SXSW Announces Launch of Inaugural SXSW Eco Conference

Event to Focus on Sustainability Solutions

June 27, 2011, Austin, Texas – South by Southwest (SXSW) Conferences and Festivals announced today it will launch the inaugural SXSW Eco Conference to bring together experts in the fields committed to finding solutions for a sustainable world. The event will take place at the Hilton Austin in Austin, Texas, October 4-6, 2011. SXSW Eco will feature three days of diverse, top-level programming for executive decision makers from the public, private and academic sectors, and provide a platform for attendees to collaborate and advance solutions to the most pressing challenges facing the environment, the economy and civil society.

SXSW Eco will provide an open and creative space for experienced, passionate and pragmatic professionals to network with a diverse group of influential organizations and individuals, while contributing to cutting-edge discussion. The conference will feature a mix of sessions, including keynote presentations, panels, and core-conversations. Session ideas submitted via the SXSW Eco website will be considered by SXSW Eco staff as well as the SXSW Eco Advisory Board.

The SXSW Eco Advisory Board features an eclectic group of experts with decades of experience dedicated to sustainability technology, research and education. Advisory Board members will assist the SXSW Eco staff with programming well-rounded sessions intended to encourage thought-provoking discussions among panelists and attendees alike. The Advisory Board currently includes dedicated professionals such as Robert Skinner, Associate Director, United Nations Foundation; Callum Grieve, Global Director of Communications, The Climate Group ; Melinda Taylor, Executive Director of the Center for Global Energy, International Arbitration, and Environmental Law at the University of Texas School of Law; and Karl R. Rábago, Vice President for Distributed Energy Services with Austin Energy. Additional members will be announced via the SXSW Eco website in the coming weeks.

“Just as SXSW Music, Film and Interactive emerged as a vibrant space for the creative and entrepreneurial communities, we hope SXSW Eco will foster a similar, productive environment for policy makers, academics, and professionals to build meaningful relationships and develop tangible solutions,” said Roland Swenson, SXSW Managing Director. “We are eager to apply our successful event experience to provide a new forum that will address these timely, complicated and interdependent issues of sustainability.”

“SXSW has always provided an environment that creates the kind of informal opportunity for the exchange of ideas, and I think extending their expertise to SXSW Eco could be very helpful in moving the agenda forward on these critical issues of sustainability,” said Robert Skinner, Associate Director of the United Nations Foundation. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to participate on the Advisory Board, and really looking forward to the discourse that will surely come from the event.”

Individuals with ideas for session topics, or those who are interested in speaking at SXSW Eco may submit proposals directly via the SXSW Eco Session Proposal Form. All ideas will be reviewed by SXSW Eco staff as well as the SXSW Eco Advisory Board. Proposals will be accepted now through July 29. To submit an idea or for more information, visit sxsweco.com/present.

The SXSW Eco Conference will take place at the Hilton Austin from Tuesday, October 4 through Thursday, October 6. SXSW Eco registration will include three days of programming, an opening night reception, registrants’ dinner and a closing party featuring live entertainment. SXSW Eco registration is available now at the discounted rates of $800 through July 29 and $1000 through September 2, after which the final walk-up rate will be $1200. Student and academic discounts of up to 50% will be available to qualified applicants. For more information on the SXSW Eco schedule, registration, and more, visit sxsweco.com/attend.