SXSW Eco's PanelPicker is open for voting! From corporations using biomimicry to better their products to saving forests with paper, the sessions submitted for 2013 are as diverse and exciting as the event itself. Our staff has been hard at work developing new and improved events for this year's conference including:

The Startup Showcase: expanded to include green tech, clean web and social impact companies.

Place by Design: a public space design competition that is brand new for 2013.

Professional Development tracks such as Run Your NGO Like a Startup with more to be announced soon.

SXSW Eco 2012 // Images by David Fox

Today is the last day to save almost 50% off a SXSW Eco badge! Following an amazing second year, SXSW Eco has quickly become a significant connector for professionals working to solve the complex challenges facing civil society, the economy and the natural world. Don't miss the opportunity to become part of this exciting three-day event happening October 7-9, 2013 at the Austin Convention Center. Register now and save! Special rate expires at 11:59 CST tonight.

Adam Werbach SXSW Eco announced keynote speaker Adam Werbach today as well as a new competition: Place by Design.

Adam is a lifelong activist and Co-founder of the sharing startup, yerdle. His vast experience and singular perspective ensures he will illuminate the connection between business, advocacy and the circular economy as no one else can. Read more about Adam

Boston by Manu_H via Flickr

Each year SXSW Eco travels around the country to host networking events for local sustainability communities and meet innovators in the diverse fields represented at SXSW Eco.

Today, SXSW Eco is coming to Boston for a community meetup at Greentown Labs, an incubator space for cleantech startups in Boston’s Innovation District. Join us at The SXSW Eco Boston Meetup on April 23 from 6-8pm and RSVP here.

In light of the past week’s tragic events we are grateful to the Boston community for having us. SXSW is deeply saddened by the events that took place in Boston and in West, Texas last week. To show our support to those most affected by these events we've established an online giving site through the SXSW Community Fund. Donations made through this site will go to American Red Cross Disaster Relief.

SXSW Eco Light Garden at Republic Square Park. photo by Scott Wilcox

Welcome, welcome to Day Four of the SXSW. Music registration opens today and it's always fascinating how as soon as that reset button gets pushed, the jeans get tighter, the facial hair increases, and we turn the beat around.

Information Station

• SXSW Convergence continues today. Music registrants can head to the Long Center after they pick up their badges and see some killer programming. Shaq! They Might Be Giants! Wut?! Film and IA peeps, you've been converging for days, right?

Nathan Fillion in all his Nathan Fillion glory at today's Much Ado screening.

Some of tonight's lovely activities for your perusal...

Party Time, Excellent!

• SXSW Film Happy Hour at the InterContinental Bar presented by Blackmagic Design. When I heard about this at a pre-fest meeting I totes wanted to go. I can't so you should go for me.
  5pm-7pm, InterContinental Bar.
• SXSW Eco and Geostellar Launch Party. Fight for your right to… save the earth!
  6pm-9pm, Blackheart.

TO ME Sneak Peek: Shoes not included.SXSW is about learning, gaining inspiration and meeting new people–all of our events foster collaboration and innovation while providing our registrants with an unforgettable time. The SXSW Eco and Geostellar launch party on March 9th at Blackheart, 6-9pm will bring together registrants interested in sustainability, cleantech, design and related fields to mingle and celebrate the launch of these two forward-thinking enterprises.

Although it's only just begun, 2013 is shaping up to be the best year yet for inspiration and collaboration at SXSW Eco.

Let’s talk about what’s new! We’ve got a new website, a new PanelPicker system, a new venue for 2013 and a ton of new programming elements (and it’s only our first day)!

Over the next few months we will be rolling out the goods, from speaker and track announcements to exciting special events and evening entertainment. Register today at the lowest rate to enjoy everything that SXSW Eco has to offer.

October will be here before we know it, but March is right around the corner. Join us during South by Southwest at the many events we're taking part in, including our launch party with Geostellar, film screenings, a SXSW Eco meet up and a music showcase.