Attendance at SXSW has grown by leaps and bounds the last several years. In 2009, attendance at the Interactive portion of the conference was around 10,000. Last year, for the first time, the interactive crowd overtook the music crowd with over 14,000 attendees. If growth holds true, they are expecting nearly 20,000 people to attend SXSWi this year. In a previous post, I highlighted a post from Robert Scoble, who wondered if SXSWi has gotten too big to be the meaningful experience it once was.
Here, I guess Bettywriter and I did a pretty good job covering the event last year, because we’re now aware of many more Central Illinoisans attending. Of course, we know it’s not just our reporting skills, it’s the topics and companies that use SXSW as a platform to highlight their cutting edge products and services. Along with being able to rub elbows with cutting edge thinkers, it’s invigorating to be around so many people that share innovation, technology, and creativity as a passion.
Just here in Blono (that’s Bloomington-Normal for short for non-locals), we’re aware of at least 21 people going for the interactive portion alone. I’m certain they’ll have a great time and come back with a renewed energy and enthusiasm for digital, creative, and new media. The more that can bring this feeling back to Central Illinois, the better.
While we certainly invite anyone attending SXSWi to join us in blogging and reporting from the event, we hope those locals attending will join us on this blog. If you are attending SXSWi and would like to participate in sharing your SXSWi experience and knowledge here, please contact us.
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