Leading Authorities Speakers at South by Southwest 2027
Every year, South by Southwest (SXSW) brings some of the world’s most influential thinkers and innovators to Austin, Texas, for conversations about the future of technology, business, and culture. Known for putting emerging technologies and bold ideas in the spotlight, SXSW has become one of the world’s premier events for innovation and creative thinking.
For another consecutive year, we’re excited to share that Leading Authorities speakers will take the stage at SXSW 2027, presenting on everything from artificial intelligence and the future of work to leadership and human performance.
Among them is futurist Amy Webb, whose annual presentation has become one of the festival’s most anticipated events.
Get to know the four LAI speakers presenting at SXSW 2027 and learn more about their sessions and expertise.
Meet the Leading Authorities Speakers at SXSW 2027
- Futurist and CEO of Future Today Strategy Group: Amy Webb
- Organizational Psychologist and Future of Work Expert: Dr. Kelly Monahan
- Neuroscientist and Technology Innovator: Poppy Crum
- Former Google Executive and Leadership Expert: Jenny Wood
Amy Webb: Technology Convergences 2027
Amy Webb has become a fixture at SXSW, drawing packed audiences for her annual look at the technologies and trends that will define the future. Known for her research-backed forecasts and engaging presentation style, Amy helps organizations understand the developments that could reshape their industries.
In her featured session, “Amy Webb Launches Technology Convergences 2027,” the CEO of Future Today Strategy Group and NYU Stern professor will examine the technologies coming together to change how we live and work.
This year’s theme, “Second Nature,” looks at how technology becomes so integrated into everyday life that we eventually stop noticing it. Along with her signature wit and unexpected insights, Amy has something new planned for attendees: an opportunity to build a real tool during the session and take it home.
Dr. Kelly Monahan: Did We Break Work? Three Experts Disagree
As AI changes how organizations operate, Dr. Kelly Monahan is focused on an important issue: how to keep work human.
An organizational psychologist, researcher, and bestselling author, Kelly studies how people experience work and what organizations can do to improve it. As the founder of Beyond the Desk, she helps leaders rethink workplace practices and build organizations better suited for an AI-enabled future.
At SXSW 2027, Kelly will join the panel “Did We Break Work? Three Experts Disagree” to examine how AI is changing the way organizations operate and whether traditional workplace practices still serve employees. She brings expertise in building trust and rethinking how work is designed to better support people.
Poppy Crum: AI’s Next Frontier: Physical AI Pushing Human Performance
AI is moving beyond computers and smartphones, with new wearable technologies making it possible to measure and interpret signals from the human body in real time.
At SXSW 2027, neuroscientist and technology innovator Poppy Crum will examine these developments in her session, “AI’s Next Frontier: Physical AI Pushing Human Performance.”
Poppy will discuss how physical AI combines advanced biowearables with on-device AI models to provide immediate feedback on the body’s performance. Technologies that measure biomarkers such as lactate and cortisol can offer insights into training, recovery, and how stress affects focus.
Her session will explore how capabilities once largely limited to elite athletes could become available to everyday consumers, opening new possibilities for personalized health and performance.
Jenny Wood: Louder, Bolder, Braver: Leadership During Times of Change
When organizations go through restructuring or introduce new technologies, employees can find themselves unsure of how to move forward in their careers. Former Google executive Jenny Wood has a different approach: speak up, take initiative, and advocate for what you want.
In her SXSW session, “Louder, Bolder, Braver: Leadership During Times of Change,” Jenny will share lessons from her 18 years at Google, where she worked her way from an entry-level position to an executive role and founded the largest career development program in the company’s history.
Jenny’s message is especially relevant for professionals facing organizational uncertainty. She’ll offer practical strategies for building confidence, making your contributions visible, and pursuing opportunities even when the path forward isn’t obvious.
Book a SXSW 2027 Speaker for Your Next Event
Interested in bringing one of these SXSW speakers to your next conference or corporate event?
Whether your audience wants to learn about advances in AI, rethink the future of work, or hear practical advice on leadership, Leading Authorities can help you find a speaker who fits your event.
Explore the speakers’ profiles above or contact our team to discuss fees, availability, and recommendations for your upcoming event.
Frequently Asked Questions About SXSW 2027 Speakers
Which Leading Authorities speakers are presenting at SXSW 2027?
Four Leading Authorities speakers are scheduled to present at SXSW 2027: futurist Amy Webb, organizational psychologist Dr. Kelly Monahan, neuroscientist Poppy Crum, and former Google executive Jenny Wood. Their sessions cover AI, emerging technologies, the future of work, and leadership during organizational change.
Why should event planners consider booking a SXSW speaker?
SXSW speakers bring expertise in topics that are relevant to corporate and association audiences, including emerging technology and workplace change. For event planners, speakers featured at SXSW can be a good starting point when looking for experts who can explain new developments and connect them to the challenges their audiences face.
Which SXSW 2027 speakers are discussing artificial intelligence?
Amy Webb, Dr. Kelly Monahan, and Poppy Crum will each address different aspects of artificial intelligence at SXSW 2027. Webb will examine technology convergences, Monahan will explore how AI is changing work, and Crum will discuss physical AI and wearable technologies that measure human performance.
Can I book a SXSW 2027 speaker for my corporate event?
Leading Authorities represents several speakers presenting at SXSW 2027, including Amy Webb, Dr. Kelly Monahan, Poppy Crum, and Jenny Wood. These speakers address topics relevant to corporate conferences, leadership meetings, and industry events. Contact Leading Authorities to discuss speaker availability, fees, and the best fit for your audience.
