FAQ for Core Conversation Organizers

Greetings and welcome to the Resource Page for Core Conversation leaders for the 2008 SXSW Interactive Festival. We have tried to provide answers to as many possible Core Conversation-related questions that we can think of. Nonetheless, we understand that the entire SXSW process can be very confusing. So please feel free to e-mail us if you still have questions. But first read through this document, as the answer you are looking for may already be provided here.

I. REGISTRATION / BADGE PICK-UP
II. BASIC CORE CONVERSATION INFORMATION
III. THE GREEN ROOM / NOT!!
IV. THE PANEL ITSELF
V. THE ROOM SET-UP
VI. TECHNICAL ISSUES FOR MY CORE CONVERSATION
VII. BUTTONS, DAY PASSES, UPGRADES
VIII. THE SOUTH BY BOOKSTORE
IX. COMP BADGE & HOTELS
X. SXSW CONTACT INFORMATION

I. REGISTRATION / BADGE PICK-UP

Does SXSW mail my badge to me?
No. Due to past counterfeiting problems, we are unable to distribute badges before the event begins.

So, where do I pick up my badge?
Registration / badge pick-up occurs on the top floor of the Austin Convention Center in downtown Austin. Enter the building at the 4th and Trinity doors and take the escalators to the top floor. Once there, look for the kiosk that says "Panelist Check-In."

When is registration / badge pick-up open?
Registration / badge pick-up hours have changed for 2008 as compared to previous years. Hours are as follows: Friday, March 7 (10 am to 8 pm); Saturday, March 8 (9 am to 8 pm); Sunday, March 9 (9:30 am to 6 pm); Monday, March 10 (9:30 am to 6 pm); Tuesday, March 11 (10 am to 8 pm).

How long does it take to pick up my badge?
If there is no line, the badge pick-up process takes about three minutes.

When is the best time for me to pick up my badge?
Crowds come and go. However, be advised that Friday, March 7 is notoriously busy -- particularly early in the day. If you can wait until later in the day on Friday to pick up your badge, then you will probably be able to avoid a longer wait. To this end, panels do not begin until 3:30 on Friday.

How do I upload my badge photo?
All SXSW badges include a headshot photo of the given registrant. While we have a bevy of cameras at the pick-up area, uploading your badge photo now will make your check-in process go much faster. Just login to your Online Registrants Directory listing (https://regdir.sxsw.com/), then click on "badge" and follow the uploading directions. This interface will also allow you to make any necessary corrections to your badge information. If you cannot remember your user name and password, use the above link to retrieve it.

Do I still need to upload my photo, even if I sent it to you earlier (along with my bio)?
Yes, two different bureaucracies. In other words, you still need to upload your photo.

What do I need to bring to obtain my badge?
A driver's license or a passport or some other form of photo ID.

Can someone else collect my badge for me?
No, unfortunately we do not allow this.

As a Core Conversation leader, what else am I give at registration / badge pick-up?
In addition to your badge, you will be given a packet of panel-related information. You will also be directed to the area where you pick up your Big Bag and your SXSW Program Book, both of which contain tons of important event-related data.

II. BASIC CORE CONVERSATION INFORMATION

When does my Core Conversation occur?
We should have given you this information already. If not, please contact us (interpanels at sxsw.com) immediately and we will provide it for you.

How long does my Core Conversation last?
All Core Conversations last for 60 minutes.

Where does my Core Conversation occur?
All Core Conversations take place at the Austin Convention Center in downtown Austin. For 2008, we are using much more of the building than we have used in previous years. After you report to the Green Room (read below), SXSW volunteers will escort you to the Core Conversation room.

When will my Core Conversation information be listed online?
We hope to have a dynamic programming schedule on the SXSW Interactive website in early February. At present, your name should be listed on the Speaker Page.

There are errors related to my name on the website -- what should I do?
Many apologies. Please e-mail interpanels at sxsw.com and we will correct these errors immediately.

III. THE GREEN ROOM / NOT !!

Do I need to come to the Green Room before my Core Conversation begins?
No! In a previous e-mail, we mentioned that you need to check into the Green Room an hour before your Core Conversation is to begin. Please disregard this information. The new plan is that you report directly to the Core Conversation room (Ballroom E on Level 4). Please arrive at Ballroom E 30 minutes before your Core Conversation is supposed to begin. Once there, please introduce yourself to the volunteer crew at the check-in table..

