Each year, Austin, TX, transforms into a festival of innovation, creativity, and emerging technologies. SXSW is more than just a conference, it’s a celebration of potential and a platform for individuals to inspire dialogue and shape the future. From a modest 700-person event born in 1987, SXSW now attracts tens of thousands of attendees each year.
The SXSW PanelPicker system empowers the public (that’s right, you) to decide which speakers are featured at the festival. It’s an example of the democratic and participatory spirit at the heart of SXSW. SmartLogic president and founder Yair Flicker submitted three talk proposals for SXSW 2024, and your vote could get him on the stage!
The Proposals
Proposal 1: "Shut the f*** up about ChatGPT and get back to work"
This talk will dispel widespread misconceptions surrounding artificial intelligence and OpenAI's ChatGPT, the sophisticated language model causing a stir since its release in 2022. To all the conspiracy theorists and concerned citizens, Yair says, it's time to take a step back and look at the facts.
Like every significant technological breakthrough ever, AI has been met with apprehension and fear. The reality is far less catastrophic, Yes, AI will reshape the job market, just like automobiles and the internet. But rather than spelling the end of civilization, AI will create new opportunities and enhance human capabilities.
This talk will offer a reality check on the AI discourse, exploring how these technological advancements, far from stealing our jobs, are here to amplify our potential.
Vote for "Shut the f*** up about ChatGPT and get back to work"
Proposal 2: "Tech Unchecked: Are Developers the New Villains?"
This presentation will take a hard look at ethical dilemmas facing the tech sector. The unchecked expansion of technology and its exploitation for profit is putting our society and environment at risk. From the role of Facebook in modern political manipulation to the environmental impact of Bitcoin, there's a growing disconnect between technological progress and societal good.
But is the blame solely on developers, or is the problem systemic? Yair challenges the audience—developers, tech leaders, policymakers, and consumers—to confront this uncomfortable reality. He will examine the path that led us here, the inadequacy of existing mitigation strategies, and the steps we can take to regain control of technology's moral trajectory.
Vote for "Tech Unchecked: Are Developers the New Villains"
Proposal 3: "Decoding Elixir: Your Future Might Depend on This Language"
This talk will introduce a broader audience to the versatile programming language called Elixir. As our lives become increasingly digital, we need scalable, reliable, and adaptable software. Elixir fits the bill perfectly, swiftly gaining traction among tech giants and startups.
Yair will demystify Elixir and explain its features in plain English. He'll share case studies of companies that have successfully adopted Elixir and discuss its potential role in shaping the digital landscape of the future. This session is a must for web developers, businesses, and anyone curious about the future of our digital world.
Vote for "Decoding Elixir: Your Future Might Depend on This Language"
Your Vote Counts!
Yair's proposed talks for SXSW can inspire insightful discussions and reframe some common preconceptions. Your vote in the PanelPicker could bring Yair's voice to the SXSW 2024 stage.
Sign up here and vote for the presentations you'd like to see!
