At last, Day 1 of SXSW Interactive is here, and it's going to be a wet one. Showers are forecast throughout Friday, with thunderstorms possible after noon, the National Weather Service says. So, find a convention center ballroom and learn about the Next Big Thing and stay dry.
Also rolling in this afternoon will be Air Force One carrying President Barack Obama to his very first SXSW. (Somebody get him a T-shirt.) After a potentially traffic-snarling motorcade from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to the Long Center for the Performing Arts sometime between 1 and 2 p.m., the president will be speaking at 2:30 p.m. about civic engagement in these digital times.
His appearance has put a signature stamp on this year's SXSW that might be upstaged only by his wife. First lady Michelle Obama comes to town for SXSW Music on Wednesday.
The Obama visit has already stirred plans for a gun-rights rally in support of open carry -- you're in Texas, remember.
In other words, the forecast calls for a most interesting start to SXSW.
Credit: John Bridges
Credit: John Bridges
