SXSW 2026

Real Chemistry is bringing our annual healthcare programming back to the SXSW 2026 Conference happening March 12-18 in Austin, TX. Learn more about our four PanelPicker submissions below and stay tuned for our full, official lineup!

• The Last Human at the FDA: AI on a Skeleton Crew
  Historic workforce cuts at FDA, CDC, and NIH are gutting review desks and lab benches. Regulators now pin hopes on AI triage engines to keep drug approvals, inspections, and outbreak models on track. With capacity math and pilot algorithms already in production, we’ll discuss accountability when fewer humans oversee smarter tools.
  Learn More →
  

  
  

• Trend to Triumph: Turning “Bed Rotting” into Brand Gold
  How does a simple, relatable video, like Bran Edelman’s viral “Bed Rotting” TikTok, become a catalyst for a novel branded campaign? Looking at trends that have captured the attention of millions, our panel of influencer and brand experts will explore how harnessing the power of virality, combined with genuine storytelling, can enhance brand visibility and engagement, ultimately driving relevance and impact in a competitive marketplace.
  Learn More →
  

  
  

• Does Better Health Start with Dignity?
  What does dignity feel like in health experiences and outcomes? Why does it matter now more than ever? We’ll explore the role of dignity as a transformative force and unpack its emerging as a vital indicator of health quality, trust and connection. Dignity is reflected in how we’re treated, heard and how care is delivered. When it’s missing, the consequences are profound.
  Learn More →
  

  
  

• Making Healthcare More Inspiring Than Sneakers
  Medicine changes people’s lives. Sneakers just go on your feet. So why do people feel more for brands like Nike than ones that can truly make them better? Hear from creators like Fiona Cauley, a comedian with Friedrich’s ataxia, musician Christina Apostolopoulos, who cares for a brother with epilepsy, and others about how to create content that makes your brand feel like less of an interruption, and a lot more welcome. The bar isn’t lower because it’s health. It’s higher because there’s more at stake.
  Learn More →