Tips for a SXSW Newbie
Every year, Austin’s South by Southwest conference brings together a stunning selection of thinkers and performers. From rockin’ concerts to dynamic tech talks, SXSW is a huge testament to the power of live events. This year, SXSW is hosting over a thousand activation sites throughout the greater Austin area. As this is one of the biggest and busiest industry conferences, it can be easy for an eager newbie to bite off more than they can chew.
Going to SXSW for the first time is a thrill, no matter how you do it. However, it is always nice to be prepared. Here are some tips from a SXSW veteran to a SXSW newbie.
Prepare a Schedule
The hustle and bustle of SXSW is chaos. There are numerous events that occur at the same time, so it would be helpful to prepare your desired schedule and then make some little stops along the way. Without an agenda, it is east to feel lost in the shuffle. The extra effort of putting together a schedule can help you make sure you don’t miss any of the big events that you want to attend.
Bring a Charger
You will be using your devices all day long, and a dead device will put a damper on your plans. Smart phones, tablets and laptops all need to be charged, so you will need to bring your charger with you. Thankfully, many companies have convenient charging stations set up at their activation site with cords provided. Otherwise, you must bring your own charger and find a wall socket that has not already been claimed by another SXSWer.
Start Networking
Being in the middle of the highest density of tech folks can be intimidating at first, but it is important to use your time at SXSW for networking! Give away business cards. Share contact info. Connect on LinkedIn. These connections will enrich your experience and keep the conversation going throughout the conference.
Find a Quite Place
Since every day is a long day, you will need to find a place to decompress. This could be a coffee shop, café, hotel lobby or anywhere you may be comfortable resting. While you have some downtime (and hopefully internet connection,) you can relax, check your emails and gear up for the next event.
Enjoy the Food
On practically every corner of the street will be an activation booth with free food and drinks. Keep your eyes peeled for these delicious freebies and experience all of the local Austin cuisine. Believe it or not, it is possible to go to SXSW hungry and leave satisfied for no cost at all.
The annual South By Southwest Conference and Festival gets bigger each year. Veterans have every advantage over newbies, but you’ll get the hang of it. Hopefully these tips are helpful for you in your SXSW journey this year. If you are attending SXSW for the first time, buckle your seat belt and hold on tight! You’re going to have the time of your life. See you in Austin!
Do you have burning questions about the SXSW experience? Feel free to drop in the comments and one of our Sparksight SXSW experts will get back to you asap.
