Must-See Products and Events at SXSW Interactive 2017

SXSW is upon us again, and app developers from San Diego to London have flown in to Austin for the year’s best tech networking event.

For techies, 2017’s lineup is an absolute feast for the senses. Here are some of our favorite events and products on offer:

Mark Cuban Tackles Government Regulation vs Tech Business

Michele Skelding’s “Is Government Disrupting Disruption?” panel event will feature prominent thought leaders including Mark Cuban of Shark Tank and Adam Lyons, CEO of The Zebrawill. Regulation has been a major focus of conversations among app developers, thanks to the uncertainty many feel around the Trump administrations plans for business regulation, immigration, and other key areas that affect the tech industry. The talk runs from 5:00–6:00PM, March 12, in The Austin Convention Center Ballroom D.

Buzz Aldrin. yes, that Buzz Aldrin.

Techies and space travel go together like kids and Pokemon cards. From watching SpaceX rockets pull off miraculous landings to keeping tabs on the latest exoplanet discoveries, the space race is absolutely still “on” among app developers. Aldrin’s featured event, “A Conversation with Buzz Aldrin and Jeff Kluger,” will take place March 14 at 3:30PM, at Room 18ABCD in the Austin Convention Center.

Chris Sacca talks startups, democracy, and how to win at investing

Chris Sacca is a must-see for anyone involved in startup investing — whether on the financing side or the pitching side. He’s scheduled to do a Q&A-style event with Forbes writer Alex Konrad. If you’ve ever had a question for one of the most famous investors in tech history, this could be your chance to ask it in person. Sacca’s event starts at 3:30PM on March 11 in the Austin Convention Center Ballroom EFG.

3Doodler Pen Lets You Draw in 3D

If you loved trying out Google’s Tilt Brush at last year’s tech expo, the 3Doodler pen will be right up your alley. The device has already snapped up an Interactive Innovation Award. It’s perfect for Internet of Things app developers, or any other creative profession where prototyping physical products in 3D is helpful. Unlike a 3D printer, there’s no complex software required. You simply think, point, and doodle. The package includes strands of specialized plastic that react well to small changes in heat within the device, allowing users to control the quality of the “line” with simple, unobtrusive controls on the side of the pen.

For more information on the hundreds of events and startups to catch, check out the official schedule at the SXSW Interactive site. Hope to see you there!