Web Group Goes to Austin

A group of some of the best and brightest web and social media minds in Louisville headed to Austin, Texas two weeks ago for the annual mega-conference SXSW Interactive. The conference boasts some of the best panels, conversations and networking opportunities for web people of all stripes including your run of the mill geeks, gamers, designers, content producers, startup personnel and VCs interested in snapping up the next hot web property. I asked a few members of the Louisville SXSWi contingent to give me their thoughts on the conference.

Jason Falls of Social Media Explorer and Doe Anderson

South by Southwest Interactive (SXSWi) might have been the best conference I’ve ever attended. Most conference sessions have a hard time delivering on subject matter. Every session I attended nailed it and I left with the information I’d hoped to gain. Every party thrown was either the best party you’d ever been to or was so crowded, you and several friends decided to go start one of your own which turned out to be better than the last. But the best part was the networking, by far. From web celebs to start-up noobs, from deer-in-headlights marketers to some of the top software engineers on the planet, there were new friends around every corner. Mix in some film session participants and the live band awaiting us at the Austin airport when we left town and there’s nothing bad to say about this trip.My friend Shawn turned to me on the way home and said, “I don’t care if I even have a job next year. I’m coming back and paying my own way.” I don’t disagree.

Nick Huhn of Yum! Brands

SXSW brings together the best and brightest not only in the realm of interactive technology, but also the luminaries in the emerging field of social media and comprehensive web strategies that apply to startups and multi-billion dollar enterprises alike. All attendees that I encountered were very eager to share and learn the many nuances of interactive digital communications, as even the experts and featured panelists have a vested interest in growing their knowledge and skills.This event provides priceless opportunities to rub elbows with the esteemed leaders in the online world and with emerging thought leaders and entrepreneurs for which Louisville is increasingly becoming well known. My first experience at SXSW proved to be a very valuable opportunity, and I look forward to participating and learning more in the years to come.

Shawn Morton of Profilactic

The great thing about SXSW is the atmosphere. It’s often called “Spring Break for Geeks” and, while it could be perceived that way from the outside, I think that sells the event short. For me, SXSWi was really all about making connections and building my network… in a fun atmosphere… with lots of parties… and free beer. OK, so it *is* sort of like “Spring Break for Geeks,” but better.

This type of event is especially important for those of us from Louisville who don’t get to see and interact with the San Francisco or New York crowd very often. The fact that it is on neutral turf makes it feel much more like a vacation, so everyone is much more laid back.

I collected hundreds of business cards, had dozens of great conversations and made a ton of new friends that I will definitely be staying in touch with. Plus, I got to play lots of Guitar Hero. That’s a great event in my book.

The toughest part for me, besides going without sleep, was keeping up with all of the LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter friend requests. The question you would always hear people ask was “What’s your Twitter handle?” Eventually, people just started writing it on their SXSW badges.

If you have a startup, SXSWi is a perfect place to meet people and get great feedback. I will definitely go back next year.