SXSW LONDON CONFERENCE THEMES


Stay relevant by participating in the movement and accelerate in the new frontiers of the tech & creative industries.

Buy A Pass

INNOVATION MEETS IMAGINATION: THE FUTURE OF CREATIVITY

This theme explores AI technology and human creativity as they intersect in unexpected and revolutionary ways—from generative AI to virtual reality. Our speakers dive into topics such as the evolving creator economy, how tech innovators are driving the new media landscape, and how artists, creators, and brands are adapting to the latest innovations as today’s leaders face unprecedented change.

QUESTIONS ADDRESSED:

How can artists thrive in a technological world? Does AI stifle or accelerate creativity? Can broadcasting survive the scrolling era? What happens next for the creator economy?

Hands on learning activities and experiences, anything from coding through chess playing to cocktail making, length can vary.

Notable Talks

Crafting Magic: The Art of Branded Product Experiences

Ever encountered that delightful moment in a digital product that made you smile? These aren’t happy accidents—they’re carefully orchestrated touchpoints where brand and product design converge to create magic.

In this panel discussion moderated by Rachel Gogel, design leaders Liz Gilmore (Dropbox), Everett Katigbak (Anthropic), and Heather Phillips (Slack)

The Future of Music: Creativity, Technology, and the Artist Economy

Music legend and entrepreneur Björn Ulvaeus explores how technology is reshaping the music industry—from AI and streaming to fairer compensation for artists. Drawing from his career with ABBA and his advocacy for creators’ rights, he shares insights on the evolving music landscape and what’s next for artists, fans, and the business of music.

Building worlds: Sir Ian Livingstone on five decades of games

Gaming pioneer Sir Ian Livingstone reflects on five decades of industry evolution, from co-founding Games Workshop to shaping Tomb Raider and launching Hiro Capital. In this fireside chat with Lord Vaizey, he shares key moments, lessons learned, and insights on gaming’s past, present, and future.

HUMANITY, MACHINES, AND THE FUTURE OF AI

AI is enhancing our productivity and creativity, while conversely impacting jobs, equalities and our environmental footprint. Leading tech pioneers are coming together to discuss today’s most pressing technological challenges and opportunities as superintelligent machines are on the cusp of surpassing human intelligence.

QUESTIONS ADDRESSED:

Can broadcasting survive the scrolling era? What is the art of being an artist in a technological world? Does AI stifle or accelerate creativity? What happens next for the creator economy? Can immersive sporting events engage new fans? Sustainable fashion: more than a movement?

Notable Talks

AI & the Road Ahead: The Future of Human-AI Collaboration in Mobility

The CEO of Wayve, Alex Kendall discusses how AI-powered driving will coexist with human drivers, improve road safety, and shape the future of urban mobility.

Generative AI in the newsroom: media saviour or existential threat?

The news media industry is in the midst of major transformations, grappling with a decades-long financial crisis fueled by an ever-evolving digital landscape. From AI-driven content generation, analysis, to fact-checking, we dive into how publishers are experimenting with AI, lessons learned, and exciting opportunities - and risks - that lie ahead. This is a moment of reinvention: the future of news is waiting to be written.

Featuring - Manjiri Carey, BBC; Sebastian Horn, Die Zeit; Stephen Fozard, WAN-IFRA and Maanas Mediratta, Bridged Media

NEW TECH FRONTIERS

From resurrecting extinct species to revolutionising genetics, biotech is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. New Tech Frontiers spotlights the startups and innovators making breakthroughs, and explores groundbreaking technologies like quantum computing, reversible computing, and space exploration. This theme supports leaders to understand deep tech developments and the impact on business and society.

QUESTIONS ADDRESSED:

Is spacetech the final frontier? Who are the quantum companies making breakthroughs? Is reversible computing the next big shift? Is the metaverse just dormant? Who are the most important startups you have never heard of? Is reversible computing the next big shift?

Notable Talks

Lights out with Formula 1 and the LEGO Group – how to build immersive and relevant experiences for your audience

Julia Goldin, Global Chief Product and Marketing Officer, The Lego Group & Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer, F1

Engineering the Impossible

From resurrecting extinct species to revolutionising genetics, biotech is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Colossal Biosciences CEO Ben Lamm takes us inside the science of de-extinction, exploring the breakthroughs, challenges, and real-world impact of engineering life itself.

Why space really matters

The industrial revolution in space is not just about rockets and satellites—it’s about creating entirely new industries that will redefine sectors like agriculture, energy, and healthcare, while solving some of the planet’s biggest challenges. Join the panel to find out why space is a critical area for investment, and how its innovation will shape the industries of tomorrow.

OUR FUTURE HEALTH

From expanding the limits of human lifespans to supporting the NHS and stopping the next global health crisis, technology is playing an increasing role in healthcare systems worldwide. Our Future Health dives into the remarkable potential for tech-driven scientific breakthroughs, from cancer treatment to genetic engineering and the future of surgery.

QUESTIONS ADDRESSED:

Should we aim for immortality? Will AI lead to a cancer cure? Can technology save the NHS and global healthcare? Where will genetic engineering go next? Can robots take over in surgery? Could we soon be inserting machines into our brains?

