SXSW 2012 PanelPicker FAQ
The PanelPicker is a two-step online system that allows the SXSW community to have a significant voice in programming Interactive, Film, and Music conference activities (panels, presentations, discussions, demonstrations, etc.) for 2012. Step One encourages the community to enter proposals for programming at SXSW. Step Two allows the community to browse all of these ideas — and rate which of these proposals they think are the best fit for the March event. Once you've read the FAQ below you can get started by clicking here.
SXSW Information
When is SXSW?
In 2012, SXSWeek will run from March 9 to March 18 and will include three component events...
SXSW Interactive Festival: March 9-13
SXSW Film Festival and Conference: March 9-18
SXSW Music Festival and Conference: March 14-18
Where does SXSW occur?
SXSW panel programming takes place in Austin, Texas at the Austin Convention Center and various other Downtown Austin hotels and venues.
Where can I find more information about SXSW?
SXSWeek
SXSW Interactive
SXSW Film
SXSW Music
(Information about panel sessions at the three events can be found under the "Talks" tab.)
PanelPicker Timeline
What is the entry period for the 2012 PanelPicker?
Monday, June 20, 2011 through Friday, July 15, 2011 (11:59 PM CST)
When can the community vote and comment on 2012 PanelPicker proposals?
Monday, August 15, 2011 through Friday, September 2, 2011 (11:59 PM CST)
When will I learn if my proposal is accepted for the 2012 event?
The first round of confirmations for all three conferences will be released on Monday, October 24. All proposals will receive a response by Monday, December 19.
PanelPicker Information
Who can enter a proposal in the SXSW PanelPicker?
Anyone with access to the Internet can send a proposal to the PanelPicker.
Will I be able to edit my proposal in the 2012 PanelPicker?
Yes. You will be able to edit any part of your proposal through end of day on Friday, August 5. After Friday, August 5, you will no longer be able to make any changes or edits to your proposal.
Will panel ideas be accepted after the deadline?
For 2012 we will be adhering strictly to the July 15 deadline for PanelPicker entries. For more deadline information, email us.
SXSW Interactive: [email protected]
SXSW Film: [email protected]
SXSW Music: [email protected]
Do I need to have an account to enter a proposal in the PanelPicker?
Yes. Creating a PanelPicker account will allow you to securely edit your proposal as long as the entry phase is open. Signing up is free and takes just a few minutes. If you signed up for a PanelPicker account anytime in the past you can still use that login information. If you have lost your PanelPicker password, you can retrieve it here.
How many proposals can I submit?
Each user can enter only one (1) proposal for each event – one (1) for the Interactive Festival, one (1) for the Film Conference, and one (1) for the Music Conference.
How can I determine which event my idea would be best for?
Several factors could play into which event you choose for your idea...
AUDIENCE · There is a great deal of overlap and separation between the three events. SXSW Interactive attracts attendees from every corner with an active interest in New Media, creativity and entrepeneurism. SXSW FIlm attracts attendees with a particular interest in visual storytelling - from traditional filmmaking to the newest forms of visual digital formats. SXSW Music attracts musicians and music professionals seeking solid information on the business and creative sides of the industry.
DATES · If you are only available to speak March 14-17, then you should send in your idea to Music (which runs March 14-17).
CREDENTIALS · Interactive and Film speakers receive Gold badges (all Interactive and Film events) while Music speakers receive Music badges (all Music Conference and Festival events).
What if I have an idea that might work for more than one of the three events?
Yes, you can enter the same idea for more than one event. However, each proposal is distinct to the event you choose when you start your application, so you will need to manually reenter your idea for each SXSW event you would like it to be considered for.
How long have you been using the PanelPicker to help program the event?
2007 was the first year that PanelPicker-generated proposals were included as part of the programming for the SXSW Interactive Festival. In 2010 the PanelPicker was extended to include SXSW Music and SXSW Film.
Is crowd-sourcing really the best way to generate content for an event such as SXSW?
PanelPicker is a great way to gauge the kinds of topics that most interest the SXSW community. Likewise, it has helped bring great new topics into the event. However, we also significantly rely on the expertise of the SXSW Advisory Board and the SXSW staff to help curate the most relevant programming.
Can anyone post comments on my panel proposal?
When the voting and commenting portion of PanelPicker opens, anyone with access to the Internet and with an interest in SXSW can comment on a proposal. To post comments, users first have to create a free log-in account (which takes about two minutes). All login information remains completely confidential to the PanelPicker interface.
