SXSW '10

(L-R) Christine Auten by Andrew Auten, Tammy Lynn Gilmore by Annie Ray and Kelly Krause courtesy KK The SXSW Staff has worked very hard to bring the 2013 event to fruition. We represent all walks of life from within the community that comes together in Austin each spring. Staff have the extremely difficult task of combing through and curating community entries from the SXSW PanelPicker as well as seeking out additional programming that reflects the state of creativity and tech today. We asked three staff members: Christine Auten, SXSW Interactive & SXSW V2V festival producer; Tammy Lynn Gilmore, Interactive festival web content editor [Me! -Ed.] and Kelly Krause, SXSW Interactive publicist, the following question... "What are you most excited about for SXSW Interactive 2013?" Interactive

The SXSW Video Channel and its life partner, SXSW Audio, are both most excellent places to spend your pre-fest time. SXSW Video offers many fine content options including music videos, film trailers and clips from past performances and featured speakers. Why, you could hang out and watch FKi featuring Retro Sushi's video for "Stuntin." It takes place in front of a Waffle House and features a bike gang, something we're fond of here at the SXSW. Also, I sort of love that there's someone in the world called Retro Sushi. Music Film Interactive

Elon Musk courtesy SpaceXLooking for the hottest trends at the 2013 SXSW Interactive Festival? A good bet for a topic that will gain lots of traction at this year's event is space exploration. This topic will gain a quick jumpstart on the agenda with the Elon Musk Keynote on Saturday, March 9 at 2:00 pm in Exhibit Hall 5 (and simulcast at numerous other SXSW Interactive venues). The founder / CEO of the company SpaceX, Musk oversees development of rockets and spacecraft for missions to Earth orbit and ultimately to other planets. Fans of the movie Iron Man will remember that the Tony Stark character played by Robert Downey Jr. is patterned after this dynamic South African entrepreneur. Interactive

(L-R) Kathryn E. Irwin, Sarah N Garcia and Todd Hansen The SXSW Staff has worked very hard to bring the 2013 event to fruition. We represent all walks of life from within the community that comes together in Austin each spring. Staff have the extremely difficult task of combing through and curating community entries from the SXSW PanelPicker as well as seeking out additional programming that reflects the state of creativity and tech today. We asked three staff members who primarily work on the programming team, Kathryn E. Irwin, Sarah Nichole Garcia and Todd Hansen the following question... "What are you most excited about for SXSW Interactive 2013?" Interactive

Courtesy Nerdist IndustriesThe SXSW Gaming Expo is free and open to the public – and so are the parties! Check out the Bonus Round Party presented by Video Game Voters Network Saturday, March 9th from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm with Driver Friendly and Frank Turner brought to you by Alternative Press. Interactive

The second annual Social Revolución roars back to life at SXSW Interactive 2013 to celebrate online Latinos influencing cultural shifts and trends. Be sure to visit Ballet Austin (501 West 3rd Street) on Tuesday, March 12, when the Social Revolución will host the Latino Lounge, Revolucionario Awards, and Party. Interactive

Image courtesy of Tern and NBC Austin traffic got you down? Stop waiting and start moving with SXcycles, the official SXSW bike share program! Presented by NBC's Revolution, SXcycles equips you with a complimentary Tern Link D8 folding bicycle, lights, lock and helmet. This full service bike share offers a mobile mechanic and tips on how to get around town. Explore Austin and SXSW with this fun, social and eco-friendly transportation alternative. For more fun be sure to check out the Revolution experience at the SXcycles HQ! Music Film Interactive

(L-R) Juan Tornoe, Rob Stefaniak and Teresa Van Deusen The SXSW Interactive Festival Advisory Board consists of industry experts, as well as veteran members of the community that come together in Austin each spring. Advisory Board members are very involved in helping select the best of the best proposals, which SXSW receives each year through the SXSW PanelPicker. We asked Advisory Board members Teresa Van Deusen, Rob Stefaniak and Juan Tornoe the following question... "What are you most excited about for SXSW Interactive 2013?" Interactive

Image Courtesy of BravoBravo proves everything is bigger in Texas as the late night live, interactive talk show, "Watch What Happens Live" comes to Austin. Hosted by Andy Cohen, "Watch What Happens Live" travels to SXSW for five shows beginning the week of March 10th, featuring guests from the world of entertainment, politics and pop culture. The series includes lively debates on everything from fashion, 'Bravolebrities' and what celebrity is making headlines that week. Music Film Interactive

(L-R) Julie Germany, Riley Triggs and Tim Ziegler The SXSW Interactive Festival Advisory Board consists of industry experts, as well as veteran members of the community that come together in Austin each spring. Advisory Board members are very involved in helping select the best of the best proposals, which SXSW receives each year through the SXSW PanelPicker. We asked Advisory Board members Julie Germany of DCI Group and Campaign Tech Conference, architect and design thinker Riley Triggs and Tim Ziegler of The Austin Post the following question... "What are you most excited about for SXSW Interactive 2013?" Interactive

