For those of you who regularly stay updated on things going on in the forward moving world of Health 2.0, health/social media, etc. you are undoubtedly aware of the exciting addition to next year’s South by Southwest Interactive (known to many as SXSW) event. There will be a one-day track devoted to health, giving opportunity for innovative ideas and thoughts to be shared at one of the largest gatherings I know of for all things interactive (technology, media, design, etc.). Check out the Social Health event blog post for more information.
For those of you not familiar with SXSW and its ‘Interactive’ focused series of events – take a look at their website for pretty much all you need to know. From their description:
SXSW® Interactive features five days of compelling presentations from the brightest minds in emerging technology, scores of exciting networking events hosted by industry leaders, the incredible new SXSW Trade Show and an unbeatable lineup of special programs showcasing the best new digital works, video games and innovative ideas the international community has to offer.
As you can understand from this brief description – it’s the perfect gathering place for thought leaders, innovators and people interested in taking things to the next level, much like I am aiming to do with public health.
Speaking of things I’m involved with, I am super excited to announce that I have been appointed to the brand new SXSW Health Advisory Board! In this position I will have the opportunity to check out some of the fantastic submissions to the health track and offer additional thoughts/insight. Although a lot of the spotlight now is on healthcare systems and physician-patient relationships – I’m looking forward to seeing ideas planted in the grassroots (no pun intended) efforts of public and community health, where education and communication are key foundations.
Quite a bit of forward movement has occurred since I started writing on Pulse + Signal a few years ago and I am beyond ecstatic to see health being given a voice on a platform as large and influential as SXSW. Not only do I look forward to reviewing the panel submissions but also attending next year in Austin to listen, process and meet the ideas/people pushing the envelope.
A big thanks to Dana Lewis, Shwen Gwee, Tom Stitt and Reed Smith for their hard work to bring about this great addition. Also thanks to all those pioneering in their fields of health to make important change happen.
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Finally a mainstage event and long overdue! Congrats and looking forward to the event.
I saw this year’s health track, and all of the session submissions look incredibly exciting! Congratulations on being appointed to the Health Advisory Board!
I have a feeling that the addition of a health track at SXSW will really help bring innovation to the health field. I only wish that SXSW provided scholarships for recent college graduates.
If you aren’t used to going to relatively active conferences, SXSW can be insanely overwhelming. Although it’s super fun, if you dont have a plan it’s easy to get drained really fast. I’d encourage you to come out though.
Awesome! Although I’m not a huge conference-goer, every year that SXSW comes around I kick myself for not being there, lol. Adding a health track is a great addition, can’t wait to see how it plays out. Maybe I’ll get over my conference-phobia and get to Austin this time!
Looking forward to reading all of them as well! Thanks for submitting yours Fran!
Thanks Connie! I was pretty excited when I heard that Health was being added for next year’s line up as well. Big changes coming! Hoping to also see YOU next year as well – you are hereby forbidden to be sick
alrightee! congratulations! the submissions are impressive. it’s looking to be a stellar day.
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Andre, this is great news! I was not aware that SXSW was including a health track this year–that’s a huge development for this event, which attracts thousands of attendees from all over the world. Congratulations on your involvement.
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