Bold claim: the Innovation Conference is redefining how we think about language, technology, and human connection in a digital age. But here’s where it gets controversial: decoding animal language with AI could upend our notions of communication, intelligence, and even privacy. This rewritten overview keeps the core information intact while clarifying ideas for beginners and adding context and examples to help understanding.
Innovation Conference Alert: New Keynotes and Sessions on AI, Animal Communication, and Social Impact
We’re excited to share fresh additions to this year’s Innovation Conference lineup. All badgeholders can participate in high-impact conversations across tracks like Tech & AI, Creator Economy, and Brand & Marketing. Check out the latest keynote and featured sessions below, which explore how AI is reshaping our world, why cross-species communication matters, and why brands should re-engage with hard-hitting journalism in a changing media landscape. A common thread across tracks is the enduring importance of human connection in a digital world.
Stay tuned for the full Speaker and Sessions lineup. In the meantime, explore the schedule and start saving favorites now. Specific session dates and times will be announced soon.
Keynote Speaker
Nature Speaks: Can AI Help Us Listen?
More than 8 million species share the planet, and for a long time humanity has understood only its own language. In this keynote, Aza Raskin, co-founder of Earth Species Project, examines how AI is being used to decode the languages of other species. The result is a window into complex, learned communication across the animal kingdom. For the first time in history, we may truly listen. The question isn’t whether the interspecies barrier will be broken, but whether it will be done in time to transform everything. Raskin is joining our lineup alongside the Crossover Day keynote and bestselling author Jennifer B. Wallace.
Aza Raskin, National Geographic Explorer and co-founder of Earth Species Project
Add to Schedule
Featured Speaker
A Conversation with José Andrés
Named to Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People lists in 2012 and 2018 and awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, José Andrés is a renowned chef, restaurateur, humanitarian, and New York Times bestselling author. In 2010, he founded World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit that delivers food relief after natural and humanitarian disasters and has served nearly a billion meals worldwide.
“This is a very important, beautiful, powerful community. I know if something happens, the SXSW community will stand beside us. In the midst of chaos and mayhem, you see people helping people. Longer tables, not higher walls. That’s the world we all need to believe in.” – José Andrés, 2023
South By Southwest is proud to name José Andrés a 2026 Hall of Fame Inductee. Previous inductees include Marc Cuban (2025), Dan Rather (2023), Kara Swisher (2017), and Baratunde Thurston (2016).
Add to Schedule
Featured Sessions
The Mythical Model: Next Gen Creator-Brand Partnerships
Digital ad spending is projected to reach $600 billion this year, with brands increasing budgets for creators. But how can creators themselves maximize this opportunity? Rhett & Link, the creators of Good Mythical Morning, will discuss their comprehensive brand-partnership model—featuring 360 campaigns, programmatic ads, sponsorships, direct integrations, and the latest brand-matching technology—and share how other creators can unlock new revenue streams and build lasting careers.
Arthur Leopold, Co-Founder and CEO, Agentio
Kaya Yurieff, Co-Founder & Writer, Scalable
Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, Co-founders of Mythical Entertainment
Add to Schedule
The Internet of Value Meets the Internet of Intelligence
As AI and blockchain mature in parallel, two powerful networks emerge: the Internet of Intelligence, where autonomous AI systems reason and act, and the Internet of Value, where tokenized assets and stablecoins move across borders with ease. This session investigates what happens when these networks converge—enabling AI agents to hold, send, and earn value—and how this shift will reshape global commerce, financial systems, and enterprise operations. Drawing on experience leading AI initiatives at Circle, Li Fan outlines both the visionary goals and the practical steps to building compliant, intelligent, and scalable financial infrastructure for the AI era.
Li Fan, Chief Technology and AI Officer, Circle
Add to Schedule
The Future of News
A healthy news ecosystem is essential for democracy and serves as a powerful platform for marketers and advertisers. Yet concerns about brand safety have caused many to retreat from news content, sometimes due to outdated fears and misinformation. In an era of rapid technological change, including AI advances and increasing polarization, this panel brings together marketers and media experts to challenge assumptions and champion journalism. The focus is on how advertisers can re-engage with credible reporting in ways that uphold brand values, build trust with consumers, and drive real business results.
Alexis William, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Stagwell
Rebecca Grossman-Cohen, Chief of Staff to the CEO and SVP, Strategic Partnerships, The New York Times
Jennifer H. Cunningham, Editor-in-Chief, Newsweek
Betsy Reed, U.S. Editor, The Guardian
Add to Schedule
Looking ahead, more announcements across Music, Film & TV, and Innovation will unfold after the holidays. Stay informed through Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and the SXSW newsletter to be among the first to know.”}
