Springsteen set for 2012 SXSW keynote

The South By Southwest Music and Media Conference and Festival Thursday announced Bruce Springsteen as keynote speaker for the 2012 event.

The keynote is set for Thursday, March 15, at the Austin Convention Center, the hub of SXSW Music events.

Springsteen's artistry has drawn worldwide acclaim and honors. His recordings include time-tested classics of rock and acoustic-based albums celebrating folk traditions, organizers said. As SXSW fosters connection and communication in the music community, this event will further those aims in a unique conference session.

Springsteen joins notable keynote alumni including Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Lucinda Williams, Robert Plant, Pete Townshend, Smokey Robinson and Neil Young.

The Springsteen keynote will be open to Music and Platinum registrants and registered showcasing artists.

SXSW aims to educate and inspire participants by offering numerous industry events and countless networking opportunities. After a full day of events at the Austin Convention Center, attendees take to the streets for the world-renowned music festival which showcases more than 2,000 acts from more than 55 countries on 90 stages throughout Downtown Austin.

Conference registrations are now being accepted. For more information about SXSW, go to http://www.sxsw.com .