Hook 'Em House at Antone's – UT at SXSW 2025

The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) is participating in the dynamic experience of South by Southwest® (SXSW®) with four panels spanning tech, science, sports, and lifestyle with nightly musical guests on March 7-8 at the Hook ’Em House at Antone’s in Austin (305 E. Fifth St.). Focused on the theme of “What Starts Here Changes the World,” the Hook ’Em House remains the central hub for all things UT. The two-day event returns with photo-worthy installations, discussions with noteworthy academic talent and entrepreneurs, watch parties for Longhorn men’s basketball, gameday food and snacks, live music performances, an International Women’s Day breakfast event and several other guest appearances.

Info: Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez St at 10 a.m. – No badge required ||

Join UT’s acclaimed marching band for a kickoff of South by Southwest with a pop-up performance at the Austin Convention Center and Hook ‘Em House. The performances will end with the announcement of the Impact Scholarship winner at the Hook ’Em House at 10:30 a.m.

Info: Antone’s Nightclub (Upstairs) at 11:30 a.m. – Badge holders prioritized ||

The future of technology is being built right now, and Texas is at the forefront. This isn't just about isolated breakthroughs. This is a fundamental shift in how we develop and scale next-gen tech. Imagine a world where cutting-edge research in AI seamlessly integrates with advanced energy solutions, all fueled by strategic venture capital and driven by future-thinking research and education. This is the reality taking shape in Texas. Join us for a compelling panel discussion with leading figures from academia, venture capital, and government as they explore how their collaboration is accelerating the development of deep tech, from life sciences to semiconductor manufacturing. Discover how this unique partnership is unlocking innovation, creating a thriving tech ecosystem, and driving solutions for the world.

Info: Antone’s Nightclub (Downstairs) at 1:00 p.m. – Badge holders prioritized ||
Join us for a special performance by Nicholas Challier.

Info: Antone’s Nightclub (Downstairs) at 2:00 p.m. – Badge holders prioritized ||
Enjoy a special live recording of the 3rd & Longhorn podcast with hosts and former Texas football legends Derrick Johnson, Alex Okafor, Fozzy Whittaker, Rod Babers, Jeremy Hills, and Clark Field Collective founder Nick Shuley.

Info: Antone’s Nightclub (Upstairs) at 2:30 p.m. – Badge holders prioritized ||
Quantum computing will revolutionize industries, dramatically impacting business across the world. This panel will delve into the current state of quantum computing, university-startup partnerships and emerging trends. We’ll examine the latest advancements in hardware, software, and algorithms and discuss the challenges that still lie ahead. Learn about successful models for knowledge transfer, talent development, and joint research initiatives. We’ll also discuss key trends to watch, including the rise of quantum software, new quantum algorithms, and the growing demand for quantum-skilled professionals. Whether you're a seasoned tech enthusiast, an investor, or simply curious about the future of computing, this panel will provide valuable insights into the exciting world of quantum technology.

Info: Antone’s Nightclub (Downstairs) at 3:30 p.m. – Badge holders prioritized ||
Join us for a special performance by Michelle Brooke.

Info: Antone’s Nightclub (Downstairs) at 8 p.m. – Badge holders prioritized ||
End the night with a performance from Austin’s staple soulful pop and psych-rock artist Mobley.

Info: Antone’s Nightclub (Downstairs) at 10:30 a.m. – Badge holders prioritized ||
Celebrate International Women’s Day with a morning of connection and conversation. Enjoy breakfast and coffee, then explore interactive stations featuring specialized nailbot machines and friendship bracelet-making stations. Then sit in on a fireside chat with two pioneering entrepreneurs: Tiffany Chen (Moody College of Communication, B.S. '01), who transformed Tiff's Treats from a college cookie delivery service into a national phenomenon, and Allison Ellsworth, the innovative founder behind the prebiotic beverage company Poppi. Austin Monthly Editor-in-Chief Madeline Hollern (Moody College of Communication, B.S. '07) will moderate this candid discussion.

Info: Antone’s Nightclub (Downstairs) at 11:00 a.m. || Badge holders prioritized
Enjoy a special live podcast recording with Texas Exes host Sara Light.

Info: Antone’s Nightclub (Upstairs & Downstairs) at 11:30 a.m. - Badge holders prioritized ||
Mix, mingle and meetup! Join a vibrant gathering of Texas' most innovative content creators for an inspiring morning of connection and creativity. Experience an engaging panel discussion featuring UT Austin’s own Jungmin Kang, founder of the viral sensation Snoopslimes alongside fellow social media powerhouses. Listen in as these creators share their insights on building a sustainable brand and business in the dynamic creator economy. Digital creators are invited to this mixer event.

Info: Antone’s Nightclub (Upstairs) at 11:30 a.m. – Badge holders prioritized (Breakfast served downstairs) || Energy has emerged as mission critical in the emerging AI revolution. Big tech is racing to resolve its own AI-driven energy requirements. Four of the top ten supercomputers in the world are managed by the US Department of Energy. The relationship between the AI and energy duo is complex: Will AI create a new wave of energy scarcity, or drive big changes in discovery, efficiency and innovation? We will dig into this complex relationship, opportunity, challenges, what this means for Texas, and people around the world. Onward, and upward.

Info: Antone’s Nightclub (Upstairs) at 2:30 p.m. - Badge holders prioritized || The University of Texas relaunched the Longhorn Network, leveraging the latest technology to deliver live and on-demand content and fuel fan engagement. Join industry experts as they discuss the future of sports content delivery, and how innovation is shaping the fan experience. Explore the strategies behind creating compelling content that resonates with today's viewers, reaching new audiences and expanding the Longhorn Nation, building a thriving online community and fostering deeper connections with fans and utilizing technology to personalize the fan experience and drive interaction.
Panelists: Courtney Hughes, Director, Global Brand Campaigns, Dell Technologies; Louise McEwan, Chief Marketing Officer, McLaren Racing; TBC.
Moderator: Drew Martin - Executive Senior Associate AD for External Affairs, Texas Athletics.

Info: Antone’s Nightclub (Downstairs) at 3:30 p.m. - Badge holders prioritized ||
Enjoy a special fireside chat from Armadillo World Headquarters.

Info: Antone’s Nightclub (Downstairs) at 7:00 p.m. - Badge holders prioritized ||
Watch the men’s basketball team go head-to-head with now SEC rival OU Sooners in a highly anticipated season matchup.

Info: Antone’s Nightclub (Downstairs) at 8 p.m. - Badge holders prioritized || End the night with a live performance by **, an Austin Texas institution.

Host or Publisher Hook 'Em House at Antone's