SxSW Survival Pack

February 08, 2005 | View Comments (23) | Category: Our Thoughts

Summary: I am going to SxSW and I have some questions.

Alright so myself and the B-Logs crew are tracking down to SxSW this year to mix and mingle with the important people. Problem is, none of us have ever been down there so we don't know what to expect. In fact, I am not even sure any of us have ever been to Austin.

So I figure with a little help from my friends (that would be you reading this), you could help us prepare some.

First for the panels what is the essential gear to bring? Pencil and paper? Laptop? iSights? What? Is it even important to attend all the panels you can or do they just repeat the same stuff that the blogosphere does on a daily basis?

Second where does the fun stuff occur? How has the weather been these past couple of years? Does everyone meetup to go have some drinks? Is a car required?

And finally how is the dress style? Do people expect a certain level of professional attire? If so I got some shopping to do.

I know that is a lot of questions, but I figure someone out there has all the answers, or at least some of them. Thanks and I will see you in March.

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Comments

Wear what you want. You don't really need a car unless you want to do non-SXSW stuff. I think I used my rental car exactly three times, going to and from the airport and to go to 20x2. So, if your day job isn't paying for it, don't bother with the car. The panels are littered with laptops. I would recommend bringing your laptop just because that's how we organized a lot of the extra-curriculars. As for fun stuff... hang out in the halls afterwards and gravitate to any group that Kevin Smokler is in. He is the king of all fun stuff.

Kevin (http://lawver.net)

I've never been, but from reading about past conferences.

1. Geek out - take your laptop and any other geek toys. Newer the better!
2. I've probably read more about the NON conference activites than the actual conference sessions! Beer seems to be a popular beverage (as does tequila).
3. Clothes wise all the photos I've seen seem to be casual (or at the very most, smart casual).
4. Ignore item 1, and go old school with pencil and paper!!

Ohhh one more.
5. Have fun! I'm jealous as all hell I can't get there. It's a bit of a hike from Scotland. One day, one day.

Gordon (http://www.gordonmclean.co.uk/)

#1 -- Doesn't matter much what you bring. You may want to take notes, bring whatever you use to do that. I bring my laptop, but there is a cavat there as you may need to drop it off or lug it around, the sessions often bleed over to drinks and dinner pretty quick.

#2 -- Some of the panels are great, som aren't. I went to lots last year, but I also blew quite a few off in favor of sleeping in or a long lunch. Hallway conversations and after conference events are where you learn the most.

#3 -- Fun Stuff? All over the place. Austin is a party town. There are tons of bars, events and such going on, just keep your cell handy, load it up with numbers and be prepared to go with the flow.

#4 -- You don't need a car. Unless you are staying in BFE.

#5 -- Weather was ok last year, kind of cloudy but mild.

#6 -- There is no dress code. Where whatever you feel like. You may want something that doubles as casual and "going out" clothes depending on where you're staying.

Keith (http://www.7nights.com/asterisk/)

Yeah, the panels are full of laptops. Even if you don't bring your laptop, chances are at least 10 other people took notes and posted them on a blog somewhere.

The hallway gatherings are cool. I hope they let us use the power oulets again. They didn't let us use them last year until someone complained to someone who must have been important.

Jeremy Flint (http://www.jeremyflint.com)

Never been to SXSW, but having been to Austin many times throughout college I can tell you for sure that there is no shortage of fun on 6th Street. It might be a little quieter because it's during spring break and many of the UT folks will be gone, but I imagine there will still be enough to fill the bars.

I for one can't imagine going to Austin and not going out on 6th street. It's more fun than you can shake a stick at.

Garrett (http://www.yourtotalsite.com)

The thing is don't go to too many panels. 3 a day MAX!

Personally, only 2 a day, but i am going to enjoy Austin while I am there.

I will be wandering around. . . alone. . . well not alone. I will have a beer to keep me company. ;)

Hal! (http://www.superinhuman.com)

Bring extra batteries for you laptop.. plugins are scarese... at lease they were last year.

