SXSW London 2026 Conference | Where Ideas Take Centre Stage
Conference Themes
Society Rewired
As technology, politics and culture reshape our world, Society Rewired brought together leading voices to explore how we can build stronger communities, challenge old assumptions and navigate a rapidly changing society.
Culture Can Save Humanity
At a time when headlines can feel increasingly divided, Culture Can Save Humanity asked how music, film, art and creativity can help us connect across borders, challenge ideas and inspire positive change. It brought together artists, musicians, journalists, creators and cultural leaders to explore the role creativity plays in shaping a better future.
AI as the New Power Structure
As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms the way we work, create and make decisions, AI as the New Power Structure explored who holds power in an AI-driven world and what that means for business, society and the future of innovation. Bringing together founders, technologists, policymakers and creative leaders, the sessions examined everything from regulation and ethics to the race for AI leadership and its impact on everyday life.
Creativity in the Algorithmic Age
From the creator economy and digital marketing to advertising and the future of content, Creativity in the Algorithmic Age brought together creative leaders, marketers, entrepreneurs and digital pioneers to examine how originality is evolving in an algorithm-driven world. The sessions explored everything from capturing attention and building communities to redefining creativity in the age of AI.
Living Longer, Living Better
Living Longer, Living Better brought together scientists, healthcare leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators to explore the technologies, discoveries and ideas shaping the future of health. Sessions examined AI-powered drug discovery, breakthrough medical technologies, wearables, GLP-1s and the realities of an ageing population, asking what it really means to live a longer, healthier life.
Discover More Below
For a deep dive of the SXSW London 2026 themes
Society Rewired
The Future Isn’t What It Used To Be
The foundations of power, society and trust are at a global tipping point—from declining media influence to political accountability, authoritarianism, and the challenges of immigration and digital governance. It’s time to rethink how civilisation actually works.
Immigration as a Global Innovation Engine
A powerful panel discussion featuring Neri Karra Sillaman from the University of Oxford, Mursal Hedayat from Chatterbox, and Rita McGrath from Columbia University on reframing.migration and how it gives us a competitive edge that we’re currently ignoring.
Defying the Authoritarian Shift
A session with artists and activists exploring how community-driven art and charity is being used to stand up to authoritarianism.
Business with a Conscience
Ben Cohen, Co-founder, Ben & Jerry’s joins us to discuss his activism and the need for social values in business.
AI As The New Power Structure
Power Has a New Operating System
Scaling AI, open models and companion AI is rewiring the human experience as we know it. As power shifts from governments to algorithms and platforms, a small group of tech leaders and companies now wield influence that was once reserved for nation states. As AI and technology reshape traditional power structures, this is an incisive look at its impact on society’s future and the direction it is travelling in.
The Rise of Sovereign AI
Former UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Luke Alvarez from Hiro Capital join Tim Bradshaw from the Financial Times for a critical conversation on Sovereign AI.
Techno-Feudalism
As power shifts from government to platforms and AI cloud infrastructure, and surveillance capitalism reshape the global order, we explore who really holds power in the digital age and the implications for the future of society.
Open Models, Open Future
An essential and timely conversation on who should control the world's most powerful technology, speakers include Ioannis Antonoglou, Co-Founder & CTO, Reflection AI.
Living Longer, Living Better
Old Age Isn’t What It Used to Be
With AI and advances in technology pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and the rapid growth of healthtech, wearables, GLP-1s and AI-assisted medicine, we’re living longer than ever. Yet, in a world where life extends beyond 100 years, what will society look like in the future?
It’s Clinical Not Cosmetic
‘Miracle’ weight loss drugs have captured the cultural zeitgeist. In this candid sit-down Sky News Group Chairman, David Rhodes, moderates a conversation on the perception and misbranding of GLP-1s.
The Isomorphic Shift
Max Jaderberg, President, Isomorphic Labs and investor Avery Kline from Thrive Capital join SXSW London for a discussion on accelerating drug discovery at digital speed.
Culture Can Save Humanity
The Machine is Learning, but the Artist is Dreaming
If you pay attention to the current news cycle, life looks bleak, but film, music and art can still help us connect across borders and cultures. What can we do collectively to come together and create positive change and in today’s world is there more courage needed in creativity?
Last Night a DJ Saved My Night
A pulse-check on the economic, cultural and societal benefits of a thriving night-life industry with Cameron Leslie, Co-founder and Director of London’s Fabric nightclub and Chair of the Independent Nightlife Taskforce, Dr Charisse Beaumont, CEO, Black Lives in Music, DJ and Author Jodie Harsh and Metro's Editor-in-Chief, Deborah Arthur.
Creativity Didn’t Die
It just got crowded out by comfort and quarterly thinking. CEO of Accenture Song, David Droga argues, the real threat isn’t a lack of ideas, but a lack of courage. Complacency thrives when brands optimize instead of imagine. The work only matters when we choose brave over safe.
Counting the BPM of UK Rap
A deep dive on UK rap with one of the UK’s leading hip-hop and drill producers Fumez the Engineer, Rapper & Audio Engineer.
Creativity in the Algorithmic Age
Originality is Being Redefined
Creativity used to be defined by instinct, intuition and human nuances, yet now algorithms have an undeniable influence over the creative process, resulting in a sea of derivative sludge. How can the creator economy, digital marketing, advertising and brands generate true human connection?
Quantum Marketing - The Next Frontier
As rapid technological shifts render traditional marketing playbooks obsolete, Raja Rajamannar, Senior Fellow and Fmr. Chief Marketing Officer, Mastercard breaks down how emerging technologies are fundamentally reshaping how brands connect with consumers.
Algorithmically Speaking
Callum "Callux" McGinley, Youtuber and Co-Founder of the pioneering production company After Party Studios dives into how modern creators are reverse-engineering platform algorithms to build reach, relevance and revenue in a constantly shifting digital landscape.
Attention is the Product
Ryan Serhant, Content Creator, Founder and CEO of Real Estate Brokerage, joins Sir John Hegarty, Co-Founder and Creative Director of The Business of Creativity for a high-energy conversation on how attention is created, captured, and monetised today.
Speakers Include
