shawnokeefe.com

Category: Event Technology

  • Behind the Curtain: My Guide to SXSW 2013

    For over twelve years I’ve worked behind the curtain at SXSW Interactive. And many times I have longed to experience the playground that I help construct for others.

    Perhaps in another life.

    For now, I humbly present twelve hastily-prepared tips and recommendations for this year’s event. Keep in mind there are approximately 1064 distinct sessions and about 1958 individual speakers for the Interactive event alone, so the following is strictly personal and a reflection of my own particular tastes and desires.
    (more…)

  • Building Playgrounds

    It seems everyone is talking about hackathons these days — and for good reason. Providing a more open infrastructure for a community to create new relationships and develop ideas is valuable. It’s very efficient from an event producer’s perspective. If the conditions are just right, some really amazing products and experiences can come from such events.

    Heck, it even sounds like fun.

    But while hackathons sound very easy to pull off — creating just the right environment to foster a productive experience can be difficult.
    (more…)