SXSW Interactive: March 13-17, 2009

Is all of your time spent checking multiple email addresses? Do you suffer extreme popularity resulting in inbox overload? Rest assured, you're not alone. And there is a cure -- NutshellMail is here to help. To learn how you can "access, manage, and monitor messages from all your email and social networking accounts through any inbox you already use," be sure to visit NutshellMail in the Film / Interactive Trade Show during the new and improved show dates:  Saturday, March 14 - Monday, March 16 on Level 3 of the Austin Convetion Center.

The Trade Show is filling up fast, so contact Katie King to reserve your space before it's too late!

The 2009 SXSW Interactive Festival will feature around 200 panel sessions on topics such as blogging, digital filmmaking, entrepreneurship, web design, wireless innovation, video games and numerous other geek-related concerns.  If you haven't already, browse the first 70 of these sessions that we have confirmed for next year's event.

But when will the rest of the panel schedule be announced? Check back on Friday, October 31 when we release another big batch of content for 2009. No ghosts or goblins here -- just tons of great content that will make your spring in Austin a truly amazing treat.

This Saturday and Sunday, SXSW Interactive and The Austin Chronicle will be working with Austin Laser Art to provide some unique games and prizes at Maker Faire Austin. Come join us as for an old-fashioned tortilla toss with laser-engraved tortillas!

I talked with our inside man at Austin Laser Art, Aaron Haley, about whether he had any other inclinations besides tortillas for the toss, and he let on that they had also tried some toast and even Twinkies before going full-on Southwestern in flavor.

For those at the ScreenBurn Arcade last year, you might remember Austin Laser Art as the group that engraved your phone, laptop or DS.

Are you creating the best and most innovative online destinations? Then don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your latest work to the web industry and win big in the 12th Annual SXSW Web Awards Presented by Adobe.

Focusing on sites that launched in 2008, this year’s international competition includes a very special reception for finalists in each category on Saturday evening, March 14. Mingle with your competitors, share details of your project with press in attendance, and meet event sponsors before the big showdown on Sunday night at the 2009 SXSW Web Awards Ceremony. Don't miss out on this premier opportunity to leverage the SXSW buzz and be recognized for your innovative work.

Take advantage of the early entry deadline and submit your work before midnight on Friday, October 17 »

Pictured above: Preloaded takes home the Best of Show honors, along with a special prize package including Adobe software, at the 2008 event.

As the students file into class they notice something strange about the blackboard, every inch is covered with words like "networking opportunities," "talks," "product launches," "the newest technology," "industry leaders" ... and right in the center of it all, in large bold letters... "Value."

The instructor puts down the chalk and addresses the class. "Last week we talked about the wide range of topics covered by panel sessions, and it occurred to me that, while the heart the SXSW Interactive is the daytime programming, the whole experience is actually so much more. Not only do attendees get the benefit of five days of thought-provoking panels and Keynote presentations, they can find out about the latest tech trends in the Trade Show, hear readings from new books by the authors themselves, enjoy unlimited opportunities for networking with old and new friends at numerous evening events, get caught up with the very latest in web trends at the Web Awards, mix and mingle with the digital creatives that drive the future and make connections that can last a lifetime. And with all that going on in one place... well, anything can happen. What's even more amazing is that, if they register before November 14th, they can have it all for only $400, $95 off the walk up price."

The class chatters with anticipation, "I heard that for just a little more you can get a Gold Badge that gets you into film panels and screenings." "I'm getting a Platinum Badges so I can stay for the Music Festival and Conference!"

The instructor is pleased. "Yes, there are so many possibilities. Next week we'll discuss the value of SXSW Gold and Platinum Badges."

When you plan on becoming a gaming icon, what you're really thinking about is the life of Austin's own prodigal dreamer, Richard Garriott. Adding another layer to the mythos, the former SXSW keynote speaker successful arrived in space Sunday morning aboard the Russian Soyuz TMA-13 spacecraft.

Cementing his trip with the reigning icon of political satire, the Ultima creator and founder of Origins brought with him Stephen Colbert's digitized DNA (among dozens of others) for preservation in space.

The path to reach such epic heights starts with the same steps it takes to walk any other path in life. We hope to see future greats walking toward their own heights at ScreenBurn at SXSW, whether in the arcade or in the game design competition.

Every spring in Austin, the SXSW Interactive Festival brings together many of the new media industry's most insightful thinkers, as well as hundreds of early-adopters whose decisions help shape the look and feel of the online world. Why not tap into the buzz of the event by marketing your service, business or product to this cutting-edge crowd?

Through Friday, November 14, you can save 10% on placing promotional materials inside the Big Bags, advertising in the conference Program Book / Registrant Directory and exhibiting at the three-day Trade Show.

Make sure to read the 2009 Marketing Brochure or contact Katie@sxsw.com for more information on all the cool (and completely affordable) ways to promote yourself or your company at SXSW.