Vanessa Chester

Are men funnier than women? That question is one of the stupider distractions to derail female writers, actors, directors and filmmakers in recent years, because it puts women on the defensive and forces them to "prove" they are funny/write funny/know funny/can make funny. Within the wider challenges of the film industry, this has...

The goal of this panel is to uncover new and exciting ways to use social media as a means for social change. This session will go beyond the basics—sending targeted action alerts and creating online petitions—and discover fresh and innovative virtual campaigning techniques for real results. When NASA public affairs specialist Stephanie...

Today, show creators, actors and networks all have something new to consider when they move to launch a new program – new media/technology. From Facebook, to Twitter to mobile and games, new media has completely changed the way TV is consumed. Fans are no longer satisfied with on-air programming. They think about their favorite characters beyond...

Eat the hair of the dog after a weekend of mandatory industry parties and non-stop beeper radiation exposure at a free meal of brunch on Groupon. Enjoy a complimentary brunch buffet to fill your empty stomach and an open bar, stocked with beer, Bloody Marys, mimosas, and well drinks, to fill your empty liver. Give your ears the wake-up call they...

Meebo hosts the only evening event that brings Interactive and Film attendees together to mix and mingle, enjoying the vibe that only happens when industries converge. Appetizers, open bar and mellow DJ beats make for an event not to be missed!

We're gathering Austin's best food trucks together for an afternoon of BBQ, tacos, meat pies and more.

Download Foodspotting for Secret Menu items and to participate in a photo scavenger hunt - win prizes!

Featuring the following Food Truck stars:
- Along Came a Slider
- Boomerang's Pies
- Chi'Lantro
- Clem's Hot Diggity...

If too much stress at SXSW has you a little uptight, then the solution is simple -- relax and let it go. Start your day mindfully with an hour of light, meditative stretching. Yoga was developed thousands of years ago as a way to prepare the body and mind to be more receptive to enlightenment. What better way to prepare for all the new people and...

The Mashable SXSWi House 2011 will break the mold of the traditional SXSWi events schedule. Working with SXSWi and our partner sponsors, we will create a two-day platform that will include private events, VIP networking hours and large open parties. From Sunday, March 13th to Monday, March 14th, Mashable will be hosting a combination of private...

UPDATE: We gave closed the guest list and have issued invitations. Thanks for everyone's interest and hope to see you in Austin, if not at this event, then at our other Hashable SXSW events!

We are throwing a networking event at the Driskill Hotel for key VIP's and a select number of our Hashable users and their guests.

Due to the size...

Evite is hosting a Pre-Party to the SXSW Opening Party! Come mingle with fellow SXSWers and get fueled up with our taco bar, appetizers and endless cocktails. Giveaways given throughout the event.

While minorities (Latinos and African-Americans) are consumers and producers of the content on new media platforms, why aren’t they creating internet companies as often? A recent article said that only 1% of internet firms are founded by African Americans. Is the number similar for Latinos? Furthermore, studies show that minority teens are...

SUPER-size the U.S. premiere of this highly-anticipated new film with an explosive conversation featuring director James Gunn (Slither), Rainn Wilson (The Office) and Ellen Page (Inception). Learn about how a short-order cook can take justice into his own hands with little more than a wrench and a sign from above. Don't steal, don't deal...

It's the fourth year of the best breakfast to open your SXSW weekend, and as usual Magnolia's Cafe is the place to start your SXSW experience in the company of friends, both new and old, at "The SXSW Social Breakfast." Everyone is welcome, this is an open invitation to share breakfast at one of Austin's greatest Cafe's...

Join us for food and fun at the "unofficial" SXSW Tweetup on Fri., Mar. 11 starting at 7:30 PM at the Iron Cactus in Austin, TX. Full bar and appetizers available for us at a location TBD.  We are limited to 130 guests. (max registered but accepting wait list)   The fun starts at 7:30.  Call Jessica (@blogging4jobs) at 405.343.5751...

Let's start SXSW right with a yearly tradition - predrinks at the Driskill hotel bar.

Every year at SXSW we start off the weekend with a couple relaxing drinks in the historic Driskill hotel bar. If you've never been there's no time like the present to get in on this tradition. Stay as long as you want, there are no rules. Its just...

Catch up with the #140conf Community while you are at SXSW. Jeff Pulver is holding a Texas style cocktail party Friday, March 11, from 7-9pm. The lights will be up, the music low, the energy will be high, and you can enjoy interacting in a space just right for making connections and creating lasting relationships. You deside which state is bigger,...

Join us at the start of SXSW 2011 to officially kick off the countdown to 4/16/2011, Foursquare Day 2011! RSVP at the eventbrite link!

People want the future for their children to be better than the past. We hear about "solutions" for climate change every day, but it often sounds like the future will be dismal. What really are solutions, how do we think about solving the whole problem, what are the actual numbers, how do we keep track of progress, and how do we...

Austin is a growing hotbed of improvisational theater. Many of the city's improvisational comedians work in the tech industry by day. This panel would explore the benefits of enrolling in improv comedy classes and how those benefits translate to additional success in your day job. Learn about basic improv philosophy and how it can enhance...

For the past four years, you have made the blogger lounge the center of the SXSWi experience for thousands of digital influencers. This year Samsung (@samsungtweets) and TechSet (@techset) have teamed up to open the doors to a grander and more engaging home base to celebrate you and the social graphs we weave together.
The Samsung Blogger Lounge,...

Five days of presentations, networking events, and more showcasing the best new emerging technology, digital works, video games, and innovative ideas.

Newly expanded for 2011, TECHmunch is returning to Austin during SXSW to serve up tasty strategies for food blogger success!

This year’s TECHmunch Austin will include more panels, networking mixers, tastings and even cooking classes to inspire food bloggers of every level. The goal is to provide the ingredients you need to succeed and pursue...

The Tweet House is coming to SXSW 2011 on Friday, March 11th! Like last year, we’ll be hosting sessions, a BBQ, and an awesome evening bash with live entertainment.

Smiley Media, along with our gracious co-sponsors PHUNWARE, BLACKLIGHT SOLUTIONS and YOBONGO, invites you to kick off SXSW the right way- with great people, live music and free beer at the top of the Omni office tower (16th Floor).

We're opening up our doors this Thursday, March 10 from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. to network and get our party muscles...

This is our most popular happy hour of the year, sponsored this year by Microsoft and Spiceworks. No SXSW badge required, but you must register to attend, as this event will sell out.