Austin Mayor Steve Adler discusses local education challenges March 10 during the annual SXSWedu Conference & Festival. Austin Mayor Steve Adler discusses local education challenges March 10 , 2016, during the annual SXSWedu Conference & Festival.[/caption] The 30th annual South by Southwest Conference & Festivals is getting underway, and Austin Mayor Steve Adler is an active participant. Here are the SXSW events he's most looking forward to this year:

1. Texas Tribune Conversation Series

Adler will have a one-on-one interview with Texas Tribune CEO Evan Smith on Thursday at the Austin Club, 110 E. Ninth St., Austin, from 7:30-9 a.m. The free event includes coffee and other refreshments. The event will also be available via live stream.

2. Addressing Inequality in Austin panel

Adler will join Huston-Tillotson University President Colette Pierce Burnette, University of Texas professor Richard Reddick and Texas Monthly Senior Editor Dave Mann on Thursday to discuss Austin’s Task Force on Institutional Racism, which was created late last year to focus on criminal justice, education, health, finance and housing. The panel will be held in Salon H of the Hilton Austin Downtown hotel at 9:30 a.m.

3. Casa Mexico opening night party

After his panel on institutional racism, Adler will head to the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center—better known as the ESB-MACC—for the Casa Mexico opening night party, which starts at noon. Casa Mexico aims to display Mexico’s status as a global leader in technology, entrepreneurship and innovation as well as a modern country with a vast and diverse culture and numerous traditions. Live music and food will be provided.

4. The role of America's mayors

Adler will sit on a panel to discuss the role of America’s mayors with Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton on Friday. The panel, titled America's Mayors: Holding the Line, wil be held in Salon H of the Hilton Austin Downtown hotel at 5 p.m.

5. The Austin Music Awards

On Sunday, Adler will attend the Austin Music Awards, presented by the Austin Chronicle. For the first time, the event will feature the mayor’s House Band, led by Charlie Sexton. The awards show will be held at Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater starting at 7 p.m.