sxsw Interactive FAQ

FROM http://2008.sxsw.com/interactive/faq/ 

What is the SXSW Interactive Festival?
The SXSW Interactive Festival offers five days of panels, keynote discussions, Trade Show, 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. More to the point, coming to SXSW Interactive is a great way to recharge your creativity.

Where does the SXSW Interactive Festival occur?
Daytime panel programming (as well as the Trade Show & Exhibition) takes place at the Austin Convention Center (500 E. Cesar Chavez) in downtown Austin. Evening events occur at various nightspots around the city.

Who attends this event?
SXSW Interactive appeals to uber-geeks and digital creatives who push the cutting edge of technological change. The event appeals to content developers, web designers, programmers, bloggers, wireless innovators, gamers, tech entrepreneurs, investors, and educators. Even if you are not a technical person, you will benefit from the outside-the-box thinking that thrives at SXSW.

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. Other panels focus on more general topics that are nonetheless relevant to the digital creatives who attend SXSW Interactive. Discovering new ideas that lead us to a better future is the underlying theme on all of this programming.

How many people typically come to SXSW Interactive?
More than 6300 registrants from across the United States and around the world attended the 2007 SXSW Interactive Festival. While 2008 looks to be another strong year for registration, the core of the SXSW Interactive experience remains unchanged. This is a great place to be inspired by amazing people who are doing incredible things to make our future more exciting.

How long has this event been going on?
The first year of SXSW Music was 1987. 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. In 1999, the name of the event morphed to Interactive. ScreenBurn, which is focused on video game technology, was added to the mix in 2006.

What kind of people speak at SXSW Interactive?
Thousands of cutting-edge new media industry experts have spoken at SXSW Interactive over the last 13 years. Some of the bigger names to participate in the event include Heather Armstrong, Stewart Brand, Po Bronson, Denise Caruso, Ana Marie Cox, Mark Cuban, Cory Doctorow, Thomas Dolby, Richard Florida, Al Franken, Malcolm Gladwell, Philip Glass, Molly Holzschlag, Craig Newmark, Steven Johnson, Jaron Lanier, Brenda Laurel, Dan Rather, Howard Rheingold, Todd Rundgren, Douglas Rushkoff, DJ Spooky, Bruce Sterling, James Suroweicki, Joe Trippi, Mena Trott, Jimmy Wales, Will Wright, and Jeffrey Zeldman.

What is new for 2008 at the SXSW Interactive Festival?
In 2007, SXSW made a major push into the world of video games with the addition of ScreenBurn. Look for a continued strong push in this direction in 2008. Additionally, SXSW will provide more structured networking opportunities at this year's event -- thereby making it easier for you to meet the types of people that you want to meet. Finally, as encouraged by the SXSW community, look for fewer panel sessions and more solo presentations in 2008.

How is SXSW Interactive different than other tech events?
The variety of programming offered at SXSW Interactive means that the event focuses as much on creativity as it does on technology. This focus is augmented by SXSW Film and SXSW Music, which are scheduled concurrently with SXSW Interactive. Moreover, a full slate of parties and receptions during the event hours help to accelerate the social aspect of the event.

What happens at these evening events?
From the Mix at Six on Friday, March 7 through the Closing Party on Tuesday, March 11, an extensive schedule of evening events allow attendees to share the new ideas that they learned during the daytime programming. The informal nature of these evening events also make them conducive to forming new connections or just relaxing with people whose energy will inspire you to better things.

Can I attend these evening events without buying a registration?
Most of these official evening events are restricted to SXSW Interactive, Gold and Platinum badgeholders.

I think my company might want to host a party. How do I do this?
Being involved in one of the evening events is a great way for your company to generate a lot of attention. Contact Katie King for complete details on how to be an official part of the evening program.

Can I buy a one-day pass to SXSW Interactive Festival?
Unfortunately, we do not sell single session or single day passes to the event. As compared to other technology events, the low registration price of the SXSW Interactive Festival makes for an extraordinary value. Even if you are only able to attend for one or two days, the amount of information and networking opportunities afforded by the event make the registration price a bargain.

What is SXSWeek?
Running Friday, March 7 through Sunday, March 16, SXSWeek is the nine-day stretch that encompasses SXSW Interactive, SXSW Film and SXSW Music.

As a SXSW Interactive registrant, am I able to attend SXSW Film and / or SXSW Music events?
The SXSW Interactive Festival badge covers admission to all events affiliated with SXSW Interactive. If you want to attend both SXSW Interactive and SXSW Film, then you should purchase a Gold Pass. If you want to attend SXSW Interactive, SXSW Film and SXSW Music, then you should 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 $450 walkup price. Also, rooms at downtown-area hotels tend to sell out quickly -- when you register, you can book into the SXSW room block via the Housing Desk. Finally, flights to Austin in March also fill up faster than at other times of the year. In other words, if you wait until the last minute to register you may miss out!

Is there a student rate for SXSW Interactive?
If you are currently a high school or college student and you are interested in attending the 2008 SXSW Interactive Festival, please contact us for information on discount rates. Must have valid copy of student ID to be eligible for reduced admission fee.

Who should I contact about my great idea for a panel at SXSW Interactive?
As of July 20, the 2008 panel submission process is officially closed. To get your panel idea on the waiting list for 2008 (or for information on being involved with this process for 2009), e-mail Hugh Forrest.

How can I market my product or service at SXSW Interactive?
Getting your product or service in front of the cutting-edge crowd of digital creatives that attends SXSW Interactive is a great way to build a buzz. We offer all sorts of opportunities for this -- from a booth at the Trade Show to advertising in the Program Book to hosting a party or reception. For information on all the available marketing opportunities, please contact Katie King.

What happens at ScreenBurn?
Registrants will have the opportunity to attend 20 gaming-related panels Saturday, March 8th through Tuesday, March 11th as part of the SXSW Interactive Festival. The third annual ScreenBurn Festival enables consumers and game developers to preview the future of this industry, hear about soon-to-be-released titles, learn fascinating insights from thought-provoking experts, plus meet up-and-coming new talent whose innovations are powering the next generation of play.

How do I register to attend ScreenBurn?
Admission to attend the ScreenBurn panels comes with your SXSW Interactive, Gold, or Platinum Badge. Admission to the ScreenBurn Arcade is free to the public.

What exactly is the ScreenBurn Arcade?
The ScreenBurn Arcade is an open platform of exhibitors and game tournaments free and open to the pubic that offers a hands-on environment for consumers, independents, developers, and soon to be masters of the game world. In the Arcade, companies will display their newest game developments or other gaming-related innovations, and there will be a tournament space for consumers and pro gamers to demo and compete on the latest games. The ScreenBurn Arcade will take place on the first floor of the Austin Convention Center located at the 4th Street & Trinity entrance on Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9th from 12:00 to 6:00 PM.

I’m having trouble finding a room during the festival. Where can I go for help?
SXSW still has hundreds of hotel rooms available for Interactive registrants. Although most the closest hotels within walking distance of the Convention Center are sold out, Austin is a fairly compact city. Even the furthest hotels on our list are only ten minutes away by taxi or rent car. Browse the most current list of options on the Hotel Page. We still have enough options to suit every budget from deluxe to budget. When you register via the SXSW website you will be able to book your hotel via the online interface. And, if you still have questions, contact the SXSW Housing Desk by phone 512-467-7979 or by e-mail at housing@sxsw.com. We are here to help you!