(L-R) Brooke McMillan courtesy LIVESTRONG Foundation, Kathleen Maher by Jane Arason and Glenn Thomas courtesy Glenn Thomas The SXSW Interactive Festival Advisory Board consists of industry experts, as well as veteran members of the community that come together in Austin each spring. Advisory Board members are very involved in helping select the best of the best proposals, which SXSW receives each year through the SXSW PanelPicker. We asked Advisory Board members Brooke McMillan of LIVESTRONG Foundation, Kathleen Maher of Jon Peddie Research and Glenn Thomas of Producing Future the following question... "What are you most excited about for SXSW Interactive 2013?" Interactive

Robert Kelly at SXSW 2012, Photo by Cassie Wright From March 9-16, SXSW Comedy is proud to present a packed schedule of standup, improv, sketch showcases, live podcast recordings, comedy-focused panels, and parties at venues across downtown Austin. For six years, SXSW Comedy events - open to all SXSW registrants - have brought some of the world’s funniest acts to the festival’s diverse audience. We’re excited to announce the 2013 preliminary lineup and schedule, and will be adding more shows and performers as the festival approaches - visit SXSW.com/comedy for the latest news. Music Film Interactive Comedy

(L-R) Carmen Gonzalez, Henry Copeland by Jakop Nazaretyan and Todd Connelly. Carmen and Todd photos courtesy the speakers Interactive

SXSW Interactive brings together many diverse communities – and the intermixing of these diverse communities makes the event all the more compelling. For 2013, we are excited to host more than 50 panels and presentations related to Blacks in Technology (BIT) at SXSW. The bulk of this BIT programming will occur on the 18th Floor of the Hilton Garden Inn (500 North IH-35), just east of the Austin Convention Center. Click here for a complete list of this BIT programming at the 2013 SXSW Interactive Festival. Interactive

The SXSW Video Channel and its sister - brother? third cousin? - SXSW Audio are fabulous places to check out past content and future favorites like this superfun video from 2013 showcasing artist, and intern favorite, Cheers Elephant. Or perhaps you're in the mood to check out some trailers from the sure to be chock full of fascintating SXSW Film Festival. Music Film Interactive

Cory Booker courtesy @corybooker Few politicians use social media as openly, or prolifically, as Cory Booker. As the mayor of Newark, New Jersey, he has used his personal Twitter feed to interact with constituents on an hourly basis; to follow @CoryBooker is to understand the daily challenge of leading one of America’s largest cities. The mayor is routinely responding to questions and complaints – about issues ranging from potholes to snowdrifts and neighborhood violence. When not personally investigating an issue, he forwards phone numbers and e-mail addresses to his followers, directing residents to various city agencies. He endorses city businesses, shares inspirational quotes, responds directly to tweets of joy or frustration from his followers – and just last night shared his unabashed love for all things “Star Trek.” Music Film Interactive

(L-R) Juan Garcia, Karen Bantuveris and Michael Crider The SXSW Interactive Festival Advisory Board consists of industry experts, as well as veteran members of the community that come together in Austin each spring. Advisory Board members are very involved in helping select the best of the best proposals, which SXSW receives each year through the SXSW PanelPicker. We asked Advisory Board members Juan Garcia of "Energy at the Movies" , Michael Crider of The Crider Company, and Karen Bantuveris of VolunteerSpot the following question... "What are you most excited about for SXSW Interactive 2013?" Interactive

(L-R) Martha Gimbut, Chris Messina, and Cassondra Schindler The SXSW Interactive Festival Advisory Board consists of industry experts, as well as veteran members of the community that come together in Austin each spring. Advisory Board members are very involved in helping select the best of the best proposals, which SXSW receives each year through the SXSW PanelPicker. We asked Advisory Board members Chris Messina, Cassondra Schindler and and Martha Gimbut of Gimbut and Associates the following question... "What are you most excited about for SXSW Interactive 2013?" Interactive

(L-R) Gianfranco Chicco, Noah Kuttler and C.C. Chapman Gianfranco photo by Beatrice Arenella, Noah photo by @annielenore, C.C. photo courtesy C.C. The SXSW Interactive Festival Advisory Board consists of industry experts, as well as veteran members of the community that come together in Austin each spring. Advisory Board members are very involved in helping select the best of the best proposals, which SXSW receives each year through the SXSW PanelPicker. We asked Advisory Board members Gianfranco Chicco of Conference Basics, Noah Kuttler of IBM and C.C. Chapman the following question... "What are you most excited about for SXSW Interactive 2013?" Interactive

Thousands of industry media from around the globe will be focused on all the latest innovations coming out of SXSW. Don't be shy, shout about your presence at the show and get your company on journalists' "must see" list! PR Newswire/Virtual Press Office is once again the official communications partner at the show and can help you with all your communications needs, including wire distribution, multimedia news release distribution, and Online Press Kit services. Visit the official SXSW 2013 Virtual Press Office to learn more about PRN/VPO's suite of services or contact sales@vpoinc.com or call +1 973-783-7787 to create a custom distribution package for your SXSW needs. We know you're newsworthy, so speak up! Your audience is waiting. Music Film Interactive

