Announcing a Keynote Conversation, New Featured Session, and more for SXSW EDU 2025
SXSW EDU 2025 is just around the corner and we are thrilled to announce a new Keynote conversation to the lineup, as well as a new Featured Session!
Take a page out of a children’s book in the latest Keynote conversation featuring senior art director at the Kokila imprint at Penguin Random House Jasmin Rubero and best-selling author and assistant professor at the historic Union Theological Seminary Simran Jeet Singh to discover the impact of storytelling for children and how every decision that goes into making a children’s book plays a role in shaping a child’s worldview.
Plus, don’t miss the chance to hear from the artistic and creative staff of the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards with a renowned Nashville arts education leader to discuss the STEAM skills needed in creative industries including the production of one of the music industry’s most prominent events.
Be sure to stay through Thursday! We’re introducing another Crossover Day opportunity to connect with the SXSW community at the SXSW & SXSW EDU Crossover Day Mixer, presented by Imaginable Futures and ECMC Foundation!
Keynote
What We Make Visible to Children: Art, Storytelling, & Picturebooks
So many choices go into making a children's book, and all of these choices help shape the way our kids understand and engage with the world around them. The perspectives of storytellers themselves are also integral to understanding the world around them. How do we decide what to make visible? And what are the consequences of our decisions? In this session, join leaders in children's publishing as they discuss how broadening the range of stories in children's books, like picture books Fauja Singh Keeps Going and A Vaisakhi to Remember, nurtures empathy and encourages new ways of seeing the world.
Jasmin Rubero, Senior Art Director, Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Random House
Simran Jeet Singh, Assistant Professor, Union Theological Seminary
Featured Session
Backstage Pass: STEAM Behind Country Music’s Biggest Night
What does it take to produce one of the biggest nights in music? The CMA Foundation takes you behind the scenes of a live awards show through the eyes of music industry professionals and a fellow educator, uncovering the STEAM skills woven into every moment of the CMA Awards. Discover real-world connections and gain insights on teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity that bring this massive production to life.
Danny Rader, Musical Director for the CMA Awards, Country Music Association
Franklin Willis, Director of Visual and Performing Arts, Metro Nashville Public Schools
Jessica Basile, CMA Post Production Supervisor & Archiver, Country Music Association
Robert Deaton, Executive Producer of the CMA Awards, Country Music Association
Social
SXSW & SXSW EDU Crossover Day Mixer
Crossover Day is where the family of SXSW conferences and festivals converge. This networking event is an invitation for SXSW and SXSW EDU registrants to come together for a celebration of innovation in education and creativity.
Join Imaginable Futures, presenter of the Crossover Day Mixer, and ECMC Foundation for drinks and a conversation starter on "Who Belongs on Campus: Changing Our Cultural Lens." As higher ed navigates a transformative new era, updating our image of who belongs on campus can shift our culture and our education systems toward a better future – starting with the 1 in 5 college students raising children.
See You at SXSW EDU 2025
Registration is open for SXSW EDU 2025! Book your hotel early for the best rates and hotel options March 3-6, 2025 in downtown Austin.
Sign up for SXSW EDU email updates, check out the News feed, watch videos, and follow us on Bluesky, X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok to get the most up-to-date information.
SXSW EDU 2025 Speaker photos (left to right in order of appearance): Simran Jeet Singh by Ryan Lash, Jasmin Rubero courtesy of speaker, Robert Deaton by Robby Klein, Franklin Willis courtesy of speaker, Jessica Basile by Jennifer Floyd, and Danny Rader by Allister Ann.
By Auva Saghafi
02/17/2025