Why does SXSW ask for programming ideas nine months before the event? How can SXSW cover the latest trends and ideas?
The sooner we can put together an exciting array of sessions for the 2012 event, the easier it is for our community to plan for their time at SXSW. Don't worry, we always leave many slots open until January or February to allow room for late-breaking developments.
Who designed the PanelPicker?
Special thanks to Lindsey Simon for developing the SXSW PanelPicker.
Tips for PanelPicker Success
I have entered an idea into the PanelPicker in the past and have received feedback on my idea before the voting portion of the PanelPicker opened. Can I expect that again for 2012?
Due to the increased volume of entries, we can no longer send a personalized receipt email to all entries. However, there are many common issues that we see with proposals that we can provide answers for in this format. The questions and answers below cover many of the common issues we see coming into the PanelPicker.
What makes for a good proposal?
The more specific a proposal is, the better. Specificity demands a lot more thought and planning — and pre-event thought and planning are the two biggest keys to a successful session. For example, a topic like "Have Free Downloads Hurt Radiohead" would work better than the more general "Free Downloads and the Future of Music."
What makes for a good title?
Cute titles are fun. But, remember that your title is going to be fighting for attention with hundreds of other titles in the PanelPicker. The more direct and explanatory your title, the better. "Size Matters: Scaling Drupal Web Applications" is better than "Why Size Matters."
The form asks me to choose a FORMAT for my proposal. What are the differences in the various formats offered at SXSW?
| Solo | A prepared presentation given by one speaker. | 60 minutes |
| Dual | A prepared presentation given by two speakers. | 60 minutes |
| Panel | Diverse discussion about a particular topic between 4-5 speakers, usually led by a neutral moderator. | 60 minutes |
| Core Conversation (Interactive Only) | An open discussion with the attendees about a particular topic led by one or two facilitators. | 60 minutes |
| Workshop | Long format programming aimed at diving into a particular topic / idea / discipline with more depth in order to cultivate a highly detailed learning experience. This format is an instruction-based environment focused on empowering participants with actionable skills that they can apply to their area of expertise on an intermediate to advanced level. | 60 minutes |
| Future15 (Interactive Only) | A 12-minute, fast-paced solo presentation that addresses a specific new media theme / topic. | 15 minutes |
The form asks for a LEVEL of difficulty for my proposal. What are the distinctions between Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced?
| Beginner | Very basic information | 0-1 years of experience |
| Intermediate | More complicated information | 2-3 years of experience |
| Advanced | Expert level information | 5+ years of experience |
What is the expertise level of most SXSW attendees?
Most SXSW attendees have an intermediate or advanced level of expertise in their field. It is best to focus beginner-level sessions for the PanelPicker on very new industry-related development that most attendees might not yet be familiar with.
The form asks me to choose a CATEGORY for my proposal. How can I make sure I choose the correct one?
Each of these categories represents the many micro-events that comprise SXSW. Presentations within each category will be grouped together in terms of location and time slot, making it easier for attendees to find the programming they are most interested in.
The categories that you have to choose from represent the more broad overview topics SXSW will cover in 2012. Select the one that you feel most suites your idea. Use the three user generated tags to further categorize your idea to make it more easily search-able by the SXSW community, staff and Advisory Boards.
How important is correct spelling and grammar and punctuation important in my proposal?
Very. You wouldn't turn in a resume that was full of typos and incomplete sentences, would you? It is essential that you take time to proof your entry.
Things to remember / Things to avoid:
Will I be able to make changes (big or small) to my proposal after the voting interface goes live?
You will be able to edit any part of your proposal through end of day on Friday, August 5. After Friday, August 5, you will NOT be able to make any changes or edits to your proposal.
Will all the information I enter on this form be seen in the public interface?
No. We ask for a lot of information to help SXSW staff fully evaluated all proposals. However, only a selected amount of information about your idea will appear in the public interface. As you fill out the entry form you will be able to see a preview of what your idea will look like to the voting public.
I have a product or service I think SXSW audiences need to hear about? Can I propose a panel to promote my idea?
