SXSW is a Music, Film, Interactive, and more conference from March 10 – 19 in Austin, TX, which provides a chance to party with some of the greatest people on Earth. (Official SXSW Site)
SXSWi – South by Southwest interactive is the conference where Twitter was launched and staring at your phone is expected. Understand SXSWi parties are more business with a side of music, booze, and food.
SXSW Film – The who’s who of Hollywood are all in town for the movies premiers, parties, and music.
SXSW Music – The variety in music is unmatched by any festival in the world. Recent years have hosted over 2000 official and unofficial artists playing multiple shows daily to break to the next level! These artists are putting in work!
For the first SXSW has an Attendee Services Hub that has all the info for official attendees.
What to Bring
HARDCORE
- ID
- Cash/Credit card
EVERYTHING ELSE
- Bag – to hold other supplies and free swag (Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag)
- Poncho – Weather is crazy in Austin
- Comfortable Shoes – e.g. Anything from On Cloud
- Sunscreen – at least SPF30
- Lip balm
- Pain killer
- Breath mints or gum
- Wet-wipes
- Quality Ear Plugs – Keeps ears healthy and drowns out side conversations (Etymotic Research ETY)
- Extended battery pack – Your phone will die (small or large)
- Phone Charger – You may forget to recharge your extended battery pack
- Print outs of the parties you want to go to –Your phone will be slow
Getting Around
- Pedicabs – staple of SXSW travel $15 – $40 to get most places
- Taxis – Head to a hotel or I-35 access road to catch one
- Taxis Alternatives
- Ride Austin – Local, Non-Profit
- Check Ride.Guru to compare the other non-local ride shares
- Capital Metro Buses
- Parking – Try to get downtown before noon
- Walking – Lots
- Bicycles – Helps cut down on the walking
Parties
Many SXSW attendees are here for business, so expect a lot of side conversation during performances. If you are there for the music, try to get to the front and remember earplugs.
- Follow these accounts on Twitter – they will provide the best unofficial SXSW updates
- RSVP for everything – create a separate email account (RSVPster is a lifesaver)
- Have a backup plan or four – print them out (phones die)
- Arrive early – lining up an hour or two early is sometimes the only way to get into a “must see” party or shows
- If you are not having fun, leave
- Find new music
- Make friends
- If you are networking remember business cards
- Tip the bartender – even if the drinks are free
Food
- Some parties will have food – Check the RSVP (follow @thefreenoms on Twitter)
- Food Trucks are awesome
- Taco, Taco, Taco– (Torchy’s Secret Menu – try the Trailer Park Hillbilly Style)
- BBQ – Austin is becoming the BBQ capital of World but if you need a break and have a car head to Lockhart for authentic Central Texas BBQ
- Many more – Check Yelp or Urban Spoon
Official Music Showcases
- Arrive early
- Usually you can get in after the badges and wristbands for $0 – $20