SXSW 2010 Preview

There have finally been a handful of pleasant, spring days in Austin and that always puts one thing on our minds: South by Southwest (March 12-21). Once again, Door Number 3 will be bringing you all the coverage, interviews and two cents from the marketing and advertising perspective we can muster.

The biggest news this year, which is sort of not surprising, is the continued growth of SXSW Interactive. 2009 was the largest attendance yet, and this year looks to top that. The nerdy younger brother of the SXSW family has finally come into his own and convincingly commands as many days as SXSW Music. Here are a few quick things that have been on the radar so far:

QR Codes (aka Quick Response Codes/Smartcodes) and location-based applications were around last year but expect 2010 to be their year. Everything from Austin-based Gowalla to QM Codes. In fact, every SXSW badge this year features a unique QR code to enable attendees to electronically “follow” people.

Kicking off SXSW Film is the comic book adaptation Kick Ass, which has used its series of Internet-only red band trailers to great effect.

“Surf music” definitely seems to be the trend this year when it comes to the hottest bands. Surfer Blood has gotten most of the hype, as has New Zealand-based Surf City, but we’re holding out for NYC’s The Drums.

Bookmark this link (Door Number 3 blog) for SXSW coverage starting March 15.