The main issue with holding an interactive conference in the 21st century is easy access to the latest technology. That in mind, the SXSW conference in Austin, Texas has had to take the precautionary step of banning drones.
“SXSW has a strict no drones policy due to the safety risks drones present to the public, and pursuant to City of Austin Ordinance, Chapter 13-1,” SXSW alerted delegates at the start of SXSW Interactive this week.
The fact that they needed to publicly announce the ruling indicates the change in the times and where the conference is heading. “This policy was established after consultation with drone experts from Drone My Business, user groups, municipal authorities and aviation safety experts,” they said.
However, it is a technology show and for show people showing off your new drone is an essential part of business. For those, “while SXSW may make exceptions to this policy if the drones are used within certain trade show areas where safety measures, such as tethering to the ground are implemented, the airwaves and/or frequency spectrums generally used in the remote control of drones are too congested during the SXSW event to ensure operation safe from interference”.
Failure to follow the rules could lead to an arrest. “The Austin Police Department will also be watching for drones in crowded and/or public areas where the drones could pose a risk to public safety. Drones flown in the City of Austin are subject to seizure by the Austin Police Department and the operators are subject to fines and/or arrest”.
SXSW Interactive and Film starts this Friday March 13. SXSW Music gets underway from March 17 in Austin, Texas.
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