Before I went on the stage at Gnomedex I was beyond terrified. Not because I was going to be in front of people, but because I knew my life was about to change. The pinnacle moment before real change can be very unsettling.

That’s how I feel going into South by Southwest. My life is going to change in a big way. Thing is, I have a feeling many of us will leave Austin transformed by the sheer energy this event has.

On March 13^th, 14^th and 15^th I’ll be hosting a daily nonprofit chat with several of my heroes from 10:30 -11am CST.  If you’re in Austin stop by The Beacon, or watch anywhere on WhatGives!? Ustream channel.

Saturday, March 13

• Jeff Pulver
• Chris Brogan

Sunday, March 14

• Kari Saratovsky
• Tony Steward
• Terry Storch

Monday, March 15

• Beth Kanter
• Chris Noble

For more information, or to post questions click here

March 13^th is going to be a big day. Right after the morning show join me for A Conversation About Social Change Through Social Media. Yes, I know I wrote in an earlier post I turn 50. But I was wrong.  15 years sober and I still can’t remember where I parked my car. The good thing is I was wrong in the right direction so I’m still jumping out of a plane sometime in the future.

But the big news I cannot tell you just yet. Something is going to happen at SXSW around 2pm on March 13^th that blows my mind. Honest, this will be huge! So make sure to follow me on twitter so you don’t miss a thing.

So many people to thank who are helping to make this happen.  Radar Multimedia and Portnoy Media Group for making the live broadcast from the Beacon Lounge possible. Cause Media Group for being AMAZING! I mean, WhatGives!? just fits! Heather Meeker and the Whrrl team for pushing me to submit a panel.  And my favorite foodie Babette for adding me with the rest of the ‘cupcakes’, TechZulu for adding me to their picks, and of course the only Christian site that listed me Church Marketing Sucks.

WOW! Just WOW! I spent the last hour registering for South by Southwest Conference held in Austin this coming March 12 – 21st. I am honored to be selected to lead a ‘core conversation’ on the topic “social media for social change”.

It’s kind of scary stepping out like this. I mean, I don’t have money so booking a hotel is rather insane. But I’m reminded of last year when I was asked to speak at my first national conference. I was asked in November yet the event was not until May. As most of you know I was very close to homelessness myself back then. I accepted that invitation fully expecting to have to cancel because I would be on the streets. Interesting that although my financial situation has not changed I have spoken at several national events this year! That’s why I am saying “WOW” over and over again!

SXSW is a huge deal so of course I accepted. In fact, the format of ‘core conversation’ is a perfect fit for me. I am like crazy excited! I have no idea how I am going to get there or how I with come up with rent money that month – who cares – it’s SXSW and I’m jumping in head first!

I turn 50 years old on March 13th. I made a promise to myself that on my 50th birthday I would jump out of an airplane. Too me, skydiving is a perfect fit to celebrate this crazy life I’ve lead for half a century, and it would be a real miracle on my part to actually go through with it. Well, I guess just being able to afford a plane ticket to fly to Austin will be my perfect fit miracle.

Thank you SXSW for believing in me and a very special thanks to everyone who supported me. Especially Heather Meeker and the Whrrl team. I didn’t even know what SXSW was until they suggested I submit a panel.  And my favorite foodie Babette for adding me with the rest of the ‘cupcakes’, TechZulu for adding me to their picks, and of course the only Christian site that listed me Church Marketing Sucks.

I am truly grateful.