Opera at SXSW 2008

SXSW Open Format

By Jim Brown. Monday, 10. March 2008, 20:51:16

SXSW Interactive is trying a new kind of panel format this year called "SXSW Open Format." This is a way for folks to give short, ten-minute presentations. You sign up on a website, and then you get your 10 minutes.

I didn't attend this panel because there was any certain presentation that interested me, but I was interested in the format. Is it just another way to sell certain technologies? Do people show up? Well, apparently yesterday's Open Format drew a larger crowd (30 people they say) - today's has only drawn about seven people.

This is the kind of thing SXSW should probably do more of in coming years. I can envision some good buzz surrounding this kind of panel. In fact, I can imagine a very cool conference that used ONLY open formal panels. Yes, it would probably be chaotic, but it might also allow SXSW Interactive to mirror some of the stuff that happens (or at least used to happen) at the music festival. People getting "discovered"...cutting edge stuff finding an audience.

As far as the panel I attended, it wasn't too exciting. But I'm hoping these kinds of panels catch on in the future.

Right now, I'm getting antsy. I'm definitely ready for the Opera Party tonight. Should be a good time.