The SXSW PanelPicker: Tapping into the wisdom of the music community

The History - First Launched in 2007 for SXSW Interactive

For the 2007 event, SXSW Interactive implemented the PanelPicker, an innovative online tool developed to offer the community the chance to become a greater part of the SXSW Interactive Festival, not only by submitting programming ideas, but also by reviewing, commenting and voting for those ideas they most want to see become a part of the event. This interface has proved to be an incredibly valuable tool in terms of culling some of the world's most innovative and creative thinking about the ever-evolving state of new media.

In its inaugural year, PanelPicker received 350 Interactive entries, with more and more coming in each subsequent year. Last season was the biggest yet, with over 1,400 submissions for the Interactive event alone.

For the 2010 season, SXSW has extended PanelPicker to include panel submission ideas for all three annual industry events (Music, Film, and Interactive), further enhancing the opportunity for the intersection of creative and professional minds throughout all three events.

“The PanelPicker interface is a natural extension of the creative intermingling that takes place during the festival itself. We are excited that we can provide a forum for new ideas to debut and flourish year-round.”
- Roland Swenson, SXSW’s Managing Director

The Process -Voting Runs August 17 - September 4

Step One - Submission / June 1, 2009 through July 10, 2009

During the open submission process, which started June 1 and ran through through July 10, we encouraged the community to upload proposals for panels, discussions, mentors, demonstrations, etc.

Step Two - Community Voting / August 17, 2009 through September 4, 2009

Starting August 17 and running through September 4 the community will have the opportunity to review all of the proposed ideas and rate submissions that they think are best fit for the March event.

Signing up is simple and FREE! Go to PanelPicker any time between August 17 and September 4 , 2009, click "Sign In" at the top right of the page. Next click "create a new account" and fill out the simple form. Once you are signed up you will be able to review, rate and comment on all submissions for the 2010 event. Voting officially closes on September 4, but the interface will remain open for comments through the event.

The Decision - Voting + Staff + Advisory Board

Here's how it works. Vote totals from the community, along with feedback from SXSW Advisory Boards and the SXSW staff, will determine the bulk of panel programming for the 2010 event. Each of these three channels informs a percentage of the decision-making process.

You - 30%

Who knows better what you want to see at SXSW than you? Your voice matters even if you did not submit a proposal.

SXSW Advisory Board - 40 %

A group of distinguished professionals working with live and recorded music, and related endeavors, from across the U. S. and around the world who are at the forefront of the music industry, the SXSW Advisory board will provide significant feedback on all submissions.

SXSW Staff - 30 %

With years of experience programming this particular event, the SXSW staff will also weigh in with feedback and endeavor to fill in any gaps in subject matter, strike a balance between new and veteran speakers, as well as research each presenter’s history and online following.

The Competition - Almost 300 Entries Received for 2010

When the submission process closed on July 10th, PanelPicker had received almost 300 entries for the SXSW Music Conference. With so many great ideas vying for slots in the 2010 SXSW Music Conference lineup, competition is going to be tough. Don't be discouraged if your idea is not chosen for 2010, there may be other ways you can participate.

The Scoop - First Announcements Coming This Fall

The first round of selections will be announced this Fall. Stay tuned to the website for all the latest news and information about SXSW 2010 programming. Additional information about the PanelPicker can be found on the PanelPicker FAQ.