Welcome to Future POD 2026!


Join us for a full day of innovation @SXSW


Saturday, March 14th

10 am - 7 pm


@Lighthouse Solar

2000 South 7th Street

Austin, Texas 78704


RSVP Today // SPACE IS LIMITED


Come build the next 20 years of Texas!



An aerial view of the Austin skyline, featuring a tall, glass-faced skyscraper rising above the surrounding buildings.
Futuristic city with towering, intricate structures and greenery at sunset, featuring flying drones under a cloudy sky.

Texas in 2045

The land

  • Texas is greener and hotter. Solar fields shimmer across West Texas like inland seas. Wind still rules the Panhandle.
  • Cities sprawl upward instead of outward—vertical mixed-use towers with shade canopies, rooftop gardens, and water-recycling skins.
  • Austin feels more like a European tech capital with live music leaking out of car-free zones. Houston is the climate-resilient capital of the Gulf—floating architecture, biotech labs, and space logistics.
  • Rural Texas isn’t gone—it’s smarter. Regenerative ranching, AI-assisted farming, and community microgrids keep small towns alive.


Infrastructure & energy

  • The grid finally learned its lesson. Localized microgrids, battery storage everywhere, and homes that can sell power back in real time.
  • EVs dominate, but Texans still love size—electric trucks with absurd torque are the status symbol.
  • Water is precious. Desalination on the coast, aggressive reuse inland, and design that treats water like gold.


A full agenda of innovative ideas, panel discussions and cross-industry innovation. 

Multi-Panel Discussions @SXSW

 

AI/Renewables/Finance/RealEstate/

Medicine/Social Influence


Confirmed Speakers

-Andy Newbold, Head of Communications, Enphase

-Dr. Katie Kennedy, Dr. Kelly Might, Violet Crown Specialty Hospital

-Stan Pipkin, Founder, CEO, Lighthouse Solar

-Jenaro "Jedi" Diaz, Founder Minero & Clawstin Movement

-Nav Thethi, Nav Thethi Show, CX Evangelist & Podcast

-Others to be announced - Stay Connected



Special Musical Performances by


AIdan Berg Jazz TRIO, UT, Butler School of Music + Rainwater Scholarship Award Winner








A smiling person in a blue shirt standing outdoors next to a large upright bass with a park and trees in the background.

Wicked Vixxen


Born from the raw energy and rebellious spirit of Austin's vibrant music scene, Wicked Vixxen is a powerhouse grunge tribute band that brings the authentic sound of the '90s alternative rock revolution to stages across Texas and beyond.


Four people sit on a graffiti-covered wall under a tree on a sunny day. They are wearing casual clothing.



Event Schedule


Agenda

10:00 AM - 11 AM | PRESS ONLY


11:00 AM Courtyard Opens //Courtyard Social

  • Arrival, coffee, and informal networking
  • Live technology and demos


11:30 – 12:10 AM | Panel: Influencing the Future

What is influence in the future? How pets are shaping truth and relationships on social media

Speakers

  • Dr. Katie Kennedy — Oncology Fellow; Founder, Violet Crown Veterinary Specialty Hospital
  • Dr. Kelly Might — Orthopedic Surgeon; Founder, Violet Crown Veterinary Specialty Hospital
  • Lauralee, Franks — The Unstoppables Project - 5013c for disabled pets
  • Michelle & Chupie — Animal Philanthropist, Creator
  • Olivia Van Den Heuvel — Grief Relief Mental Health Advocate, Violect Crown Veterinary Specialty Hospital

Coverage angles: new social currency, elite performance, Texas institutions on the world stage


12:30 AM – 1:10 PM | Panel: Working in the Future

AI, creativity, and how work transforms over the next 20 years

Speakers

  • Jenaro Diaz — Founder, Minero
  • Nav Thethi — Digital Customer Experience Evangelist
  • R2D2 — Personal Ai Bot
  • Whit Ehrich — CEO of Hill Country Tech Guys

Coverage angles: personalized AI, creative economies, emerging AI norms


1:10 – 2:20 PM | Lunch & Courtyard Programming

  • Live music — Aidan Berg, Jazz Trio
  • Demos and informal conversations - Press Opportunity for Speakers/PODCAST


2:20 – 3:00 PM | Panel: Living in the Future

Housing, design, development and the next evolution of Texas cities

Speakers

  • Trey Farmer — Architect, Forge Craft Architecture and Design
  • Greg Esparza — Architect, Owner Cross Cabin
  • Kyle Vansice  — Architect, CEO, Cedar Architectural Software

Coverage angles: 3D construction, urban density vs. rural growth, climate-responsive design


3:00 PM 3:45 Break, Demos, Courtyard, Aidan Berg Jazz TRIO



3:45 – 4:30 PM | Panel: Powering the Future

Energy, AI data centers, and the infrastructure behind Texas’ growth

Speakers

  • Andy Newbold — Head of Communications, Enphase Energy
  • Stan Pipkin — CEO & Founder, Lighthouse Solar
  • Charlie Hemmeline — Sr. Director of ERCOT, Regional Electricity & Transmission
  • Bryan Thomas — Co-Founder, Stormentum
  • Max Davila — Solaris ATX, McCombs Candidate 

Coverage angles: grid resilience, AI energy demand, Texas as a clean-energy leader


5:00 – 6:30 PM | Evening Reception

Bites, Cocktails & Live Music

  • Networking with speakers and attendees
  • Courtyard performance by WICKED VIXXEN at 5 PM




RSVP TODAY SPACE IS LIMITED