Going to SXSW!

In less than a week I will be boarding a plane and flying to Austin, Texas to attend for the very first time the annual SXSW (South by South West) Interactive festival.

SXSW started life as a music festival; a gathering of bands and a celebration of the passion for independent music. As this annual event gathered momentum, a film stream was added, which soon evolved into the most-talked-about event on every indie filmmaker’s calendar.

And then came SXSW Interactive.

Conferences for web professionals have been popping up everywhere of late. Part of this is a reflection of a strong economy; one in which designers, developers (and their employers) have the cash to spend on travelling interstate or overseas for several days of inspiration and education.

But there’s more to it than that. The other reason is that more and more people are realising that the Web is more exciting than it’s ever been. It’s evolving and mutating, and slowly but surely fulfilling the potential for social change that those who are passionate about the Web have always hoped it would.

SXSW Interactive, I believe, was the first. Many say it is still the best, that anyone who is anyone on the Web is there. That the energy is electrifying, that everyone is amazing and supportive and approachable, and that the parties are memorable.

I’m hoping they’re right!

P.S. If you’re going along, come up and say hi! I might even give you a book in exchange for a beer!!

posted: 28.02. 2007, 22:06 (0)