A first-timer’s guide to SXSW
I’ve been to Austin plenty of times but never been to SXSW before. Crazy, I know. And after all the “You shoulda been there!” and the “I learned so much” and the “I’m smarter and cooler than you ‘cus I went to SXSW” comments, I’ve decided to make the trek. You may ask, “Why the hell are you writing a guide to SXSW if you’ve never been before???” Well, I have one thing going for me here – curiosity. I want to see and do everything possible in the next couple days and I’ve been frantically researching/downloading all I can this past week to help get me prepared. So I’d like to share some of that with you.
Apps
I’m prepared to see lots and lots of SXSWers huddled up all glued to their smartphones instead of talking to each other. But here’s a couple apps that will help you get around the festivities a little easier.
The official app of SouthBy. Build and track your schedule of events with maps, etc. Duh, just download it.
Created by DraftFCB Chicago and powered by Foursquare, this app lets you know what places have a good crowd going and the ratio of guys to girls there. Cus nobody wants to show up at the lame party or a sausage fest.
GroupMe, Fast Society, and Beluga
Pick one or use them all. They’re for communicating with smaller groups. I’ve used Fast Society before. It basically allows you to open a chat room via text with as many or as little people as you want. So instead of texting everyone individually, you text them all at once and everyone can see the whole conversation. All of these apps let you share your location and share pictures as well. All-in-all, you’ll be able to let the small group of folks know what you want to do, where you want to go, and what you’re doing once you get there.
Events
There’s too many going on for any one person to even comprehend. But here’s a couple ways to help you stay organized and informed. You might even find yourself with VIP access to a party or two.
Browse the list of events and create your own itinerary that you can share. Now you just have to sift through the hundreds of events and pick your favorites.
This helps you “focus on speakers, sessions and coverage.” Their session discovery tool “helps you keep track of the slides, video and notes from the sessions you are interested in.” So you can keep up with the sessions and events that you missed. Go ahead and booze it up til 6 a.m. Lanyrd’s got your back.
Unofficial SXSW Insider’s Guide
Powered by NING. Go to the Facebook page and check the wall. Or follow them on Twitter. They are posting parties and events constantly. Then you can be “that guy” and have 15 RSVP’s on your wall for everyone to get annoyed with.
They’ve put together a guide to Southby. More events. It even shows who’s going. There’s also an app to keep you connected on the go.
That should get you started. Now go forth and have a good time. And don’t forget to stuff your face with BBQ. I’d recommend Stubbs.
- Sean Leonard
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