SXSW Interactive 2011 Worth it or Not? I’m still trying to figure that out. As it sits right now I’m nonplussed and mildly amused at the “short on content/long on parties” atmosphere.  Check this comic out from the Oatmeal – sums it up perfectly – http://theoatmeal.com/comics/sxsw

I’m not sure what I expected but it sure wasn’t what I experienced.  Knowing that some of the best and brightest minds from the interactive world would all be in one place sharing information, case-studies, new tools and beer was the build up but I really only experienced the beer.  And I didn’t really even go to many parties and that sure wasn’t my intention but I thought it would be worth a try since some of the sessions were so bad and rudimentary I had to walk out.

I do want to give credit to the major brands that were there.  Pepsi, Sony, CNN, Chevy etc. had massive presences at SXSW interactive from massive displays to full building takeovers.  It was a contest of who could have the bigger display.  CNN took over a Bar & Grill and created their own CNN Bar and Grill sign about 8 foot in diameter and replete with neon and beautiful graphics. Pepsi took over what seemed like almost a quarter of a block of space for “Pepsi Max Lot” which they shared with the cool peeps from Foursquare. The best part about the brands is they didn’t take advantage of a captive audience and charge Disneyland prices for food, drinks and swag.  Everything was free and fun – they rocked it.

So should I go next year? Right now I say, No Way. I’ve gotten more info & made more contacts at a small event of 200 people locally than I did at SXSW Interactive 2011.  Or should I go to get my party on next year and just forget about learning anything worthwhile. What do you think?