The launch of SXSW Interactive is just days away and Austin is bracing itself for the yearly onslaught of eager startups and brands and agencies salivating over what will be the next “hottest” and most “buzzed” about trend or technology. If you’re planning on attending one of the year’s top digital conferences, here are some tips on how you can maximize your own experience at the Texas Tech Tryst:
- Plan Ahead: Make a spreadsheet of your daily schedule, including definite, likely and “just in case” plans. Ensure that this spreadsheet clearly lists all vital event details including time of event, name of venue, address and RSVP information (this can come in handy if you encounter a brawny door bouncer who claims you’re “not on the list”).
- Engage Your Network: Though you’re going to SXSW to learn new things and meet new people, often times the best connections you can make are through people that you already know. Reach out through your social networks (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter) to get a sense of who will be attending the conference and make plans to meet up.
- Try Something New: Work at a social media agency? Try to steer away from panels that cover Twitter. Not only are you likely to feel too well versed to attend, but also you may find more inspiration from a panel or discussion that has little direct relevance to your job, and you may actually glean some relevant info!
- Be Honest With Yourself: If you start a panel and it is not at all what you thought it would be or you don’t think you will get much out of it, try for another talk. If you’re at a more remote location, head to the lobby and start chatting with someone who looks interesting!
- Make Goals, But Don’t Be Stringent: Everyone has some sort of goal takeaway from attending SXSW, whether that be to grow brand awareness, secure funding, expand a client base or learn new technologies or strategies. While it is important to understand why you’re attending, also make sure you don’t lose sight of the wealth of possibilities available by maintaining too narrow of a focus. Though you may have come to SXSW to network with venture capitalists, stay open to meeting other people because you never know if you are going to share a beer with a brand that is looking for a company like yours to connect with!
- Be Nimble: While it is vital to plan, it’s even more essential to keep an open mind with your plans. Many of the best SXSW days come from a string of unplanned events that all sourced from striking up a conversation with a random person while in line for a Keynote.
However you choose to spend your SXSW, remember to stay present, enjoy it all and see some live music!