Enter Your Site in the 2009 SXSW Web Awards

Rules and Information

Please read all of the following information very carefully so your entry can be processed correctly.

Only Websites Launched in the Calendar Year 2008 Are Eligible to Enter (Except For "Classic" Category)
This year's competition is open to all sites launched or redesigned in the calendar year 2008. The only exception is the "Classic" category, which consists of sites launched before January 1, 2008.

New Websites Can Be Entered in Multiple Categories
However, a separate application fee is applied for each new category in which the site is entered. If you are entering multiple websites in the competition, you are required to fill out a new online application form for each site.

Check Out the List of Categories in this Year's Competition and Explore the Category Definitions to Determine your Website's Category
If we feel your website has been entered in the wrong category, we will try to contact you and suggest that the website be switched to the more appropriate category.

All Submissions Are Evaluated on the Following Criteria:

• Visual Design: The appearance of the site. The eye-candy. Is it graphically intriguing?
• Functionality: The usability and navigation of the site. Is it easy to use?
• Interactivity: The amount of input the user has in the experience. How does the interface work with the user?
• Content: The information. The goods. Is the subject matter fascinating?
• Creativity: The unique and innovative approach. Does the site have something no one has seen before?

The SXSW Interactive Web Awards are judged in two separate rounds. After all entries are received, the first round of judging selects a group of five finalists in each of the categories. The second round of judging picks the top site from each of these groups of finalists.

Entries are given a score of between 1 and 10 in each of the above criteria and the finalist sites are those that achieve the highest cumulative score.

As the panel of judges are comprised of individuals from around the country and across the world, all judging is accomplished via a special, online interface. Judges decisions are final.

If Any Special Password Is Needed To Access Your Site, This Information Should Be Sent Separately
Send detailed information on site access to webawards@sxsw.com.

Deadlines and Entry Fees

Early Entry Deadline:
Friday, October 17
Application fee before October 17 - $10

Final Entry Deadline:
Friday, December 19
Application fee until December 19 - $25

Payment of entry fees are accepted online by credit card via the online application. Contact webawards@sxsw.com concerning entry fee payments by check or money order.

Late Entries Are Accepted Until December 31. Entries Received After December 31 Will Be Considered in the Following Year's Competition
Please contact webawards@sxsw.com concerning late entries. Finalists in each category will be notified in late January.

All sites submitted to the SXSW Interactive Web Awards are assumed to be completely operational at the time of submission. We will try to contact you if your site is not working at the time of judging -- but this will significantly reduce your chances of success in the competition.

By entering the website competition, you are given the option to register for SXSW Interactive at the lowest rate until February! Finalists in the competition are given a complimentary registration to SXSW Interactive. We will send you complete details on your discount registration options after your application is processed.

Please contact webawards@sxsw.com with any questions or concerns.