We’re packing our suitcases and heading down to Austin this week for SXSW Interactive—a five-day festival that showcases a mix of digital creativity, emerging technology and unique networking events. From March 6 through 11, members of the Case Foundation team will be on-site and keeping an eye out for new trends at the intersection of technology and social good, fearless ideas around disruptive philanthropy and creative thought-leaders and entrepreneurs who are changing the world.
With close to 30,000 attendees, 1,800 speakers and 1,000 sessions, parties and events to choose from, the event can be overwhelming to say the least. We’ve highlighted the top 10 events that we’re excited about, and we hope you will join us! SPOILER ALERT – Don’t miss out on Jean Case’s session, “A Fearless Approach to Social Change” on Friday, March 7th, and Steve Case’s session, “The Rest is Rising: Entrepreneurship in America” on Saturday, March 8th.
Not headed to SXSW this year? Follow along with the Case Foundation team members on Twitter with @CaseFoundation. We also invite you to share your own recommendations, updates or thoughts on SXSW below in the comments section for this blog or via Twitter!
THURSDAY, MARCH 6:
At SXSW, we also like to honor community do-gooders who make the world better via innovative applications of digital technology. Remember that the Dewey Awards are FREE to attend — a SXSW badge is not needed to enjoy this inspiring evening.
FRIDAY, MARCH 7:
Featuring: Jean Case, CEO of the Case Foundation and Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, Host/Producer of HuffPost Live
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Hilton Austin Downtown, Salon H (500 E 4th St.)
In this session, Jean Case will outline the five key elements of a fearless approach to social change and share examples of great breakthroughs and innovations that have taken place when organizations across sectors have adopted these principles. The session will also feature a mini “fail fair,” where audience members will be invited to share and celebrate their failures.
SATURDAY, MARCH 8:
Featuring: Steve Case, founder and CEO of Revolution and Emily Chang, Anchor of Bloomberg TV
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM at the Austin Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 5 (500 E Cesar Chavez St.)
Join Steve, founder and CEO of Revolution and one of America’s most respected entrepreneurs, and Emily Chang of Bloomberg TV, for an in-depth conversation about the trends and ideas shaping our future. He will explore the changing geography of entrepreneurship in America, the impact of politics and public policy on our most promising startups and the challenges associated with marrying vision and execution.
Featuring: Rachael Chong of Catchafire, Seth Basson of Amicus, and Tabreez Verjee of Uprising
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Hilton Austin Downtown, Salon C (500 E 4th St.)
Over the past few years we’ve seen a tremendous rise in social good for-profit enterprises. This session, which includes leading social good entrepreneurs and impact investors, will examine why we’re seeing this boom and what the future of social enterprise might look like.
SUNDAY, MARCH 9:
10:00 AM – 2:00 AM at the Old School Bar and Grill (6thSt. and Trinity St.)
This year, UP Global & The Kauffman Foundation will be hosting our community on March 7-9 during the first three days of SXSW Interactive. The full schedule can be found at startupoasis.up.co – join UP Global and The Kauffman Foundation at #startupoasis.
MONDAY, MARCH 10:
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM at the Bungalow (92 Rainey St.)
A new addition to SXSW, the Hub brings together digital creative, entrepreneurs, filmmakers and other SXSW attendees focused on social change. The Social Good Hub is open to all badges and RSVP isn’t required for the event.
Featuring: Fruzsina Eordogh of Motherboard, Kristine Smith and Marta Gossage of Reddit, and Nika Nour Of the Internet Association
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Sheraton Austin Capitol EFGH (701 E 11th St.)
We are witnessing a profound transformation in the way that people are able to learn about a dizzying variety of life experiences. Anonymous sites are transforming discourse in how people are able to learn – from the more nontraditional life experience to the more mundane. How is this disruptive shift affecting other forms of media and changing the way that people form their beliefs and opinions?
Featuring: Chris Gebhardt or Participant Media, LLC, Leah Gerstner of American Express, Lori McMahon of Intel, and Tom Scott of the Gates Foundation
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM at the Wanderlust (206 E 4th St.)
Companies with a social mission can have both great social impact and superior performance because of deeper customer bonds and greater employee engagement. Participant’s TAG division brings together brands and foundations to collaborate and create social impact with storytelling at the core. Sponsored by Participant Media.
TUESDAY, MARCH 11:
Featuring: Alex Cuthbert of Google
9:30 AM – 1:30 PM at the AT&T Conference Center, Classroom 103 (1900 University Ave.)
This workshop showcases examples from a variety of web, film, animation, and mobile design leaders as a starting point for learning how to build stories about transformational products and experiences. Pre-registration required.
Featuring: Brian Reich of little m media and Kari Dunn Saratovsky of KDS Strategies
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM at the Austin Convention Center, Room 5ABC (500 E Cesar Chavez St.)
Millennials have different expectations for their involvement in social causes. In large part, millennials are post-institutional—they don’t rely on just government, just nonprofits, or just the private sector to influence change. They believe it takes a blending of sectors and approaches in order to make impact. You can either be part of this conversation, or you can let it leave you behind. Join us for some straight talk about how to really motivate Millennials.
SXSW organizers have also provided some tips to maximize your festival experience – check them out in advance and make the most out of your trip this year!
