So, here is the good news, in two parts:

Part 1: South By Southwest Interactive

South by Southwest interactive is a mecca for digital media types. There are over 200 panels, countless meet ups and  opportunities for professional growth. I can’t believe that I’m going. At SXSWi I will be representing the Ocean Agency and blogging about what I learn at panels and other events. Who knows, maybe a white paper or presentation will come out of it. In any case, I am so grateful that my employer has allowed me to go to Austin. In the future I’ll post the panels, parties, and networking events that I ‘m going to attend. I’ll be using plancast and Sitby.us (developed right here in Chicago) to keep those interested abreast of where I’ll be in Austin.

Part 2: South by Southwest Roadtrip Sponsored by Chevrolet

I’ a member of Team Chicago for the Cheverolet sponsored SXSW roadtrip, where teams from different cities compete in a series of challenges while road-tripping down to Austin for SXSW interactive. The winning team will receive a Chevrolet sponsored tweet up in their city later in the Spring.

The challenges are split in to five categories:

1) Charity

• A good deed for someone else, whether human or animal
• (unimaginative) Example: Help a stranger change a tire.

2) Collection

• A physical item that you will have to collect on your journey and bring with you to Austin.
• Example: Some water from the Mississippi river

3) Physical Challenge

• Physical activity or stunt performed caught on video
• Example: Sliding across the hood of your Chevrolet (Never looks as it good as it does in the movies).

4) Interaction

• An encounter with someone who is not a person on your team
• Example: Hold an impromptu tweet up  in Oklahoma.

5) Digital Image

• A challenge that usually begins take a picture of, or take a picture with.
• Example: Take a picture of the ugliest cowboy hat you can find.

The team that completes the most challenges and has the most engagement will win!

The Chicago team is led by the very talented (and friend) Tim Jahn who kindly asked me to be part of his team. It also includes Michael Courier, a talented photographer from Chicago.

Here is the list of the team captains from other cities:

• Team Detroit: Henry Balanon (@balanon)
• Team Lansing: Betsy Weber (@betsyweber)
• Team San Diego: TrendHunter.com (link) (@brassfield )
• Team Chicago: Tim Jahn (@TimJahn)
• Team Atlanta: Tessa Horehled (@tessa)
• Team North Carolina: Jason Keath (@jakrose)
• Team South Florida Tammy Camp (@tammycamp)
• Team New York Brian Simpson (@rshotel)

I’m honored to be part of this, and really want to bring this win home for Chicago . Look out for more updates about the Chevy roadtrip to SXSW in the weeks to come.

I would encourage everyone to to go over to ChiChevySXSW.posterous.com and suggest ideas for challenges. The more unique and creative the challenges, the more fun this will be for all of us!

I want to win this roadtrip for the Chicago social media community that has welcomed me with open arms.

Suggest ideas for challenges for one more week here: ChiChevySXSW.posterous.com

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