Questions for SXSW Eco

Dear Editor,
    Is the SXSW Eco conference becoming a glamour event in only its second year, with technological solutions being advanced by an ever-increasing host of speakers and little emphasis on grassroots activism? Will the more Austin-centric Green City Festival make a reappearance as a Slamdance-type option/alternative in future years?
    As an attendee of SXSW Eco in 2011, I benefited from attending the conference and hope that the collective comments (including mine) will make the 2012 edition better. Vamos a ver.
    This conference could help regional efforts to debate the following topics:
    Are ethanol and bio-diesel sustainable fuels when all their direct and indirect impacts are evaluated?
    How can the electric utilities in Central Texas improve the amount of energy savings from energy efficiency through means other than rebates?
    Can sustainable purchasing and sustainable contracting enhance environmental, social, and economic quality for governments, businesses, and individuals?
    The titles and descriptions of panels for the 2012 event do not indicate that any of these topics will be covered.
    In my opinion, SXSW Eco should be a catalyst for continuous environmental improvement in Central Texas, with a welcome invitation for Central Texans to help lead the planning, as well as the discussion at the event itself.