South by Southwest (SXSW) has named Jenny Connelly as its new Executive Vice President, signaling a new era for the Austin-based festival. She takes over from Hugh Forrest, a key architect of SXSW’s growth since 1989, who recently stepped down after serving as co-president and Chief Programming Officer.
This leadership shift arrives as SXSW announces a significant reimagining of its festival format for 2026. The event will condense its offerings into a seven-day schedule, overlapping music, film, and interactive sessions more tightly than ever before. Notably, music showcases will expand to seven consecutive nights, aiming to deliver a more curated and immersive experience for attendees and artists alike.
Concurrently, the centerpiece Austin Convention Center — a SXSW anchor since 1993 — is undergoing a $1.6 billion redevelopment slated through 2028, prompting SXSW organizers to rethink venue strategies and event layouts.
With Jenny Connelly at the helm, and these strategic changes underway, SXSW stands poised to redefine its cultural impact and operational model. Fans and industry insiders await further details on how this pivotal leadership change will shape the festival’s future programming and experience.
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