AUSTIN, Texas, March 7, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- South-by-Southwest Interactive 2012 will open this year with "A Celebration of American Startups," an event celebrating past startup pioneers and the dynamic future of entrepreneurship in America. Hosted by the Austin Chamber of Commerce with the Startup America Partnership, the event will take place on Friday, March 9th from 6:30 p.m. to midnight at the iconic ACL Live at The Moody Theatre. The event will also spotlight Startup America Partnership's regional affiliates, who are working to provide state-level support and resources for new and upcoming startups. Green River Ordinance, Larry g(EE) and headliner Ghostland Observatory will cap off the evening with live performances.
The event will feature The Startup America Partnership's leadership team, including CEO Scott Case as emcee; and founder and Chairman Steve Case. They will be joined onstage by some of the nation's leading entrepreneurs, including:
- Reid Hoffman, Co-founder, LinkedIn
- Scott Cook, Founder and Chairman, Intuit
- Amos Winbush III, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, CyberSynchs
- Ingrid Vanderveldt, CEO, Green Girl Energy Inc. and the creator of the GLASS FORUM (Global Leadership & Sustainable Success)
- Brian Sharples, President and CEO, HomeAway
- Brett Hurt, Founder, Chief Executive Officer and President, Bazaarvoice
- Steve Blank, Entrepreneur and Professor of Entrepreneurship at U.C. Berkeley, Stanford University and Columbia University
The event will feature "fireside chats" with guests, who will offer their perspectives, success and advice for future leaders, a video tribute to America's legendary startups and entrepreneurs, including Steve Jobs.
"A Celebration of American Startups" has been made possible through the support of headline sponsor .CO Internet and local sponsors Chaotic Moon, Insperity, Convio and Calavista.
The event is open to all SXSW badge holders. For more information on this and other major events, please visit SXSW, Austin Chamber or Startup America Partnership.
About the Austin Chamber of Commerce
The mission of the Austin Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership that facilitates the creation of a prosperous regional economy and effective advocacy for its members. Austin is one of the best places to be to work in technology. Ranging from software to bio-tech, advanced manufacturing to clean tech, Austin is home to more than 3800 technology companies and over 91,000 technology employees. Learn about the Chamber's Tech Partnership here. For more information about the Austin Chamber of Commerce visit austinchamber.com.
About SXSW Interactive
The South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conferences & Festivals (March 9-18, 2012) offer the unique convergence of original music, independent films, and emerging technologies. Fostering creative and professional growth alike, SXSW® is the premier destination for discovery.
Year after year, the event is a launching pad for new creative content. New media presentations, music showcases and film screenings provide buzz-generating exposure for creators and compelling entertainment for audiences. Conference panel discussions present a forum for learning, business activity thrives at the Trade Shows and global networking opportunities abound. Austin serves as the perfect backdrop for SXSW®, where career development flourishes amid the relaxed atmosphere. Intellectual and creative intermingling among industry leaders continues to spark new ideas and carve the path for the future of each ever-evolving field, long after the events' conclusion. Highlights from the 2011 Interactive festival included the following presentations from Blake Mycoskie (TOMS Shoes), Felicia Day ("The Guild"), Craig J. Venter (Founder of J. Craig Venter Institute), Al Franken (US Senator, Minnesota) and Marissa Mayer (Google).
SXSW® 2012 is sponsored by Chevrolet, IFC, PepsiCo, Sonicbids and The Austin Chronicle. For more information, visit www.sxsw.com.
About the Startup America Partnership
The Startup America Partnership was launched at the White House in response to President Obama's call to celebrate, inspire, and accelerate high-growth entrepreneurship throughout the nation. The Partnership is bringing together an alliance of major corporations, funders, service providers, mentors and advisors working to dramatically increase the prevalence and success of high-growth enterprises in the U.S. AOL co-founder Steve Case chairs the Partnership and the Kauffman and Case Foundations are founding partners. American Express OPEN, Dell Inc., Intuit Inc., and Microsoft are sponsors. The Partnership will identify, measure and report on the effectiveness of cross-sector collaboration in support of entrepreneurial ventures and its effect on job creation and growth. For more information on the Partnership, visit www.s.co and follow us at www.twitter.com/startupamerica and www.facebook.com/startupamerica.