How to be South by South Best

This is from the IFC Crossroads house folks. I thought it was pretty good. Despite the sarcasm, it’s scarily on target (not sure about the tent though).

SXSBest

This is pretty good, from the IFC Crossroads house. Despite the humor, he’s pretty much dead on with his suggestions.

Gearing Up for SXSW

I’ve only got a week to go before I leave for Austin.  As I mentioned, I’ve got the iMedia Brand Summit for a few days prior to the SXSW activities starting up.  That means I’ll be spending this weekend tracking down last minute items for my trip.  I’ve already purchased a few things, but here’s my list of gear and gadgets I’m prepping for my marathon of technology and social media:

Extended laptop battery – I recently replaced the battery on my laptop, and surprisingly, the cost wasn’t too bad. However, the 6-cell battery would only get me about 2.5 hours of power before I had to plug in.  So, I managed to find a 12-cell battery that would fit my laptop that can get me through a couple SXSW sessions before I need to plug in.

Griffin TuneJuice 2 Battery Backup for iPod – Even though I’ll use my laptop quite a bit, my iPhone will get a ton of use as well.  Especially since it’ll probably spend 1/3 of its time searching for a signal with the 15,000 other iPhones within a half mile radius.  It takes 4 AAA batteries, which should be easy to find should I run out of juice.

Dual Power Strip – I actually brought this with me last year, and I can’t tell you the number of friends I would make in each session when I pulled it out.  In every ballroom people were gathered around the outlets.  Most people didn’t mind letting me plug in so we could all share the power.  The only bad thing is when I would get set up and realize about 5 minutes into the session that it sucked and I wanted to bail.  Unfortunately, I’d have to literally pull the plug on 6-7 people. However, most seemed to understand and were just happy to get 5 minutes worth of recharging time.

Verizon Air Card – While the wifi wasn’t bad last year, it would go in and out on me sporatically, so I learned not to count on it.  At least with the air card, I pretty much knew I could get a signal, even if it was a little slower than the wifi.  I’m just hoping that all those new Verizon iPhones won’t bog down the network too bad.

Joby Gorillamobile for iPhone 4 – I’m planning to shoot a whole lot more photos and video this year, now that I’ve got the iPhone 4.  However, when I have shot video, I’ve noticed how shakey the video has been.  I just got this little device which can sit and grip while holding my phone will help me produce some decent video from SXSW.

Not necessarily gear, but necessary in your gear – Here’s a list of a few things I’d recommend having on hand in your backpack or slingbag: asprin, bottle for water, snacks (granola bars), 5 Hour Energy, business cards, power cords, pen & paper, a mouse, sunglasses, and memory cards.

Let me know in the comments what other gear you are bringing or recommend for SXSW.

SXSW App Now Available

A week or so ago, I posted about the apps I’m planning to use at SXSW. One of the most important apps I used last year, and will use this year, wasn’t yet released. However, today I noticed the official SXSW app has been released (for the iPhone). Called “SXSW Go,” it contains a list of all of the SXSW events and activities (including your customized schedule), a map of the locations of all of the activities, trade show information, and links to SXSW social media sites. I would definitely include this in the must-have apps for SXSW. This will come in particularly helpful when you find yourself shut out of a session you wanted to attend due to the large crowds, and then you have to scramble to find a new one.

Also available on Android and iPad.

