Tips On Promoting Your SXSW Proposal
The Forrest Four-Cast: August 16, 2017
UPDATE: SXSW PanelPicker voting extended to 11:59 pm PT on Sunday, August 27.
Voting on the 4000+ speaking proposals in the 2018 SXSW PanelPicker continues through Friday, August 25. Using the search button at the top left corner of the interface is the best way to find the topics, the tracks, the formats and and the speakers that best align with your interests.
If you are part of the global community that entered an idea into the PanelPicker, then we also strongly recommend that you promote your proposal to your network(s). Community voting is one of the three factors that generate a composite score for each entry — the proposals that score the highest are the ones that are invited to participate in March Magic in Austin. Given the high number of proposals we receive from innovative thinkers from around the world, the PanelPicker process is very very competitive.
Also important in the decision-making process are comments. If you really like a specific proposal in the PanelPicker, then use the comment section of the interface to tell the world why this idea resonates with you. When a proposal generates lots of positive comments, this is another signal to SXSW staff that it is a good fit for the event. Yes, it is entirely fair (and encouraged) to comment on your own proposal — use the comment space to give voters more information on why your speaking idea is so great.
In addition to voting via the PanelPicker, here are numerous other ways to participate in SXSW 2018 — this post reviews all your options. Of course, the best way to participate is to register. Register now while downtown hotel options are relatively plentiful and badge prices are low.
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.
