Scene at SXSW Interactive

Favorite snap shot moments and soundbites of SXSW Interactive so far:

 Mashable’s “Elevator Pitch”. Contestants entered the elevator solo, gave their 60 second pitch to a corner-mounted camera (while everybody watched on 2 tv screens, outside of the elevator) in hopes of winning money. I really don’t know how they kept a straight face.

More Mashable brilliance- 3D photos- and they were hilarious. look at the lineup of cameras that create the final image. An arc of many.

Mashable’s Katy Perry “Liger”

If you are not familiar with Meerkat, it is worth checking out. It caught on like wildfire at SXSW. I used it to stream the Biz Stone session, and a few others. I had a friend “meerkat” a party to me just the other night- it was like being there, but even better. I wasn’t getting bumped into as SHE walked around the party. This new technology will either be used in really great or really awful ways. Lets hope for the former.

Mophie scored most creative marketing campaign with #mophierescue. They partnered with a St. Bernard Rescue organization to go assist low battery distress tweets, deploying canines to deliver charges for phone. They also offered free cold drinks at their “Mophie Lodge” to recharge the attendees. Brilliant.

SXSW is (also) all about the parties… this is the Future Islands band from one of Spredfast’s events.

Music, naturally, is everywhere. Austin can definitely deliver great music.

The right wristbands open some nice doors. Wristbands = VIP and/or party. Some of them- you best wear for the entire show.

SXSW is not strictly informational- serious business is conducted during this time as well. Pitches aplenty take place as well. This one was one of five that was invited to pitch to Google.

 

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SXSW is a social media mecca. These people are the social pros- REALLY know how to use the platforms and openly support new friends and contacts, enhancing the SXSW experience for all. It is refreshing to see that spirit.

You see this sort of thing everywhere. People are connected, and by no means is it considered rude to be on the phone.

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From the Robot Petting Zoo: This search and rescue robot, named Bujold, is the product of Texas A&M CRASAR, and one of four used at the World Trade Center. These robots handle compact rubble with voids too small for humans or dogs to search.

SXSW covers medical technology issues as well. Hugh Herr gave an inspiring presentation on bionic technology, and his hope that it will one day end disability. I fully expect his story to be made into a movie. Read more about this hero here.

Malcomb Gladwell interview of Bill Gurley (all Bill Gurley quotes):

[Tweet “”There is a complete absence of fear in Silicon Valley. I do think we will see some dead unicorns this year.””]

[Tweet “”Uber as a disruptive technology: millenials are less interested than ever in getting drivers licenses.””]

[Tweet “”Having restraints helps you make better decisions.”- @bgurley “]

[Tweet “”The best way to protect yourself from the downside is to enjoy every last bit of the upside.” @bgurley “]

[Tweet “”Are we in a tech bubble? Yes, we are in a risk bubble.” @bgurley “]

[Tweet “”Constraints inspire creativity ” @biz -Biz Stone “]

[Tweet “”If you want to succeed spectacularly you have to be willing to fail spectacularly “@biz -Biz Stone  “]

[Tweet “”Creativity is a renewable resource- you never run out of it”@biz -Biz Stone “]

Bethany Joy Clark and Indiana Adams

Regarding helping others/helping your peers:

[Tweet “Help your peers: “the high tide floats the boat.” – @IndianaAdams “]

David Chang of Momofuko:

[Tweet “”The only way to f up is if you never f up” -David Chang, Momofuko”]

“Nobody is born perfect- we all have to make mistakes and learn and find your voice. That’s what gets lost in the immediacy of the internet” -David Chang, Momofuko

 

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Food trucks were everywhere in honor of SouthBites, and the popular ones had hours long wait lines.

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There is more coverage on instagram account, including video. Follow me while you are there!

AND there is more- over at HUFFPOSTtech, check it out!