Paralympic athletes and fashion experts will speak at Ottobock’s two SXSW 2019 panels

AUSTIN, TEXAS, USA (FEBRUARY 22, 2019) – Ottobock, a global industry leader in prosthetics, will host two panel sessions at the annual South by Southwest® (SXSW®) festival in Austin, Texas on March 8, 2019: “Adaptive Athletics: The Rise of the Super Athlete?” and “How Adaptive Design is Transforming Brands.” Panelists for the two sessions range from Paralympic athletes to adaptive fashion models and influencers. Additionally, qualified media are invited to attend an exclusive press event on March 7, 2019 at Ottobock’s North American headquarters in Austin, Texas – media will have early access to speak with panelists and ask questions the day before SXSW begins.

Ottobock’s first SXSW 2019 panel, “How Adaptive Design is Transforming Brands,” will take place on March 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Four Seasons Ballroom AB (98 San Jacinto Blvd.). The session will discuss how fashion’s biggest brands are working with designers to create mainstream, adaptive clothing that addresses the needs and challenges of people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. Panelists for this session include: Cacsmy Brutus, model and spokesperson at JAG Models Molly Kettle, director at Zappos Adaptive; Melissa Langley, marketing communications strategist at Ottobock; and Mindy Scheier, founder of Runway of Dreams.

Ottobock’s second SXSW 2019 panel, “Adaptive Athletics: The Rise of the Super Athlete?,” will take place on March 8 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the JW Marriott Salon 1-2 (110 East 2nd Street). The session will discuss the controversy of whether technology provides an unfair advantage or disadvantage to athletes with disabilities. Panelists for this session include: Scout Bassett, Paralympian and motivational speaker; Brian Frasure, CP, senior clinical specialist at Ottobock and former Paralympian; Alena Grabowski, Ph.D., assistant professor at University of Colorado Boulder; and Blake Leeper, Paralympic track and field athlete.

“Ottobock is excited to participate in SXSW for the fourth year in a row,” said Scott Schneider, Vice President of Government, Medical Affairs and Future Development at Ottobock “For 100 years, Ottobock has delivered innovative medical technology products and services to help people maintain and regain their freedom of movement. Our goal is to continue to maximize independence for life for people with mobility challenges, and further support the advancement of prosthetics and orthotics.”

SXSW 2019 will take place March 8-17, 2019. For more information, please visit www.sxsw.com. To register for the event, please visit www.sxsw.com/attend. Ottobock offers a complete line of orthotic and prosthetic solutions. To learn more about Ottobock, please visit www.ottobockus.com.

About SXSW

South by Southwest® (SXSW®) dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. An essential destination for global professionals, the event features sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, and a variety of networking opportunities. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together. SXSW 2019 will take place March 8-17, 2019. For more information, please visit www.sxsw.com. To register for the event, please visit www.sxsw.com/attend