Apps I’m Planning to Use at SXSW

As I’ve been preparing for SXSW, I’ve been getting things ready, including my iPhone.  Along with making sure I’ve got an extra battery pack, chargers, etc., I’ve been organizing my phone based on the apps I’m planning to use:

	Twitter – Last year, every session had a hashtag, so I could almost follow a couple sessions at once just by knowing the hashtag of the sessions.  It also alerted me to activities, events, and allowed me to meet people who I followed.  This will be an essential app for this year.
	WordPress – As you can tell (by this blog), I’ll be blogging again live from SXSW.  This app is great for quick photo/video uploads, posts, and edits to my blog.  It’ll also be essential for keeping this blog going.
	Dragon Dictation – You speak it, and it dictates what you just said.  It’s fairly accurate, and it’s a very quick and easy way to jot down my thoughts.  Whether it’s a blog post that I simply want to dictate, or a tweet or status update, this app will do it.
	Camera – There’s plenty of stuff to take in at SXSW, and the camera on the iPhone 4 was the reason I upgraded.  The pictures are great quality, and I’ve got an HD video camera in my pocket.  I’m planning on taking and posting a whole lot more pics and video this year, so watch here.
	Foursquare – It’s hard to believe at SXSW last year, Foursquare only had a half million users.  It was the first time I really saw the power of Foursquare – when I could look and see where my new friends were, as well as what venues were kickin.  With over 5 million users, I’m certain it will be even bigger than last year.
	Gowalla – Almost exactly the same reason as I chose Foursquare with one addition – virtual items.  Last year Adobe partnered with Gowalla and was dropping copies of CS4 that could be traded for real copies.  I didn’t find one, but I did find an “ice ball” which was good for a sample of The Macallen at a party, as well as a VIP wristband for the Gowalla party.
	SCVNGR – Staying in the location based area, this is one I’ve been using since last SXSW, but I have a feeling this one will take off this year, as Seth Priebatsch, the “Chief Ninja” of SCVNGR is one of the keynote speakers this year.  I’d be surprised if they didn’t have some sort of SXSW event tie-in.
	Beluga – Unlike many, I don’t have an unlimited text package, so I was searching for a service that would let me connect with my friends at SXSW without running up a big texting bill.  This seems to be the solution for that.  It should help us keep track of each other in real time and give updates about which sessions suck and with ones rawk.
	Skype – Unfortunately, like last year, I’m missing my daughter’s birthday to be at SXSW.  So, I’ll be using Skype to check in with my kids and wife and see how they’re doing.  Let’s just pray the wifi at SXSW can hold up for decent video.
	i-nigma – Other than the QR codes on the badges, I didn’t see many of them last year.  However, this year, I suspect there will be hundreds of QR codes directing me to new apps, parties, etc.  While there are a ton of QR code readers out there, I find this one to be the simplest.

While there are many more apps I’m planning to use, I’m thinking these will be the ones I use several times a day.  Are there any apps you’re planning to use while at SXSW?  Any recommendations for me, let’s hear ’em…

More than a Crowd at SXSW this Year

Attendance at SXSW has grown by leaps and bounds the last several years.  In 2009, attendance at the Interactive portion of the conference was around 10,000.  Last year, for the first time, the interactive crowd overtook the music crowd with over 14,000 attendees.  If growth holds true, they are expecting nearly 20,000 people to attend SXSWi this year.  In a previous post, I highlighted a post from Robert Scoble, who wondered if SXSWi has gotten too big to be the meaningful experience it once was.

Here, I guess Bettywriter and I did a pretty good job covering the event last year, because we’re now aware of many more Central Illinoisans attending.  Of course, we know it’s not just our reporting skills, it’s the topics and companies that use SXSW as a platform to highlight their cutting edge products and services. Along with being able to rub elbows with cutting edge thinkers, it’s invigorating to be around so many people that share innovation, technology, and creativity as a passion.

Just here in Blono (that’s Bloomington-Normal for short for non-locals), we’re aware of at least 21 people going for the interactive portion alone.  I’m certain they’ll have a great time and come back with a renewed energy and enthusiasm for digital, creative, and new media.  The more that can bring this feeling back to Central Illinois, the better.

While we certainly invite anyone attending SXSWi to join us in blogging and reporting from the event, we hope those locals attending will join us on this blog.  If you are attending SXSWi and would like to participate in sharing your SXSWi experience and knowledge here, please contact us.

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!

