The heart of the SXSW Interactive Festival has always been the exciting diversity of daytime programming and the dynamic speakers drawn to the event. Discovering new ideas that lead us to a better future is the underlying theme of all SXSW programming.

• Pick your favorite PanelPicker proposals August 9 - 27
• Watch panel-related video on the SXSW YouTube Channel
• SXSW Interactive Festival Videos and Audio Podcasts
• Read the SXSW Interactive FAQ to learn more about daytime programming
• Subscribe to the e-mail newsletter to get the latest panel announcements

Solo Presentations, Interviews, Panels & Much More

Topics for 2011 will range from technical sessions about web and interface design, wireless innovation and business operations to more philosophical discussions about online marketing, social networks and our relationship to new technologies. Though we often use the term "panels" somewhat broadly (as in the SXSW PanelPicker), there are actually many different types of SXSW Interactive programming.

Opening Remarks, Keynotes and Closing Remarks

The cornerstone of each day's programming; Opening Remarks, Keynote Presentations and Closing Remarks feature creative innovators with a wide appeal who can capture the attention and imagination of the broader community. These hour-long presentations take the form of either a solo talk, an interview, or a conversation between two individuals focusing on a particular topic.

Solo, Dual and Panel Presentations

The majority of daytime programming at SXSW Interactive consists of panel, dual or solo presentations. Panels typically feature one moderator and four or five industry experts who represent different perspectives and opinions. Solo and dual presentations offer less diversity of opinion but more in depth analysis. Each of these types of sessions are an hour in length.

Core Conversations

The informal discussions that pop up in the hallways between, during and after panel sessions have traditionally been one of the most productive parts of the SXSW Interactive Festival. In 2008, we formalized this process with the Core Conversation program which has quickly become one of the more popular aspects of the event. In these less formal hour-long sessions a single moderator will introduce the topic to be discussed and then facilitate the conversation.

Book Readings

From Malcolm Gladwell to Neal Pollack to Bruce Sterling, authors have always been a big part of the SXSW Interactive Festival. The SXSW Interactive Book Reading program showcases some of the most interesting new titles related to emerging media. Select authors will be given a 20-minute timeslot to talk about their new book, after which they will be available to sign copies of their work at the SouthByBookstore.

Workshops

Workshops are one of the most exciting new additions to SXSW Interactive programming. These sessions will offer more in-depth, advanced, and technical information than is often provided in the SXSW panel program. Workshops are advanced, technical sessions that focus on one topic.

Future15

Future15 is a series of short talks. As the title implies, these are 15-minute solo presentations that are curated from proposals submitted to the PanelPicker. Future15 presentations are grouped into two-hour blocks of programming related to a single theme.

Extended Content

SXSW Interactive doesn't have to end with the last session on Tuesday, March 15th. Check out our video and podcast lineup.

Stay Tuned For New 2011 Programming Additions

As evidenced by the more than 2300 outstanding proposals received via this year's PanelPicker, SXSW Interactive is a marketplace of ideas. So, for the March 2011 event, look for a few new programming features to be added to the schedule — features that we think will allow us to incorporate even more of the intelligence, innovation and creativity of the SXSW audience. Stay tuned to this website for complete details on these new additions to the daytime programming mix.

Have ideas, suggestions or questions? E-mail interpanels@sxsw.com.