Bits & Bytes

The SXSW Interactive Festival brings together digital creatives from across the United States and around the world. In particular, the event has enjoyed a large increase in attendance from British-based new media experts over the last few years.

For out-of-towners, getting a good hotel room is an integral part of a successful SXSW experience. While several downtown-area establishments are now sold out in the second week of March, there are still hundreds and hundreds of outstanding rooms available during the event. Most of these rooms are just a short drive (or even a manageable walk) from the Austin Convention Center. Want to book yourself into one of these available rooms?

Hey Bay Area new media professionals. The annual SXSW Interactive Networking Party in San Francisco is scheduled from 7:00-9:00 pm on Monday, January 12 at Mighty (119 Utah Street). This is a great opportunity to meet with event organizers as well as mix with other cool digital creatives in a fun and festive environment. Also, one lucky attendee will win a FREE registration to the 2009 SXSW Interactive Festival. Want to be part of the fun?

Happy 2009 from SXSW! Want to make the new year even brighter?

Next week will be a light week for us, and the Bits & Bytes blog will be taking a brief vacation. Look for fresh news and content on the SXSW site beginning Monday, January 5, 2009. We'll be a bit slow to reply to email over the holidays as well, so please be patient for a reply.

Wondering what the next big thing is?

Are you planning to attend the 2009 SXSW Interactive Festival? Then be sure to put a button on your website or your blog to tell cybersphere that you will be here -- and to kick-start the pre-event networking process. Click here to download the artwork for your site. And if you haven't yet purchased your registration for the 2009 event, why not do it today while prices are still low?

The New Year is almost here -- and that means that it is time for SXSW Interactive networking parties in various cities across the US. This is your chance to meet with organizers of the Austin event as well as other cool digital creatives (such as yourself).

The Motion Graphics Festival is celebrating its sixth year with a national tour beginning next month, and SXSW Interactive wants to help you get there. That's why throughout 2009, we'll be giving away two FREE VIP badges for each city they visit, starting in Chicago and continuing through Boston, Austin, Atlanta and Washington D.C.

Hotel rooms are one of the most important commodities during SXSW. To this end, several downtown-area establishments are now sold out. But, don't let this information deter your planned trip to Austin in the spring because there are still hundreds and hundreds of great rooms available during the event. Most of these rooms are just a short walk or drive from the Austin Convention Center.