Four New Tracks for SXSW 2017
The Forrest Four-Cast: January 1, 2017
January 1 means that it is out with the old and in with the new. At SXSW, 2017 brings a very new badge structure that makes more programming and more festival content much more accessible to more registrants. We also have several new tracks for March Magic. To me, four of the session groupings that are most compelling are as follows:
- Journalism. This track addresses the current state of the media. Given the many challenges and consequences of fake news, this may be our most important addition for the 2017 lineup. Sessions in this track begin on Saturday, March 11 and continue through Thursday, March 16.
- Tech Industry. Panels and presentations in this track cover everything from self-driving cars to global geek hot spots to an examination of policy changes under the Trump Administration. Beginning Friday, March 10 and ending on Thursday, March 16, the Tech Industry track is the longest one of the entire SXSWeek schedule.
- Entertainment Influencers. Part of SXSW Film, this track showcases some of the movie industry’s most innovative leaders. These sessions start on Saturday, March 11 and conclude on Wednesday, March 15.
- Music Influencers. Part of SXSW Music, these sessions feature younger names as well as more older talent. These panels and presentations begin on Tuesday, March 14 and end of Saturday, March 18. In light of current US / Russian relations, the March 16 conversation with Nadya Tolokonnikova of Pussy Riot should be particularly fascinating.
Purchase your SXSW badge before the end of the day on Friday, January 13 to save $200 on the walkup price. Friday, January 13 is also the deadline for startups (as well as more established companies) to enter SXSW Release It. If you are launching a new app, product or service in March, then this competition will help you maximize your SXSW presence.
Hugh Forrest tries to write four paragraphs per day on Medium. These posts generally cover technology-related trends. When not attempting to wordsmith, he serves as Chief Programming Officer at SXSW in Austin.
