This March, answer more than just how to transform education—discover who you can transform it with.
SXSW EDU brings together education professionals from across the globe, and it’s a great opportunity to find new friends and collaborators. Meet mentors to support you, peers to inspire you, thought leaders to show you new perspectives, and innovators to introduce you to new solutions.
Sessions, events, and tools make it easy to connect, no matter how you prefer to network. From casual conversations over coffee to in-depth discussions at meet ups, discover every opportunity to expand your network at SXSW EDU 2026:
SXSW EDU Clubhouse
New this year, the SXSW EDU Clubhouse will be a hub for networking and connection. Visit the historic Antone’s to socialize, discuss the latest Keynote, and meet fellow attendees. There will be spaces designed to facilitate conversation and programming so that you’ll always have a conversation starter.
Socials
There are a number of events to celebrate education with music, food, drinks, and more. You can mingle, discuss the events from the day, and have fun alongside your peers.
- Early Bird Social, presented by Achievement First, is your first chance to connect with attendees before programming begins.
- Opening Party, presented by Western Governors University, is where you celebrate the start of SXSW EDU 2026 and toast to a great week to come.
- Launch Spotlight, presented by the Walton Family Foundation, highlights the great work of Launch finalists and semifinalists after presenting their startups.
- Student Impact Challenge Ice Cream Social, presented by The Allstate Foundation, is where you celebrate accomplished student competitors making an impact on the world.
- Crossover Day Mixer, presented by Imaginable Futures, offers the opportunity to come together with SXSW attendees and bond over innovative ideas.
- Beats & BBQ Social is your final opportunity to make new connections and say goodbye to the friends you made—all with music and good Texas BBQ.
Activities
Add more variety to your days with opportunities to step into fresh settings and spark new friendships with other attendees.
- Coffee & Snack Breaks: Stop by the Expo to fuel up and have a conversation with someone new between sessions.
- Pop-Up Dinners: Make new connections over great food. We already made reservations at great Austin restaurants—just show up and enjoy.
- Walking Tours: Join other attendees for a tour of the city as you learn about music, history, and more.
Meet Ups
Have great discussions with like-minded peers at these themed sessions. With over 50 meet ups, covering topics from media literacy to edtech leadership, you’re bound to make connections with insightful professionals that share your passion.
Mentorship
Form deeper professional relationships with in-depth conversations about your career and tailored guidance for the future. This year, there are over 180 mentors and twice as many opportunities to connect.
- One-on-One Sessions: Have impactful conversations with seasoned professionals, and get personalized advice on how to advance your career.
- Roundtable Discussions: Connect with a community of peers and exchange perspectives in small group discussions led by a mentor.
Digital Networking
You have access to innovation even when it comes to meeting peers. The SXSW EDU GO app is your resource to help amplify in-person connection and expand your network. If a conversation was cut short, you can find fellow attendees in a directory. Plus, you can reach out with attendee messaging!
Last of all, you can always start a conversation when you see a purple badge around town. With so many educators in one place, you’re bound to run into attendees waiting in line for breakfast tacos or walking along the river.
We hope you find your next great professional collaboration at SXSW EDU 2026!
Photo by Tico Mendoza