Blatantly advertorial content does NOT tend to do well in the PanelPicker. SXSW audiences, as well as SXSW staff and Advisory Boards, prefer compelling and balanced content that highlights many solutions to a particular issue. They have no interest in sales pitches disguised as information. That is not to say that SXSW audiences do not look to SXSW Conferences and Festivals for the latest new media products and services. There is a place for that. If your intention is to introduce your innovative product or service to the smart and engaged SXSW audience, contact our sales representatives for information on the many opportunities we have to offer for companies looking to make an impact on SXSW audiences.
Marketing contact for Interactive Festival: Katie King
Marketing contact for Film Conference: Sara Barney
Marketing contact for Music Conference: Luann Williams
Can I encourage voting for my proposal on my blog or via my social media channels?
We realize that rallying online support for your idea is an important part of the process. Please feel free to use the graphic at right to help promote your PanelPicker idea on your blog, website, or in your social media channels.
And remember, online self-promotion is best when done appropriately and in moderation.
Adding Speakers to PanelPicker Proposals
What does the PanelPicker entry form mean when it asks for "Primary Contact"?
The Primary Contact is the person who is ultimately responsible for seeing the proposal to its fruition. All SXSW communications will go through this person.
Do I need to have other speakers confirmed when I submit my panel idea?
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: For 2012, all speakers proposed with a given idea will be associated with that idea, and should be confirmed before they are added. To that end, we are asking for a lot more information about each speaker, including detailed contact information and how they can contribute to the panel. FYI, this is a change in procedure (as compared to previous years, when potential other speakers were NOT expected to be confirmed when the idea was entered in the PanelPicker).
What if I want to propose a speaker for my panel that I don't currently have contact with?
While we strongly recommend that you confirm your speakers before you make your entry, there is also a place in the PanelPicker form to enter the names of prospective speakers you have not yet contacted.
How many speakers should I add to my panel idea?
Panels at SXSW typically include 4 speakers and 1 moderator. You will only be able to enter information for a total of five speakers. Audiences always prefer smaller panels, so consider limiting your session to 2 or 3 speakers. Solo and Dual presentations are recommended for the Interactive Festival.
What role do moderators play? Do I have to have a moderator if I propose a panel?
The Moderator is a neutral party that will run the session. This person is typically also the Organizer, but that does not have to be the case. Having a neutral Moderator will help keep your session focused on the proposed topic and will allow for a more balanced presentation. This is greatly recommended.
What sort of speaker lineup makes for the best panel presentations?
The most interesting sessions are the ones where there are many different perspectives. When choosing speakers keep in mind the V-O-W-E-L scale of basic diversity principles:
VARIETY · More than 3000 proposals were submitted to the 2011 SXSW Interactive, Music, and Film Festival and Conferences. In other words, we have lots and lots of very qualified people who want to speak at the event — so only aiming for big name speakers on your session is probably unwise. Also remember that each speaker at SXSW can only participate on ONE session.
OPINION · If all the other speakers on your panel proposal have the same opinion on the given topic, then the resulting conversation will likely be boring. Whatever topic you are addressing at SXSW, you need to include at least one person whose opinion differs sharply from yours.
WOMEN · There are thousands of extremely qualified women in the media industry. If you are organizing a session with at least three total speakers, then at least one of these speakers should be female.
ETHNICITY · Different ethnic backgrounds and different cultures take a different approach to different topics. And, different is usually a good thing at the SXSW.
LOCATION · Lots of amazingly talented professionals call New York, L.A. and the Bay Area home. But, there are scores of very qualified media experts located at various other locations in the US and around the world. Their voices also help contribute to this ongoing goal of diversity.
PanelPicker Selection Process
How much weight do votes from the public have in the selection process?
Voting from the public accounts for about 30% of the decision-making process for SXSW panel programming. Also important in this decision-making process is the SXSW Advisory Board (40%) and the input of the SXSW staff (30%).
Who can vote in the PanelPicker?
Anyone who has access to the Internet can vote in the PanelPicker.
What do I need to do to be able to vote in the PanelPicker?
During the public voting phase (that begins on August 15) all you need to do is sign-up for an account. Signing-up is free, quick and easy. And your sign-up information remains completely confidential.
If I submitted a proposal to the PanelPicker, should I encourage my friends to vote for my submission?
Absolutely. Rallying your friends and associates to vote for your panel proposal demonstrates energy, motivation and organizational ability. All of these skills are important when it comes to organizing a successful panel for SXSW.
When the voting interface goes live, can I post comments about my own panel proposal?
