The venerable SXSW Music Conference, which takes over Austin, TX every March around St. Patrick's Day, is trying an experiment this year: they're using crowdsourcing techniques to generate programming ideas for the conference. And, as of Monday, July 17, these ideas are now posted on their site at http://panelpicker.sxsw.com/ ...and everything is up for a vote!

FMC submitted four panel ideas to the Panel Picker, and we want your support! Check out all four here, or any of the links below.

No More Static: Radio's Networked, Streaming, Mobile Future
"Radio" used to mean one of two things: AM or FM. Now, "radio" includes AM/FM, HD, satellite, NPR, college, podcasts, webcasts, with almost all of these also available via mobile devices. What services and platforms have musicians and labels embraced? What's working? What could radio look like in the future?

Sustain/Feedback: Creating Resilient Local Music Scenes
In this era of increasingly globalized, internet-driven networks, what does a vibrant local music scene look like? What are the building blocks of strong cultural communities? How are musicians demonstrating their value to local leaders? Panelists from different regions will discuss exactly what makes their music scenes survive and thrive.

Social Networks and the Future for Musicians
How can musicians use Social Networks to improve their careers, reach more fans, connect with those they currently have, and to make more money? Thought leaders at the convergence of music and technology share what they are learning, and where they see this all heading in the future...

Creative Capitol: Music, Culture and Policy under Obama
The 2009 inauguration of Obama -- plus Democratic majorities in Congress -- meant a radical shift in the power dynamic in Washington, DC. How are creative industries faring in this administration? Top staffers will discuss the key music-technology-policy issues on Capitol Hill and at the FCC, and how musicians are engaging.

How to Vote:

1. go to http://panelpicker.sxsw.com/ and create an account

2. login to SXSW Music Conference Programming listing and browse, or go straight to this listing to vote for FMC's panels. It's a simple thumbs up or thumbs down process.

Thanks for your support, and we'll see you in Austin!