SXSW Interactive evolves from small , community-driven event into a huge industry happening . Amber Case , Code for America founder Jennifer Pahlka and futurist Ray Kurzweil . From 2009 to 2010 , SXSW 's attendance jumped from nearly 11,000 to just under 15,000 . The number of attendees has grown every year since then and now exceeds 40,000 people each weekend. As the festival grows , it tries very hard to be both sprawling and intimate .
SXSW Interactive evolves from small , community-driven event into a huge industry happening . From 2009 to 2010 , SXSW 's attendance jumped from nearly 11,000 to just under 15,000 . The number of attendees has grown every year since then and now exceeds 40,000 people each weekend. As the festival grows , it tries very hard to be both sprawling and intimate .