The current President of the United States of America and the First Lady will both be making an appearance at SXSW festival as keynote speakers. It marks the first time in the showcase’s thirty year history that a sitting President has made an appearance.
President Barack Obama will be speaking on the 11th March, in conversation with The Texas Tribune Editor in Chief Evan Smith. An audience of creators, early adopters and entrepreneurs will witness a conversation on civic engagement in the 21st Century, with The Texas Tribune sourcing questions in advance.
First Lady Michelle Obama will be championing her Let Girls Learn initiative, as part of the SXSW Music Conference’s dedication to Women’s History Month.
“I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate our event’s 30th year than to welcome both the President and First Lady to SXSW,” SXSW co-founder Roland Swenson announced. “As each new generation comes up at SXSW they look for ways they can be of service, and it’s important to reflect and support that message. President and Mrs. Obama’s visit here will inspire attendees to that purpose.”
SXSW Interactive, Gold, and Platinum registrants will have access to President Obama’s conversation, with Michelle Obama’s session open to all SXSW Music, Film, Gold, and Platinum registrants.