Mike Shea is Executive Director of the Austin, Texasbased South by Southwest Conferences and Festivals. Launched in 1987, the signature SXSW conference, festival and trade show attracts more than 70,000 professionals from the Music, Film, Interactive Technology, and dozens of other creative industries to Austin every March. Keynotes by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama were highlights of SXSW's 30th annual event in March 2016. SXSW EDU, launched in 2011, focuses on solutions for educators and students worldwide. SXSW Eco, launched in 2012, addresses issues of environmentalism and sustainability. Mike has been the lead planner for SXSW since 1990.