SCHED.org's
SXSW 2012 Blog

Here are the panels you won’t want to miss at this year’s conference!

5. What Do I Do With Myself, Now that the Economy Has Collapsed?
Panelists: Andy Baio (waxy.org), Lane Becker, moderator (Get Satisfaction, Inc.), Ben Brown (benbrown.com), Jane Mount (bolt.com/20x200), Michael Sippey (sixapart.com)
Description: They say the tech economy ebbs and flows on a 7 year cycle, and if that’s true, we’re just about over the peak and into the down cycle for companies and employees alike. So what are we to do with ourselves, when it all comes crashing down around us? This panel’s been through a downturn or two and will have some specific recommendations about how to get the most out of it, both personally and professionally.

4. Try Making Yourself More Interesting
Panelists: DL Byron (texturadesign.com), Amit Gupta (amitgupta.com), Brian Oberkirch (Small Good Thing)
Description: There are no cheat codes for community. No Charles Atlas shortcuts to make your pet project the one to rule them all. Want people to think you’re awesome? Be awesome. This panel promises a bullshit-free look at how you might tune out the jibber jabber, tune in to those who matter, put your head down and make your online service a little bit more epic each day. We’ll dissect Bike Hugger, Photojojo, Metafilter, and other examples of Web charm for what *you* can do. Today, and tomorrow. And the day after. Which is how you will become what you want to be.

3. Developing Super Senses: Tools to Know Your Users
Panelists: Nate Bolt (boltpeters.com), Carla Borsoi (Ask.com), Andy Budd (Clearleft Ltd), Juliette Melton (juliemelton.com), Mark Trammell, moderator (Digg)
Description: You know you need to do user research, but how? Should you write surveys, do focus groups, or develop personas? And how do you act on what you’ve learned? We’ve been in the trenches and have concrete suggestions on what you can, and should do NOW to conduct effective user research.

2. Social Engineering: Scam Your Way Into Anything or From Anybody
Panelists: Brian Brushwood (Scam School / Revision3)
Description: This session will give you all insider tips to use social engineering – the art of manipulating people into divulging information – to make friends and influence people. The panel will present tricks on how to scam your way into ANYTHING, whether it’s a business meeting or a hot-ticket event.

1. Comedy on Television and the Web
Panelists: Sean Mills (The Onion), B.J. Novak (The Office), Keith Richman (Break.com), Meredith Scardino (Cobert Report), Ricky Van Veen, moderator (CollegeHumor.com)
Description: Discusses the differences between television content and web content, and considers some creative and technological approaches that might bridge that gap in the near future.