2025 YMBL Speaker Series - Community Leader and Former President of SXSW, Hugh Forrest

Young Men’s Business League Welcomes Hugh Forrest for November Speaker Series Luncheon

Former SXSW President and a transformative leader in the global events industry to share insights on the value of community, collaboration and creativity.

AUSTIN, TX — The Young Men’s Business League announced the next installment of its 2025 Speaker Series, taking place on Tuesday, December 9  at the Headliners Club in downtown Austin. The featured guest is Hugh Forrest, Tech Leader and Former President of SXSW.

Forrest brings a wealth of experience in the global events industry, having dedicated over three decades to building South by Southwest (SXSW) into one of the world's most influential gatherings of technology and culture. As President and Chief Programming Officer of this organization until April 2025, Forrest orchestrated the strategic vision and creative programming across SXSW's diverse portfolio-including the renowned Conference, Music Festival, Film Festival, Comedy Festival and SXSW EDU. He is now helping organize a variety of community focused events and activities around the world via his new company Gather and Grow Experiences.

The event will follow a presentation format, and will include time for audience Q&A.

Tickets are $35 per person for YMBL members and $45 per person for non-members, includes lunch and validated parking, and are open to the public. Seats are limited. 

Hugh Forrest is a transformative leader in the global events industry, having dedicated over three decades to building South by Southwest (SXSW) into one of the world's most influential gatherings of technology and culture. As President and Chief Programming Officer of this organization until April 2025, Forrest orchestrated the strategic vision and creative programming across SXSW's diverse portfolio—including the renowned Conference, Music Festival, Film Festival, Comedy Festival, and SXSW EDU.

After joining the SXSW team in 1989, Forrest proved instrumental in expanding the brand's global reach through innovative offshoots including North by Northwest (Portland), SXSW V2V (Las Vegas), MeCon (Frankfurt and Stockholm), and South by South Lawn (Washington DC). In Austin, his visionary leadership helped transform a regional music festival into an international platform where technology, creativity, and culture converge.

Forrest's contributions to Austin's cultural and business landscape have earned widespread recognition. In 2012, he was named "Austinite of the Year" by the Austin Chamber of Commerce alongside fellow SXSW Directors Roland Swenson, Louis Black, and Nick Barbaro. The team received further acclaim as Austin Entrepreneurs of the Year from Ernst & Young in 2014. Mayor Steve Adler honored Forrest with a Key to the City in January 2023. In September 2025, he received the Legacy Award at the Austin Business Journal's Best CEO Awards.

His commitment to diversity and inclusion was likewise recognized when he received the Diversity Champion of the Year award from the Austin Black Business Journal in June 2021. Kenyon College, his alma mater, bestowed him with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 2018, acknowledging his significant impact on arts, culture, and education.

Above and beyond SXSW, Forrest has demonstrated deep civic engagement through leadership roles on the National Advisory Board for the Poynter Institute, the Board of Directors for Austin Habitat for Humanity, and the accessibility company Knowbility. His decades-long involvement with the Austin Reggae Festival has helped this event generate over $1 million for the Central Texas Food Bank, exemplifying his commitment to community impact.

Forrest is now helping organize a variety of community-focused events and activities around the world via his new company Gather & Grow Experiences.

The event will follow a conversational format, and will include time for audience Q&A.

Tickets are $35 per person for YMBL members and $45 per person for non-members, includes lunch and validated parking, and are open to the public. Seats are limited. 

EVENT DETAILS

What
YMBL Speaker Series: A conversation-style luncheon designed to spark deep dialogue and connection between Austin’s civic leaders and distinguished guests.

Who
Hugh Forrest, Global Events Leader and Former President of SXSW

When
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Arrival: 11:30 AM
Luncheon: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CST
(Includes 45-minute speaker and presentation + 15-minute Q&A)

Where

Headliners Club
221 W 6th Street, Suite 2100, Austin, TX
(Parking available in the building garage)

How     

Tickets are $35 per person for YMBL members and $45 per person for non-members

Lunch and validated parking included

*Tickets are limited. 

About Growth and Gather 

At Gather & Grow, we believe that people have the potential to thrive and flourish when feeling connected to one another. We work with partners to help build strategies that don't just engage people, but try to unite them, with the hope of creating positive change. These three core values serve as the foundation of our mission at Gather & Grow Experiences Learn more at https://www.gatherandgrowexperiences.com/

About the Young Men’s Business League

Since 1913, the Young Men’s Business League (YMBL) has connected Austin’s rising business professionals through networking, service, and leadership. The monthly Speaker Series welcomes members, guests, and alumni to explore insights from accomplished leaders in diverse fields. YMBL also supports Austin Sunshine Camps, which provides free overnight camp experiences to underserved youth in Central Texas. Learn more at www.austinymbl.org

About the Austin Sunshine Camps

YMBL founded the Austin Sunshine Camps (ASC) in 1928 to provide free, overnight camp experiences to underserved Central Texas youth—totaling approximately 56,000 children who qualify for free or reduced lunch or are in foster care. Entirely funded through donations, fundraising events, and volunteer efforts, the YMBL remains committed to ensuring every camper experiences the life-changing impact of summer camp. Learn more about the Austin Sunshine Camps at www.sunshinecamps.org

About Headliners Club

The Headliners Club is Austin's premier downtown private club, located on the 21st floor of the Procore Tower, and renowned for unparalleled views of the city and Texas Hill Country. With a rich history dating back over 65 years, the club offers members an exclusive experience featuring superb service, creative cuisine, and a sophisticated atmosphere for social, dining, and business gatherings. Its central location, outstanding management, and vibrant community of members make the Headliners Club a unique destination for forging connections and celebrating special occasions in Austin. Learn more about Headliners Club at https://headlinersclub.com/