Yep, it’s that time again. I’m in Austin, TX for South by Southwest Interactive (a/k/a “geek spring break”), trying to get my knowledge on about all things tech.
The conference is a bit of a different animal this year. For one, it’s a LOT larger than its ever been. I know I’ve said that before, but this year’s growth is just insane. The conference now spans three hotels in addition to the Austin Convention Center. The lovely young woman manning the registration booth told me on Thursday that the registrations have doubled from 2009, which means we’re talking in the neighborhood of 8,000-10,000 attendees. Lines for parties are now wrapping themselves around whole city blocks. I’m thrilled for the success of the conference, but I miss the more intimate feel from when I first started attending. So many unfamiliar faces. The introvert in me wants to hide under a large rock.
Of course, this year’s conference is also remarkable, at least for me, for the people who aren’t here: Esin & Jessa, Kevin Lawver, Anitra Pavka, and of course, The Brad. In many ways things feel…just sort of off without them here.
On the upside, I’m 5/5 on my panel selections so far, but with so many panels on this year’s schedule, I’m bound to hit a clunker eventually.
As they say in the news, more updates as the news warrants…