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8 SXS W O R L D | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 | SXSW.COM Photo Caption. Photo credit Photo Caption. Photo credit IN BRIEF SXSW 2020 Conference Programming SXSW 2020 will present Conference Programming spread across 22 different tracks. Here are some highlights: CONNECTION & CULTURE New for 2020, the Connection & Culture Track addresses the challenges of interpersonal relationships in a world that too often favors online interactions. Along with examining how we connect with each other, this track covers the arts via food, style, and other endeavors that unite us on a cultural level. Sessions include: "Connecting IRL: The Antidote to Loneliness," "From the Soil to the Soul," "Reporting on the Corporatization of Psychedelics," "Sustainable Fashion: Building a Conscious Wardrobe," and "Cultural Appropriation: Are You Guilty?" ADVERTISING & BRAND EXPERIENCE The schedule in this track includes "Brands Should Empower Rather Than Drown Creators," in which Greg Justice, TikTok's Head of Content Programming, and Russell Schneider, Head Of Partnerships & Business Development of Hong Kong- based online platform and social media website, 9GAG, will identify the dos and don'ts of great content creation that ensures best social media marketing practices while staying true to creativity. Other sessions include Karla Timmons, Manager of Market Research at Airbnb, in "Doubling Creative Impact with Human-Centered Data," and Chris Beresford- Hill, Chief Creative Officer of TBWA/Chiat/Day NY discussing "The Truth Behind Brand Hijacks." CLIMATE & SOCIAL ACTION Sustainable ingredients, surveillance, and climate change are just three topics to be covered in the Climate & Social Action Track. In "Protest in the Age of Surveillance," Jenny Wang of The Human Rights Foundation, pro-democracy activist Johnson Yeung, singer-songwriter Denise Ho, and Quartz journalist Mary Hui will discuss combating govern- ment surveillance in protests. Alternative crops often overshadowed by flashier techno-food solutions will be featured in "Bugs & Kelp, the Future Foods Feeding Us in 2030." And, attendees can appreciate the National Geographic and Rolex expedition to Mt. Everest where an international, multidisciplinary team made scientific history in "Extreme Exploration: Climate Change on Mt. Everest." STARTUPS The Startups Track brings together founders and funders of all stages to talk about current best practices. This track showcases the most exciting new companies, new products, new services, and new business models across many dif- ferent verticals and industries. Examples of sessions include: "Tackling Climate Change from Dorm to Board Room," "Social Impact & Enterprise: Star-Crossed Lovers?," "Deaf Entrepreneurs: Stories That Change Perception," and "Zebras vs Unicorns: Money & Power in the Valley." Bridging the SXSW Communities at SXSW EDU In the spirit of connecting more thought leaders, SXSW EDU is bringing the SXSW EDU and SXSW communities together to build a brighter future for all at the 10th annual event. The final day of SXSW EDU 2020 on Thursday, March 12, will offer an even more robust day of programming including a new programming series open to early SXSW arrivals. With topics addressing corporate learning, the talent pipeline, upskilling, cities of learning, public policy, and leadership development — the convergence of communities is well positioned to make an impact on the future of teaching and learning. Chris Beresford-Hill Chris Beresford-Hill Amazon Alexa Challenge Emcee Andrew Ko Amazon Alexa Challenge Emcee Andrew Ko Photo by Danny Matson Photo by Danny Matson

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