SXSWi was out of the picture this year (hello Baby, your father doesn’t want you to be born in Austin). So I’m headed to Blissdom next week instead! At first glance, I thought it would be a good fit for a lot of things going on personally and in business -- so thought, why not. So, I signed up -- and the closer the event gets the more stoked I become! And come to find out, several people I know from various aspects are going as well! And did I mention it’s at the Opryland Hotel? FUN!
Anywhoo — yesterday the doorbell rang, and unfortunately it wasn’t a Girl Scout selling cookies -- (because at this stage in pregnancy I would most likely buy 10 boxes of thin mints and then regret it when they arrived after the baby gets here). It was our next door neighbors with a box that had been delivered to their house. Sean gave me a "what did you buy now".
What greatness did I receive? A wonderful welcome box from Blissdom:
Enclosed was a folder welcoming me with the weekend’s itinerary, a popcorn bowl with popcorn, redbox gift card, a Poken, a card from Hallmark and a coupon book full of freebies! Super fun! and super thanks Blissdom and Conagra Foods and Hallmark for the hook-up.
The Hallmark card cracked me up -- since "You know what?" "CHICKEN BUTT" is a constant joke with my 4 and 6 year olds. My 4 year old loves the card so much, here he is doing his happy dance with it:
Working in the event management business, I have to say how impressed I am with the information I received in my welcome packet. I recently was a part of planning a seminar for 2,100 women. The details are horrendous and you have to get it RIGHT. Blissdom did just that. The verbiage was well written, warm and receptive. The event information was thought thru -- including great traveling tips from TravelingMom.com -- and there is even information on making sure your orders at home are taken care of (everything from kid and elder care, pets and more!).
So looking forward to this event. And did I mention HARRY CONNICK JR. is going to be there? Can you say *swoon*!?!?
SXSW Interactive is hard to top. Last year was my 3rd go round, and it was incredible. The people, the atmosphere, the speakers – all around great experience.
This year – my fave speakers had to be Gary Vaynerchuck. I was familar with Wine Library TV, but not aware of the awesomeness of this dude. His enthusiasm exhumed as he spoke about CRUSHING IT.
Unfortunately, bambino is due right around the time of SXSWi in March 2010, so will have to wait until 2011 to return.
While the Internet has dramatically changed lives around the world, its full impact will only be realised when far more people and information go on-line, its founders said Wednesday. “The Web as I envisaged it, we have not seen it yet. The future is still so much bigger than the past,” said Tim Berners-Lee, one of the inventors of the World Wide Web, at a seminar on its future.
Just 23 percent of the globe’s population currently uses the Internet, according to the United Nation’s International Telecommunications Union, with use much higher in developed nations.
The Internet has a long way to go. Listening in on the Future of Social Networks panel, this became apparent to me. A few years ago, my life online went un-noticed. Today – that’s a different story. Now your online identity is your offline identity. Transperancy is becoming the norm. If you are plugged into Facebook, you know the truths to this. I know what my friend’s kids from elementary school look like (had a run in with a old friend at a restaurant and recognized her by her kids last week!). If you were to ask my sister what I did today, she could pick up her phone and tell you. I can tell you about my brother’s vacation before he even returns home.
What does the future hold? Who knows. But I can’t wait for the ride.
Here is the The Future of Social Networks panel from this year’s SXSWi. Charlene Li did a fabulous job visioning what could be.
I wasn’t sure if it was going to happen this year, but am fortunate to be able to attend SXSWi again this year.
If you are nerd in any sort of fashion, SXSWi is the creme de la creme of greatness.
Trying to find a hotel is looking pretty pricey. Since the company I work for is kind enough to send me, the least I can do is try to save some mula on the hotel room fees. Priceline and Hotwire are failing me.
I thought i’d give good old Craigslist a try – and boy did I hit the motherlode.
68 Vintage Airstream at $74.00/night Available for any or all days in March or SXSW Festival. NOT AVAILABLE MARCH 17-22. Private back entrance. Best location in Austin, Across the street from Lake Austin, Hula Hut, Mozart’s Coffee, & ATM. UT & Capital Metro bus stop, 1 1/2 block away. $8.50 taxi ride to downtown. Airstream has: Cable, WiFi, Full bath, AC, Electric Heat & Water, Microwave, Outdoor gas grill, TV-CD-DVD, Sirrius XM Satellite Radio, & full bath. Perfect for one or couple. Thanks.
I’ve always thought how cool it would be to own an airstream. Just don’t think this one is what I was imagining.
$65 mi couch is su couch for SXSW (10 mins. North of downtown) (map)
My brother and I are renting out living room for SXSW and we are 420 friendly
Pets welcome!!! (With a $100 deposit)
Small/ medium dogs welcome for $35/per night (I will gladly watch over them, feed them and walk them)
Cats welcome for $25/per night (I will gladly watch over them and feed them)
Cost for couch $65/per night
comes with: very comfy L shaped couch, 32 inch t.v, extended cable, d.v.d player and 65 d.v.d’s to chose from, wireless internet.
The apartment is located 10 minuets north of downtown
To take a cab: $15 one way/ to take the city bus .75 one way or a 1.50 for a day pass
I guess this poster is basically saying – hey – come stay on my couch – pay me and my brother $65/per night and bring your weed! Sorry dude, I don’t share.
$40 The Domain – airbed in shared room for $40/night (Austin)
We want to try & give you the air mattress in a cozy area of the house So you have a little privacy. Located in North Austin close to “The Domain” mall, with shopping, restaurants, and movies nearby. Also just so you are aware, I am ok with smoking but it must be outside.
My back doesn’t do airbeds sweetie.
So I’m back to square 1 – Priceline. I’ll take a spin and see what lady luck brings me. Oy vey – but i’m SXSW bound and that’s what really matters. Yay Austin!
