Imagine a world where artificial intelligence doesn't just assist us, but potentially sidesteps human control—thrilling and terrifying all at once! That's the electrifying core of the latest PanelPicker® sessions unveiled for the 2026 SXSW Innovation Conference. But here's where it gets controversial: As our community has voted, these top-trending themes delve into how business leaders, tech and AI experts, and imaginative creatives are fueling global innovation and change. Could relying too heavily on AI harm our brain health? What hidden strategies have marketing gurus unlocked to excel? How can we prevent losing grip on AI? These questions and more are sparking heated debates and forward-thinking discussions.
Interestingly, almost a third of the PanelPicker proposals revolve around AI, showing our deep fascination—and growing worries—about integrating Artificial Intelligence into our lives. While the Innovation Conference covers a broad spectrum of fields, it shines a light on cutting-edge developments in design, sports and gaming, and the creator economy, among others. Curious? Dive in here for a sneak peek at upcoming Innovation sessions at SXSW. Designed to engage, educate, and motivate, these talks promise to broaden your horizons, so keep an eye on the SXSW® schedule (https://schedule.sxsw.com/contributors) for the freshest updates.
PanelPicker® Innovation Sessions Highlights
How We Could Lose Control: Avoiding the Paths to Runaway AI
When experts discuss dangers of AI, they frequently mention the risk of humans losing oversight—but what exactly does that entail, and how might it unfold? In this intimate fireside chat, physicist Anthony Aguirre and tech ethicist Tristan Harris dig deeper than mere warnings, illustrating the concrete processes that could push humanity aside from its own inventions. They explore factors like unclear motives, flawed designs, widespread imbalances, and the hoarding of power, explaining how we might surrender control to AI and, crucially, the proactive steps we can take to avert that fate. For beginners, think of it as understanding why a runaway train might derail: It's about spotting early signs and applying the brakes before it's too late.
Speakers include: Tristan Harris - Co-founder, Center for Humane Technology; Anthony Aguirre - Executive Director, Future of Life Institute
Corporate Dark Arts: The Real Rules of Marketing Power
This panel unlocks a treasure trove of over 60 undisclosed revelations from marketing executives worldwide who've thrived in high-level corporate positions by mastering stealthy, unconventional tactics. They've adapted not by battling uncertainty, but by turning it to their advantage—harnessing vagueness as influence, conflict as momentum, and even the ridiculous as protection. And this is the part most people miss: These 'dark arts' aren't just tricks; they're lessons applicable to anyone navigating modern professional challenges. It's a bold look at the underbelly of success that might make you question traditional marketing norms.
Speakers include: Dominic Leung - Executive Director of Strategy and Transformation, Monigle; Melissa Grady Dias - Chief Marketing Officer, Cadillac; Jon Evans - Chief Customer Officer & Host at System 1 Group & The Uncensored CMO
Lose Your Mind to AI? A Neuroscientist and an AI CEO Debate
AI stands out as an incredible boost for productivity... or perhaps a fast track to mental decline. Neuroscientist Dr. Sahar Yousef and AI education company CEO Greg Shove clash on the pivotal query: 'AI seems like gaining an extra 30 IQ points, but could it end up dulling our wits?' They'll reveal fresh, unpublished data from UC Berkeley, highlighting how much of what we call 'AI enhancement' is really just superficial shortcuts that offload thinking, and they'll provide a science-driven guide on using AI wisely to protect your most prized asset: your intellect. For those new to this, imagine AI as a calculator—it solves problems quickly, but over-relying on it might weaken your mental math skills, leading to broader cognitive risks. But here's where it gets controversial: Is AI really making us dumber, or is this just fear-mongering? The debate invites you to ponder your own habits.
Speakers include: Greg Shove - CEO, Section; Dr. Sahar Yousef - Cognitive Neuroscientist and Faculty at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business; Founder and Managing Director, Becoming Superhuman
Humanoid Robots Are Clocking In: Meet Who’s Putting Them to Work
You've probably seen those viral videos of humanoid robots in action—now, get introduced to the innovators actually deploying them in real jobs. From medical facilities to storage hubs, these robots are already punching in, navigating lifts, swinging open doors, and collaborating with humans in bustling settings. Yet, bridging the gap from experimental model to dependable everyday performer? It's a monumental task. This panel unites pioneering entrepreneurs and scholars who've developed and rolled out some of the earliest large-scale humanoids, offering an insider's view on successes, setbacks, and the true effort required to transition robots from controlled labs to the unpredictable real world. As a beginner's note, it's like teaching a child to ride a bike—plenty of falls before smooth sailing, but the rewards could revolutionize industries.
Speakers include: Jeff Cardenas - Co-founder & CEO, Apptronik; Andrea Thomaz - Co-founder & CEO, Diligent Robotics; Jonathon Hurst - Co-founder & Chief Robot Officer, Agility Robotics; Peter Stone - Professor of Computer Science and Chief Scientist, University of Texas and SonyAI
Don't forget to explore the newest sessions by track to craft your ideal SXSW® itinerary (https://schedule.sxsw.com/contributors)! What do you think—could AI really outsmart us, or are these concerns overstated? Do you agree that AI might harm our brains, or do you see it as an evolutionary leap? Share your thoughts in the comments below; we'd love to hear differing opinions and spark a lively discussion!
