Daylight savings time can be a big disruptor during SXSW. Not much was offered in the morning, so I started exploring the Creative Industries Expo. A film premiere, Faders Up: The John Aielli Experience, kept me busy this afternoon.

Creative Industries Expo

The Creative Industries Expo name seems to be sticking, so I must stop saying the “Trade Show.” I spent about 90 minutes there today, exploring nine or so aisles (maybe half?). It seems like there are fewer booths than usual, but perhaps the US Army just takes up a lot of floor space. I’ll write more about the Expo in a separate post. One quick note: I didn’t get to color in this huge National Parks poster, but I did receive an LL Bean discount coupon.

Cancer 2034: Innovations that are Shaping the Face of Cancer

Panelists: Maimah Karmo (Tigerlily Foundation), Emily Poe (Real Chemistry), Wendy Short Bartie (Bristol Myers Squibb)

A “podcast” area is set up on one side of the Expo. I listened to a discussion (and a podcast, I assume) about health equity issues surrounding cancer treatment. The panelists discussed topics such as the high cost of treatments, few clinical trials for underserved populations, and the need for more patient education. “Where you live determines if you live.”

Faders Up: The John Aielli Experience

John Aielli was a quirky but beloved DJ for our local NPR radio station, KUT/KUTX. He played all genres of music and was well-known for his unorthodox on-air musings. He also hosted the annual Holiday Sing-Along on the steps of the Texas State Capitol. John died in 2022 after 50 years of broadcasting. I listened to his show, Eklektikos, for many years when I was working early hours. Many famous, long-time Austinites attended this fitting tribute to an Austin icon who kept Austin weird. “John was like a radio hug.”