(L-R) Sheila Scarborough, Liz Danzico, and Kris Krug The SXSW Interactive Festival Advisory Board consists of industry experts, as well as veteran members of the community that come together in Austin each spring. Advisory Board members are very involved in helping select the best of the best proposals, which SXSW receives each year through the SXSW PanelPicker. We asked Advisory Board members Kris Krug of kriskrug.com, Liz Danzico of School of Visual Arts and Sheila Scarborough of Tourism Currents the following question... Interactive

It's time to sign up for our second annual SXSW Ping Pong Tournament. Join us on this kickoff event which occurs at Startup Village on Friday, March 8th from 2:00pm-6:00pm at the Hilton Downtown, Rooms 400/402. You don’t have to be a professional to compete, this single elimination doubles tournament is open to SXSW Interactive, Gold or Platinum registrants – and there's no charge to participate. Interactive

Photo courtesy of Antony Ng Need some extra cash for South By? Between February 15 and 22, Esurance, the official insurance sponsor of SXSW, is giving you the chance to win $500. Swing by facebook.com/Esurance to check out The SXSW Dream Gig and vote for your favorite of 3 finalists. Once you've voted, you can then quickly enter the sweeps for a shot at $500. Music Film Interactive

Photo Courtesy of JW WalthallWhether you are coming to SXSW straight from the airport or bought an overwhelming amount of merch, find your storage sanctuary at SX Lockers. With 24 hour security, you can feel safe storing your luggage in the adjacent bag + coat check area, or leaving your phone to charge in our powered locker system. Located on 2nd & Trinity and open from 10:00am-3:00am, come and go as you please from daily panel sessions and late-night showcases. Check the SXSW Getting Around page soon for more information on how to pre-register for your daily or multi-day rental! Music Film Interactive

Photo courtesy Jennifer Peck, Karen Ingram, and Jim Butler. SXSW Interactive Festival Advisory Board consists of industry experts, as well as veteran members of the community that come together in Austin each spring. Advisory Board members are very involved in helping select the best of the best proposals, which SXSW receives each year through the SXSW PanelPicker. We asked Advisory Board members Jennifer Peck of Banjo, Karen Ingram of kareningram.com, and Jim Butler the following question... "What are you most excited about for SXSW Interactive 2013?" Interactive

Whether you want to learn programming, responsive design, game development, or the basics of the startup world, there is a workshop for you! Other topics covered in these sessions range from legal and privacy bootcamps for developers to user experience to accessibility. These SXSW Interactive workshops will last either two and a half, four, or eight hours and will offer valuable, in-depth take-aways. In addition to the valuable takeaways these sessions have to offer, attendees will walk away with a unique SXSW Workshop Certificate of Completion. All Interactive workshops are included in the price of an Interactive, Gold, or Platinum badge; there are no extra costs to attending these valuable sessions! Interactive

Photo Courtesy of JW Walthall Discover exciting up-and-coming companies at the Startup Spotlight. Held on the 4th floor of the Hilton downtown, this event gives exposure to the best emerging startups in the creative industries. Participating companies are given the chance to discuss and demonstrate their products to Interactive, Gold and Platinum registrants in a social, relaxed environment – complete with a hosted open bar. Come network, learn and discover from 4-6pm on Friday, March 8! Interactive

(L-R) Joel Bush, Andy Budd, Kelly Goto The SXSW Interactive Festival Advisory Board consists of industry experts, as well as veteran members of the community that come together in Austin each spring. Advisory Board members are very involved in helping select the best of the best proposals, which SXSW receives each year through the SXSW PanelPicker. We asked Advisory Board members Kelly Goto of gotomedia, Andy Budd of Clearleft, and Joel Bush of Amplifier the following question... "What are you most excited about for SXSW Interactive 2013?" Interactive

In an effort to make badge pickup easier and faster, we’re happy to announce two new features for SXSW 2013: Badge Pickup QuickCodes and a Satellite Registration on March 7th and 8th. Badge Pickup QuickCodes are PDF417 barcodes that act as unique identifiers that we'll use to print your badge. QuickCodes contain your registration number only, no other personal information is included. Bring your QuickCode and Photo ID with you to Badge Pickup, we’ll scan it from either a smartphone or a printout, check your Photo ID and print your badge. You can find your QuickCode in SXsocial. To view your QuickCode, log into your activated SXsocial account and click on ‘QuickCode’ on the top left bar. From the QuickCode page, you will be able to view your QuickCode, email it to yourself, or print the Quickcode. We’ll also be sending your QuickCode in our “Before You Leave” email a few days before this year’s event. This email contains important and helpful information, including your Badge Pickup...

Austin Steamers by Melinda Kay ThomsIn the last few years, SXSW Interactive has been fortunate to have some great musical acts perform as a part of the SXSW Interactive Awards Ceremony. From the Lennings to MC Frontalot to the Gregory Brothers, excellent music is a major part of the show. 2013 is no different as we're excited to announce that the Austin Steamers will play the pre-party at the 16th annual SXSW Interactive Awards Ceremony. The Austin Steamers is a star-studded group of Texas gentlemen that know their way around the strings and compliment their sound with soulful harmonies. The band formed in December 2011 and has been doing a Friday night residency at Austin's very own White Horse Honky Tonk ever since. Interactive