The PanelPicker: Tapping into the wisdom of the SXSW Music community

The History - First Launched in 2007 for SXSW Interactive

In 2007, SXSW Interactive implemented the PanelPicker, an innovative online tool developed to offer the community the chance to become a greater part of SXSW, not only by submitting programming ideas, but also by reviewing, commenting and voting for those ideas they most want to see become a part of the event. This interface has proved to be an incredibly valuable tool in terms of culling some of the world's most innovative and creative thinking about the ever-evolving state of new media.

In 2010, SXSW extended PanelPicker to include panel submission ideas for all three annual industry events (Music, Film, and Interactive), further enhancing the opportunity for the intersection of creative and professional minds throughout all three events.

“The PanelPicker interface is a natural extension of the creative intermingling that takes place during the festival itself. We are excited that we can provide a forum for new ideas to debut and flourish year-round.”
- Roland Swenson, SXSW’s Managing Director

The Process - Voting Runs August 9 - August 27

Step One - Submission / June 14 through July 9, 2010

During the open submission process, which started June 14 and ran through through July 9, we encouraged the community to upload proposals for panels, discussions, mentors, demonstrations, etc.

Step Two - Community Voting / August 9 through August 27, 2010

Starting August 9 and running through August 27, the community will have the opportunity to review all of the proposed ideas and rate submissions that they think are best fit for the 2011 SXSW Music Conference this March.

Voting is simple and FREE! Go to PanelPicker.sxsw.com any time between August 9 and August 27, 2010, click "Sign In" at the top left of the page. Next click "create a new account" and fill out the simple form. Once you are signed up you will be able to review, rate and comment on all submissions for the 2011 event. Voting officially closes on August 27, but the interface will remain open for comments through the event.

The Decision - Voting + Staff + Advisory Board

Here's how it works. Vote totals from the community, along with feedback from SXSW Advisory Boards and the SXSW staff, will determine the bulk of panel programming for the 2011 event. Each of these three channels informs a percentage of the decision-making process.

You - 30%

Who knows better what you want to see at SXSW than you? Your voice matters even if you did not submit a proposal.

SXSW Advisory Board - 40 %

A group of distinguished professionals working with live and recorded music, and related endeavors, from across the U. S. and around the world who are at the forefront of the music industry, the SXSW Advisory board will provide significant feedback on all submissions.

SXSW Staff - 30 %

With years of experience programming this particular event, the SXSW staff will also weigh in with feedback and endeavor to fill in any gaps in subject matter, strike a balance between new and veteran speakers, as well as research each presenter’s history and online following.

The Competition - Almost 300 Entries Received for 2011

When the submission process closed on July 9th, PanelPicker received almost 300 entries for the SXSW Music Conference. With so many great ideas vying for slots in the 2011 SXSW Music Conference lineup, competition is going to be tough. Be sure to vote August 9 through August 27, 2010 at PanelPicker.sxsw.com, and be a part of the programming decisions for the SXSW Music Conference in 2011.

The Scoop - First Announcements Coming This Fall

The first round of selections will be announced this Fall. Stay tuned to the website for all the latest news and information about SXSW 2011 programming. Additional information about the PanelPicker can be found on the PanelPicker FAQ.