SXSW Interactive Provides First Peek of 2011 Programming

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the SXSW Interactive Festival, happening March 11-15, 2011, is providing the first peek of 2011 programming. Speaker highlights include keynotes by Christopher Poole, Founder of 4Chan and Canvas; Blake Mycoskie, Founder of TOMS Shoes; and Closing Remarks from Futurist Bruce Sterling.  These initial confirmed keynotes reflect the community spirit that is the foundation of SXSW. Christopher Poole provides a unique interpretation of online community and identity. Blake Mycoskie shows how entrepreneurism can benefit the worldwide community. And the insights of Closing Speaker Bruce Sterling have always fascinated the community of digital creatives who attend SXSW. Additional keynote speakers and dates for these keynote slots will be announced in the coming months. More information here: http://sxsw.com/interactive/talks/keynotes

In addition, after months of buzz, SXSW Interactive is very excited to announce the initial list (http://sxsw.com/interactive/talks/sessions) of confirmed sessions for the 2011 SXSW Interactive Festival. From augmented reality to entrepreneurial mistakes to mobile apps to web design, this preliminary batch of panels represents some of the most forward-thinking topics in emerging media today.  

SXSW Interactive accepted session proposals from June 14 - July 11 of this year through the SXSW PanelPicker™, a unique online interface that allows the community to have a voice in programming: http://panelpicker.sxsw.com/

"We attempted to give as broad a slice as possible from the proposals we've reviewed so far, though with over 2,400 proposals, we still have a lot of work to do," said Hugh Forrest, SXSW Interactive Festival Director. "This list only represents approximately one-third of the total programming for 2011, which means there are more equally exciting announcements still to come."

To take advantage of this unparalleled programming, be sure to register today, as early bird registration ends on Friday, September 24, 2010: http://www.sxsw.com/attend

In addition to the programming, please make note of the early entry Interactive Awards (October 15) and SXSW Accelerator (December 15) deadlines.  

SXSW Interactive Awards

The SXSW Interactive Awards uncovers the best new digital work, from websites to web applications and beyond, while celebrating those who are building tomorrow's online trends. Founded in 1997, this competition was initially known as the SXSW Web Awards. Mark your calendars as this year the ceremony will happen on Tuesday, March 15. The early entry deadline for the Interactive Awards is October 15, 2010.  Learn more and enter your digital work here: http://www.sxsw.com/interactive/awards/enter

SXSW Accelerator Presented by Microsoft BizSpark

Join the list of prominent companies that have launched at SXSW Interactive – Siri, AnyClip, Gendai Games, Bump Technologies, Foodspotting, GoTryItOn, NutShellMail – and more. Last year, with Chris Sacca and Brad King as emcees, companies presented their technologies to such notables as Guy Kawasaki, Robert Scoble, and more. Launch your start-up technology at Accelerator today.  Apply by December 15 here: http://www.sxsw.com/interactive/accelerator/enter

About SXSW Interactive Festival

The 18th annual SXSW® Interactive Festival challenges you to envision the future of innovative technology. Featuring five days of compelling presentations from the brightest minds in emerging media and scores of exciting networking events hosted by industry leaders, SXSW Interactive offers an unbeatable line up of special programs showcasing the best new websites, digital projects, wireless applications, video games and startup ideas the community has to offer. From hands-on training to big-picture analysis, SXSW Interactive has become the place to preview of what is unfolding in the world of creative technology. Join us March 11-15, 2011 for the panels, the parties, the 14th Annual Interactive Awards, SXSW ScreenBurn, the SXSW Trade Show, SXSW Accelerator and, of course, the inspirational experience that only SXSW can deliver. Learn more at: http://www.sxsw.com/interactive  

About 2011 Festival Sponsors

SXSW Interactive Festival is sponsored by Miller Lite, Chevrolet, AOL and The Austin Chronicle.

SOURCE SXSW, Inc.