Challenge: build “MicroSXSW” to bring back fun at SXSW

I read a great article from Robert Scoble on his blog Scoblizer about the growth of SXSWi. He discusses the explosive growth of it, and what can be done to bring back some of the intimacy and true connections that make this a great growth and learning experience.

Do we turn SXSW into something that really becomes a parody of itself, or do we try to save it?

Me? I want to get more of those intimate experiences we used to have. I remember when the entire Web Standards Project fit at one picnic table. I remember having a fun conversation with a small group, all huddled around Craig Newmark in the rain at a BBQ place across the street. I remember being able to get into parties without being a VIP and last year the VIPs even had to wait in line at nearly every party. Heck, I remember when Scott Beale Tweeted in 2007 that he was sitting all alone in an empty pub and I joined him and had a leisurely beer at a picnic table with him and a few other friends. Those days are seemingly gone.

Can we bring them back?

Visit An industry challenge: build “MicroSXSW” to bring back fun times at SXSW at Scoblizer to give your input and suggestions.

SXSW Swag or SXSwag

After the first of the year, I suspect that the SXSW updates will be non-stop, but for now, it’s a few announcements here and there. One of the most recent announcements is that the traditional “Swag Bags” are no more (so Gowalla needs to find another type of virtual item to drop). The 20lbs of materials will now be going online. Even better, rather than trying to sift through all that stuff when you’re already overwhelmed with the event, you can start claiming swag in January.

According to the site, “New for this year, SXswag is an easy and efficient online swag redemption and distribution portal for all SXSW registrants. And the fun won’t stop in January, we’ll be adding new items for download and delivery to SXSW registrants up through the event in March.”

The items will be available through SXSocial, the site for those who have registered, to connect.

SXSW Interactive 2011 is Growing

I had an incredible time at SXSW last year, and I’m once again registered, have my hotel booked, and have already been scoping out the events going on outside of the sessions. I was really surprised by how large the crowds were, and it sounds like it’s going to be even bigger this year. There were two of us who work together who reported the events last year, while this year, there are 12 people going from the location of my day job. I guess we just made an impact with the knowledge we brought back (or they just heard how good of a time it is).

In 2011, SXSWi is officially scheduled from March 11-15, but as the number of people grow, so has the event. This year, there will also be SXSWedu, from March 8-10, an event focused on technology for teachers and other educators. They’ve also just announced a “SXSW Technology Summit” from March 16-17. The summit will focus on global trends and issues effecting the industry outside of the U.S.

I’m really looking forward to reuniting with @BettyWriter and having another fast, furious, and fun time in Austin!