The SXSW (South by Southwest) conference on Thursday announced a new batch of speakers who will be joining virtually for this year’s event.
Leading the group is keynote speaker Stacey Abrams, the political leader and best-selling author, who was instrumental in turning Georgia’s blue during the 2020 presidential election and the Senate’s second round in 2021.
According to a press release from SXSW, the Abrams event will be a conversation with bestselling author NK Jemisin.
“We are really excited about the remarkable range of creative and innovative talent that we announce today as part of SXSW Online,” said programming director Hugh Forrest in a statement. “In the more than 30 years of SXSW, we have presented so many incredible voices that have shown tremendous courage and leadership, which is why we are excited to add Stacey Abrams nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize as a lecture for 2021. In addition, she conversation with science fiction writer NK Jemisin explores the kind of creative energy that only happens in SXSW. “
Other speakers announced on Thursday include DJ Steve Aoki, Elizabeth Banks, Mayim Bialik, Mary J. Blige, James Cameron, David Dobrik, Melinda Gates, Bill Hader, Yuval Noah Harari, Noah Hawley, Walter Isaacson, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Carole King, Amy Klobuchar, Demi Lovato, Desus Nice and the Kid Mero, Jon Platt, Mark Rabkin, Amber Ruffin, The Russo Brothers, Jennifer Salke and Cliff “Method Man” Smith.
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Musician Willie Nelson was previously announced as the keynote speaker.
Matthew McConaughey, Samantha Bee, director Barry Jenkins, Alexis Ohanian, The Chainsmokers, Mark Cuban, Dominique Crenn, Cynthia Erivo, Taraji P. Henson were also previously announced as participants.
Registration for SXSW Online is now open on the South by Southwest website. The conference runs from March 16 to 20.
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It usually occurs in Austin, Tx. but due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it switched to a virtual experiment.