SxSW 2010 Recap: Interactive Vs. Music

Some curious/humorous observations; conclusions, all you...

SxSW Interactive

• Strictly on time


• Panel/keynote speakers wear wireless/clip-on mics (most often)


• Panel/keynote production appears flawless (ex: nametags/hash tags clearly visible, high-quality sound, SxSW staff on-hand and in control)


• Open-door policy (attendees enter and leave panels/keynotes as they please)


• Multitasking assumed and celebrated (ex: tweeting, hash tag strains broadcast simultaneously on stage screens, taking photos/videos, watching videos/accessing links speaker mentions as he/she continues talking)


• Panels/keynotes packed to capacity, one-in/one-out entry queues outside most doors, attendees (literally) battling for panel/keynote front row seats


• Panel/keynote attendee questions usually benefit everyone in the room


• Panel/keynote speakers revered as "rockstars" as attendees vehemently Twitter speeches as "gospels" and rush the stage post events


• Collective, impromptu crowd reactions are frequent (from applause to walkouts)


• Attendees share uber-alpha networking gene, introducing themselves to each other at nearly every possible opportunity, whether seated or in queue... most even managing a pitch


• Attendees have business cards


• Attendees display exuberance in helping each other, openly sharing newly observed/learned tips/ideas


• Panel/keynote speaker metaphors run rampant, assuming attendees will connect dots rapidly (which they do)


• Conversely, attendees express frustration/impatience when panels/keynotes move "slow"


• Overall celebration/mutual admiration between panel/keynote speakers and attendees, each easily vacillating between roles as "students" and "leaders"


• Overarching business-casual fashion, geeky yet hip


• Parties attended mostly by men in khakis [...]

A Triple-A radio programming veteran, Kate has served as Music Director of the Loft at XM, Midday Host at WYEP, Evening Host at both WNCS and WUIN, as well as Content Supervisor for Pump Audio. Currently, she's the CEO of Outlandos Music, a new-music discovery service for grown-ups. Kate has been nationally recognized for her ardent presentation of music and her ability to champion talented, compelling artists.