Valentine’s Day is here and even if you don’t have a partner to cozy up to this evening, there is always something out there to love – whether it’d be your puppy, technology, your favorite social app or even new social movements you’re supporting. Check out the top 5 sessions to love this Valentine’s Day.
The Love Algorithm
Sunday, March 12
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Hyatt Regency – Austin Zilker Ballroom 2
Have you ever gone into a relationship hating animals, then the next thing you know, you and your partner are on the way to an animal shelter adopting your first fur child together? Have you ever just hated dieting so bad, and then later you find yourself drinking a fruit smoothie for breakfast every morning? Relationships are capable of changing minor aspects of your life, but the digital world notices every tiny transition you and your partner make. This panel shows how media strategists examine the traces of relationships and explore the data of partners’ lifestyles. These media experts show how they use this data to form algorithms to better target a consumer.
Leading with Love: Future of Emotional Leadership
Saturday, March 11
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Hilton Austin Downtown | Salon K
Have you ever wondered how millennials will work in the workplace being stuck between traditional and modern culture? Three company leaders team up on this panel to bring to light a new perspective on the largest working generation in the workplace. These experts will talk about new ways millennials build relationships amongst each other and a new form of leadership in the workplace. Over are the days where your intern will grab your venti, half-whole milk, one quarter 1%, one quarter non-fat, extra hot, split quad shots (1 1/2 shots decaf, 2 1/2 shots regular), with whip, 2 packets of splenda, 1 sugar in the raw, a touch of vanilla syrup, 3 short sprinkles of cinnamon and no foam latte.
How To Do “Taboo” In a Digital World
Monday, March 13
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Hyatt Regency Austin | Zilker Ballroom 3-4
What is “taboo” now a days if almost every topic is spoken of with #nofilter? With social media platforms leading the way in the digital world, issues that weren’t discussed before are now social norms. Issues that are no longer taboo include, gender identity, race, politics, religion, mental health, immigration, nudity and sex. Exposure to these issues are happening instantaneously… what are publishers and platforms to do? Find out more at this panel that covers all things “taboo” in a digital world.
Technology and Pet Lovers Meet Up
Friday, March 10
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
JW Marriot | Room 213
When your two favorite things collide, what does that make? A tech and pet panel. CTO of DogVacay, Michael Root will host this panel with intentions to help his audience clean up their “communication, leadership, critical thinking, ownership, adaptability, and collaboration skills” all while being surrounded by cute dogs. An audience with all kinds of backgrounds are encouraged to attend this panel, such as lovers of tech, pets, engineering or a good time. What better way to kick off your Friday at SXSW Interactive than by interacting with professionals with similar interests (and dogs)?
Overcoming Bias: Relationships Across Difference
Sunday, March 12
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Westin Austin Downtown | Paramount 1
Not all relationships this Valentine’s day involve love. Some relationships could be friendships, relationships between co-workers, or classmates. In modern day, biased ideas, opinions, or actions could break or make those relationships. This workshop is dedicated to overcoming influencing factors that goes into creating bias amongst each other. Experts from TMI Consulting Inc. will explore the latest research on how people come to create these preferences to teach their audience how to break down barriers in society. Step out of your comfort zone and into this panel to learn how you can keep an open mind.