Be prepaired to loose sleep. Be prepaired to absorb information like a sponge.

The after hours parties and the hallway gatherings which often lead to group lunches and dinners are where it's at.

Nick Finck (http://www.digital-web.com)

Well, I have been to Austin. So there. But it was in 1990, so I am guessing it has changed a lot. Most of my time in Texas was spent over spring break rock climbing.

Hopefully I will get my laptop wireless before I go though. But definitely looking forward to it.

I may even meet Paul at some point. :P

Matthew Oliphant (http://businesslogs.com)

Two words. Shiner Bock.

Julie (http://www.accidentaljulie.com)

#10

Austin's the live music capital of Texas. Most of the band's play on 6th street, which is walking distance from SxSW. So, if you're half the clubbin' man you claim to be...you should be in for a good time.

If you're wanting to experience Austin, I'd recommend getting a car. The Oasis on Lake Travis at sunset is one of those "not miss" type deals - except it's about 20 miles away. Hippie Hollow, Austin's famous nude beach is just down the road - if you're into the kind of stuff.

The weather is pretty much what you'd expect in Florida. March is pretty much mid 70's during the day and 50's at night. If there's a cold front, the temp won't dip too terribly low, but the wind chill will kill you. Alternatively, it might be hotter than hell, where it won't neccesarily be the temp, but the heat index that gets ya. I'd bring jeans, shorts and a jacket to cover all bases.

If it rains, you can most likely expect a hellacious world ending scenario storm or a flooding monsoon. It never just rains in Texas.

Austin is a weird combo of metropolitan city and college town. If you enjoy beer, steak, women and music, you'll be right at home.

This'll too be my first time at SxSW, but just one more of what are semi-regular trips out to Austin for me.

Mark (http://www.lightpierce.com/ltshdw)

#11

These hallway gatherings, I have never been able to enter any of them.

To me they seem a little click-ish.

Anyways, I will start my own. I will be the guy with the 15 inch powerbook. Come on by and sit-a-spell.

And then we can enjoy a shiner.

Anyone looking to get into the frog party. . . if there is one. . . .

Hal! (http://www.superinhuman.com)

#12

Yeah, Frog is hosting the opening party again.

Not really a problem to get in. Just show your Interactive badge and you're golden.

I wonder if they will have a band that is equally freaky as the one last year. What was that anyway?

Jeremy Flint (http://www.jeremyflint.com)

#13

I can't help but I'm considering going. I've never been to Texas, but I have been to Mexico so I'll just consider it and english-speaking version of Mexico :)

Joe Clay (http://www.gra-phix.com/)

#14

I don't know who the band was, but they (and the party) we're loads of fun.

Keith (http://www.7nights.com/asterisk/)

#15

Garrett, BTW the University of Texas is no longer UT. The University of Tampa stole their domain :)

Joe Clay (http://www.gra-phix.com/)

#16

One more post, I swear. Mark, Scrivs is from Tampa. We know what rain is (we're the "lightning capitol" of the world) :) And we know what heat is :) 90 degrees in march isn't uncommon.

Joe Clay (http://www.gra-phix.com/)

#17

I live in Dallas, so I can't be sure on the weather in Austin. Right now though it is about 35 in the morning and the high is around 50 midday. Not cold, but bring a jacket.

Sixth street is a blast, and just walking around downtown for lunch is fun too. Do NOY leave Austin without making a trip to Chewys.... Mmmmmmmm... And like the previous commenters said, drink plenty of Shiner.

Josh Dura (http://www.joshdura.com)

#18

Joe -

Before I moved to Texas, I lived in Florida for a good 10 years.

Mark (http://www.lightpierce.com/ltshdw)

#19

Hey Scrivs (and gang), looks like I'm going to be at SXSW and need a place to stay. Anyone have an extra space at the Hilton? I'll bring the funk.

Will Pate (http://www.willpate.org)

#20

Haha...professional attire? In Austin? Never. Go out to Hill's on South Congress and have the best damned burger in town.

Greg (http://www.secondnegative.com/)

#21