Check Out the Top Events to Attend at SXSW 2026

SXSW, also known as South by Southwest, is a massive conference and festival in Austin, Texas. SXSW 2026 will be bigger and better than ever, bringing all the Innovation, Film & TV, and Music events together into one timeframe. From March 12th through the 18th, visitors can attend unique experiences and discover new artists at Austin’s most iconic venues.

This experience is a great opportunity for brands to attend workshops and presentations to learn new strategies, but with seven days of events, how do you choose which ones to attend? Below are some of the top events at SXSW 2026 for brands looking to expand their marketing knowledge.

1. Conversation Culture: A Live AI Search Audit for Brands

AI search results are greatly impacting brand visibility, and they’ll only become more impactful in 2026. In this workshop, Avenue Z’s expert team, including VP of AI Strategy Tina Fleming and Chief Brand Officer Rachael Zahn, will conduct real-time AI search audits of brands to see how well they show up on different AI platforms. Then, attendees will learn ways to grow their visibility on AI platforms to improve their brand authority. Connect with our team here!

2. How CMOs are Rewriting the Rules of Connection

Rather than hurting authenticity, AI can supercharge it. In this session, a group of CMOs discuss what actually works when building human connections in the marketing field. Attendees can hear about their real wins, messy learnings, breakthrough moments, and everything in between.

3. Beyond Branding: Advertising as Infrastructure for Change

Advertising is constantly growing and changing, with many brands shifting away from persuasion and leaning into positive change. This presentation will discuss how major brands have used marketing campaigns to help the community while building a brand image.

4. The Power of Storytelling: Shape Culture & Create Community

Brands with cultural relevance have a better chance of achieving growth. Yet, with how quickly trends change, it can be difficult for companies to stay relevant. This session helps brands find ways to tell stories and build strong connections so they can appeal to their target audience even as trends shift.

5. AI is Changing Consumer Behavior: How Brands Must Adapt

As AI becomes a big part of our world, it affects how people think, act, and make decisions. By understanding how AI affects consumers, brands can more effectively reach the right audience. This panel features behavioral experts, cognitive researchers, and marketers who can give valuable insight about how AI is shifting the general public.

6. You, Reorged: The Future of Marketing Careers

Since AI is playing a big role in marketing, it’s shifting the way industries operate. Traditional career paths might look different than before, and it can be difficult to keep up with changes. This panel will discuss ways to adapt, build in-demand skills, and navigate career paths amid the new AI-focused world.

7. 7 Lies People Tell Today (& the Brain Science to Beat Them)

This unique presentation looks at some of the common things consumers say that just aren’t true. Using this information, brands can learn how to market what science shows will work rather than focusing only on what people claim they want. What you say and how you say it can make all the difference when marketing.

Market Your Brand Effectively in 2026

Advertising doesn’t look the same as it did a few years ago. The above workshops, sessions, and panels are just a few of the many impactful events at SXSW 2026 for brands. If you have the opportunity to attend some of these, you can better understand how to set your brand up for success in the years to come.

Even with the valuable information at these events, marketing is trickier to navigate than ever. Working with a marketing expert can help you understand the constant changes while finding the best approaches for your unique brand. Contact Avenue Z today to see how we can elevate your brand in the constantly changing market.