As M-D pointed out, you may want to pay particular attention this year to what you’re packing for SXSW week. Kathryn posted a pretty good list last year for the road warrior doing the whole schmear of Interactive, Film and Music.

What’s your must-have item for SXSW? Got any good packing tips?

I’ll start by echoing item number one from Kathryn’s list: slip a power strip into your bag, along with all the cables and chargers you’ll need for laptops, cameras, iPods, phones and marital aids. Remember the ABC rule: Always Be Charging.

A power strip can come in handy in hotel rooms that skimp on power outlets or hide them behind heavy furniture. A second strip in your day bag will make you a popular pal at the Convention Center, where folks plop down in the hallways between panels to catch up on e-mail and web surfing.

If a full power bar takes up too much space for you, consider chucking in a triple-tap or a smaller, grounded extension cord.

And, of course, a reminder for our friends from overseas: make sure you tote along any necessary current converters to handle our quirky American AC.

Water - whatever you do during the day, just keep drinking. Fluid replacement for non-Texans is vitally important! I’d also stress a notepad and pen or similar. My Filofax always goes with me, and quick notes, ripping out pages for others, and not having to rely on some cumbersome PDA or phone that may or may not have charge after 24 hours is a godsend.

On the energy topic - I suggest an Outlets to Go by Monster Cable. They fold up nice and easy.  I’ve also fallen in love with my iGo Everywhere adapter. It packs all my recharging needs into one small bag.  They have both been well worth the investment.

I’d definitely pack:

1. A light umbrella.  It’s rained during two of the last three festivals.
2.  Vitamins and water.  They’ll keep you going.
3.  Twice the amount of business cards that you think you’ll need.  I’ve upped my quantity every year and I still run out.
4.  Pen and paper.  Don’t rely on your electronics.  They will fail at some point.  You don’t want to miss a contact by not being able to write down their info.  Of course, if you brought enough business cards and you trade…
5.  A printed copy of your personal schedule with LOCATIONS and ADDRESSES for parties, screenings, etc.  There are certain bars that change names every year in Austin--and some that spring up for temporary existence during the festival.  You don’t want to get lost with so many good things going on. 
6.  VERY comfortable shoes.  Don’t skimp on this one.  You will walk a lot.  Oh, yes, you will walk…

get a double size battery for your blackberry go to http://www.crackberry.com make sure you look up your blackberry that the battery fits comes with back and battery fits great with out a double battery for your crackberry you will have a dead phone battery by evening do not stay more than 2 miles from downtown other wise your wasting your time also drinking during the day in the hot sun is not wise bring a hat so your head not on fire by sundown this is my 4th time at sxsw film, music fest in the last 5 years

As a newbie to SXSW forum, I would like to get some good packing tips from you “oldbies”

Would like to know more packing techniques as well! It is always good to learn something new!