Yes. We strongly encourage you to use the comment section of the PanelPicker interface to offer more explanation of your proposal.
Why don't you post the voting totals?
Like it or not, people's opinions are easily swayed by other people's opinions. We don't post voting totals because we don't want people to only vote for proposals that other people are voting for.
How can my idea compete against people who have large e-mail lists?
Remember, voting from the public only accounts for 30% of the selection formula. If you put together a strong idea that intrigues the Advisory Board and the SXSW staff, then you won't need to worry about competing with people who have large e-mail lists.
What is the SXSW Advisory Board?
The Advisory Board is a group of experienced industry professionals, whose advice and insights about programming and other event-related issues are trusted by the SXSW staff.
SXSW Programming Needs and Archives
Do you have any specific programming needs for the 2012 event?
SXSW Interactive is specifically looking for more advanced-level ideas, as well as more sessions that cover technical issues. We are also interested in seeing more solo and dual presentations.
SXSW Film is interested in developments in storytelling, creativity, distribution and audience building for films in the digital age. Hands-on workshop ideas are also welcome, and we are particularly concerned with ideas that shed light on the less well-known, yet highly creative corners of the film industry.
SXSW Music seeks panel ideas based on our speakers' direct experience, and ideas about growing the market for performance and recordings on an individual and collective level.
Are there videos or audio recordings of past sessions that I can browse to learn more about the kinds of topics you cover at SXSW?
You can find a selection of audio recordings and video excerpts from SXSW 2011 by visiting the "Videos and Podcasts" pages for each event:
2011 SXSW Interactive Festival Videos & Podcasts »
2011 SXSW Film Conference Videos & Podcasts »
2011 SXSW Music Conference Videos & Podcasts »
Visit the SXSW YouTube Channel to see more video highlights from past SXSW events. »
If I have spoken at SXSW before, is my panel proposal more likely to be accepted?
Good question. We like to have a balance of experienced speakers (people who are experienced in terms of talking about their craft to a live audience) as well as new blood (folks who have not made the so-called conference circuit). If you have spoken at SXSW before and have received favorable reviews from attendees, then you definitely have an advantage over someone who has spoken at the event before and did not receive positive feedback from registrants.
If My Idea is Selected...
If my idea is selected, do I get free admission to SXSW?
All SXSW Interactive and Film speakers receive a free Gold badge which allows them access to all official SXSW Film and Interactive events. All SXSW Music Conference speakers receive a free Music badge which allow access to all official SXSW Music Festival and Conference events.
If my panel idea is selected, do my other speakers get a free admission to SXSW?
Yes. All SXSW Interactive and Film speakers receive a free Gold badge which allows them access to all official SXSW Film and Interactive events. All SXSW Music Conference speakers receive a free Music badge which allow access to all official SXSW Music Festival and Conference events.
If my idea is selected, does SXSW pay for my travel or lodging?
Unfortunately, SXSW is not able to provide travel, lodging or other financial compensation for speakers at any of the three events. What we can provide is exposure to the brightest minds and bleeding edge innovators music, film and new media industries have to offer.
If my idea is selected, how can I best prepare for my session?
Preparation is key. The more preparation you devote to your session, the better the it will be. SXSW attendees are smart and they enjoy smart programming. If they realize you haven't prepared, they will leave your session and find a more interesting one next door. The more you communicate with your fellow speakers in the months before your session, collect your ideas, find opposing viewpoints, dive deep into your topic and find new ideas that excite you, the more your audience will enjoy your presentation.
If my idea is selected, does that mean all the hard work is over?
Absolutely not. If your proposal is accepted, then the hard work is just beginning! The best panels and presentations are the ones where the organizer devotes a significant amount of time to the organizational process. Said another way, if you aren't prepared to spend a significant amount of time in January and February preparing for your panel (and communicating with your fellow panelists), then you are better suited to be a SXSW attendee as opposed to a SXSW speaker.
If my idea is selected, how much will SXSW work with me to refine my idea?
Getting your idea accepted via the PanelPicker is just the first step of a long process. SXSW staff will work with you significantly to refine / hone / polish your idea such that your presentation (or panel) is a smashing success in March in Austin.
Still Have Questions?
Questions about SXSW Interactive programming should go to [email protected] »
Questions about SXSW Film programming should go to [email protected] »
Questions about SXSW Music programming should go to [email protected] »
For more general SXSW-related questions, e-mail [email protected] »