Meet a superintendent piloting a new community initiative. Share an elevator with an expert on national education data. Grab coffee with a startup founder who has the perfect tool for your classroom. SXSW EDU is full of magical moments, and knowing your way around will help you make the most of your experience.
The conference and festival is right around the corner, taking place March 9-12 in Austin, TX. You’ll want to block off your calendar, text your friend in Texas, and start searching for the best BBQ. But first, let’s jump into our essential tips:
Secure Your Badge Early to Save
To start your journey, you’ll need one thing: a badge. To start your journey, you’ll need one thing: a badge. It’s your key to the latest thoughts on student burnout or human-centered tech. There is one type of SXSW EDU 2026 badge, and it will give you access to everything you’ll want to attend, from meet ups to Keynote and Featured Sessions, and even Crossover Day.
Secure your badge as early as possible. Not only will you have more time to plan, but early registrants get the best rates. You can save $100 off the walk-up rate when you register by Thursday, February 5.
There are plenty of other opportunities to save on your badge. If you’re a student or recent graduate, apply for a discount to kickstart your career at SXSW EDU. Groups that register together can also cut costs on a shared learning experience. Invite your coworker, manager, community leader, client, or even some friends to get some extra savings.
Get Your Bearings with New Venues
SXSW EDU will look a little different this year, so whether you’re a new attendee or a returning veteran, it will be helpful to explore the map.
Sessions and events will take place in four centrally-located hotels in downtown Austin. These spots are all within a few blocks of each other—just a short walk or scooter ride apart. Plus, you won’t want to miss the SXSW EDU Clubhouse as a central spot to network and connect with fellow attendees.
Know what is happening where:
- Hilton Austin: The host of this year’s Keynote and Featured Sessions.
- Austin Marriott Downtown: Features the Expo and a diverse array of programming.
- Courtyard by Marriott Downtown: Home to workshops and more exciting sessions.
- Westin Austin Downtown: Holds a wide range of talks, meet ups, and panels.
- Antone’s Nightclub: Home to the new SXSW EDU Clubhouse with performances, Keynote livestreams, and social events.
Book a Stay That's Right for You
Find a hotel room that fits your needs to make the most of your experience. The four venues hosting events are perfect places to stay if you want to be immersed in the action, but there is a wide range of hotels across downtown Austin you can pick from. Sort options by check-in date, check-out date, price, and distance from SXSW EDU to find the room that’s right for you.
Once you’ve registered for SXSW EDU, you get access to low rates at our partner hotels in the booking portal. Secure your room by Thursday, December 4 to lock in extra savings.
Dive Into Sessions Across the Learning Landscape
SXSW EDU presents new ideas across the education sector, with a little something for everyone. You’re sure to find programming that falls in your areas of interest.
Attendees can explore timely topics in every stage of education, from early learning to continuing education. A convergence focus area even covers conversations that span across and between education levels.
Find your community in sessions across 12 different thematic tracks: Accessibility Solutions, Arts & Culture, Community Initiatives, Equity & Belonging, Future of Tech, Global initiatives, Health & Wellbeing, Leadership for Tomorrow, Policy & Advocacy, Startups & Investment, Teaching & Learning, and Work Reimagined.
While Keynote Sessions are can’t miss events—watch previous speakers to see for yourself—there is a lot to discover across different session formats. You can listen to a conversation between thought leaders, watch a film, enjoy a performance, or gain hands-on experience in a workshop.
Dive into the schedule now, where you can sort by track, focus area, or session type, and sign up for our newsletter to get the latest updates on programming.
Save Your Tools for Discovery
SXSW EDU is four action packed days. With so much to see and do, we have some tools to make exploration easy. Make sure to save these resources for later so you can find your way to inspiration:
- Attendee Guide: Important details about your conference experience from tips and maps to contact information and safety resources.
- SXSW EDU Schedule: Explore sessions and save your favorite events to build out a tailored experience.
- SXSW EDU GO: The SXSW EDU GO app will give you even more ways to connect digitally. Stay tuned for features that will help you navigate networking opportunities, from exchanging contact information to scheduling meaningful conversations.
Connect Before, During, and After SXSW EDU
You may start a conversation with a principal from across the country, a policy analyst presenting at your next session, or a content creator you follow. Building community is at the heart of SXSW EDU, so keep an eye out for these opportunities to expand your network:
- Meet ups: Connect and converse with peers in a speaker-facilited event centered on a specific topic, passion, or interest.
- One-on-one mentorship: Get personal advice and tailored guidance from mentors with deep experience in education.
- Roundtable mentor sessions: Join a dynamic exchange of ideas where small groups come together to engage with mentors.
- Socials: Strike up conversations and mingle with peers at casual events like the Early Bird Social, SXSW EDU Opening Party, happy hours, and more.
- Mixers and networking events: Connect with inspiring innovators and potential collaborators at a wide range of formal and informal networking opportunities.
Explore Music and Screenings at Crossover Day
There will be even more opportunities to learn across industries and disciplines. Crossover Day on Thursday, March 12 allows SXSW EDU attendees to enjoy SXSW events, and it will be bigger than ever.
We look forward to seeing you March 9-12 here in Austin, Texas!
