President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have just been announced as the keynote speakers at this year's SXSW.


SXSW has become one of the biggest and best festivals out there to showcase new music, film and media in the world. The Austin festival started back in 1987 and has grown bigger and bigger every year. This may be the biggest yet, because for the first time, a President and First Lady will both be joining in the festivities.

Preseidnt Barack Obama will be appearing at the festival for the Keynote Conversation at the SXSW Interactive on March 11th. President Obama will be talking with Evan Smith, the Editor0in-CHief and CEO of the Texas Tribune. The two will be talking about civil engagement in the 21st century. According to the SXSW website:

The President will call on the audience to apply their ideas and talents to make technology work for us – especially when it comes to tackling big challenges like increasing participation in the political process and fighting climate change. President Obama’s appearance is open to all SXSW Interactive, Gold, and Platinum registrants.

The First Lady Michelle Obama will be the opening Keynote Speaker at SXSW Music o Wednesday March 16th. She will be discussing her Let Girls Learn initiative, which attempts to break barriers for the millions of girls in the world who are not in school. SXSW will be celebrating Women's History Month by having the First Lady there to talk about her action and wishes to support girls' education.

More details regarding both speakers will e coming in a few days on the SXSW website.

Here is what co-founder Roland Swenson had to say about this news:

“I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate our event’s 30th year than to welcome both the President and First Lady to SXSW. As each new generation comes up at SXSW they look for ways they can be of service, and it’s important to reflect and support that message. President and Mrs. Obama’s visit here will inspire attendees to that purpose.”

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