A longtime fan and supporter of the Austin Forum, Hugh Forrest is thrilled to now be formally involved with brainstorming and programming for this organization. More specifically, his engagement with the Austin Forum mainly focuses on book discussions and podcast content.

Forrest is best known for his work with South by Southwest (SXSW), which he helped build into one of the world's most influential gatherings of technology, innovation and culture. Over the 35+ years that he served leading this event, Forrest was honored as "Austinite of the Year" by the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce (in 2012) and was also awarded as "Austin Entrepreneur of the Year" by Ernst & Young (in 2014). Austin Mayor Steve Adler honored him with a key to the city in January 2023.

After leaving SXSW in May 2025, he started a consulting company called Gather & Grow Experiences, which helps clients in Texas and around the world who want to create compelling F2F / IRL get-togethers.

When not creating compelling experiences, Forrest enjoys reading, exercising, meditating, traveling, hearty salads and an occasional frito pie.