The SXSW 2015 Premiere of “Knock, Knock, It’s Tig Notaro” directed by Park Pictures‘ Chris Wilcha
A massive crowd of creatives and spectators are descending on the Lone Star State for this year’s SXSW Interactive, a tech conference within the South by Southwest Festival (SXSW), in Austin, Texas. SXSW Interactive takes place from March 10 to March 19 and is expected to gather an eclectic mix of spectators, entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, and other technology and digital professionals from around the globe. The innovation-seeking crowd will immerse themselves in the newest technology, captivating installations, tacos, discussion panels, parties, networking events, and — did we mention tacos?
Whether you’re a SXSW veteran or rookie, the continually growing tech, media, music and film festival giant can be daunting for even the most seasoned conference-goer. From panels to events and the much-anticipated Virtual Cinema track, we have you covered with a round-up of all things happening at SXSW Interactive 2017.
Pile into a Panel Session
Image credit: SXSW.com
Major themes we are seeing this year for speaking engagements are advancements in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR.) Now that the immersive technology has gone mainstream it’s an ever hot topic, as is artificial intelligence, technology disrupting the current state of health care, TV and the film industry. Humanitarian and forward-looking applications of technology are a signature of SXSW Interactive since its inception.
TIP: It can be a challenging process to choose from the dozens of daily sessions and decide which ones will tap into your curiosity and benefit you the most. Make sure you coordinate your schedule before your departure.You can view all of the speaking sessions HERE.
Strap on a Headset for Virtual Cinema
Image credit: SXSW.com
Over the past two or three years, VR has been a growing faction at SXSW. As a result, the interactive festival is keeping the momentum behind VR by including it in the SXSW film festival program for the first time and exhibiting exclusively selected VR and MR experiences at the Virtual Cinema, located on the 4th floor of the JW Marriott from March 14 to March 16. View the screening schedule HERE.
High Tail it to Events
Image credit: SXSW.com
SXSW events range from networking events, lounges and parties to award ceremonies, and they provide great opportunities to meet and network with other creatives and techies to make one-on-one connections. Free food and drink while you enhance your career is a hallmark of SXSW and is guaranteed to keep the conversation flowing.
An event that garners a lot of attention every year is the SXSW Accelerator Pitch event that will take place at the Startup Village in the downtown Hilton Austin. The event is in its ninth year and will feature 50 Interactive technology companies from 10 different categories dazzling a live audience with their pithy ‘elevator’ pitches and Q&A, presented to a high-profile panel of judges.
You can view other SXSW events taking place HERE.
Go for the Gold at Award Ceremonies
SXSW Interactive Festival honors some of the industry’s top innovators. The award ceremonies include the SXSW Awards, the SXSW Accelerator Awards, the Dewey Winburne Community Services Awards and the SXSW Interactive Innovation Awards. So keep your ears peeled for thought leaders you follow on Twitter, and if they announce they’ve won something, you might actually get the chance to shake their hand.
Image credit: Veloctize.com
Overall, there is as much to do in Austin at SXSW as there are top-rated barbecue restaurants and food trucks. Make sure you strive to have the best time, enjoy Austin’s unique culture and music, and participate in events that will benefit you creatively or professionally far after the festival has ended.