So where do I go again?
Report to Ballroom E on Level 4 of the Austin Convention Center, 30 minutes before your Core Conversation is set to begin.

IV. THE CORE CONVERSATION ITSELF

What is the focus of my Core Conversation?
If you are not clear on the focus of your Core Conversation, then please contact interpanels at sxsw.com immediately.

What should I do to prepare for my Core Conversation?
Spend a significant amount of time thinking about the most interesting / enlightening discussions you have had related to this topic. Contemplate the thought process that led to these discussions. Remember, what you are trying to accomplish with the Core Conversation -- a completely captivating discussion related to the topic at hand.

What kind of format should I follow for the Core Conversation?
We recommend that you prepare a short (5-7 minute) introductory presentation that covers your thoughts on your topic. This presentation should be somewhat open-ended because what are you trying to do here is stimulate more conversation and discussion. It might also be a good idea to prepare a list of questions. Well-conceived questions are always a good way to stimulate a conversation.

Are the people who come to my Core Conversation allowed to contribute to the conversation?
Absolutely! This is very much the goal of the Core Conversation program -- that lots and lots of people contribute their ideas (as opposed to just listening to the wisdom of a few so-called experts).

What makes for a good Core Conversation?
As before, what you want to achieve is a fluid and dynamic discussion where lots of different ideas are expressed, debated, re-thought, and re-hashed. Ideally, these ideas are coming from lots a wide variety of people, not just one or two of the attendees.

What makes for a bad Core Conversation?
Starting late is not good. Allowing the discussion to veer to a completely different topic is not very good either. Letting one person dominate (or one viewpoint) the conversation also makes for a poor Core Conversation. As above, the goal is to create an atmosphere which encourages lots and lots of different ideas on the topic at hand.

Any other tips on what NOT to do at my Core Conversation?
One of the biggest complaints we hear from attendees is that a given panel was supposed to be about one topic, but the speakers ended up talking about something completely different. Please remember to stay focused on the topic as outlined in the title and the description. If the title and description do not reflect what you want to talk about in this Core Conversation, please contact us ASAP at interpanels at sxsw.com so we can adjust the wording accordingly.

What is the level of expertise of the audience?
It is hard to generalize the expertise of the SXSW audience. But, as a rule, these are people who are very tech-savvy and very creative. Often, they know (or think they know) as much about the topic as the supposed experts.

Should I prepare notes for my Core Conversation?
If preparing notes will make you feel more comfortable, then preparing notes is what you should do. One way or another, the more energy and passion that you bring to your Core Conversation, the better the end result will be.

Help, I am nervous -- what should I do?
Don't be nervous. The SXSW Interactive community is very supportive. As long as you treat attendees with respect by preparing for your Core Conversation, they will treat you with respect also. Moreover, SXSW Interactive is a lot of fun. If you do a little bit of advance work on your topic, you have absolutely nothing to worry about.

V. THE ROOM SET-UP

How will the Core Conversation room be set up?
The Core Conversation room will feature six tables -- so at any given timeslot, there are six discussions going on simultaneously. You will be stationed at one of these six tables. Attendees who want to be part of your Core Conversation will seat themselves near you. Depending on how captivating the discussion is, people may also be standing near your table.

Won't it get a bit noisy in this room?
We hope it won't get too noisy. The Core Conversations concept borrows liberally from the informal hallway discussions that have always been such a popular part of SXSW Interactive. These discussions have generally thrived, even within the hustle and bustle of the hallways. We hope the same thing will be true in the Core Conversation room.

Will the other Core Conversations that are happening during my timeslot have a similar focus to what I am talking about?
Yes, we have grouped similar topics together. We think this will make it easier for registrants to understand the value of visiting the Core Conversation room, as opposed to attending a panel session.

VI. TECHNICAL ISSUES FOR MY CORE CONVERSATION

What kind of technical capacities should I expect in the Core Conversation room?
As previously noted, the goal of the Core Conversation room is discussion. So, the room will be deliberately low-tech -- no big computer monitors and no bulky projection systems.

Can I bring my laptop for my Core Conversation?
Sure, that is OK. But, we can't emphasize this enough -- the Core Conversation experience is less about demonstrating new technology than it is about achieving an incredible discussion with lots of innovative ideas.

VII. BUTTONS, DAY PASSES, UPGRADES

Where can I get SXSW buttons for my blog?
See http://2008.sxsw.com/interactive/resources/ and http://screenburnfest.com/2008/resources/

Will my session be recorded?
For 2008, SXSW is planning to record audio for all the panels. These recordings will be release shortly after the event.

