3/20/2005 11:18:00 AM

The Emergent 2007 convention needs to be in Austin during South By Southwest (SXSW).

Here are the Top 12 Reasons:

1. The values of Emergent are set in a context of inclusion. This is the chance to really be in a creative microcosm of global diversity.


2. Everyone seems to talk about being creative. SXSW is all about the practice, showcasing and sustainability (business) of being creative.


3. SXSW provides copious opportunity to engage after hours in multi-disciplinary thought and drinking (yes, it is never good to be stuck as a niche drinker). Fray Cafe, 20X2, the Creative Commons/EFF party, et al are a couple blocks away from any place you happen to be during SXSW.


4. There is plenty of space to host the event between the Convention Center, the scores of hotels, UT, Concordia, St. Edwards, and the gaggle of huge churches in downtown Austin (Andrew, which church were we in for Wabi Sabi?).


5. Where else could you run into Led Zeppelin in the bathroom and sit by Ethan Hawke at lunch?


6. Austin is the hometown of Whole Foods: that has to count for something.


7. One word: BookPeople


8. Stubbs (Flesh-consumers and live music lovers)


9. Casa de Luz (macrobiotic food and meditation)


10. Zilker Park/Springs and the Austin Botanical Gardens


11. The Dobie and scores of film festival screenings during SXSW


12. Austin is defined by creative, diverse innovation. SXSW is a celebration of the same. The Emergent Convetion could do far worse in choosing space and time partners.

Austin has the amenities of a city with the charm of a close knit community. Accomodations are plentiful and the location is central.

There are hundreds of good reasons to move the Emergent convention to SXSW. It's time to uncloister and integrate.