This was my first SXSW and the advice I was given by an old friend before attending turned out to be very close to perfect. Attend only a small handful of panels which cover the topics that you are achingly passionate about, then network every other minute of your day.

The numerous high-level discussions on futurism, tech, mobile, etc. that I got into with random people in line for coffee, at the community lunch tables, the charging area, the blogger’s lounge and the parties were the highlight of my trip and the panels became a nice knowledge enhancement.

Hopefully between now and next year’s conference you will not only change your mind about attending, but you will be hosting a panel that is even better than the one you put together this year. Thank you for your efforts, there are those of us who are grateful!!

Best,
Greg

I attended two panels at SXSW that I thought featured well-prepared and well-selected speakers. One was the “Artist or Millionaire: Why not Both?” and the other was the iPad panel of which you were a member. Both of those sessions showed presenters which had obviously prepared and a moderator that kept things moving in a productive direction.

Sadly, I also attended several very poorly-organized and moderated panels which could’ve been the result of folks like you encountered on your way to the airport.

This was also my first SXSW. I didn’t see a conference that overall made it worth my time to buy a conference pass next year. There were some bright spots, but the overall lack of quality and consistency was very disappointing.

I’ll likely be back in Austin next year to connect, but right now I predict I’ll be doing it without a badge.