The Forrest Four-Cast: February 5, 2017 Each new year brings many many new changes to — and change is a good thing. Ten of the tweaks that we are most excited about for SXSW 2017 include: March Magic in Austin . We have significantly improved the functional and flexibility for all SXSW badgeholders for 2017. Learn about all the new opportunities for learning and connecting via . New Badge System Enhances Your Investment this short video . The 10 category winners for the square off against each other on the afternoon of Monday, March 13 to determine the best / most impresive startup at this year’s event. Best of the Best at the Super Accelerator SXSW Accelerator Pitch Event . One of the new tracks for SXSW 2017 is (March 11–16), which explores all the positive (and negative) impacts when the media and technology intersect. Media 2.0: The New “Journalism” Track Journalism . Scheduled March 12–14, investigates how immersive entertainment and other experimental strategies are redefining the ways in which audiences absorb narrative content. Narrative Next: The New “Experiential Storytelling” Track this new track Stay longer in the week to attend more content in the , , , , and tracks. Also remember that you will likely find more hotel options in the timeframe. More Tech-Focused Content on March 15–16. Brands & Marketing Intelligent Future Journalism Social Impact Startup Village Tech Industry Wednesday, March 15 and Thursday, March 16 **The Next Four Years: “Tech Under Trump.”**On Wednesday, March 15 and Thursday, March 16, that cover how the policies and politics of the new administration will strengthen and weaken America’s ever-evolving technology sector. attend 18 sessions . What was once a smaller / separate event now becomes part of the larger whole as the SXSW Health Expo becomes a part of the giant , March 12–15 at the Austin Convention Center. The SXSW Health Expo Goes Big SXSW Trade Show . Scheduled March 16–18 at the Austin Convention Center, the features dozens of local, national, and global brands. Debut of the SXSW Marketplace first-ever SXSW Marketplace . Formerly known as the Deweys, the moves to the evening of Monday, March 13. This celebration of top tech do-gooders from across the United States and around the world is FREE — no badge needed to attend. New Day for the SXSW Community Service Awards SXSW Community Services Awards . For 2017, emerges as its own event. Your SXSW Interactive, Music, Film, or Platinum badge will still get you in — or if you only want to attend this portion of SXSWeek. SXSW Gaming Breaks Away SXSW Gaming purchase a SXSW Gaming Wristband before the end of the day on February 10 to save $100 on the walkup price for SXSW 2017. Then via the SXSW Housing Department. Buy your badge book your Austin lodging Hugh Forrest tries to write four paragraphs per day on Medium. These posts generally cover technology-related trends. When not attempting to wordsmith or meditating , he serves as Chief Programming Officer at SXSW in Austin.