SXSW Interactive 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. For 2006, we are highlighting digital convergence with a full track of panels relating to the topic.

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 3300 registrants from around the United States and across the world attended the 2005 SXSW Interactive Festival. Due to the Web 2.0 buzz, 2006 looks to be a particularly 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 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, Molly Holzschlag, Meg Hourihan, Steven Johnson, Philip Kaplan, Jaron Lanier, Brenda Laurel, Howard Rheingold, Todd Rundgren, DJ Spooky, Bruce Sterling, Joe Trippi 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 2006 at the SXSW Interactive Festival?
This year, SXSW Interactive has created a new one-day gaming event called ScreenBurn Beta Festival. On Saturday, March 11, the first annual ScreenBurn will enable consumers to preview the future of the video game industry as they can play with soon-to-be-released titles, hear the fascinating insights of thought-provoking experts, plus meet up-and-coming indie developers. ScreenBurn will be free and open to the public. In addition to this, four days of programming are scheduled to focus on new content and business opportunities in the growing field of digital convergence.

What happens in the evening?
From the Opening Party on Saturday, March 11 through the Closing Party on Tuesday, March 14, 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 don?t sell single day passes to this event. The low registration price of the SXSW Interactive Festival is a 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 $300 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?
E-mail your idea to Hugh@sxsw.com. The deadline for submitting panel ideas has already passed but we will resume accepting your ideas August 1, 2006.

Can my company buy exhibition space at the SXSW Interactive Festival?
The Interactive / Film (iF!) Trade Show & Exhibition runs Sunday, March 12 through Tuesday, March 14. Contact Katie@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@sxsw.com.

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