Happy day two of SXSW EDU 2026! If day one sparked fresh ideas and unexpected conversations, today is where those sparks turn into momentum.
At the Hilton, watch today’s Keynote, Improving Young Minds & Mental Wellbeing in the AI Era with Bruce Reed and Dr. Laurie Santos in the Hilton Grand Ballroom (Salon HJK) at 12:30pm. Check out today’s Featured Sessions in Salon FG, kicking off with Exclusion to Empowerment: Women, Tech, & the Future of Learning. Dive into more Hilton programming:
- 9am — Designing With, Not For: Youth Power & Math Narrative Project presented by Gates Foundation
- 11am — Featured Session: From the Stage to the Stars: A New Script for STEM
- 11am — Shifting Gears: A NASCAR Racer on Autism & Mediamaking
- 5:30pm — Leadership for Tomorrow Happy Hour presented by Wake Forest University
Discovery is buzzing at the Austin Marriott Downtown! Immerse yourself in innovation at the SXSW EDU Expo, presented by Canyon GBS. Don’t miss as selected finalists compete live before a panel of industry experts in the Launch Startup Competition and join us later in the evening for a reception and winner announcement at the Launch Spotlight, presented by Walton Family Foundation. Explore more in the Austin Marriott Downtown:
- 9am — On Our Minds Road Trip: A Conversation with Austin Students
- 9am-5pm — WGU Lounge: The Whole Learner Framework, presented by Western Governors University
- 10:30am — The Adult Literacy Connection
- 2pm — The End of Slow: How Schools Escape from Digital Gridlock
Catch more inspiring Meet Ups and Workshops at the Courtyard Marriott. Check these out:
- 9am — Hit the Switch: Making Learning Through Play Accessible
- 11am — Justice with Young Folks in 2026
- 2pm — Future-Proofing & Empowering Youth via Project Management
- 4pm — Tabletop Gaming for Middle Grades
Explore Today at the Courtyard Marriott
Don’t miss the Westin for more Panels, Solo Sessions, and Meet Ups. Explore:
- 9am — Student Voice, Real Power: Shaping Schools from Within
- 11:30am — Student-Led Advocacy for Accessible Learning
- 2:30pm — Wizards, Dinos, & ... Bob: A Story of Improvised Storytelling
- 4pm — Future of Education Meet Up: Collective Action for Change
Join us for another day at the SXSW EDU Clubhouse at Antone’s from 9:00am-6:00pm! Watch Performances, including a live magic show that doubles as a leadership clinic. All Walking Tours will also meet at the Clubhouse before heading out for the tour.
Keep Up to Date with SXSW EDU 2026
Stay in the know throughout the event on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and our newsletter.
Photos By Stephen Olker and Amanda Stronza
