2008 SXSW INTERACTIVE SPEAKER FAQ PAGE

Greetings and welcome to the Speaker Resource Page for the 2008 SXSW Interactive Festival. We have tried to provide answers to as many possible speaker-related questions that we can think of. Nonetheless, we understand that the SXSW panel 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 PANEL INFORMATION
III. THE GREEN ROOM
IV. THE PANEL ITSELF
V. THE MODERATOR
VI. TECHNICAL ISSUES FOR MY PANEL
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?
Registration 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 the Online Registrants Directory, 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 panelist 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 panelist, 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 PANEL INFORMATION

When am I speaking?
Your panel organizer should have given you the day of your panel. If not, please contact us (interpanels at sxsw.com) and we will provide this information.

How long does my panel last?
All panels last for 60 minutes. Panels that are in the 10-11 time-slot must end exactly at 11 because of the tight turn-around time before the next session begins. This is the same for panels that are in the 3:30-4:30 time-slot. Panels that are in the 11:30-12:30 slot can run a tad long (as there is a lunch break from 12:30-2:00). This is the same for panels that are in the 5-6 time-slot.

Where am I speaking?
All panels 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 your panel room.

Is my panel information be listed online?
Yes click here to see the full panel schedule.

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

What is the Green Room?
The Green Room is the place where you meet the other speakers on your panel and review the focus of your session.

Where is the Green Room?
The Green Room is located on Level 3 of the Austin Convention Center. The panel packet you pick up when you collect your badge will include a map to direct you to the Green Room location.

Why is the Green Room so important?
As above, the Green Room provides one final chance for you to talk with your fellow speakers about the focus of your panel. Your presence at the Green Room also lets us know that you are present and accounted for.

When time do I need to be in the Green Room?
One hour before your panel begins. If you are not there one hour before your panel begins, we start to get very worried. Please don't make us worry about you!

What if my panel is at 10 am and I haven't picked up my badge yet?
Stop by the Panels Kiosk in the registration area at 9 am and pick up a Day Pass. You can get your badge after your panel concludes.

What if I am running late and don't have time to pick up my badge before I need to be at the Green Room?
As above, report to the Panels Kiosk and we will issue you a Day Pass. You can get your badge after your panel concludes.

What else should I know about the Green Room?
The Green Room will be equipped with Wi-Fi access. Plus, it also contains a small selection of complimentary refreshments to help you relax before your panel session. Five to 10 minutes before your session is supposed to begin, volunteers from the Green Room will escort you to your panel room.

IV. THE PANEL ITSELF

What is the focus of my panel?
Your panel organizer should be communicating with you about the focus of your panel. Please contact your panel organizer if you are confused on this focus. If you do not hear back from your panel organizer about the focus, then please contact interpanels at sxsw.com.

What should I do to prepare for my panel?
The absolute most important thing to do to prepare for your panel is to communicate with your fellow speakers. The more you and your fellow speakers communicate about the focus of the session, the more likely the panel will be a success.

Who else is speaking on my panel?
Your panel organizer should be giving you this information shortly.

What are the e-mail addresses for the other people speaking on my panel?
Your panel organizer should be giving you this information shortly. If not, contact interpanels at sxsw.com and we can provide it.

What kind of format should we follow for the panel?
The format of the panel really depends on what you decide after communicating with the other speakers on your panel. One approach is to have each speaker make a short (5-7 minute) presentation on the topic at hand. Then save the last part of panel for discussion. The other approach here is to forgo the presentations and move straight into a discussion. Again, please communicate with the other speakers on your panel to decide which approach works best for your particular session.

Is the audience allowed to ask questions?
Yes, plan to save the last 10 to 15 minutes of the session for questions from the audience. If you want to devote more time to questions, that is absolutely fine.

What makes for a good panel?
Creative, innovative ideas are always good. Well-articulated differences of opinion (i.e., constructive debate) also make for a good session -- a panel where everyone agrees tends to be pretty boring. The more you communicate with others on your panel, the more you will understand the opinions of the other people on your panel.

