Shaquille O'Neal
courtesy the speakerSXSW Interactive has become a very big gathering with lots of big ideas and big concepts and big-picture thinking. Given this theme of big, we are very excited that one of the biggest personalities from the world of professional sports will speak at the 2013 event. Join us on Monday, March 11 at 12:30pm when we present Shaq Goes Social: The Big Interview.

On the basketball court, Shaq was a four-time NBA champion, a three-time NBA Finals MVP, a two-time NBA scoring champion and a 15-time NBA All-Star. He was also voted Rookie of the Year (1992-93) and Most Valuable Player (1999-2000).

Chuck Lorre
by Art StreiberWorlds will collide when the creator of The Big Bang Theory meets the author of The Sandman at SXSW! Top TV comedy hitmaker Chuck Lorre (Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory, Mike & Molly) will make his SXSW debut onstage with best-selling author Neil Gaiman (Coraline, Stardust, and the acclaimed comic book series The Sandman) during a convergent featured session at the SXSW 2013.

"Chuck Lorre: In Conversation with Neil Gaiman" will take place on Saturday, March 9, at 3:30 p.m. in Dell Hall of the Long Center and brings together two of the most accomplished writers in entertainment for a wide-ranging discussion about the creative process. This event (and all Long Center conference programming) is open to Interactive, Film, Music, Gold and Platinum.

Finalists photo by Michael Cummings

We are very excited to bring you the finalists of the 2013 SXSW Interactive Awards. All finalists are projects that were launched or completely redesigned in 2012, with the exception of those in the Classic category. The winners in each category will be revealed at the 16th Annual SXSW Interactive Awards Ceremony presented by Bloomfire on Tuesday evening, March 12 at the Hilton Austin Downtown. The Ceremony will be emceed by the hilarious Aisha Tyler.

White horse at The White Horse
by Tammy Lynn GilmoreGetting excited for SXSW Interactive? If you live in Austin, Texas or the surrounding area, you should come share your excitement, ask any questions you may have and meet some really cool locals this Monday, January 28 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at The White Horse.

SXSW Interactive wants to buy you a drink and give you an opportunity to meet and network with other technology professionals in the Austin area before SXSW Interactive comes around this March. As a bonus, we'll have representatives from SXSW V2V available to chat and answer questions. We hope to see you there