SXSW PanelPicker Tip #6: Solo > Panel
The Forrest Four-Cast: July 1, 2018
SXSW is now accepting speaking proposals for March 2019 via the PanelPicker interface. If you have a great session idea for next spring, then you’ll want to bookmark this space over the next three weeks, as we reveal 25 strategies to ensure the most success with the PanelPicker process.
Today’s reminder is that the SXSW community often prefer solo presentations over panel sessions. Why? Because solo presentations usually offer more depth, focus and specific takeaways (whereas panels sometimes miss out on these aspects). So, despite the name of the interface, you shouldn’t be shy about entering a one-person speaking proposal.
Note that the preference for solo presentations is particularly strong for the community that attends SXSW Interactive sessions. On the other hand, due to the strongly collaborative nature of movie production, SXSW Film audiences often are more receptive to panels.
Follow the running list of 25 PanelPicker tips by visiting this link (which is updated daily). Alternatively, for a tongue-in-cheek look at what NOT to do when entering a speaking proposal in the PanelPicker interface, browse this still-relevant post from 2015 as well as this post from 2016.
Speaking of SXSW 2019, remember that the registration process for next spring opens on Wednesday, August 1. Buy your badge early to get the lowest rate and to have the most options on hotel rooms. The most desirable downtown lodging locations tend to sell out very very quickly.
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.
