July 13, 2018

8 PanelPicker® Tips to Make Your Session Proposal a Success – Entry Deadline July 20

With so many PanelPicker® proposals, how can you ensure that your amazing idea stands out? As the entry deadline on Friday, July 20 approaches, take a dive into our helpful PanelPicker tips for constructing the perfect proposal and review the 2019 SXSW Conference Tracks.

Tips for PanelPicker Success

• Follow the instructions and read the FAQ. Reading the PanelPicker FAQ will give you important information about SXSW and more valuable tips for creating a great proposal.

• Create a future-focused, original proposal that shows what you’re passionate about. Often SXSW previews what you’ll be talking about next year and beyond in tech, culture, music, and film. Give us your perspective on what lies ahead and why.

• Depth and specificity. SXSW attendees want advanced, in-depth information, so be sure to delve into the particulars of a topic. The more specific a proposal is, the better. Drill down to what really matters.

• Your title should reflect your description. Your title is going to be fighting for attention with hundreds of other titles in PanelPicker, so it’s important for your title to be direct and explanatory. The community should be able to understand what the proposal will cover without reading your description. Remember: think simple, accurate, and succinct. Tip: Avoid using ALL CAPS in your title and proposal.

• Diversity matters. All panels (3-4 person sessions) must include diversity in gender, race, location and employment of speakers, and diversity in thought and opinion.

• Include a video with your proposal. Your speaking abilities matter and we’d like to see them. No fancy production required – recording from your webcam or phone works just fine.

• Proofread, proofread, proofread. Did we mention to proofread? Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are extremely important. Once you have completed your draft idea and clicked “Enter My Proposal,” you will NOT be able to edit your idea. Be sure you have reviewed your proposal carefully.

• Meet the deadline. The deadline for 2019 PanelPicker entry is July 20, 2018 at 11:59pm PT.

SXSW Conference Tracks

The SXSW Conference provides an opportunity for global professionals at every level to explore what’s next in the worlds of entertainment, culture, and technology within 25 Tracks of programming. Get to know our 2019 Tracks and discover which track best aligns with your session proposal: Interactive Tracks, Film Tracks, Music Tracks, and Convergence Tracks.

While PanelPicker contributes to the majority of the 2019 SXSW Conference programming, it also helps us identify industry trends based on each season’s entries. Explore 2018 Programming Trends and follow SXSW News for the latest updates in trends that emerge from the 2019 PanelPicker®.

Enter Your PanelPicker Idea for SXSW 2019

Visit panelpicker.sxsw.com to login or create a new profile and then begin your proposal. Enter your speaking proposals for the 2019 SXSW Conference, SXSW EDU, and SXSW Gaming. All ideas received will be posted online for Community Voting from August 6-30, 2018.

Review the resources and tips to get started on your 2019 PanelPicker proposal and enter by 11:59pm PT on July 20, 2018. Good luck!

Enter Your Idea

Mark your calendars for August 1 when Registration and Housing opens for the 2019 SXSW season.

2018 Session (Music Industry & Culture Track), “Insider Tips from the Boss Women of Instagram” – Photo by Jessica Stamp

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Source: SxSW Film