SXSW PanelPicker Tip #2: Depth > Width
The Forrest Four-Cast: June 27, 2018
Speaking proposals for March Magic 2019 are now being accepted via the SXSW PanelPicker interface. Between now and the July 20 entry deadline, this space will review 25 tips on how you can have the most success in this process.
Today’s recommendation is to go deep (not wide) on your speaking proposal. So your idea should explore one very defined aspect of a given topic in significant detail. By contrast, the more ground that your PanelPicker proposal tries to cover, the more superficial and unfocused this idea will likely be — and the less likely this proposal will make it through the rigorous, three-part judging procedure.
To browse the running list of all 25 PanelPicker tips, click here. For info on what NOT to do when entering a speaking proposal in this interface, read this post from 2015 as well as this post from 2016.
If you are interested in attending SXSW 2019, know that badge sales begin on Wednesday, August 1. Register early to ensure the lowest rates and to have the most options on convenient downtown lodging.
Hugh Forrest serves as Chief Programming Officer at SXSW, the world’s most unique gathering of creative professionals. He also tries to write at least four paragraphs per day on Medium. These posts often cover tech-related trends; other times they focus on books, pop culture, sports and other current events.
