The sheer size and scope of SXSW and everything it has to offer can be overwhelming at first glance. To help curb the chaos we’ve compiled a list of featured conferences and panels that will be relevant to the future success of you and your business.
FILM AND TV
Theatrical vs Streaming: A Shifting Paradigm
Moderated by:
- Richard Baker (Film Nation)
- Scott Macauly (Forensic Films/ Filmmaker Magazine)
- Tiffany Pritchard (Collectiff)
- Hugh Spearing (StudioCanal UK)
This panel focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of selling your film to a streaming service versus a traditional provider. Different distribution platforms available outside of the U.S. as well as streaming services’ impact on international theatrical windows will also be discussed.
When: March 10, 2018 / 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Where: Austin Convention Centre / Room 17B
Making Ends Meet: Paying Bills and Making Films
Moderated by:
- Bradley Beesley (Roadside Media)
- Doug Blush (MadPix)
- Alexandria Bombach (Red Reel)
- Don Hardy (KTF Films)
Discussing the ways in which independent filmmakers can secure finances for their projects in a market where investors, donors, and distributors aren’t taking risks on independent projects.
When: March 12, 2018 / 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Where: Austin Convention Centre / Room 13AB
Hollywood to Broadway: Adapting Films for Stage
Moderated by:
- Dori Berinstein (Dramatic Forces)
- Natasha Davison (University of Texas/ND Productions Broadway)
- Marisa Sechrest (Altair Entertainment)
The most successful broadway stages in the past few years have been productions based on popular films. Panelists from Mean Girls, Legally Blonde, and Waitress discuss what it takes to stage a successful film-to-stage adaptation and how to build a global franchise.
When: March 13, 2018 / 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Where: Austin Convention Centre / Room 11AB
MUSIC
Striking a Chord with Today’s Music Fans
Moderated by:
- Greg Harris (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame)
- Welz Kaufman (Ravinia Festival)
- Brad Shelton (BRC Imagination Arts)
- Sally Williams (Ryman Auditorium/Opry Entertainment Group)
In a world where quantity over quality reigns supreme, these industry veterans will discuss the ways in which it is possible to create memorable moments and experiences for music fans through multi-sensory storytelling and will highlight the importance of doing so for your business.
When: March 15, 2018 / 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Where: Austin Convention Centre / Room 17A
Barriers to Innovation for New Music Experiences
Moderated by:
- Brooke Eplee (VEVO)
- Alex Kamins (Warner Music Group)
- Vaughn Mckenzie (JAAK)
- Ted Suh (musical.ly)
This panel will discuss the difficulties involved with building a new generation of music services and experiences. Industry experts will offer their insight, predictions, and advice on topics related to the existing digital music market as well as the steps necessary to embrace and engage with innovation.
When: March 13, 2018 / 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Where: Austin Convention Centre / Room 12AB
Mo’ Data Mo’ Problems: Music in the Age of Data
Moderated by:
- Emily Blake (Next Big Sound at Pandora Media)
- Alyssa Castiglia (Island Records)
- Britnee Foreman (Downtown Music Publishing Group)
- Cherie Hu (Forbes)
This panel will discuss the ways in which the music industry continues to change amidst the rising necessity of data accumulation to inform decisions and alter the ways in which the industry operates. Panelists will share their experiences from the frontlines of the industry.
When: March 14, 2018 / 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Where: Austin Convention Centre / Room 10B
Maximize Your ROA – Turning Likes into Dollars
Moderated by:
- Adam Lekach (PledgeMusic)
- Courtney Marr (mtheory)
- Nick Rizzuto (Fame House)
This panel will delve into what “likes” and retweets really mean for your business and what tangible effects they can have on your business. Industry experts will explain how to ensure all parts of your social media engagement strategy are connected so as to ensure your interest online is turning into profit.
When: March 14, 2018 / 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Where: Austin Convention Centre / Room 9AB
How To Build An Effective Streaming Music Strategy
Moderated by:
- Charles Alexander (Streaming Promotions)
- Brad Belanger (Homestead / Red Light Management)
- Rachel Whitney (Pandora)
For both artists and agents, to be successful in the music industry in 2018 means having an effective streaming music strategy. From getting featured on a playlist to leveraging that feature, this panel will discuss the ways in which a strategy can be developed and utilized in an effort to create the most impact.
When: March 15, 2018 / 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Where: Austin Convention Centre / 17B
Pirates’ Rights, Streaming & Physical Album Release
Moderated by:
- Dan Dymtrow (Maverick)
- Dina Lapolt (LaPolt Law)
- Wade Leak (Sony Music Entertainment)
- Valerie Pensa (RCA Records)
This panel will discuss the ways in which the previous era of pirating music has given rise to our current digital landscape in the music industry. Panelists will offer insight into how artists and agents can curb album leaks and take full advantage of the digital marketplace including the costs and benefits of a streaming-driven music era.
When: March 16, 2018 / 11:00am – 12:00pm
Where: Hilton Austin Downtown / Salon C
SPORTS
Race and Equity – The Trail Blazers Journey
Moderated by:
- Hanif Fazel (Center for Equity and Inclusion)
- Christa Stout (Portland Trail Blazers)
In conversation, these two panelists will discuss diversity, equity and inclusion in sport. Topics will include: changing demographics, redefining markets, and the beneficial effects of taking steps toward diversity and inclusion in sport.
When: March 9, 2018 / 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Where: JW Marriott / Salon C
The Connected Future of Sports and eSports
Moderated by:
- Alexander Lasry (Milwaukee Bucks)
- Macy Mills (GameInfluencer)
- Andrew Paradise (Skillz)
- Kent Wakeford (KSV eSports)
It is estimated that by 2020 eSports will amass revenues reaching $5 billion and will have more fans than basketball in the US. As the market grows, traditional sports organizations are getting involved. This panel will discuss how the two entities can combine their efforts to grow the industry as a whole.
When: March 11, 2018 / 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Where: JW Marriott / Salon AB