SXSWi logs on with high-tech hype

AUSTIN (KXAN) - SXSW interactive began Friday afternoon with a frenzy. With the kick-off comes 30 percent more registered attendees than last year, according to statistics from the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The Interactive Festival is expecting a record number of more than 9,000 participants.

The panels this year are focusing heavily on personal branding and marketing yourself through social media. " My Boss Doesn’t Get It: Championing Social Media to the Man " was a feature on Friday. The panel touched on various ways to integrate social media in the workplace to make more money.

"Right now is the best time to start thinking very strategically, and very circumspectly," said Peter Kim with Dachis Corporation.

People are making money, establishing business profiles, and attending the conference to convince their bosses that social media is the way to go.

"All the trends are switching over to the internet," said Ginger Donel, an advertising representative from Atlanta, Ga. She was attending the "My Boss Doesn't Get It" panel to try and bring back ideas on ways to integrate social media.

"This social trend has been building," said Kim. "But right now is the time for companies to step back to have some breathing room, to really think strategically on what to do."

Social media marketing consultant Aliza Sherman said companies should also think about social media as a cheap way to advertise.

"Social media is an amazingly powerful tool, and affordable," said Sherman. Sherman also said if you don't think people are talking about you online, think again.

"Conversations are happening online, whether the company wants to be there or not," she said.

The Interactive portion of the conference runs through Tuesday.

It also features incredible advancements in technology, huge Lego sculptures, and an abundance of laptops.

Check out the full schedule of SXSWi activities here.