ellen kanner

After much work between my department and the Library, we finally have launched the new 3000+ page site! And it looks fantastic! I worked on the design, css and development to get it to its beautiful state!

I just got back from SXSW in Austin, TX – what a hootin’ good time!

This is probably the first conference I’ve been to where the sociability of the net was so evident and happening all around… from Twitter, to text messaging, to Meebo, Flickr, Facebook, you name it. Never had I been to a conference where the sociability of the web was making things happen outside the conference! Rants and raves flittered across a variety of communication devices. Immediate feedback and discussion on the various presentations, from the infamous Mark Zuckerberg interview (a friend text-messaged: Suckerberg) to the well-presented panels, the success of any of these hinged on the twitter-sphere. And never had I seen so many folks leave the room of the keynote as I did in that interview-gone-wrong with Facebook’s founder and CEO.

Aside from that, selecting from among the numerous panels was no small feat. There’s a reason the mouse with the cheese was a prominent fixture on the SXSW pamphlets – maneuvering around the maze of the Austin Convention Center was a workout in itself. I wish I’d had a pedometer – I must have clocked ten miles over the past four days. If you start in Ballroom A and the next presentation is in Room 19, good luck – there’s a reason they leave 1/2 hour breaks between the sessions!
Speaking of, most of the sessions I attended were interesting, providing useful information. I think Tuesday, the day I flew back east, I probably would have been happy to swap with Monday as the topics were much more interesting and appropriate. Unfortunately, hotel rooms fill up quite fast (late last year!) so knowing which days to attend is a bit tough as the panels aren’t finalized as quick. I did find many of the sessions rather “beginner” with a fair selection of intermediate-advanced. I know this changes year-to-year. I was hoping for more of an advanced look at many of the topics, but I then have to consider the philosophy of SXSW - the music scene, the films, all are for those looking to break into the industry. I would have to say the same for the Interactive – great information for those starting out, considering new avenues within the industry, or for individual professional development. I got a lot out of the latter.

And then there’s the after conference day parties! All over the city – chose your destinations based on distance from the convention center and you’ll most likely be able to get into the one’s further out of downtown. I did make it to the Web Awards and the Weird Wired party at the Austin City Limits set, to name two. My walk from hotel to conference center was by Sixth Street, where all the bars, clubs, and music was happening. So I’d have to say that a plethora of after hours options exist, whether conference related or not.

The food options in Austin are as varied as the city itself. One night Brazilian BBQ, the next, Mongolian grill. You can find anything in Austin – we tried Fugo de Chao* (Brazillian Steakhouse), Mongolian grill, Roy’s (Hawaiian fusion), the Driskill* for brunch and Threadgills (down home cookin’). Food is everywhere and it’s best to get a coffee on your way to the convention center in the morning, not AT the convention center (crowds, overpriced).
(*highly recommended)

Overall, a great experience! Til next South By!