What have been some of the most memorable moments of SXSW Interactive?
The event debuted in 1994, featuring eight panel sessions and 36 total speakers. A year later, the significant growth of the event resulted in a gala Closing Party with special musical guest Willie Nelson. In 1997, Thomas Dolby (of the 80s hit song “Blinded Me By Science”) talked about the future of online music in a memorable keynote speech. In 1998, South Park co-creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone designed the art for the Big Bag. In 2004, the impact of the Internet on the political process proved to be an underlying theme, as speakers included former Howard Dean campaign manager Joe Trippi, as well as Zach Exley and Eli Pariser of Moveon.org. Last year’s event boasted two best-selling authors who spoke on burgeoning technology topics: Malcolm Gladwell, author of “The Tipping Point” and “Blink” as well as author, actor, and radio host of “Air America” Al Franken.