Notable Talks

Ageing and biohacking - the science of immortality

How old are you, really? This provocative panel explores the evolving concept of ageing through science, self-experimentation, and future possibilities. Hosted by Lucie Cave (media personality and Chief Creative Officer at Bauer Media) Katherine Ryan and Nichola Conlon

Designing the NHS Drone Delivery Network

In 2024, NHS drone delivery moved from science fiction to a fact of life. Every day, drones deliver dozens of blood samples between London hospitals, improving the care of those undergoing surgery. In this talk, George Cave, of Apian will share what it took to design a future that at first feels magical, and then iterate every detail until it feels second nature. Lab staff in Guy’s Hospital can summon a drone for urgent blood delivery in three clicks. Behind this superpower, a complex web pulls health systems, portering staff and the world’s most advanced drone technology into a seamless orchestration.

Bridging Science and Spirituality for a Better Future

Deepak Chopra explores the convergence of science and spirituality to shape a healthier, more conscious future. Discover how ancient wisdom and modern science can transform well-being, with a special guest offering unique insights on the mind-body connection and human potential.

TECH, GOVERNANCE, AND THE FUTURE OF SOCIETY

As regulation fights to keep pace with rapid innovation, policymakers must weigh the costs and benefits of tighter controls on AI and social media—especially as deepfakes and misinformation continue to rise. This theme explores the intersection of UK and European regulation, innovation, and business strategy.

QUESTIONS ADDRESSED:

Can the UK and Europe lead the world in regulating tech? How can we set realistic goals for AI regulation? Do we have to choose between AI governance and innovation? How to fight the rising tide of deep fakes? How soon will self-driving cars take over our streets? What does realistic climate change regulation look like today?

Notable Talks

When tech goes wrong - how not to be the next Post Office scandal

For over 15 years, Computer Weekly has exposed the toxic mix of tech failure and corporate culture that caused the biggest miscarriage of justice in UK history - the Post Office scandal. As AI starts to revolutionise enterprise technology, what lessons must business and tech leaders take from the Post Office experience to ensure AI does not supercharge further tech-enabled scandals? Join Bryan Glick, Computer Weekly’ editor in chief to find out.

Creators & AI: Building a Fair Future for Music Rights - AI is reshaping music, but who protects creators' rights?

Join industry leaders as they tackle AI’s challenges and opportunities. This panel explores how collective management groups and streaming platforms are working to safeguard creativity in an AI-driven world. Don’t miss this essential discussion on balancing innovation and fairness in the future of music!

Panel discussion moderated by Robert Levine (Billboard) features Alexis Lanternier (Deezer), Cécile Rap-Veber (Sacem), Jean-Michel Jarre

The Future of Journalism in the Age of AI

With Jessica Sibley of TIME, Katherine Maher of NPR and Hamish McKenzie of Substack led by Anna Bateson (Guardian Group) on How AI is reshaping news, the risks of misinformation, and the responsibility of media organizations to uphold trust and accuracy in an algorithm-driven world.

NAVIGATING BUSINESS IN A CHANGING WORLD

Political, social, and economic trends in Europe - and across the Atlantic - are shaping everything from trade and venture capital to DEI policies. Leaders from Europe’s top businesses share insights on key topics, including the impact of a volatile global economy, the UK government’s growth agenda, and the role of AI in replacing labor and driving productivity.

QUESTIONS ADDRESSED:

Startups: where are investors putting their money and why? Can venture capital rebound in Europe? Have challenger banks run out of steam? Is there really a path to growth for the UK economy? Is a DEI backlash arriving in Europe? What is the future of blockchain in fintech?

Deep dive sessions with more hands-on learning activities and specific takeaways for professional growth and development.

Notable Talks

The Growth Equation: 7 Essential Steps to Finding Product Market Fit

UK design leader-turned-VC Andy Budd reveals common pitfalls that trip up early-stage founders and how to avoid them. He'll break down the 7 key factors driving startup growth and share 9 essential tactics to find customers, build a GTM engine, hit $1M in revenue, and achieve Product-Market Fit. A must-listen for founders, product leaders, and entrepreneurs!

In a world of rapid innovation, what does it take to back the next generation of transformative companies?

Sumer Juneja, Managing Partner at SoftBank, shares insights on identifying breakthrough startups, navigating market shifts, and the evolving role of venture capital in shaping the future.

Leading with Purpose: Embedding Consciousness into Business for Global Impact

This panel will explore how to embed purpose in business strategy, leverage brand and corporate influence for social change, build conscious brands, measure impact with profit for good, and create sustainable long-term partnerships.

Moderated by Yasmine McDougall Sterea, Founder of Free Free this panel will feature - Dr. Keyun Ruan, Chief of Global Security, Google, Tati Lindenberg, VP Marketing, Unilever and Bettina Korek, CEO, Serpentine Galleries

Featuring - Manjiri Carey, BBC; Sebastian Horn, Die Zeit; Stephen Fozard, WAN-IFRA and Maanas Mediratta, Bridged Media

Stay updated with the latest

Sign up to receive news, updates and fresh ideas from the Festival and beyond.