The launch of our new and improved website marks the official beginning of the 2010 season for the SXSW Interactive Festival. Special thanks to our friends at Sibley/Peteet Design in Austin for developing this year's look and feel. As for the 2010 site, we hope our new design offers a more intuitive and user-friendly experience. Stay tuned as we continue to add new content and information in the coming weeks.

REGISTER NOW FOR LOWEST RATES
Click here for your best deals on registration rates. Cost to attend SXSW Interactive is just $395 though September 25, which is a $155 savings off the walk-up price. And when you pay your registration fee, be sure to book a hotel room via the SXSW Housing Desk. Remember that hotel rooms closest to the Austin Convention Center tend to sell out quickly -- so act now while there is still availability.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
SXSW Interactive provides a great environment for your company, product or service to create more buzz with some of new media's pre-eminent leaders. Click here for complete details on sponsorships, premiere marketing opportunities, the Trade Show, the Program Book, inserts and other marketing opportunities. Buy now to ensure the best selection and values of the season.

ENTER OUR COMPETITIONS
SXSW is also now accepting applications for the 2010 Web Awards as well as the ScreenBurn Game Design Competition. Also, stay tuned to the SXSW Interactive site in the next few weeks for more information on how your new business venture can be involved with the 2010 Accelerator event. Launched in the spring of 2009, Accelerator showcases new media's latest entrepreneurial projects.

PANELPICKER VOTING ON AUGUST 17
As for daytime programming content, the PanelPicker voting application is scheduled to launch on Monday, August 17. Over the last few years, this application has helped SXSW Interactive tap into the collective creativity and wisdom of the SXSW Interactive community. And what a collection it is -- this year's PanelPicker voting application will feature more than 2200 amazing ideas.

THE JOURNEY BEGINS
Sure, spring is a long way away, but we can already feel the excitement beginning to build for next year's event. Over the last few months, the SXSW staff have discussed and implemented lots of changes that we think will amount to an even more beneficial and enjoyable experience for the thousands of industry innovators who are part of the event. Keep watching this website for all the important details!

- Hugh Forrest, SXSW Event Director