10 Things I Learned (or re-learned) at SXSWi 2010

Last year was my first SXSW and nothing short of a personal epiphany. This year’s Austin mashup of technology, creativity, and cultural tsunami has once again shifted the way I think about what it all means— to my work and to my life:

10. Crisis = Opportunity.
How do we take advantage of the disruptive innovation that’s toppling business models? Jeremy Gutsche is the founder of TrendHunter.com, the world’s largest network for trend spotting and innovation. He’s also the author of, “Exploiting CHAOS: 150 Ways to Spark Innovation During Times of Change.” There’s one question from Jeremy that I’m now asking myself every day; a question designed to help capitalize on chaos: Can I focus what I’m trying to do in seven words or less?

9. Technology is the new art. 

The notion of left brain/right brain is passé. My ability to adapt and thrive at the intersection of art and technology presents endless opportunities. My insistence on playing on one side, to the exclusion of the other, is an express ticket to irrelevance. What can I do to recast my skills and be ready for whatever comes next?

8. Be a student of “The Next Big Thing.”
Then, step back and see the big picture. There’s a “next big thing” breaking out every day. Great branding and communication isn’t about throwing stuff at every next big thing. It’s about being helpful, relevant, and genuine in the marketplace. I need to understand the difference between “thin value” and “thick value” and do the right things to be relevant every day, while strengthening value over the long haul.

7. Content is king.
So why has it taken us so long to figure out that content requires user-centered message architecture? According to Margot Bloomstein, the principal of brand and content strategy consultancy based in Boston, a comprehensive user experience shouldn’t be a carrot on a stick where we try to lure people to our content on our terms. It should be a big, delicious plate of cookies carefully crafted ingredient by ingredient.

6. Words won’t work.
Dan Roam has helped leaders at Microsoft, Wal-Mart, Boeing, eBay, and the United States Senate solve complex problems through visual thinking. He wrote the international bestseller, “The Back of the Napkin: Solving Problems and Selling Ideas With Pictures.” Why do we spend so much time talking to clarify our ideas? The person who draws the best picture wins. My goals: Fewer words. Better pictures. Stronger stories.

5. I didn’t know Twit.
Twitter is my primary news source. The shape, speed, and value of information on Twitter is unlike anything we’ve ever seen. At SXSW, Twitter co-founder and CEO Evan Williams changed the way I think about it. The No. 1 company principle @twitter? Be a force for good. Why? Democratization of information changes the world. Tools like Twitter reach the weakest signals and can have profound impacts (think Haiti, Chile). Easy exchange of information gives people control. Everyone wins.

4. Corporate America is cautious.
Andrew McAfee is a research scientist at the Center for Digital Business, MIT Sloan School of Management. He researches and works extensively with corporations around the “2.0” model of communities, collaboration, and transparency. According the McAfee, the biggest corporate mindset challenges to embracing 2.0: We are risk-averse, busy, budget-constrained, uninterested in social revolution, hostile to auto-obsolescence, ROI-seeking, and overly convinced of our own uniqueness.

3. There’s no such thing.
There’s no such thing as social media or social marketing. It’s media. It’s marketing. It requires interesting, clear, helpful, user-focused content like it always has. There’s no such thing as Web content, mobile content, tablet content, Wii content. Everything is converging and users just want it to work and work right everywhere.

2. Technology = inclusion.
I tweeted. I posted. I photo’d. I video’d. I checked in. Got followed. Got retweeted. Direct messaged. Played contact and conduit. This is where I belong … with one foot inside the office and one on the path to the future of media.

1. After living in the future for five days at SXSW, I need to ask more questions:

•  What are the right levers for change?
• How do we create the right measurements of success?
• What can I do to help solve problems, not solve symptoms?
• How do I help strengthen our resolve as communication consultants that “less bad” is not the same as good?
•  What can I do to help move the friction of process to real momentum and flawless execution?

