We’re just a little over a week away from the start of SXSW Interactive Festival. Hotels are sold out and flights to Austin will be packed.
Going to SXSW? Let us know so we can keep you updated on what we’ve got planned while in Austin.
SXSW ATL Bus Update
Thanks to the leadership of James Harris of N4MD and the Techturized team, the SXSW ATL Bus is full speed ahead. ATDC and Hypepotamus have helped provide seed funding and now we’re looking for others to join us with their support.
Six Atlanta startups will be joined by a Creative Loafing reporter for a weeklong journey to Austin, Texas, for this year’s SXSW Interactive Festival. 11 Alive will be covering the story, too.
Read all about their plans and find out how you can help sponsor this adventure by visiting the SXSW ATL Bus website. Contact James Harris for details on how your company can help these six startups have a breakout SXSW experience.
SXSW ATL Tips
This will be my fifth SXSW and I’ve been asked to share some tips and insights on how to make the most of your time at SXSW. Here’s my approach to SXSW:
- Embrace serendipity – SXSW attracts a wide range of people from all types of industries. Instead of trying to find the people you think you need to meet, start talking to the people right around you. You’ll be amazed at who’s standing next to you in line for a panel, eating tacos next to you, or ordering drinks next to you at the bar.
- Choose one panel, one party, and one destination each day – You’ll have so many choices each day for panels, workshops, programs, parties, etc. Don’t stress over getting to them all. Just pick one panel each day, one party to attend, and one destination. Let the rest of your day unfold in front of you.
- Samsung Blogger Lounge is your friend – You will want to take full advantage of the Samsung Blogger Lounge, even if you don’t blog. It’s inside the convention center, features great programs, offers up food/drink and only requires you sign up here for free.
- Startup Village is your home base – Every day, high-powered investors and entrepreneurs hold office hours at Startup Village, which is in the Hilton across the street from the convention center. Make this your first stop every day, so you can sign up for the first-come, first serve appointments with some amazing people.
- Vote with Your Feet – That panel that sounds amazing will suck, so don’t feel like you have to stick around for it. Get up and find somewhere else more interesting.
- Get Out of the SXSW Bubble – On the third day, I usually hit a wall and want to escape the SXSW meet-and-greet hustle. When that happens, I take a $5 cab to SoCo (South Congress) where the locals hang out while the out-of-towners are in for SXSW. Neon signs, vintage clothes stores, great food, and relaxing places to hang out.
- Sleep and Hydrate – This isn’t college Spring break. You’re going to SXSW to make connections. Have fun, but be sure to drink plenty of water and get a reasonable amount of time to sleep. You’ll need it.
So what are your plans for SXSW? Any great tips or ideas to share? Who’s planning something epic?