What makes for a bad panel?
Starting a panel late is a buzz kill. Rude behavior (directed towards other speakers or towards the audience) is a buzz kill. Hogging the microphone is a buzz kill. Lack of preparation is a buzz kill. Complaining about how you didn't really prepare for this panel is an even bigger buzz kill. Using the panel dais to shamelessly promote your company is a buzz kill. Don't be a buzz kill!

Any other tips on what NOT to do at my panel?
After the event, one of the biggest complaints we hear 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 panel, please contact us ASAP at interpanels at sxsw.com so we can adjust the wording accordingly.

What kind of feedback can I get from the online community on the SXSW panel process?
Glad you asked. After the 2007 event, two of the more interesting panel-related articles came from frequent SXSW-speakers Derek Powazek and Khoi Vinh. We encourage you to read their thoughts on speaking at the event.

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 at hand as the speakers. That's OK. As long as you bring energy and original thinking to your well-prepared presentation, you will engage their interest.

So should I gear my presentation to an advanced audience?
For 2008, all panels will be labeled as "beginner", "intermediate" or "advanced." Your panel organizer will communicate with you about what level of expertise has been selected for your session.

What else should I know about the audience?
Many people in the audience will be real-time blogging about your panel. Try not to be distracted by people typing when you talk. Also realize that your brilliant or not-so-brilliant words will immediately be broadcast into cyberspace via these omnipresent blogs. All the more reason for you to communicate with your fellow speakers before the event so as to be sufficiently prepared for your session!

Should I prepare notes for my panel?
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 presentation, the more the audience will enjoy your presentation.

How many people will be attending my session?
For 2008, panel rooms range in capacity from 200 seats to 1400 seats. We will try to slot panels in rooms that match the anticipated audience interest in the topic at hand. Attendance at this year's event is strong, so we expect all panel rooms to be very full!

How I can I increase pre-event buzz about my panel?
Want to try to draw a bigger crowd to your panel? Consider posting something about your panel on the SXSW Interactive Hub. This is also a great place for you to post some kind online survey about your panel -- and thereby gain a better sense of your audience.

Help, I am nervous -- what should I do?
Don't be nervous. The SXSW Interactive community is very supportive. As long as you treat the audience with respect by preparing for your panel, they will treat you with respect also. Moreover, speaking at 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 MODERATOR

Who is the moderator of my panel?
Your panel organizer should have this information.

What is the role of the moderator?
The moderator should take the lead in organizing pre-event communications between the speakers. At the panel itself, the moderator is responsible for introducing the other panelists. More importantly, he or she needs to try to keep the panel focused on the topic at hand.

What else does the moderator do?
The moderator also needs to pay attention to the clock. He or she needs to make sure that the last 10 to 15 minutes of the time-slot are saved for questions from the audience. He or she needs to make sure that the panel ends on time.

Is the moderator an active participant in the panel or more of a neutral observer?
This varies panel by panel. Please cover this question in your pre-event communication with the other speakers on your panel.

I think I am a moderator and I think I am confused -- what should I do?
E-mail interpanels at sxsw.com.

VI. TECHNICAL ISSUES FOR MY PANEL

What kind of technical capacities do the panel rooms have?
Each panel room is equipped with a desktop computer, a high-speed internet connection and a projection system. All panel rooms also feature WI-FI connectivity.

Can I bring my laptop for my panel presentation?
Yes, please do. We welcome you to plug into our system and broadcast your presentation onto the projection system directly from your laptop.

Can I load such-and-such new fangled software onto the desktop computer?
Best to check with us first on this. Please e-mail interpanels at sxsw.com.

Who do I talk to in order to obtain the such-and-such gizmo I need for my presentation?
E-mail interpanels at sxsw.com. The sooner you e-mail us with your technical wish-list, the more likely it is that SXSW can fulfill this wish-list. Said another way, waiting until two days before the event begins to tell us that you need such-and-such equipment is not acceptable.

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 your 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 added Book Readings and Core Conversations. In other words, even more cool content than ever before!

What else happens during SXSWeek?
Tons. The SXSW Film Conference runs concurrently with SXSW Interactive. 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 speaking 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 panelist 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 I 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 panel details, as well as to remind you to communicate with other speakers on your session.

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 panel. Can you help me?
E-mail interpanels at sxsw.com.

I am totally confused by 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 speakers 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.