Sessions at SXSW Interactive 2012 about Conferences

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Saturday 10th March 2012

• Envisioning a Better World Together at SXSW 2013

  by Derek Lackaff

  Scheduled to take place in Austin in March 2013, the SXSW Visioning Assembly will be a collective dialogue with a large sample of SXSWi participants. Based on the Agora Process, developed by the Icelandic startup and political grassroots communities and used successfully in two National Assemblies, the Visioning Assembly combines elements of crowdsourcing and brainstorming on a large face-to-face scale with realtime collective feedback. Previous participants have characterized an event as one of the most beautiful, empowering, and fun events they have ever experienced.

  In this session we will explain what the Visioning Assembly process is, share the interesting history of its development, and discuss why it is a perfect match for SXSWi -- audience participation will be expected!

  Why should SXSW Interactive host a Visioning Assembly? SXSW Interactive brings together the most interesting people in the world of interactive media. Across dozens of stages, fascinating people address the most important (and most fun) topics in this wide-ranging field. A great session often has the feel of a great concert, with huge (or occasionally intimate) audiences sharing passion, energy, and new perspectives. Some of this audience interaction is captured in whispered discussion and via backchannel hashtags. The Visioning Assembly will allow this collective intellect, knowledge, and energy to be captured and directed towards a common good.

  • Community
  • Conferences
  • SXSW

  At 9:30am to 10:30am, Saturday 10th March

  In Salon C, AT&T Conference Center

  Coverage audio clip slide deck

Monday 12th March 2012

• #140conf: Taking on BIG Brands

  by Nan Palmero and Alan Weinkrantz

  • Brands
  • Conferences
  • Working with Brands

  At 4:45pm to 5:00pm, Monday 12th March

  In Salon FG, Hilton Austin Downtown

• Race: Know When to Hold It and When to Fold It

  by Adria Richards, Corvida Raven, Anjuan Simmons, Scott Hanselman and Latoya Peterson

  This panel seeks to change the conversation from “What can technology conferences do about diversity?” to “What can attendees do about diversity at technology conferences?” The panel is composed of speakers who have each presented at multiple technology conferences on topics that did not focus on race or diversity but instead spoke on topics of sci-fi, electronic ownership of email and digital wills, the influence of mobile development via comic books, social media for youth and business automation lessons from Amazon. While the diversity of some major tech conferences has steadily improved over the years, geek culture - which remains overwhelmingly white and male - is still the norm. This can be daunting for people who, despite being experts in technology and new media, don’t see themselves reflected in the marketing materials or content. Panelists will share how individuals can contribute to making technology conferences more inclusive.

  • Conferences
  • Diversity
  • inclusion
  • Technology

  At 5:00pm to 6:00pm, Monday 12th March

  In Room 9ABC, Austin Convention Center

  Coverage audio clip