Originally started in 1987 as a weekend music festival, SXSW
now spans 10 jam-packed, rollercoaster days and encompasses music, technology and film, and attracts tens of thousands of attendees every year. From trade shows to keynotes and music sessions to film screenings, SXSW can be overwhelming.
While a festival of this size and duration doesn't favor the unprepared, it does reward the spontaneous. Heed our advice for making the most of your time in Austin, but don’t be too attached to your plans. These hacks will help prepare you for the expected and unexpected happenings at this year’s congregation. Click on each infographic to enlarge it – to view the entire infographic, click here.
Dress for any occasion. You will attend a variety of events at SXSW, including networking events and socials, music showcases, nightclubs and parties. Pack dress shoes for formal events and sneakers or casual kicks for informal events; comfortable shoes are a must.
Essentials include cell phone charger, business cards, reusable water bottle, power strip (yes, other SXSW attendees will thank you!), notepad and pen or tablet, messenger bag or backpack (to store all your swag!), and a Mophie or portable cell phone charger.
Download the SXSW Go App to browse events, plan your schedule, see what’s happening near you and network with other attendees.
Looking for the hottest SXSW after-parties? Twitter will be your festie bestie this weekend. And remember: Twitter was invented at SXSW as a way to figure out where the best parties are.
Follow these accounts to stay up-to-date on those killer parties: @RSVPster; @SXSWPartyList; @SXSWPartys; @atxhipsters; @do512; @sxswfreedrinks; @RSVP4LYFE; and @FreeatSXSW. Don’t forget to sign up for RSVPster – you won't be disappointed. For $40, RSVPster automates RSVP to all SXSW parties and does the work for you. Sign up for RSVPster here.
Can’t afford a badge? Check out the SXSW guest pass, which allows you to get into some great events for free.