With PanelPicker voting opening today you are sure to hear the rallying call of many a potential SXSW panelist imploring you to vote for their panel. But what exactly is PanelPicker? Have no fear, SXSW 101 is here to break down PanelPicker for you!

PanelPicker gives you, the SXSW community, a voice in the programming for the SXSW Interactive, Film and Music conferences including panels, presentations, discussions and more! The two steps that comprise PanelPicker are the proposal process and the voting process.

The proposal process allows anyone (professionals, creatives, critics etc.) with a great programming idea to submit one proposal per event (Interactive, Film and Music) to the SXSW PanelPicker. We encourage you to be progressive and creative with your panel proposal, but also to be specific as specificity demands a lot more thought and planning -- and pre-event thought and planning are the two biggest keys to a successful panel.

The voting process is when the online community, potential panelists and SXSW staff all start to feel the excitement! Beginning today, Wednesday August 11, you can begin to browse all the great programming ideas (more than 2800 total!) and vote on which proposals are the best fit for SXSW 2011. For quick browsing use the search box at the top of the page and "thumbs-up" panels you like and "thumbs-down" the ones you do not. Voting from the public accounts for 30% of the decision-making process for SXSW panel programming. Also important in this process is the SXSW Advisory Board (40%) and the input of the SXSW staff (30%). With the help of our online community, we want to bring you the best programming possible for our 25th anniversary in March 2011, so sign up for your account today and let the voting begin!

If you still have any questions regarding SXSW's PanelPicker visit our FAQ. Keep an eye on SXSW 101 for more answers to your frequently asked questions!