SXSW Interactive 2007 – My Recap

So this will serve as my wrap-up post for SXSW. Check out all of my coverage on the main SXSW post. Overall I really enjoyed myself and while I can't say that I learned a ton, I did make a lot of contacts, got some people crossed off my "to meet in 2007" list and had a lot of fun. The environment in Austin was great, very relaxing and I am very glad I switched hotels!

And before I start – you must watch this video I made at 3am – I had no idea what this thing was at the time – luckily Colin figured it out!

Intro – There were some great sessions here and here and some not-so-great sessions here and here. The "How to Rawk SXSW" intro-panel really bit the big one and it sure seemed like many of the panelists are full of themselves. Teach us things about Austin, sights, to-do's, etc. instead of just cursing over and over and telling us how great you are. This "I am great" mantra seemed prevalent across many of the panels.

Twitter – a post will be coming later on about this, you better believe it's coming. And it won't be pretty. Not just for Twitter either.

SXSW Crew – excellent job – these badge checkers should be working at the world's airports, I bet security would be better. Very organized, the badge process went well. Press room was great, though I still didn't get why there were 800 of those Seagate drive units. One note, women have way more bathrooms than men at SXSW. Considering men outnumber women say 5-1 (?), why not switch a bank of toilets over for the week?

WiFi – Nice job. Had a bit of an issue the first day with port 80 but otherwise was pretty strong. Considering how many Apple lovers were there, I am sure the bandwidth was major.

Panels - I liked how basically the rooms held each panel well. Sometimes this becomes a big issue like in Boston last month. Most of the timing for each panel worked well, a couple could have used a bit more time. Was interesting to see how some moderators introduced the panels while some introduced themselves. Why must panelists curse and have potty mouths? It really doesn't help you, I know it gets you a cheap pop but otherwise is useless. Keep your potty mouth for the bar.

Awards show – enjoyed it – enjoyed the mingling before hand – enjoyed the press seat (thanks PorterNovelli!) – felt like a real press person with all the big names next to me. Ze did a good job and kept the audience entertained – but again why the cursing.

Attendees – WHY must you mic hog. Geez… get your question/comment ready, write it down if you have to. But ask it in 30 seconds. There are no-ifs-ands-or-butts on this one. No one wants to hear you banter on and on about nothing. Ask, and move on. Thank you. I still can't believe a woman tried to shill her site within a panel and the panelists were willing to actually help her. Maybe she was a plant! I wouldn't put it past the "marketing experts".

Austin – very nice town. Feels like a mini-city. Weather was great (even with the rain the last day). I found the air cleaner, people were friendly in shops and eateries and I look forward to visiting again. Nice 50 cent shuttle from the airport rocked too.

Summary – it was great overall, look forward to next year's SXSW (or as the "cool kids" call it "south by") and hope I will be on a panel.  What did you think about SXSW? Drop me a note if you would like CN to cover your conference.