The second annual Digitini is here! I’m so excited to be able to bring back this incredible event to SXSW Interactive this year. And bigger than ever with the event being held in the CNN Grill and co-hosted by PepsiCO WIN.
This event brings together incredible women in digital and technology communities to highlight their contributions over the past year! To follow along with today’s festivities, follow #digitini or #pepsicowin on Twitter.
A full recap to come after the event!
Starting in April, I think I’ll summarize my top posts from the past month, but as part of the series of posts reviewing the first quarter (and promise to myself to be reflect and commemorate more), here are my favorite 11 posts (so far) from 2010.
As the economic evolution of New Orleans continues, I in turn, continue to be amazed by all of the advances made by the hard working men and women that make up this community. The video above (made by local firm Deltree) was made for GNO, Inc. (Greater New Orleans) for their annual board meeting to show the shareholders the main economic drivers of New Orleans and highlight the community. (Yes I do make an appearance myself at the 2:40 minute mark). What’s incredible is how each person here is not just working for themselves and their families, but for the community at large. That’s a hard couple of tasks to juggle.
The debate continues. After all, if we (and I’m using we, but it’s more of a THEM or YOU as I’m still so new here) travel and leave New Orleans, we’re evangelizing but we’re not here adding to the day-to-day life. If we’re here, than the insular attitude of New Orleans continues. Being “the best kept secret for starting your business” isn’t where anyone wants to be anymore.
For a prime example of a company defining the future of New Orleans, look no further than FSC Interactive (disclosure: I work here part-time). The women-owned and women-operated boutique firm received two PRSA awards last year and is growing at an accelerated and impressive rate. Founder McKenzie Coco, along with being a member of the local EO chapter and frequent speaker on online marketing was just named CMO of Idea Village’s Entrepreneur-In-Residence program, which in turn is leading this week’s Entrepreneur Week, an initiative to bring entrepreneur’s and top MBA programs to New Orleans to learn from each other and showcase the entrepreneurial eco-system happening in New Orleans. Many local companies are helping to make the week a success, including the superstars at Bond PR who are spearheading all communications for Entrepreneur Week (no small feat and yet they make it look seamless).
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The song above won my “Secret Track on a CD Award”)
Looking back on SXSW 2009, I wanted to see how I did with music picks! After all, I’m not in the “industry” just a super fan and so rawking and rolling through 44 bands in 4 days last year was INTENSE to say the least. I wanted to highlight those artists and then once music this year is complete, I’ll be able to show you and highlight all new bands!
Here we are, highlights from SXSW Music 2009:
Clothes Falling Off, Oozing Sex, Performances Left Me Physically Unable To Speak:
Sam Roberts Band – El Sol Y Luna
Delta Spirit – Radio Room *extra points for best use of playing a trash can lid*
(Reference YouTube videos above)
Best International Comparison (And bonus for “See Them Now and Say You Saw Them When”):
Glasvegas – Vice (Scottish Bruce Springstein)
Asteroid Galaxy Tour – Emo’s Annex (Dannish Stevie Nicks)
Dancing Face-Melting Madness:
Totally Michael – Beauty Bar
Freeland – Maggie Mae’s Rooftop
Stumbled Into Surprise:
Sleepy Sun – Emo’s Jr.
Hype Hype Hype, But Worth It:
Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears – Buffalo Billiards
Best Acoustics:
Department of Eagles – Central Presbyterian Church
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LA Tech in 2009
Well friends, SXSW is here! It’s hard to believe a year has gone by since the last one. Before I move forward talking about all the goodness and goodies in store for this year, I thought I would first highlight my posts from last year’s SXSW. You know, reflecting back before I move forward. Here we go.
SXSW Core Conversation: How LA Has Built A Sucessful Tech Community
Los Angeles has become a hub for tech startups with new ones popping up every day. Relationships are being formed and VCs are paying attention. Universities are showcasing developer opportunities unique to the city. So how did this happen? Welcome to networking 2.0. From Lunch 2.0 to Interactive Community Coalitions, BarCamp to Twiistup, LA is a great case study of how to build a successful tech community in your city. Join the organizers of the city’s most popular networking events for tips, advice, the how to’s and what-not-to-do’s to make your city’s community pop.
Life just doesn’t really get much better than those 9 days in Austin each year when your mind is blown, your heart is full and your feet ache from exploration.