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Vote Roger Wakefield for SXSW 2027 | The Trades Are Hiring
🗳️ SXSW Community Voting is OPEN — closes Aug 23, 2026
Vote for me at SXSW 2027

AI is coming for the laptop class. The trades are hiring.

I want to say that on the SXSW stage — but the talks get picked by public vote, not executives. That's where you come in.

Vote — SXSW Session Main conference Vote — SXSW EDU Session Education track

Takes 30 seconds. Free account required. Voting closes Sunday, Aug 23, 2026.

45+
Years in the Trades
1.7M
Social Followers
156M+
YouTube Views
2
Sessions to Vote For
Why this talk matters
AI can write the emails, the code, the reports. It can't crawl under a house and fix a slab leak.

For years we told a whole generation that the only smart path ran through a laptop. Now AI is coming for a lot of those desk jobs first. Meanwhile the skilled trades — plumbing, electrical, HVAC — aren't a fallback. They're one of the most secure, most lucrative paths left. And they're hiring.

I've spent 45 years proving the trades build wealth, not just fix problems. SXSW is one of the biggest stages in tech and culture — and it puts its lineup to a public vote. If you believe the trades deserve a seat at that table, two clicks from you make it happen.

Two sessions, two votes

Vote for both — it only takes a minute

SXSW · Main

AI Is Coming for the Laptop Class. The Trades Are Hiring.

Tracks: Workplace + Tech & AI · Format: Presentation

The case for why skilled trades are the smart, AI-proof bet — and why it belongs on the main SXSW stage.

Vote for this session ⬆️
SXSW EDU

The SXSW EDU Session

Skilled trades & the future of work in education

Taking the "trades are hiring" message to the educators, counselors, and students shaping what comes after high school.

Vote for this session ⬆️
How to vote

Three steps. Thirty seconds.

1

Click a vote button

Hit either red button above to open my session on the SXSW PanelPicker.

2

Make a free account

SXSW asks you to create a quick free PanelPicker login and confirm your email — that's what makes your vote count.

3

Hit the up-arrow

Click the ⬆️ to vote. Then come back and vote for the other session too.

Heads up: Your vote only counts after you confirm your free SXSW account by email. One quick signup, then vote on both — thanks for pushing through it.
Questions

Everything you need to know to vote

How do I vote for Roger Wakefield at SXSW 2027?
Click either red vote button on this page to open Roger's session on the SXSW PanelPicker. Create a free PanelPicker account, confirm your email, and click the up-arrow to vote — then do the same for the other session.
When does SXSW 2027 community voting close?
Community voting is open from August 5 through August 23, 2026. Cast your votes before the end of August 23.
Do I need an account to vote?
Yes. SXSW requires a free PanelPicker account with a confirmed email before your vote counts. It takes under a minute, and then you can vote on both of Roger's sessions.
What is Roger's SXSW session about?
"AI Is Coming for the Laptop Class. The Trades Are Hiring." makes the case that while AI will reshape many desk jobs, the skilled trades — plumbing, electrical, and HVAC — remain secure, lucrative, and are actively hiring. It's submitted to the Workplace and Tech & AI tracks as a Presentation.
Is there a SXSW EDU session too?
Yes — Roger has a second session submitted to SXSW EDU, bringing the "trades are hiring" message to educators, counselors, and students. You can vote for both from this page.
Who is Roger Wakefield?
Roger Wakefield is a licensed master plumber, keynote speaker, and trades educator with 45+ years of experience, 1.7M+ social followers, and 156M+ YouTube views — a leading voice for the skilled trades.

Let's put the trades on the SXSW stage.

Vote — SXSW Session Main conference Vote — SXSW EDU Session Education track

Voting closes Sunday, Aug 23, 2026.

Roger Wakefield — Master Plumber, Keynote Speaker & Trades Educator · rogerwakefield.com
Real Trades. Real Talk. Real Growth.