Former President & Chief Programming Officer at SXSW; Philanthropist

Austin, TX, USA
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Hugh Forrest Biography

Hugh Forrest served as the President and Chief Programming Officer at SXSW (South by Southwest)) until April 2025. He began his career at SXSW in 1989, as the organization's first paid employee. In this role, he oversaw content for the SXSW Conference, as well as the SXSW Music Festival, the SXSW Film Festival, and SXSW EDU.

Forrest was named "Austinite of the Year" in 2012 by the Austin Chamber of Commerce (along with SXSW Co-founders Roland Swenson, Louis Black and Nick Barbaro). In 2014, Forrest and these other SXSW Directors were named Austin Entrepreneurs of the Year by Ernst & Young. He received an honorary doctorate of humane letters in 2018 from Kenyon College, his alma mater. In 2021, he was awarded Diversity Champion of the Year by the Austin Black Business Journal.

In addition to his work at SXSW, he has previously served on the National Advisory Board for the Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida. He has also served on the Board of Directors for Austin Habitat for Humanity. Via his decades of work with the Austin Reggae Festival, he has helped to raise more than $1 million in funding for the Central Texas Food Bank.

BOOK Hugh Forrest

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 05/19/2025.

Hugh Forrest Videos

Hugh Forrest - What Just Happened Podcast

Hugh Forrest - What Just Happened Podcast

Hugh Forrest on How SXSW Continues to Evolve

Hugh Forrest - Sessionboard Podcast

Hugh Forrest - Sessionboard Podcast

Starting From Square One with Hugh Forrest

Hugh Forrest- Dan Assor Show

Hugh Forrest- Dan Assor Show

My guest for this episode is Hugh Forrest, Co-President and Chief Programming officer of South by Southwest “SXSW”.

  • How do I book Hugh Forrest to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Hugh Forrest

    Speaking fees for Hugh Forrest, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Hugh Forrest are available upon request for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Hugh Forrest, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Hugh Forrest speak about?

    Hugh Forrest is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Business, Business Consulting, Communication, Creativity, Leadership, Social Media, Technology
  • Where does Hugh Forrest travel from?

    Hugh Forrest generally travels from Austin, TX, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Hugh Forrest for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Hugh Forrest for your next private or corporate function.
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Hugh Forrest is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Hugh Forrest for your event is available upon request. Hugh Forrest generally travels from Austin, TX, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Harish Shah, Daan Roosegaarde, Dorie Clark, Kevin Allocca and Jon Bergmann. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Hugh Forrest for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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