SxSW N00B!

March 21, 2011 at 12:42 am · Filed under 2011, culture, digital, events, fashion, SxSW and tagged: austin, BUZZ, fashion, SxSW, tech, technology

I’m just back from Austin where I attended the Interactive portion of SxSW.  I picked up a few tips and learned a few things during this first attempt at the conference.

1) Smart footwear

Do not ignore when people say “wear comfortable shoes”.  Thankfully I paid attention; it was surprising how much I walked!

2) Device charging strategy

Don’t forget to charge your phone/iPad/laptop each night.  Also – if you can buy a battery pack or other wireless charger that doesn’t need to plug into the wall you’ll be set.  The conference hosts lots of opportunities for free charging, but that takes time (30 mins for the secure locker ATT version) or hanging in the sponsored charging lounges – which have comfy couches and where I was able to meet new people, but “wasted time” away from the conference and/or working on my trend hunting project (#styleinthewild on twitter). The best bang for the buck charging + networking was the Samsung Blogger Lounge – lots of spacious tables, TONS of plugs, a fridge full of ________ (namebrandsponsoredsoda). and lovely sxsw-ers to connect with.

3) Plan, but be flexible

I could have read the schedule a little more closely.  I did get to attend a ton of great panels, and caught a bunch of fun parties/networking Happy Hours, but still missed a few things here and there that I regret.  Keep in mind that now there are multiple venues hosting panels – so you’ll need to prepare to catch shuttles between venues, and allow for that transition time.

4) RSVP to everything

If nothing else, just to keep track.  Use apps/sites like foursquare & Plancast to keep tabs on what’s happening.  I recommend using Foursquare, because checking in to a panel won me tickets to see an amazing free concert.  Also before you go search the web to find other non-sponsored sites that are tracking cool events or find apps that give insight to ‘hotspots’ throughout the event.

5) Introduce yourself freely

Where ever you are that you see strangers – if circumstances allow, introduce yourself, pass your card (tactfully).  Many many times I was near interesting and relevant people by chance and unknowingly introduced myself to very cool people who I’m now connected with. If you have a project or product that you’re interested in talking about – have a practiced ‘elevator speech’ ready.  You care much more about your ‘thing’ than the other person.  Having a digital networking strategy also could help – the Hashable app was helpful this year for those using Twitter.

6) Moisture/water/vitaminC

Carry chapstick and water. You will become dehydrated, it’s uncomfortable.  Also, invest in EmergenC packets – you’ll be surprised how a packet or two a day will change your experience.

7) Heed the ‘don’t drink too much’ warnings – but apply the advise appropriately

You won’t pay for many (if any) drinks at SxSW (if you’re doing it right), however, that is easy to ‘take advantage of’ so be sure that on the nights you want to do so, you’re not thinking of pitching or connecting with important new people, or attempting to do serious business.  #commonsense

8 ) Go with the flow

You’ll find yourself in the oddest combination of business & social interactions throughout the week, so while you’re still figuring it all out – go along with what the most senior/influential/mentor-worthy person is doing and hope for the best.

9) Be stylish

Remember that your outfit is your ‘landing page’ and if you look like you just rolled out of a friends hotel room in the start-up tee and jeans from the night before, you aren’t making the first impression you want.

10) Bring snacks and have a food strategy

There is a LOT going on – so having a protein bar in your bag isn’t a bad idea.  Also – BBQ is great, but the easier (and more regretful) thing will be an expensive ‘Bacon Cone’ or a grilled cheese sandwich from the conference offerings.  So, mapping a few good healthy restaurants or a place where you can at least know a salad exists is not a bad plan.  Remember, Whole Foods is HQ’d in Austin and depending on where you hang – the Fifth street store isn’t all that far. You don’t want to forget to eat or all those free drinks will take you straight to trouble-land.

11) Taxis/transportation

Taxi service pretty much sucks in Austin – esp. if you’re coming from SF (where they must pick you up by law).  Leave bars before 1:30a.m. and understand which direction is south-north because taxis are fussy about which way they travel at late hours.  Buses are $1 each way or $2 for a 24 hour day pass and run past midnight (score!).  Your Google maps app on your smart-phone will help you find buses easily – it was my saving grace.

12) Support local business

This stems from basic karma. Don’t ‘check in’ at Starbucks if there is an amazing café near your home base.  The citizens of Austin love/hate SxSWers but appreciates that you support Local while you’re there.  Also remember, the citizens, wait staff or hotel staff appreciate what SxSW does for the economy, but not so much that they’ll love tolerating douchy behavior.  Respect, and have love for these folks who are working twice as hard to accommodate the masses who takeover the city for the conference.  You are owed nothing – be gracious.

13) Follow up

For all those fun amazing people you met, the effort is worthless if all they represent is a pile of business cards on your desk.  If possible do some #FollowFridays on Twitter while at the conference, when you return maybe connect via LinkedIn and then the Monday following email your new-found connections mid-day to solidify that introduction in Austin.

SxSW is most-likely going to be fun no matter how you attack it, however, there is a way to do it with comfort, style and grace – hopefully, you will benefit from some of these ideas and have a fabulous time!  See you in 2012!

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