Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Austin is known for its barbecue, live music, and lively atmosphere. She’s also known for her ideas that tempt me like brisket I wish I could devour.
I’m heading to SXSW this week for the first time. I imagine there will be a distinct pulse to the city, a palpable electricity that can be felt by everyone who visits, especially when there is a huge global event going on. Between the premieres and panels, the concerts and the crowds, I hope to find the next big innovation that will shape our world.
AI will likely be a focal point, but I also expect to see a real intersection between human connection, art, and technology. SXSW has always been a melting pot: directors and actors sharing sidewalks with tech founders, musicians dragging guitars in front of venture capitalists and comedians, and journalists like me trying to keep up with it all. (And believe me, I’ll do my best to keep up.)
This collision is the real magic of SXSW.
I’m especially ready to hear more about the trajectory of creative storytelling and emerging technology in 2026. How are artists and innovators mastering the evolution of AI? How do they try to reshape how these tools are used, rather than letting the tools reshape them?
I’m also nervous about the discovery. What documentary will spark a viral discussion? Which celebrity guest will create the most buzz? What offhand comment in the panel will make up the headlines for the next few days?
SXSW has more to see and do than I can reasonably aim to cover in a few days. I’ve been told it’s chaotic, overwhelming, exhausting, exhilarating, and energizing. And this is exactly where I need to be. I can’t wait.