Photo Courtesy of Digitas Photos
10, 9, 8 . . . The countdown to SXSWi 2015 is on! This will be my first time to experience SXSWi and I can hardly wait. As a digital communications professional (specific focus on earned media), you can imagine how this conference fits right in the heart of my “favorite things passion-sphere.” And now, I’m going at last!
We (CMD) also have some really great clients participating in SXSW this year—I can’t wait to see all the brilliant booths, activities and demos they will have. Personal bonus, I’m particularly interested in the subject matter we live and breathe at CMD. (Side note: I think that’s what sets us apart—there are a lot of really good agencies out there, but it’s rare to find one where its people are actually passionate about the topics and businesses they support. Nonetheless, I digress—no more self-promotion, I promise.)
Since this is my first time attending SXSW, I wanted to share my initial thoughts on how to navigate this massive affair. (Then later, we may all laugh about my optimism and learn from my future experiences.)
Research.
According to everything I’ve read, we can apparently all (ironically) throw research out the window. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve still grilled previous attendees about their experiences, and have read great SXSWi blog posts, especially the ones about what to do your first time. In fact, here is a list of a few of my favorite “SXSW for Newbies” blog posts:
- SXSW for Dummies and Newbies – Wildflower in the Wind
- A Newbie’s Introduction to SXSW Interactive – Vertical Response Blog
- A Beginner’s Guide to Attending SXSW – Improv Media Blog
For a really good time, continue reading for more top takeaways.
Plan.
Short of cloning yourself, I hear that to get the most out of your experience you must plan to not plan. This is good news. When I started looking through the SXSW interactive program catalog, it just made my head spin. All my favorite things are being covered at various times and places—most of which are conflicting. I’m torn between putting together a meticulous schedule with every hour of every day laid out perfectly, or making an outline of hot spots and then going where the wind blows. From experience (and of course, counsel), I think I will do the latter and plan for a little serendipity. Take planning off the list, please and thank you!
Schmooze.
Another consistent recommendation from every SXSW “advice column” is to schmooze, schmooze, follow up and then schmooze some more. I am definitely ready for that part—business cards in hand, social profiles updated, Twitter lists created, list of hashtags to follow in mind . . . check, check, check, check. Now I just need to decide which meetups and parties to attend. ALSO—need to prep myself to morph my inner introvert into a proper extrovert! (Because, why not ask for a miracle, when you are already living a dream.)
Party.
I know one meetup I will most likely attend: “The SXSW Newbie Meetup” (#SXSWNewbie). Yes, there is indeed an entire tribe of first-timers like myself. Check out all the people posting about “#sxswnewbie” on Twitter alone. SXSW offers everything from demographic-specific meetups to ones for special interests like “Dr. Who.” Find a full list of public meetups here. Don’t forget to check out all the invite-only events and parties happening around town, as well.
Side note: How do you pick and choose from the plethora of meetups and parties, and what if you miss a really good one? Any suggestions? (Please leave your answers in the comments below; I’m highly influence-able right now.)
Device.
Smartphone, Google Glass, Tablet, fitness tracker . . . that’s my short list of gadgets to lug around. However, I may bring a notepad and paper for good old-fashioned note-taking. I hate to get distracted by electronics when there are so many other things I need to focus on.
I also hear power can be a problem. I’ve stocked up on external battery packs—I now have three. (You can never be over-prepared with power!) Three should suffice to power my phone, tablet and Google Glass throughout the day and into the night. (Product side note: My favorite external battery is the Astro Mini made by Anker, in case you were wondering.)
Speaking of Google Glass—does anyone still wear theirs? Wonder if I will see other Glass Explorers at SXSW this year? For most of the last two years, wearing my Glass was like wearing clothes—I wouldn’t leave the house without it, it would stay on all day. But now, there seems to be a stigma. Google Glass is just so helpful, especially in situations like SXSW. I’ll wear my Glass regardless—if I get booed off the street, won’t be the first time. (Actually, it will be the first time; don’t boo me off the street.) The Glass stays on.
Health.
This is going to be five solid days of intensity. There is no time for illness or injury, so I’ve been preparing all winter. I have my most comfortable (yet stylish) clothing and shoes ready for wear. I’ve been sleeping plenty, hydrating well and dosing-up on all the vitamins for prime immunity, energy and focus. I’ve also been taking extra-long “SX training walks”—I’m in ship walking shape!
Accommodations.
Lodging was a challenge. When I registered early last fall, everything in downtown Austin was already sold out. SXSW admins offer a waiting list, which I immediately signed up for. I then also found a hotel on the shuttle route, outside of town and booked it as my backup. I waited and waited to hear about the waiting list, then took matters into my own hands.
I went on the alternate housing page, then found a hotel search engine called AllTheRooms. I just kept hitting refresh on the engine and found a room at one of the best possible hotels, right next to the convention center. HOWEVER, I was so excited, I didn’t read the small print and was also charged the full amount, days after booking. (A very uncool thing to have happen unexpectedly, right before a trip.)
Lesson learned: be sure you put your hotel reservation on the card you want to be charged, and expect to be charged the full amount almost immediately, before even checking in. Very shady business practice, if you ask me. Although, it is better than the alternative, which is homelessness.
Now, Go!
I just need to finalize a few things, set my OOTO, align my backup squad (thanks friends, @CMDcreates!) and head to sunny Austin for (what I am predicting will be) a wonderful learning experience. If you have any more tips for me, please leave them in the comments section. If you’d like to follow my SXSW adventure, I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @sumlinsday. 3, 2, 1—We’re off!
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