Conceived as a local music festival in 1987, in its 30+ year run SXSW has become the preeminent celebration of all things interactive media, emerging technology and high-octane experiences. Brand activations from technology, consulting and consumer companies alike add to the mix, giving the festival an international reputation as a breeding ground for big ideas and even bigger technologies. With music and film, trade show and celebrity speakers, parties and international delegations, there is nothing like SXSW anywhere on the planet. According to a festival organizer Louis Black, "SXSW Interactive has probably been the biggest of its kind in the world since 2007".