Can my husband / wife / significant other attend my panel?
E-mail interpanels at sxsw.com to obtain a Day Pass so your husband / wife / significant other can attend you panel.

How do I obtain this Day Pass?
When you pick up your panel packet, please tell the attendant that your name should be on the Day Pass list.

Where can I find a schedule of Evening Events at SXSW?
The Evening Events Page on the SXSW Interactive website is scheduled to be updated with 2008 information on Friday, February 1.

What is the URL for the SXSW Interactive Hub?
Click here to access the SXSW Interactive Hub. FYI, this blog is open for everyone to post on -- whether you are a speaker or registrant or not planning on attending in 2008.

What other new and cool tech tools does SXSW have for 2008?
Click to the SXSW Tools section for more information on all the neat geek gadgets that are part of this year's event.

What else is new at SXSW Interactive this year?
For 2008, we have also added Book Readings. So even more cool content than ever before!

What else happens during SXSWeek?
Tons. The SXSW Film Conference runs concurrently with SXSW Interactive. Meanwhile, SXSW Music begins on Wednesday, March 12 and continues through Sunday, March 16. See the right column on the SXSW home page for the full schedule.

So the Gold Badge I am given for leading a Core Conversation at SXSW Interactive allows me to attend SXSW Film Conference panels and SXSW Film Festival screenings?
Correct.

I want to upgrade my badge to Platinum -- what do I do?
Cost for an Interactive panelist to upgrade to Platinum is $275. Purchase this upgrade when you pick up your registration badge.

I want to buy a wristband for the SXSW Music Festival -- what do I do?
Interactive panelists are allowed to purchase one SXSW Music wristband. Purchase this wristband when you pick up your registration badge. Wristband pricing information will be released in mid-February.

I may need to cancel my Core Conversation slot -- what should I do?
E-mail interpanels at sxsw.com ASAP if you think you are going to have to cancel. We have a long waiting list of qualified speakers, so we will fill your slot with someone from this waiting list.

VIII. THE SOUTH BY BOOKSTORE

What is the South By Bookstore?
Managed by Barnes and Noble, the South By Bookstore features recent published titles that were written by SXSW panelists.

Where is the South by Bookstore located?
Inside the Interactive + Film (iF!) Trade Show.

How do I get my book to be stocked at the South by Bookstore?
Contact interpanels at sxsw.com.

How do I participate in a book signing at the South by Bookstore?
Contact interpanels at sxsw.com.

IX. COMP BADGE & HOTELS

As a speaker, do I have to pay for my badge for SXSW Interactive?
No. All SXSW Interactive speakers receive a free Gold Badge (good for admission to all events for SXSW Interactive and SXSW Film).

How do I obtain this free badge?
We should have already sent you a special coupon for you to redeem this free badge. If you did not receive the coupon, please contact interpanels at sxsw.com immediately.

How do I book a hotel for my stay in Austin during SXSW?
The comp registration interface will take you to a page that lists all available hotels during SXSW Interactive. If you did not book a hotel when you redeemed your comp coupon, you can still book one now. Login to your account at https://regdir.sxsw.com/.

All the good hotels look like they are sold out. Can you help me?
Yes, e-mail interpanels at sxsw.com and we will work with you to find the best possible room for your price range.

X. SXSW CONTACT INFORMATION

Is this the last piece of information I will get from SXSW before the event begins in March?
No, definitely not. We will contact you a couple of times in February with additional Core Conversation details.

How is the best way to contact SXSW now about my speaking slot?
E-mail interpanels at sxsw.com.

I am totally confused about my Core Conversation. Can you help me?
E-mail interpanels at sxsw.com.

I am totally confused about SXSW. Can you help me?
E-mail interpanels at sxsw.com.

I have questions about Austin. Can you help me?
E-mail interpanels at sxsw.com.

Will you be answering e-mail once SXSW begins?
Beginning Friday, March 7, we will be onsite at the Austin Convention Center. At that point, our access to e-mail will be very limited. Instead come to the Panels Kiosk on the top floor and get your question answered face-to-face. What a concept!

Will SXSW be in touch with Core Conversation organizers after the event?
Yes, definitely. However, please remember that SXSWeek continues through Sunday, March 18 -- and once SXSW Interactive concludes, we will go to work on SXSW Music. So, e-mails sent to us immediately after the event concludes may not be answered for a few days.