All session proposals received during the PanelPicker entry period are eligible for your vote to help shape the 2025 Conference programming for SXSW and SXSW EDU.

How to Vote

Ready, set, vote! To participate in the voting process from August 6–18, visit panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote and sign in or create an account.

Once you are signed in, filter proposals by conference (SXSW or SXSW EDU), format, title, description, tags, and speakers in the search field.

Each voter can vote once per proposal – selecting "arrow up" for yes or "arrow down" for no. Have a question for the organizer? The Comments section is a great place to post all of your questions and leave constructive comments about the proposals you vote on.

Inside the PanelPicker Process

Your input is very important in terms of shaping the look and feel of the March event. Community votes make up 30% of the final programming decision. Plus, input from the SXSW Staff (30%) and PanelPicker Evaluators (40%) helps ensure that lesser-known voices have as much of a chance of being selected to speak at SXSW as individuals with large online followings.

PanelPicker Evaluators consist of 200+ industry experts from around the globe and make up 40% of the PanelPicker final programming decision. Evaluators provide feedback on all submitted proposals. SXSW Staff input comes in at 30% with a goal to fill any gaps in relevant subject matter, striking a balance between new and veteran speakers. Together these percentages help determine the final Conference lineup announced later in the season.

Pro tip: Subscribe to the Conference Community Newsletter to stay in the SX know.

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PanelPicker® is the official SXSW user-generated session proposal platform developed to encourage the community to pitch their proposals for our Conference programming for SXSW 2025 from March 7-15. This easy, two-step process allows the SXSW community to have a voice in what creative and thought-provoking programming is selected.

Tips for PanelPicker Success

• Follow the instructions and read the FAQ. Reading the PanelPicker FAQ will give you important information about SXSW and more valuable tips for creating a great proposal.

• Create a future-focused, original proposal that shows what you’re passionate about. Often SXSW previews what you’ll be talking about next year and beyond in tech, culture, music, and film. Give us your perspective on what lies ahead and why.

• Depth and specificity. SXSW attendees want advanced, in-depth information, so be sure to delve into the particulars of a topic. The more specific a proposal is, the better. Drill down to what really matters.

• Your title should reflect your description. Your title is going to be fighting for attention with hundreds of other titles in PanelPicker, so it’s important for your title to be direct and explanatory. The community should be able to understand what the proposal will cover without reading your description. Remember: think simple, accurate, and succinct. Tip: Avoid using ALL CAPS in your title and proposal.

How can you ensure that your session idea stands out? Dive into our tips for constructing the perfect proposal and mark your calendar for upcoming webinars from the SXSW Conference team.

To kickoff applications, SXSW Programmers will host a special virtual PanelPicker Best Practices & AMA Webinar this Thursday, June 27. RSVP and fill out the questionnaire in advance with your specific questions.Throughout July, gain even more advice and answers to FAQs from SXSW Programmers during PanelPicker Office Hours.

The post Speak at SXSW 2025: PanelPicker® Applications Open Through July 21 appeared first on SXSW.

“I think in this era, technology is bringing creatives closer together and I think it’s breaking down walls. And hopefully in the future, we’ll have a more connected global conversation of creatives and music and artists. You can see and hear how different genres are influencing one another. Hip hop is in every genre now…” – Tunji Balogun

Chuck D, known for his groundbreaking work, shared insights into the essence of hip-hop and the pivotal role of talent evaluation in shaping its landscape. He emphasized the need for a strong ecosystem surrounding the artistry, similar to what exists in sports, where individuals outside the game contribute significantly to its strength. Chuck D emphasized, "What hip-hop needs and what the Def Jams need is like a whole bunch of people that are able to evaluate the talent... In music, we need a lot of people that’s outside of the artistry who are favored to sell the game."

Lady London, an artist under Def Jam Recordings, provided a glimpse into her multifaceted approach to her career. Beyond her role as a rapper, Lady London envisions herself as a brand, embracing various facets of creativity and entrepreneurship. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, "...as I began to cultivate not only my career but the foresight I have for myself in the next ten to twenty years, I was like, I would love to be a brand. Beyond my own artistry, brands are forever… I’m not one dimensional, I’m not just a rapper… I’m all of these things that make up Lady London."

The full Featured Session, "Def Jam Renewed: The Hip-Hop Legend’s Next 40 Years," is available on YouTube. Join the dialogue on the past, present, and future of Def Jam Recordings and gain a deeper appreciation for the visionaries driving its legacy forward.

The post Def Jam Renewed: The Hip-Hop Legend’s Next 40 Years | SXSW 2024 appeared first on SXSW.

To explore this question, the Music & Tech track at the conference hosted Featured Session Creating an Equitable Future for Artists in Streaming, featuring speakers TOKiMONSTA and Just Blaze. These industry veterans addressed the disparities in the current streaming landscape and envisioned a more equitable future for artists.

TOKiMONSTA, renowned producer and Co-Founder of the innovative music streaming platform, Sonu, highlighted a stark reality: "What we’re seeing now is that through music streaming, current major music streaming platforms, that 70% of the revenue from these platforms are going back into the companies and not distributed to the artists." This imbalance highlights the urgency for reform within the industry.

"...connection is probably the most valuable form of currency we have in this business is build that connection. When you have that connection with your audience, they’ll always find ways to support you." – Just Blaze

To fully dive into the discourse, watch the entire Featured Session, Creating an Equitable Future for Artists in Streaming linked below and join the conversation to embark on a journey toward a more inclusive and artist-centric streaming ecosystem.

The post Creating an Equitable Future for Artists in Streaming – SXSW 2024 appeared first on SXSW.

The session featured insights and perspectives from Dana Droppo, Chief Brand Officer of Billboard; Bobby LaNea and Folayan of Flyana Boss; and Raj Will, Sound Artist for Beyond Average Sound and music educator. Each panelist brought unique experiences and expertise to the table, enriching the conversation with actionable insights and inspiring anecdotes.

Raj Will emphasized the importance of mentorship and education in empowering young creators. "It’s our job to show students how to be a CEO... instilling in them the character, the education and opportunities to have a seat at the table. So there’s a lot of characteristic things that we teach in the classroom... giving them real hands-on experience."

Bobby LaNea shared a powerful message of authenticity and success. "You don’t have to compromise your artistic integrity or who you are as a human being for the sake of success. You can be exactly who you are and still be successful."

Dana Droppo brought attention to the evolving values of the younger generation. "I think it is really inspiring to see this young generation say, 'Look, we're not going to spend our time or our money with a brand that does not represent our same values.'"

The session provided a platform for open dialogue in advancing equity in the music industry, as well as the work that still lies ahead. By centering the voices and experiences of underrepresented youth, the panelists underscored the importance of inclusive practices and equitable opportunities for all creators.

Jump into this conversation on the music industry featuring the experienced panel and watch the full Featured Session, Music Industry Remix: Equity for Next-Gen Creators, below. Also, check out the photo gallery featuring the music duo and besties, Flyana Boss, performing at the SXSW Music Festival!

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