South by Southwest announced Tuesday that it will launch online programming as part of its 2021 event, while still leaving open the possibility of in-person festival and conference activities.
SXSW Online “will feature conference keynotes and sessions, screenings, showcases, networking, and exhibitions,” according to an announcement from the sprawling annual music, film and interactive conference and festivals. Organizers added that “SXSW is working with the City of Austin and public health authorities on plans for a 2021 physical event.”
The shutdown of this year’s SXSW by city officials on March 6, a week before the event was scheduled to begin, was the first major sign of how deeply the coronavirus pandemic would have an impact on Austin. As the pandemic persists, the question of whether the once-growing festival would return next year, and in what form, has lingered.
» RELATED: What is Austin without SXSW?
The dates for SXSW Online will be March 16-20, 2021, prefaced…
