south by the bayou
7 can't-miss events at virtual SXSW featuring Houston speakers
Many Houstonians were hoping to be able head out to Austin next week for SXSW 2021, but now they don't have to venture out from behind their computer screens.
SXSW has pivoted to virtual this year, but the online schedule still features all the thought leadership as previous years. If you're looking to hop into innovation and tech conversations featuring Houstonians, check out these events across space, health care, energy, and more.
Tuesday — Leading the Global Energy Transition
The Greater Houston Partnership is hosting a series of thought-leadership discussions focused on the global energy transition. Join Houston House for interviews with some of the brightest minds in energy who are leading the global energy transition through corporate innovation, energy technology, ESG, and the future of workforce.
Editor's note: InnovationMap was the facilitator for some of the interviews.
Catch the event Tuesday, March 16, from 10 am to 1 pm.
Tuesday — The Climate Crisis & American Cities
Cities are succumbing the ravages of a rapidly changing climate more and more often. Once in a lifetime flooding events are more frequent, wildfires are raging with greater intensity, droughts are being prolonged, and the rising seas levels are imperiling coastal communities. Aside from the ecological and economic impact of climate change, the effects of climate change are being disproportionately felt by low-income communities of color.
Hear from mayors of America's largest cities — including Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner — on how they are approaching this crisis and what you can do to help fight climate change in your community.
Catch the event Tuesday, March 16, from 10:15 am to 11:10 am.
Tuesday — The Health Trust Gap and How to Fix It
While the term "Infodemic" has circulated widely during the pandemic, the spread of health related misinformation is not a new phenomenon rather one that has been exacerbated. Now more than ever before we are seeing a divide in behaviors and in humanity. So how do we begin to build trust in this breakdown of communication? What steps can and should individuals, governments, media and businesses play?
Moderator Dr. Natalia Peart of Houston-based Catalyst Innovation Group will explore these questions and more with her panel of experts.
Catch the event Tuesday, March 16, from 10:15 am to 11:10 am.
Wednesday — Building a Thriving and Diverse Innovation Ecosystem
The Greater Houston Partnership is hosting a series of thought-leadership discussions focused on the global energy transition. Join Houston House for interviews with leaders from across the region's startup ecosystem discuss how Houston has become a thriving hub for digital technology while fostering a culture of inclusive innovation.
Editor's note: InnovationMap was the facilitator for some of the interviews.
Catch the event Wednesday, March 17, from 10 am to 1 pm.
Wednesday: Digital Access: A New Social Determinant of Health
Children's hospitals and T-Mobile are partnering to discuss the growing digital divide and the emergence of a new social determinant of health; digital access. Technology and digital access can now play a significant role in a patient's ability to have equitable access to healthcare, education and many other areas of their life.
Jackie Ward, chief nursing officer at Texas Children's Hospital joins this discussion.
Catch the event Wednesday, March 17, from 3:30 to 3:55 pm.
Thursday — Who on Earth should Govern Space?
Who will make the rules once out of the Earth's orbit? Can any commercial space company attempt to colonize Mars? These are just the start-off questions for those with insatiable curiosity. Texas A&M University's president, the director of space flight policy at SpaceX and an expert on who owns artifacts discovered in space confer with an award-winning science journalist.
Catch the event Thursday, March 18, from 9 to 9:55 pm.
Friday — Pushing our Bodies and Minds Beyond the Limits
In 2020 people across the globe experienced extreme isolation and mental health challenges. A source of empathy and education was found beyond the globe, in the small group that have spent time in space. An astronaut and sports psychologist discuss similarities and challenges of keeping mental and physical health in top shape while in isolation.
Houston-based former astronaut Bonnie Dunbar will be in on the discussion.
Catch the event Friday, March 19, from from 3:30 to 3:55 pm or at the encore Saturday, March 20, at 10 to 10:55 am.
The festival will take place in April 2024 in downtown. Rendering courtesy of Pokatok
Pokatok will take place in and around the George R. Brown Convention Center. Rendering courtesy of Pokatok