2026 SXSW EDU Conference & Festival

Shape the Classroom of Tomorrow with Innovation Today

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In Austin, the SXSW EDU Conference & Festival brings together the brightest minds for four days to explore what’s next in education. Programming covers every corner of innovation—from practice to pedagogy, policies to predictions—so every attendee walks away inspired and ready to act.

Want to stay in the know? Sign up for our SXSW EDU Event Updates below to be the first to know exclusive program announcements, special promotions, and more.

DIVE INTO 2026 Programming

With 12 thematic tracks and sessions across the entire learning lifecycle, there are opportunities for everyone. Explore topics like Teaching & Learning, Equity & Belonging, and Future of Tech, in focus areas from Early Learning to Continuing Education.

Speaker Highlights

Adeel Khan

Adeel Khan (Founder & CEO, Magicschool AI)

Aisha Bowe

Aisha Bowe (Founder & CEO, STEMBoard)

Kasley Killam

Kasley Killam (Author, The Art and Science of Connection)

Armani Williams

Armani Williams (Racecar Driver, NASCAR)

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Jennifer B. Wallace (Bestselling Author, The Mattering Institute)

Rebecca Wintrhop

Rebecca Winthrop (Senior Fellow & Director, The Brookings Institution)

Explore Sessions Like:

Why Get a SXSW EDU Badge?

It unlocks access to every experience so you can develop your skills, expand your network, and discover the future of education.

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Keynotes & Featured Sessions

Hear from visionaries, thought leaders, policymakers, and creators with a deep understanding of the learning landscape. 

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Mentorship & Networking

Get tailored advice in one-on-one mentor sessions, connect in roundtable discussions, and build relationships in meet ups and socials.

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Competitions

Watch bold ideas come to life in the Launch Startup Competition and the Student Impact Challenge. 

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Film & Performances

Find inspiration at poignant feature films, hard-hitting documentaries, student-made shorts, theater, dance, musical performances, and more.

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SXSW EDU Expo

Explore trailblazing organizations and tools making advancements in learning, from edtech startups to established leaders. 

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Crossover Day 

In addition to four full days of education programming, experience a full day of select SXSW Film & TV, Music, and Innovation programming on Thursday, March 12.

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What Makes the SXSW EDU Conference & Festival Different?

SXSW EDU isn’t your textbook conference, it’s an immersive experience that transforms how we teach. For four days, education professionals from across the globe congregate in Austin to share revolutionary ideas that build the classroom of the future.

Beyond Professional Development

SXSW EDU gives you the skills to advance in your career—plus opportunities for continuing professional education (CPE) credits—but it’s so much more than that. Attendees build meaningful relationships, gain fresh perspectives, and have the chance to transform the figure of education.

Learning Across Education

Expand your network across every type of role, niche, and region. SXSW EDU is where innovators of all varieties connect; teachers talk with policymakers, professors meet edtech founders, and community leaders connect with researchers. 

Designated Clubhouse

Historic Austin blues venue, Antone’s, will be your headquarters this March. Gather at the iconic space with the brightest minds in education for performances, socials, and between-session networking. 

Centering Student Voices

There is no teaching without students—SXSW EDU features big projects from ambitious students in programs like Texas High School Student Shorts and the Student Impact Challenge.

Live Podcast Recordings

Your favorite podcasts will come to life before your eyes. With a record number of events on our Podcast Stage, you’ll be able to hear conversations with principals, professors, journalists, and more.  

Inspiring Arts and Film

From theatrical performances to spoken word and even puppetry, arts bring education to life at SXSW EDU. Find what inspires you in live performances and film programming with creator conversations.

Extra Programming to Explore

On March 12, for Crossover Day, attendees get access to select SXSW 2026 programming. Find cultural moments that spark inspiration, see Keynote and Featured Sessions that shape the future, and cross paths with visionaries that show you a new perspective.

Want the inside scoop on education industry insights?


Sign up for the Insider Newsletter to hear directly from the programming team once a month to keep a pulse on the latest in the education community.

Your Savings

⏳ Save by MARCH 5

Badge prices go up after Thursday, March 5. Secure your spot now to save $50 off the walk-up rate.

🎓 Students and Early Career


SXSW EDU is a great opportunity to grow your professional network and kickstart your career. Students and recent graduates can apply to save up to 50% on badges. 

👉 Apply for Approval

👥 Group Registration

Innovation is better together. Attend with a group—coworkers, peers, a professional organization, or just friends—to save up to 20% on badges. 

👉 Register Your Group

💼 Convince Your Boss

Share how SXSW EDU can bring your work to the next level and get your experience funded with help from our toolkit. 

👉 Download Our Template

🏨 Book Your Stay

Stay in the vibrant, downtown Austin so you’re never far from a session, meet up, or workshop.

👉 Find the right room for you.

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Ready to Transform Education?

You can play a role in shaping new teaching methods, edtech platforms, and education policy. Join us at SXSW EDU, where the classroom of the future gets built.

Save up to $50 off the walk-up rate when you register by Thursday, March 5. That’s a $745 investment right now for four days of new insights and innovation.

Don’t wait until prices go up.  
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