The South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conference and Festivals is set to return for its 39th edition from March 7-15, 2025, in Austin, Texas, and this year, it promises an exciting lineup of speakers who are redefining their respective industries. Among the standout figures are Issa Rae, Tabitha Brown, and Keith Lee, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the forefront of the conference.
Issa Rae, a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, will lead a Keynote session titled “A Conversation with Issa Rae”. Known for her groundbreaking work as an actor, writer, producer, and director, Rae first garnered attention with her award-winning web series and the New York Times best-seller, “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl”. She became a household name with her critically acclaimed HBO series “INSECURE”, which earned her multiple Emmy® and Golden Globe® nominations. Rae’s influence extends to the big screen, where she co-starred in major hits like Greta Gerwig’s “BARBIE” and “SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE”. Through her media company, HOORAE, Rae is committed to breaking boundaries in storytelling and representation, a mission that will be highlighted by the world premiere of her HBO documentary “Seen and Heard” at the 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival.
Tabitha Brown, a beloved figure in the culinary and lifestyle space, will also take the stage at SXSW to discuss the vital role of small businesses in the U.S. economy. In the session titled “How America’s 33M Small Businesses Can Grow and Prosper”, Brown will join industry leaders like Mark Cuban to address the challenges and opportunities facing small business owners today. With 33 million small businesses accounting for nearly 48% of private-sector jobs, ensuring their success is critical for innovation and economic growth. Brown, known for her infectious positivity and empowering messages, will share insights on redefining support for the next generation of entrepreneurs, emphasizing the intersection of culture, commerce, and community.
Adding to the dynamic lineup is Keith Lee, a food critic and creator who exemplifies the transformative power of the Creator Economy. In his Featured Session, “Mastering the Art of Influencer Entrepreneurship”, Lee will discuss how content creators can leverage their platforms to build influential business empires. As the media landscape evolves, Lee’s approach highlights the importance of using customer insights and innovative marketing techniques to fuel growth. His journey serves as a testament to how individual voices can shape culture and commerce, making him a key figure to watch in the influencer space.
SXSW has long been a hub for creative professionals, offering a platform for networking, learning, and collaboration. The inclusion of Rae, Brown, and Lee in this year’s lineup underscores the festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse voices that are making significant impacts in their fields.
As SXSW continues to expand its reach, with new events in Sydney and London, it remains dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation on a global scale. For those interested in attending this year’s event, registration is now open at sxsw.com/attend. Join the SXSW community in Austin for an inspiring experience that promises to ignite new ideas and celebrate the power of storytelling, entrepreneurship, and influence.
See the full lineup of newly announced SXSW 2025 speakers here.
