There will be ~286,450 blog posts coming out in the next 36 hours on how to do SXSWi right. While we probably don’t need 286,451, I promise to make this one chock full of fiber and easy to consume. After three years at SXSWi, I have a few tips and will keep them short to make them easy to digest.
- Get out of your comfort zone. Don’t just go to sessions you know something about. The good stuff is brand new.
- Say “Hi.” Everyone’s there to meet people and have great conversations. You never know who you’ll meet.
- Be friendly. Austin is a great town. Keep it that way. Be nice, even if you’re not happy.
- Water is your friend. Drink it.
- Be where you are. Don’t chase the cool parties. Find it where you are.
- Put your phone away. Turn it off if you’re having a cool conversation. It’ll be there later.
- Wander.
- Small posses rule. Try not to travel in a pack of 20 people. Small = nimble.
- Eat when you can. There’s free stuff everywhere… eat it if you like it.
- You are broadcasting your brand at SXSW. Assume you’re being recorded. Don’t be an ass.
- Use the “law of two feet.” If you’re not enjoying where you are, move.
- Pack a layer. It might get chilly/rainy in the evening.
- No shots, but if you do, please see #10.
- Don’t stand in line. Rally your posse and go somewhere else.
- When in doubt, go to the roof. Most bars have a rooftop. That’s where the magic happens.
- Monday night. 4am. Hilton lobby. Be there.
- Make breakfast tacos part of your daily regimen.
- Attend my session on Tuesday morning.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be on your feet a LOT.
- Enjoy yourself…. it’s SXSWi!
I’ve seen some other great posts leading up to the event this year. Here are a few if you want to dig deeper:
