Top 10 Trends at SXSW Interactive 2015

Posted on 03/03/2015 by Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce

The world comes to Austin March 9-22 to celebrate SXSWeek 2015. Frombands to bloggers, from films to food, from sports to style, from education toe-commerce, from games to genetics, SXSW touches on so many of the verticals that make Central Texas such a popular place to live. But what exactly do organizers expect to be the biggest tech-related stories breaking out of the 2015 event? Read below for the 10 trends that we think will emerge as most prominent at this year’s SXSW Interactive Festival.

1) The startup economy continues to grow and grow. This continued growth has led SXSW to double the amount of space devoted to startup-related content in 2015 as compared to what was offered in 2014.

2) International participation at SXSW Interactive is also seeing a sharp increase. Much of this international growth comes within SXSW Startup Village, which more so than ever before reflects the global entrepreneurial movement.

3) From self-driving cars to alternatively-fueled vehicles to automobiles that can achieve flight to revolutionary ride-sharing programs, the transportation sector is undergoing dramatic changes — and these changes are well-represented in 2015 SXSW programming.

4) Closely related to these changes in transportation is the evolving landscape of delivery. More consumers want to be able to get more products more quickly, and the market is quickly adapting to these needs. Expect many sessions this year to focus on next generation delivery ideas.

5) Robots are gaining more traction and becoming more family friendly. At SXSW 2015, registrants can playfully interact with the machines that will be the backbone of our automated future at the three-day Robot Petting Zoo.

6) Social media has always been a big part of SXSW Interactive. In 2015, we will delve a little more into the dark side of this medium (ranging from the menace of cyber-bullying to the social media skills of terrorist organizations).

7) We are closer and closer to a future where all objects are connected via the Internet of Things. At the 2015 SXSW Interactive Festival, more than 70 sessions make some mention of this term.

8) More and more geek innovation / disruption is targeting the health and medical industry. Building on the success of last year’s keynote speech from Anne Wocicki of 23andme, 2015 sees the launch of the inaugural SX Health and MedTech Expo.

9) Millennials want many things —including more meaning in their lives. The rebranded SXgood umbrella of programming is a place where tech entrepreneurs, content creators and non-profits can brainstorm new ideas for a better tomorrow.

10) The barriers that have traditionally separated creative the music, film and interactive industries are increasingly obsolete. Witness the expanded selection of Convergence programming at SXSW 2015.

Experience these (and many other trends) live and in-person at SXSWeek by buying your 2015 badge now.

Hugh Forrest is the Austin Chamber’s Vice Chair of Innovation. SXSW Interactive also partners with the Chamber to present the Austin A-List of the Hottest Startups each spring.


Related Categories: Chamber, Innovate Austin