Who would have thought: 02/01/2011

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When I first moved to Austin in 1996, SXSW and all that it entailed was a mystery to me. After one year of volunteering I was hooked. After years of volunteering, a short stint on staff, and involvement in coordinating some of the bigger after parties over the last 15 years, here are some suggestions on how to make SXSW work for you.

1. Be Nice.

This is the most important thing to remember. Almost all of the support staff for SXSW is volunteer driven. Most of these hard working individuals use vacation time to help make this festival and conference what it is. Yelling at them because you had to wait in line or needed to see a band because you are that important will get you nowhere. Just ask singer Duffy how that worked out for her.

2. You Can't Do It All.

There are panels, happy hours, meetups, tweetups, free food & liquor, and great music to be had. It is everywhere at all hours. Have fun, but take care of yourself. Just because there is free vodka at 3AM does not mean slam it down like it's 1999. You have many nights of this AND many days. Most of my favorite moments have happened during the day at panels or a day party. Sleeping until 3PM in the afternoon will keep you up for the late night, but some of the greatest surprises have happened before then. Pace yourself. Have fun. Drink water. Party on.

3. Go With The Flow

People will recommend creating a spreadsheet. My advice is this; Have some sort of a game plan, but be prepared to let it change. There was one Saturday a couple years ago that the day's lineup was EPIC. Then a friend told me of a party at the Mean Eyed Cat with a band called Hot Leg. Going to this event would mean missing a ton of acts at all the other venues. It was worth it. The lead singer was Justin Hawkins of The Darkness. It was a fantastic hour of hair metal greatness. The group was small but electrified! Absolutely one of my favorite memories!

This also goes for panels and the "work" part of the conference. Sure, you could wait to get into a panel that is packed, but you never know who you can see in the time you spent standing in that line. There was a last minute change for me last year during Interactive and I went to Peter Shankman's panel. Hands down the best speaker in my history of going to the panels.

The rule of thumb is this... Don't get to caught up in having to see EVERYTHING because you will not enjoy it. If you are having fun stay there. If not move on. But this is supposed to be fun (and work for some of us) so just breathe and take it all in.

4. Share.

The most fun of this is telling someone of a great panel or showcase to check out. Spread the love. If you have extra passes GIVE THEM OUT! This holds true if you are not going to use it also. Why hoard them? Can help someone with some insider info? TELL THEM! Give to others and you shall receive. Plus, if you can make someone else's day even better isn't that a great reward?

5. Be Mobile.

This is the hardest part for a lot of people. Don't get stuck in "committee" of what to do or where to go next. Do or do not, as Yoda would say. Having friends and peers with you is great but when it comes down to it if you want to see or do something being unencumbered is key. This is one of the most important things to remember as it can be the difference between seeing something amazing or standing in the street hearing it.

6. Get Credentialed.

If you really want to have the best experience, you need to attend the festival and conference. Best way is to have a badge or a wristband. Do not buy these from anyone else other than SXSW. Sure, you can possibly find someone who is selling one super cheap, but more often than not its fake.

Why spend the money? If you are here to network there is no better way to do that. The badge is the best way to meet everyone. Panels, conference, meetings. Priceless opportunities. Wristbands are what you need to see most of the festival showcases. A lot of people don't go to these because they think they can see everything at the free parties. Not true. The best part of this is seeing music before the masses have discovered it. Make a plan to pick at least 5 bands at random to watch; You never know what you might see. (Brian Jonestown Massacre, White Stripes, etc.. were all unknowns coming to SXSW)

The other half of this is RSVP to the rest. Fader Fort, Pure Volume, Paste Magazine and more throw some fantastic events; You need to be on the list. A great resource for this is Do512 as they are great at collating all the events into one easy to find place.

7. Talk To Everyone.

SXSW brings great minds, talent, and energy to Austin. You never know who you could be standing next to. Conversations with those standing next to me or at a bus stop have lead to great relationships built over a beer and a song. Meeting people from New York, New Zealand, London, or even South Austin can be some of the best memories and have lead to great opportunities.

8. Say Thank You.

Say it with me. "Thank You." Repeat. Free drinks and free shows deserve some free thanks. Do it and do it often. Also a lot of these fine folks work hard. Tip when appropriate. Thank you.

Posted via email from Sweet John's posterous