
We’re officially in the running to lead two exciting panels at this spring’s SXSW Interactive Festival (and participate in a third). If you’re in the mood to help send everyone’s favorite Sprinkles cupcake-loving Emerging Media Director, David Berkowitz, to Austin, please check out our panel suggestions below and vote at the SXSW PanelPicker before voting ends on September 4. Note: You’ll have to register to cast your vote, but it should take you all of 30 seconds – we promise.
1) Tasty Conversation: Social Media + Food Brands
Bring your appetite to this fireside chat-style panel. David Berkowitz joins a lineup of top food and beverage brands that are harnessing social buzz to spice up their real world presence. What are these brands cooking up across the social landscape? And what can we learn from them?
Some questions this panel will address:
*Not an actual question, but we can tell you, they are very tasty.
2) How Startups Can Create Buzz Without Selling Out
David Berkowitz will lead panelists in a discussion about how start-ups can catch the eye of brand marketers who have the power to provide added credibility, cash and buzz. How can you make your service marketer-friendly while keeping your integrity?
Questions this panel will address:
3) SoDA Pops! Best Digital Agency Advice and Practices
David Berkowitz will join SoDA, The Society of Digital Agencies, and some of the world’s most respected digital agencies to discuss challenges and open discussions both in and outside the industry.
Topics this panel will address:

It’s hard to properly describe the South by Southwest experience, but the best way I can summarize it is that it’s the embodiment of a hive (maybe it’s because I’m influenced by the upcoming Hive Awards for social media – http://www.hiveawards.com). Read the full article

From David Berkowitz, Director of Emerging Media & Client Strategy, live from the heart of Texas
360i is out in Austin this week for South by Southwest Interactive (we did mention we’re everywhere). A few notes from the show as it gets underway:
The hottest spot: The TechSet / Windows Blogger Lounge. This is the see & be seen place for the bloggerati, the twitterati, and the vendorati. It’s where you’ll find everyone from the bald and balding blogging old-timers (read: over 30) to the 22-year-old blonde social media starlets. What you may not find is a seat, but once in awhile people actually do this conference stuff called going to sessions, and you’re able to sneak in at a table. Read the full article