*Meghan Markle will headline an opening day keynote panel at SXSW.
The panel “Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen” will also feature journalist Katie Couric, actor Brooke Shields and Nancy Wang Yuen, diversity equity and inclusion consultant at Peoplism, Variety reports.
“Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, Katie Couric, Brooke Shields, Nancy Wang Yuen and Errin Haines are the perfect finishing touch to eight days of remarkable Keynote Speakers,” Hugh Forrest, co-president and chief programming officer of SXSW, said in a statement per Variety.
“We are so honored to host this distinguished group on International Women’s Day for a significant discussion on the importance of representation in media and entertainment,” the statement continued.
As stated on the official website, since 1987, SXSW is known for its “conferences and festivals celebrating the convergence of tech, film and television, music, education, and culture,” in Austin, Texas.
Announcing a Keynote Session with Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, @katiecouric, @BrookeShields, @nancywyuen, and @errinhaines for #SXSW on March 8! #InternationalWomensDay https://t.co/5WlpfCU4Hl pic.twitter.com/L3UOY67vaP
— SXSW (@sxsw) March 4, 2024
This year, the festival runs from March 8-16. According to the Austin American Standard, the highlights include Hollywood icon Jane Fonda and actors Ryan Gosling, Jake Gyllenhaal and Ilana Glazer, as well as comedians Trevor Noah, Samantha Bee, and John Leguizamo.
WNBA legend Sue Bird and NBA star Dwyane Wade will also attend the event.
The most significant musical act confirmed for the festival is the Black Keys. The rock BAND will also premiere a new documentary titled “This Is A Film About the Black Keys.”
On X/Twitter the festival wrote, “From artificial intelligence and virtual pop stars to next-generation #streaming services, discover the latest innovations in the #Music and #Tech track at #SXSW..”
READ MORE: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Slammed for Using Royal Titles on New Website
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