For policy wonks in DC, August can be a quiet time. We’ll see about that…But while we’re trying to stay cool in the capital, we’re dreaming of Austin in March. SXSW’s PanelPicker is open! Until August 24, members of the community can have their say in the programming they’d like to see. 

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There’s plenty to talk about when it comes to tech policy, so the competition is fierce. To save you some time, we’ve once again asked our team to share the panels they’re voting for.

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Check out their suggestions below, and don’t forget to vote ― it’s as easy as clicking a heart icon next to the panel name. Community voting ends August 24!

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Midterm Report: Unpacking the Trump AI Action Plan

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The Trump Administration just released its AI Action Plan, and everyone is abuzz — myself included — about the plan’s impact on U.S. AI policy (Check our initial analysis of the plan and Trump’s EOs). 

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I’m interested to see how panelists rate the impacts of the plan for the average American – something that’s missing from current conversations.

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XR in Education: What Students Want, What Schools Need

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One persistent blind spot in discussions about the future of education in the tech industry is who is excluded from the conversation. When we talk about tools, platforms and AI-powered futures, rarely do we stop and ask the students – who are actually using this tech – what they think. This panel flips the script by putting student perspectives front and center. Backed by new research from the XR Association, this panel dives into how teens are using XR in the classroom, what excites them and where they see gaps.

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Trust-Driven Travel: How Brands & Creators Shape the Journey

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I don’t know about you, but when I have to build a travel itinerary, the first place I turn to is social media. 

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Millions of fans from around the world will be traveling to cities across the country to be part of the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 LA Olympics and they’ll all need to figure out where to stay, what to do and how to make the most of their trip. As an increasing number of travelers (like me) turn to social media for inspiration, trust and authenticity have never been more important. I’m excited to hear how travel creators and brands are navigating this trust-driven era — and how they’re using tools that empower travelers to feel informed, not just sold to.

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Community Comes First in the Future of Trust & Safety

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The internet continues to be pervasive in our everyday lives, including slang, like “Hey Chat!” becoming popular on the global livestreaming service, Twitch, but quickly finding its way to mainstream usage.

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In a shifting landscape where people interact online in real-time, trust and safety tools and policies must recognize that one size cannot fit all. Twitch and other companies are acknowledging that communities should have more control over their online experience. “Chat” doesn’t just mean the literal chat on a livestream; rather, it’s taken on a broader connotation of checking in with the community, ensuring everyone feels welcome.

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As internet users continue to seek out community online, I’m interested to see how companies will develop and implement new tools and policies to not only bolster those connections but also empower communities to keep each other safe.

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The Secret Life of Standards: A Price To Pay For Efficiency

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Let’s give a special shoutout to standard essential patents (SEPs), a critical, but often overlooked aspect of innovation! 

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SEPs are embedded into virtually every piece of modern technology—from the Wi-Fi in your smart thermostat to the video compression that powers your weekend streaming binges. Alas, SEP licensing disputes are popping up around the world, reshaping the competitive landscape and what it means for companies bringing products to market. 

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I’m excited to hear these patent experts explore the potential international impacts on innovation and provide practical considerations for developers gearing up for SEP negotiations.

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‍Not so Fast Senator: Beating the AI Moratorium

Amid continued dysfunction in Congress, we’ve seen states take on tech policy ― including AI regulation. The first comprehensive AI bill was passed in Colorado in 2024 and state-level efforts to regulate AI have been ramping up since. Fast forward to 2025, and we’ve seen AI legislation introduced in all fifty states. Congress tried to knock these bills out ― and put a pause on state AI regulation for the next decade ― with an AI moratorium introduced in the Senate earlier this year. While the action ultimately failed 99-1, I’m interested in going behind-the-scenes with this panel to explore the intense debate and advocacy that went into stopping the moratorium. Looking back might help us understand what’s to come.

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Are you planning to attend SXSW 2026? If we’ll see you in Austin, let us know!  

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