Thinking SXSW Accelerator could be a good fit for your company? Below are the top 10 reasons to showcase your product or service at Accelerator at SXSW in 2012.

1. Expand Your Audience

Thousands of individuals from around the world flock to SXSW each year looking for the next big thing, and SXSW Accelerator is a major part of the excitement. Showcasing your idea at Accelerator attracts the attention of the more than 2,500 attendees to your innovative product or service. It’s an incredible opportunity to get in front of individuals who can help take your concept to the next level.

2. Network with Industry Leaders

One of the greatest values of SXSW Interactive is the amazing mix of industry leaders, technology innovators, big-name companies, fresh startups, online authors, cutting-edge developers, and independent talent attracted to the event. The ample socializing opportunities at SXSW Accelerator make it easy for participants to meet, greet, and establish a network of professionals to work with on current and future projects.

3. Refine Your Product

No matter how strong your pitch, to attract investors you need a strong product. Presenting your idea to an experienced panel of industry experts, and discussing your product with other entrepreneurs can help you to take it to the next level.

4. Polish Your Elevator Pitch

Pitching is the single-most important skill you need to rise above the competition. That pitch should be rock solid. At Accelerator, you get to pitch your nascent technologies to scores of innovators, content producers, media experts, and venture capitalists. Their feedback and expertise can help you sharpen that all-important pitch.

5. Learn About Funding Options

Discover the latest funding strategies adopted by startups, including seed combinators, angel investing, coworking, local investors, and more. The company of experts in the industry will prove a valuable source of ideas to finance your product.

6. Broad & Diverse Categories

We're looking for bright ideas. That’s why we’ve created categories for the event broad enough to encompass many areas of innovation. Choose from Innovative Web Technologies, Social Media and Social Networking Technologies, Entertainment Technologies, Mobile Technologies, Health Technologies or News - Related Technologies.

7. Take Advantage of Media Exposure

SXSW attracts a lot of media attention, and SXSW Accelerator is particularly interesting to press outlets looking to break the next exciting technology story. Accelerator presenters can leverage that attention to place their company in the spotlight with ample press opportunities.

8. Register at the Lowest Rate

Entering your product or service in SXSW Accelerator guarantees you the lowest early registration rate of the year.

9. Experience All That SXSW Has to Offer

SXSW Interactive offers a wealth of exciting opportunities and events, including panel programming, parties and lounges, annual SXSW Interactive Awards, ScreenBurn at SXSW, the SXSW Trade Show, and, of course, the inspirational experience that only SXSW can deliver. Be a part of the experience and enter your innovative product or service to Accelerator at SXSW today.

10. Welcome to Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas has long been a hub for freethinking technology movers and shakers. The Central Texas Hill Country has earned the nickname "Silicon Hills" because of the technology industry giants with major operations here and the scores of trailblazing startups and indie tech companies that call Central Texas home. The ever-changing nature of technology and the inclusiveness of its reach make Austin an ideal place to reach out to the larger social web. Did I mention the BBQ?