SXSW Interactive Festival FAQ

What is SXSW Interactive?
The SXSW Interactive Festival offers five days of panels, keynote discussions, trade show and exhibition, and exciting evening events. Attendees benefit from hands-on, how-to training as well as long-term, big-picture analysis in an atmosphere that charges creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.

What kind of topics are covered at the event?
Panel topics cover everything from web design, usability, and blogging to wireless innovation and new technology business models.

Who attends this event?
SXSW Interactive appeals to uber-geeks and digital creatives who push the cutting edge of technological change. More specifically, the event appeals to content developers, web designers, programmers, bloggers, wireless innovators, gamers, tech entrepreneurs, bankers, investors, and educators.

How many people typically come to SXSW Interactive?
More than 4700 registrants from around the United States and across the world attended the 2006 SXSW Interactive Festival. Due to the Web 2.0 buzz, 2007 looks to be another strong year for registration.

How long has this event been going on?
The event now known as the SXSW Interactive Festival began in 1994. At that point, it was called the SXSW Film and Multimedia Conference. Film and Multimedia split into two separate events in 1995. The rest is history.

What kind of people speak at SXSW Interactive?
Thousands of cutting-edge new media industry experts have spoken at SXSW Interactive over the last 12 years. Some of the bigger names to participate in the event include Heather Armstrong, Danni Ashe, Stewart Brand, Po Bronson, Denise Caruso, Ana Marie Cox, Mark Cuban, Cory Doctorow, Thomas Dolby, Richard Florida, Al Franken, Malcolm Gladwell, Philip Glass, Rufus Griscom, Molly Holzschlag, Meg Hourihan, Craig Newmark, Steven Johnson, Philip Kaplan, Jaron Lanier, Brenda Laurel, Howard Rheingold, Todd Rundgren, DJ Spooky, Bruce Sterling, James Suroweicki, Joe Trippi Jimmy Wales, and Jeffrey Zeldman.

How is SXSW Interactive different than other tech events?
The wide variety of programming offered at SXSW Interactive coupled with concurrent presence of SXSW Film and SXSW Music helps make it a completely unique event.

What is new for 2007 at the SXSW Interactive Festival?
One of the most interesting innovations for this year is our online panel voting interface. This interface allows the online community to weigh in on which panel ideas they find most appealing and most appropriate for the 2007 event. Also new is an expanded presence for the ScreenBurn Festival, which is the gaming component of SXSW Interactive. 2006 was the first year of ScreenBurn -- and attendees seemed to really enjoy this gaming-related panel programming. For 2007, ScreenBurn expands beyond this panel programming to include a full-on game room and exhibit space. For more information on ScreenBurn, contact Lindsay Muse.

What happens in the evening?
From the Opening Party on Saturday, March 10 through the Closing Party on Tuesday, March 13, an extensive schedule of exclusive evening events serve to differentiate the SXSW Interactive Festival from other industry-related conferences. The informal nature of these evening events make them conducive to making new connections, brainstorming ideas, or just relaxing with interesting people.

Can I go to the evening events without buying a registration?
Most official evening events are restricted to SXSW Interactive Festival badgeholders.

Can I buy a one-day pass to SXSW Interactive Festival?
We do not sell single day passes to this event. The low registration price of the SXSW Interactive Festival makes for an extraordinary value, in terms of information and networking potential, even if you are only able to attend one or two days of the event.

Am I able to attend SXSW Film and SXSW Music events with my SXSW Interactive badge?
The SXSW Interactive Festival is part of SXSWeek, which also includes the SXSW Film Conference & Festival as well as the SXSW Music Conference & Festival. If you want to attend both SXSW Interactive and SXSW Film, you will need to purchase a Gold Pass. If you want to attend SXSW Interactive, SXSW Film and SXSW Music, you will need to purchase a Platinum Pass.

Why should I register for SXSW Interactive today?
The earlier you register for SXSW Interactive, the more you save on the $350 walkup price. Also, room availability during SXSW at downtown area hotels sell out quickly. Flights to Austin during March also sell out quickly. In other words, if you wait until the last minute to register you may miss out!

Who should I contact about my great idea for a panel at SXSW Interactive?
As of mid-October, the 2007 panel submission process is officially closed. To get your panel idea on the waiting list (or for information on being involved with the 2008 event), e-mail Hugh at sxsw.com.

Can my company buy exhibition space at the SXSW Interactive Festival?
The Interactive / Film (iF!) Trade Show & Exhibition runs Sunday, March 11 through Tuesday, March 13. Contact Katie at sxsw.com for more information on exhibiting.

What other ways can I market my company at SXSW Interactive?
From Program Book advertising to logo placement on the Big Bags, SXSW offers a wide variety of marketing opportunities. For specific marketing questions, contact Katie at sxsw.com.

Help, I am still confused.
E-mail all your questions to inter at sxsw.com.