed closely by Workplace (15.2%) and Brand & Marketing (14.5%).
• Presentation and Panel Formats were nearly tied for the most proposals with 31.5% and 32.2% respectively.
• Ideas were entered from across the globe — 15% of all proposals came from outside the U.S., representing 53 countries.

Check out the most popular themes from Innovation proposals. 

🤝 AI Enablement vs Human Agency

More than 20% of all proposals included “AI” in the title but the story is more than that. Across all tracks, proposals are shifting beyond basic tech capabilities to explore where human thinking and judgement need to remain at the forefront.

🔄 Sustainable Workplaces

The conversation around burnout is shifting from a personal time-management flaw to a systemic capacity crisis. Proposals across the Health, Workplace, and Lifestyle Tracks highlight practical recovery, nervous system recovery, and solutions to the digital loneliness epidemic.

🤞 Authenticity, Creators, & Brands

Proposals in Creator Economy and Brand & Marketing Tracks are ditching vanity metrics in favor of true audience resonance. Submissions dive into community trust, audience ownership, and scaling creator-led businesses for the long haul.

🌎 IRL Culture

With digital saturation at an all-time high, submissions across Workplace and Brand & Marketing Tracks examine when in-person connection matters most, redefining organizational culture, and the power of real-life experiences.

🗓️ August 18: SXSW 2027 badges go on sale. Secure the lowest badge price of the season.

🗓️ August 23: PanelPicker Community Voting closes at 11:59pm PT. Cast your votes before the window closes.

🗓️ September 13: SXSW Pitch Early Entry Deadline. Enter your application early to save on fees.

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