Career-enhancing connections make the SXSW Interactive Festival so special to so many digital creatives. Come to Austin in March to connect yourself (or your company) to the new ideas, new technologies and new business opportunities that will shape the future, as well as game-changing insights from the world's most innovative thought-leaders. Registration for the 2014 SXSW Interactive Festival opens the first week of August 2013 -- buy your badge early to take advantage of the lowest prices and the best selection of lodging.
For the eight startups participating in the third annual SXSW Music Accelerator yesterday, describing how their companies help musicians find that sweet spot between connecting to their existing and potential fans and the reality to make money could have been a harrowing experience. Fortunately for the spokespeople pitching a panel of judges and co-emcees Brad King and Evan Lowenstein, their responses showed a genuine desire to ensure artists' success in the rapidly evolving music industry.
"What is your secret sauce?" is a question that often stumps startups as they try to clearly and briefly explain what separates them from their competitors. Fortunately for many of the 18 companies pitching in the final round at the fifth annual SXSW Accelerator, the answers were succinct and compelling.
SXSW Cares! by Hugh MacLeodTechnology serves as the prevailing language of conversation for most of SXSW Interactive. However, the bottom line to everything that happens at the event (from panel discussions to meaningful one-on-one conversations) is creativity. Maximize your amazing creativity by helping SXSW Interactive help two important 501C3s during your time at the event.
A nonprofit design services firm dedicated to building a more sustainable future through the power of professional design, Architecture for Humanity is comprised of over 50,000 professionals lending time and services to help those who would not otherwise be able to afford their services. The specific project that SXSW-related donations will benefit within AFH is Rebuild One Block which seeks to revitalize a New York neighborhood that was initially devastated by 9/11, then suffered more significant damage during Hurricane Sandy. Assist Architecture for Humanity with this Rebuild One Block project by clicking on this Razoo link.
Did you miss some sessions at SXSW Interactive? Unable to attend? Want to rewatch something? Oracle has made the SXSW Interactive Featured Sessions and Keynotes available in their entirety at sxsw.com/interactive/on-demand to watch sessions whenever you want. Get started now with Tina Roth Eisenberg's Keynote session discussing passion and knowledge from her diverse business experience, and how taking your side projects seriously will lead to your success.
ROLI by Tamara Bell
Plotter by Tamara Bell
SXSW Cares! by Hugh MacLeod
A nonprofit design services firm dedicated to building a more sustainable future through the power of professional design, Architecture for Humanity is comprised of over 50,000 professionals lending time and services to help those who would not otherwise be able to afford their services. The specific project that SXSW-related donations will benefit within AFH is Rebuild One Block which seeks to revitalize a New York neighborhood that was initially devastated by 9/11, then suffered more significant damage during Hurricane Sandy. Assist Architecture for Humanity with this Rebuild One Block project by clicking on this 
Hurray for the Riff Raff plays Next Stage at 1pm!
