How To Make The Most Out of Your SXSW Trip: A Survival Guide

04 Mar How To Make The Most Out of Your SXSW Trip: A Survival Guide

SXSW kicks off laster this month in Austin. The Interactive portion of last year’s conference attracted over 33,000 attendees from over 80 countries. That’s not including film or music. An event of this size can be overwhelming not only to first time attendees, but SXSW veterans as well. Below are a few tips based on past experience to help you maximize your time and enjoyment at SXSW.

[custom_headline type=”center” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h4″ accent=”true”]Preparing to Attend SXSW[/custom_headline]

After purchasing your badge and arranging for a place to stay, start prepping for SXSW before you arrive.

• Clear your calendar of all non-SXSW commitments. With over 1,000 official sessions taking place, there will be multiple events taking place at any one time that may be of interest. Don’t miss out on what SXSW has to offer by scheduling too many work appointments or deadlines while you are in Austin.
• Identify your goals. Distractions are plentiful at SXSW. Before you go, give thought to why you are going. Inspiration? Networking? Forming new friendships? Identifying potential new hires? Meeting partners or customers? Learning about new trends?
• Draft your schedule. Use SXSW Schedule to pick sessions that you are interested in attending. Using the provided tools, share your schedule with friends and colleagues. It’s also a great time to schedule meetings with individuals you are interested in meeting or renewing old friendships.
• Tip: Don’t jam pack your schedule. Allow for serendipity.
• Tip: If you are overwhelmed by the number of sessions, consider filtering by venue. This can help you pick sessions that are close to one another so you are not racing from session to session.
• Use SXSocial. Create a profile and network with other attendees in advance of the conference using SXSW’s networking tool. Use it to connect with others sharing your interests.
• Configure mobile apps to keep you in the know. In addition to adding the official SXSW GO app, make sure you have Twitter, FourSquare, Google maps, and a great calendar app. Group texting apps like GroupMe can keep you connected with colleagues and new friends.
• Create a separate email account for RSVPing to events. If you plan on RSVPing to lots of parties, a dedicated email address — and calendar — could make managing your schedule and email easier.

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• Create SXSW Twitter lists. Add speakers, companies, and attendees that are interest you to a SXSW dedicated Twitter list. In the days leading up to the conference and while there, you will have your own dedicated feed of your interests. If you don’t have time to create your own, follow a public SXSW Twitter list curated by someone admire.
• Learn how to use your mobile device as a mobile hotspot. Free wi-fi is available throughout the official venues and there are a number of lounges where you can also drop by for internet access. As an extra back-up in case internet is slow at your hotel, learn how to turn your device into a mobile hotspot.
• Perfect your elevator speech. When asked what you do, be prepared to answer — but not in a schmoozy or overly salesy way.
• Promote what you are doing at SXSW. Use one of the official SXSW webtiles to promote what you are doing at this year’s conference. Add to your blog or website.

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[custom_headline type=”center” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h4″ accent=”true”]Packing for SXSW[/custom_headline]

SXSW is not a formal business conference, so leave the ties at home. In recent years, the weather during SXSW Interactive has ranged from cold, overcast, and rainy to hot and sunny all in the course of a few hours. It can also be windy, making dress wearing difficult. Wearing layers and being prepared for shifting weather is essential — as are comfortable walking shoes.

• Clothes for cold weather and hot weather
• Comfortable shoes – There will be lots of walking and standing. An extra pair can be helpful if your first pair gets wet.
• Jacket
• Rain coat and / or umbrella
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Mobile device chargers / spare batteries
• Notebook or mobile device for note taking
• Business cards
• Messenger bag / backup
• Snacks
• Water bottle
• Hand sanitizer

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• Don’t stay glued to your digital device. Look around. Strike up conversations as you stand in line or wait for a new session to start.
• Pace yourself. Make sure to sleep, drink water, and eat regularly so that you can make the most of your time at SXSW.
• Tip: Austin is known for tacos and food trucks. Enjoy them — and the other culinary delights this foodie town has to offer. SouthBites is a great spot for grabbing a bite to eat.
• Allow time to recharge. This is especially important if you are an introvert.
• Check out unofficial events. They offer additional opportunities for networking and recharging.
• Tip: Check EventBrite or monitor blog posts by those you admire for their picks.
• Getting around SXSW can be a challenge. Renting a bike can be a quick way to travel from point A to B, as are pedicabs and carsharing services. In the past, Chevy has provided rides from the Austin Convention Center. With so many attendees, parking and navigating packed / closed streets can be a challenge if you arrive late in the day.
• Most sessions have dedicated hashtags. Join the conversation online using Twitter to connect with fellow attendees or live tweet.
• Blog about the sessions you attend. It’s a great way to take notes too.

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SXSW is fun. Enjoy your time. And don’t forget to follow-up with those you meet once the conference is over!

In the coming days, we’ll be sharing more tips on preparing for SXSW.