Last year’s Interactive conference kicked off with an introductory panel for newbies call “How to Rawk SXSW” (MP3: How to Rawk SXSW), offering tips for squeezing the most enjoyment and enlightenment possible from the event. There’s lot of good info there but, c’mon SXSW vets, you’ve got to have a trick or two up your sleeve. What’s your best pointer for making the most of the conference?

Something I recommend is getting a massage at least once during your time in Austin. I’ve done this for the past four years and it’s helped me leave some work stress behind as I embark on a week of great panels, inspiring conversation, fantastic music, amazing films and wonderful food. If you can squeeze another one in before you go home, even better. I recommend Myo Massage (http://www.myoaustin.com), though I’m sure there are a few other great ones in Austin.

Both the official SXSW scene and the nighttime scene have become increasingly reliant on Twitter, Dodgeball, and other social networking services that make use of text messages.  Last year I used 10X the volume of text messages during SXSWeek than I do in a normal month.  Unless you’ve got an unlimited text allowance, it might be worthwhile to increase your allowance during SXSW.

Practical: Grab as many free energy bars as possible.

Planning: Never schedule a lunch, but never eat alone - just grab someone and find a place to eat.

I’ve got to second Tim Ferriss’s suggestion from last year to grab some “Chaser” at one of the convenient stores on 6th St.  They’re carbon pills that soak up alcohol and do a remarkable job of preventing hangovers.  Trust me.  Open bars everywhere.  Danger!

Several suggestions:

1. If you drive, use the lot across from Iron Works BBQ.  It’s only $5 and is right outside the convention center.  U can use this as your base to dump off all the excess swag and to pick up bottled water, vitamins, snacks, etc.

2.  Rawk the parties, but don’t rawk the alcohol so much--it will give you longevity down the stretch and you won’t look like an ass when you meet those coveted good contacts.

3.  Plan your schedule in advance.  At least as much as is possible.  The parties, panels, screenings, etc are all on the MySXSW site, so take advantage of it and plan.  Not only will this let you see the actual gaps in time you can schedule meetings in, but it will give you focus during the festival.  It’s easy to get sidetracked with the trade show, conference, movies, parties, etc. all coming at you at the same time.

4.  Eat food and drink water.  It’s easy to get caught up with the free hooch floating around.  Every year I see folks who are massively dehydrated dropping out early. 

5.  Have fun.

See you there!

Here’s a great idea that I picked up on last year: if you get into Austin early enough, take a few minutes to head over to Whole Foods or HEB and grab essentials for the week.  A case of 12 1-liter bottles costs $7 at Whole Foods, and that’s a significant savings over what you’ll pay for water or soda at ACC.  (Plus, it’ll help you deal with @richnewman’s fourth point, above.) Grab some fruit and a few energy bars while you’re there, and you’ve got everything you need to make it through the morning after one of those epic parties (or if, like me, you’re just a heavy sleeper).

It’s worth noting that a full-service supermarket really isn’t within walking distance of the ACC-area hotels.  Whole Foods is the closest (or, at least, the closest that I’m aware of), but it’s a schlep - made doubly so if you’re hauling a case of water.  If you don’t have a car, to paraphrase the old Paper Chase line, when you get on the registration line, look to your left, then look to your right - there’s a good chance one of the people you see will have access to a car.  The registration line may be long, but it’s a good chance to start a conversation and make some new friends.

Just an add on to MD’s suggestion to make the Whole Foods run. The Dillo makes getting there fairly easy. But Whole Foods will also call anyone a cab if you decide you don’t want to drag your groceries onto the Dillo for the ride back.

My dos:

Bring band aids. Those blisters aren’t battle scars you can brag about.
Wear almost whatever you want. Everyone else is going to. Just don’t expect to ever get it really clean again.
Act like a rock star. Why not?
Buy the biggest sunglasses you can find. It’ll be your little secret how wasted you are.
Announce “That would make a good band name” any time it applies. Never gets old.
Call your mom and tell her you’ll be busy for the week, don’t want her to worry!
Create more options than you have. Make your own party.

Getting a massage at least once and relaxing will be a good idea.
regards,
ivy

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Simulation pret

ive already started looking into the free parties & “not official” sxsw functions going on. we’re gonna try to do this as CHEAP as possible this year!

Ewan Spence - 11 February 2008 01:26 PM

Planning: Never schedule a lunch, but never eat alone - just grab someone and find a place to eat.

I definitely agree! Some of my best times last year were meeting random people by finding nearby individuals and saying “hey, want to grab lunch?” The same works for dinner.  I think the point I took away last year was- don’t stress out about seeing everything. You’ll be back eventually (and hopefully next year). Focus on really enjoying whatever it is you’re doing.

Otherwise…
If it’s your first time it’s definitely important to realize there isn’t food available. Last year I expected to be overfed like every other conference, and was surprised to be fending for myself. 

Also, the beacon lounge was great for snacks and coffee and interesting discussions- I hope it’s around again this year!  Definitely drop by there.