SXSW 2026 PanelPicker Voting Is Open: Two Hypebot Favorites
SXSW 2026 PanelPicker voting is officially open through August 24 and everyone is eligible to vote. Included in the proposals are two Hypebot favorites.
Anyone can quickly create a free account and vote by clicking on the “heart” next to each panel description. For SXSW 2026 PanelPicker voting, sign up / sign in to vote here.
SXSW 2026 PanelPicker Voting: Two Hypebot Favorites
Two of the proposed panels hit close the heart of what Hypebot is all about and feature some of our friends and colleagues. We love your vote for them both.
Why Do Music Streamers Care About Live Music?
Major music streaming services are focusing more on live music including showcasing concert dates. What’s driving this shift, and what does it mean for artists, promoters, and the broader live music ecosystem? This panel will delve into the economic and cultural forces shaping the intersection of live and digital music.
- Takeaway 1: Why music streaming services care so much about live music
- Takeaway 2: How music streaming has reshaped live music fandom and what that means for artists and ticket sales
- Takeaway 3: How streamers and live music are working together to help artists and how they can do more.
Panelists
- Fabrice Sergent, Co-Founder and Managing Partner Bandsintown
- Ali Rivera, Head of Live Music & Artist Partnerships YouTube
- Jamie Loeb, Senior Vice President Nederlander Concerts
VOTE FOR THIS PANEL HERE WITH A HEART
The Algorithm Might Not Love You, But Your Fans Can
As algorithms dominate modern music discovery, artists want ways to reach fans without relying on major platforms. This session explores how artists can cultivate devoted fan bases in a digital world often driven by trends and metrics. Hear from Bandcamp and Bandsintown on how to build audience connection through authenticity, direct engagement, and community-focused strategies over algorithms.
- Takeaway 1: How to build lasting fan relationships through intentional, community-driven strategies.
- Takeaway 2: Understand how to best engage fans and leverage their support, regardless of stream counts.
- Takeaway 3: Discover how authenticity and ownership can power sustainable career growth.
Panelists
- Dan Melnick, General Manager Bandcamp
- Fabrice Sergent, Co-Founder and Managing Partner Bandsintown
- Mesfin Fekadu, Music Journalist Independent (formerly The Hollywood Reporter, Associated Press)
VOTE FOR THIS PANEL HERE WITH A HEART
SXSW 2026 PanelPicker voting counts for 30% pf the panel selection process with evaluations by a group of 200+ industry experts 40%, and SXSW staff at 30%.
For SXSW 2026 PanelPicker voting, sign up / sign in to vote here.
