If you’ve been keeping up with SXSW news, you probably already know the Obamas are coming to town to discuss creativity and entrepreneurship. But there are other important cultural figures, industry leaders and professionals who will be making appearances at SXSW. Here’s ORANGE’s list of six interactive events to watch out for this year.

Story by Selah Maya Zighelboim
 

1. Google Self-Driving Car Project

Self-driving cars have been one of the most  talked about subjects in tech over the past few years. As Google beta-tests these vehicles in Austin, what better place than SXSW to have your questions on this subject answered? Director of Self-Driving Cars Chris Urmson will share stories and  shed light on the development of this latest technology.

When: March 11, 3:30 p.m.

Where: Austin Convention Center, Ballroom D

2. Marie Claire Talks to the Stars of Broad City

Get up early Saturday morning for a chance to see Marie Claire editor-in-chief Anne Fulenwider interview Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer, the comedy duo who created and star in “Broad City.” Afterwards, Jacobson will be signing copies of her books on the 3rd floor atrium of the Austin Convention Center, so if you haven’t gotten your fill of the “Broad City” girls, you have another chance to bask in their presence, get a book signed and maybe even take a selfie.

When: March 12, 9:30 a.m.

Where: Austin Convention Center, Ballroom EFG

3. Kerry Washington and the New Rules of Social Stardom

“Scandal” star Kerry Washington will sit down with InStyle Magazine editorial director Ariel Foxman to discuss the impact a celebrity can have through social media. Washington herself has used personal branding to discuss issues such as diversity in Hollywood and women’s rights.

When: March 13, 11 a.m.

Where: Austin Convention Center, Ballroom EFG

4. Astronaut Ron Garan: Earthgazing 101

NASA Astronaut Ron Garan has traveled more than 70 million miles during more than 178 days in space. This week, he travels to Austin to discuss how the role of space exploration in international relations has changed, from a competition during the Cold War to scientists around the world to work together.

When: March 13, 12:30 p.m.

Where: Westin Austin Downtown

5. An Honest Conversation with Yik Yak

Yik Yak was TechCrunch’s Fastest Rising Startup of 2014, but the app has been hit with negative stories, particularly for its role in cyberbullying.  On Sunday, Yik Yak founders Brooks Buffington and Tyler Droll will sit down with Jonathan Strickland, HowStuffWorks senior writer and show host, to discuss the app’s highs and lows.

When: March 13, 3:30 p.m.

Where: Speakeasy

6. Save the Weird: Preserving Austin’s Culture

During SXSW, people from across the world descend into Austin. In the midst of this, Dell Medical School dean Dell Johnson, GDS&M chief-executive-officer Duff Stewart and Austin American-Statesman reporter Gary Dinges will discuss preserving Austin’s culture while the city’s tech scene and population size explode.

When: March 13, 5 p.m.

Where: Hilton Austin Downtown, Austin Chamber Offices