Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and whether you’re in a relationship or not, we all have love on the brain. This week on SXTX State’s Top 5 we’ll look at five panels that explore modern love and relationships – from the reason for hookup culture to the future of robot companions.
Date-onomics: It’s Not You, It’s the Ratio
Saturday, March 12
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Austin Convention Center
Room 10AB / 531 E 4th St
There’s a shortage of eligible men in this country and apparently, it’s not all in our heads. The phenomenon of the single, college-grad woman who can’t find love is nothing new, and it’s no wonder: for every 4 women graduating college there are only 3 men. In this session, “Date-onomics” author and Fortune magazine contributor Jon Birger will discuss his theory that dating is a lopsided numbers game that has led to today’s hookup culture and declining marriage rates.
Saturday, March 12
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Hilton Austin Downtown
Salon H / 500 E 4th St
For the first time in history there are more single adults in America than there are married ones. Why is that? And more importantly, what can brands and retailers do to take full advantage of America’s newfound single status? Not all singles are looking for love, and it will behoove brands to break away from normative nuclear family messaging. At this panel, Anne Marie Stephen of Kwolia and Manolo Almagro of TPN will demystify what they call the New Independent consumer.
The Art of Mobile PersuasionSaturday, March 12
9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Austin Convention Center
Room 10AB / 531 E 4th St
Many of us have one true, enduring, devoted relationship in our lives: the one with our phone. This fascinating panel will delve into the complexities of that relationship and ask whether brand marketers have a place there. Could marketing even make that relationship better? Mobile strategist and author of “The Art of Mobile Persuasion” Jeff Hasen will discuss what brands can do to get in on this virtual relationship.
A Robot Companion: Human’s Best Friend?
Saturday, March 12
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Palmer Events Center
SX Create Stage / 900 Barton Springs Rd
Though Hollywood likes to make morbid films about robots taking over the world (and we love watching them), many of us are shameless in our reliance on small robots to get through our daily lives. They can help us be more productive and stay connected to society. Cynthia Breazeal, founder and chief scientist of Jibo, wants to take the next step in human-robot relationships: helpful companionship. Social robots like Jibo are designed to make humans feel as though they are interacting with someone, not something.
Time for Match.com for Company Culture?
Sunday, March 13
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
JW Marriott
Salon 7 / 110 E 2nd St
We have online matching services for romantic relationships and even friendships, but what about a service that matches you to the perfect job? Cammie Dunaway of Red Robin, Inc., Marketo and Nordstrom FSB and Moe Carrick of Moementum are passionate about inspiring perfect matches between people and organizations. This workshop session will give job seekers the tools they need to find that perfect match with an organization. Knowing how you’ll fit in to the work culture is key to cultivating joy in a happy employee-employer relationship.