Every profession bears the responsibility to understand the circumstances that enable its existence.

Top 10 Things I learned from my SXSW Experience

1. Share your passion.  “Keep Austin Weird” is the motto of the SXSW home city, and it’s really about celebrating the passion people there display.  Whether it was art, films, music, or interactive, everyone wore their passion on their sleeve, and it’s a freeing, collective sense of, “these people get me.”  Whether you’ve quit your day job to pursue your passion (and you’re “crushing it” thanks to Gary Vaynerchuk), or simply geek out with others who share yours, it can be invigorating and life changing.
2. Tech Geniuses are people too.  It was truly amazing how accessible people were at SXSW, from bumping into new media reporter Robert Scoble, riding the social media bus with Social Media Club Founder Chris Heuer, riding the elevator with Jamie Lynn Sigler (although not a tech genius, it was still very cool!), meeting author and social media evangelist Gary Vaynerchuk, to meeting and chatting with Twitter CEO Evan Williams.
3. Location, location, location.  After Facebook and Twitter, everyone’s been wondering, “what’s next?”  It was evident at SXSW that Location Based Social Networking is emerging as the next big thing.  Like any social network, the power of it is in the number of people using it, and while it was estimated that only about 30-40% of the tech geeks at SXSW were using it, it showed some incredible potential.
4. Content, content, content.  People turn to the Internet and social media to get information that’s entertaining and immediately relevant to them.  If you’re a company, your product must be relevant (at least at one point in peoples’ lives), and fortunately, you’re an expert in that area.  Brands are already prepared with answers to questions when people call them, but they need to post it where people can find it when they go looking for it.
5. It’s how you use it (your content).  It’s not enough just to push your content.  As National Geographic pointed out, it’s using your content to provide a contextual experience.  Think about the user experience and how your content can enrich their experience.
6. Openness is the new Transparency.  Twitter CEO, Evan Williams, used the analogy of a door, “It can be transparent and you can see through it, but when it’s open, it’s about getting in, shaping it, and defining it.”  While most companies still struggle to be transparent, most consumers have moved past transparency and expect to be able to define and shape those they choose to work or do business with.
7. Sponsorships that make Sense.  Chevy sponsored by the “Volt Lounge” – a place to relax, get work done, and power up – as well as providing power-strips at many of the outlets around the convention center.  Not only did this provide a MUCH needed service to the many attendees who carried multiple devices, but it also had a very direct tie-in to the launch of the Chevy Volt, their new electric car.
8. You can’t do it all.  There were approximately 15-20 interactive sessions going on during any given hour at SXSW.  Despite wanting to learn it all, you can only do so much (although Twitter allows you to attend 2-3 sessions at a time).  Likewise, there are so many new technologies to try out, there’s no way to keep up.  Try as many as you (sanely) can and count on the other tech thinkers to help you filter the winners.
9. Mobile location still has a long way to come.  There are many, many different ways for a mobile device to access location – GPS, Cell-ID, Triangulation, etc. – and there are even more ways to try to use that information.  When building apps or programs that use location data, there are many different advantages and disadvantages to the way you choose to use it.
10.  You can’t fake authenticity… and social media is all about authentic engagement with your customers and prospects.  You can’t scale it and you can’t farm it out to someone else to do on your behalf (or worse, give it to the intern who doesn’t yet understand your culture).  As Gary Vaynerchuk put it, “people’s bullshit detectors are better than ever.”  You have to treat social media interactions the same way you would as if the person was sitting in front of you – they want to feel like you’re listening and genuinely care about them.

SXSWi is Finished, but We’re Not

SXSW is one of the busiest, most intense new media experiences I’ve had. Each day was long with between 4-10 sessions and workshops each day and networking activities until the wee hours of the morning. Over the next few days, we’ll summarize most of those activities, and give some of our own thoughts and analysis on the goings-on at SXSW. Stay tuned!