Nexrage's SXSW Survival Guide: What you need to know before you go!

By: Becky Bergman

March 07, 2023

South by Southwest is only 2 months away. If you’re not familiar with the event here’s a quick rundown for you. South by Southwest (SXSW) is an annual set of film, interactive, and music festivals and conferences that take place in Austin, Texas. The event, which was founded in 1987, is one of the largest and most influential in the world and attracts a diverse mix of attendees from the film, music, tech, and media industries. The event typically takes place in March and features panel discussions, workshops, concerts, film screenings, and other activities.

If you're planning on attending SXSW, it's important to start preparing early to make the most of your experience. Here are some tips on how to get ready for the event:

Make a schedule: With so many events happening at SXSW, it can be overwhelming trying to decide what to do. Start by making a schedule of the events and activities you want to attend, including any panels, workshops, concerts, or film screenings that interest you. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don't miss out on anything.

Book your accommodations: SXSW is a popular event, so it's important to book your accommodations early to ensure that you have a place to stay. There are a variety of options available, including hotels, Airbnb rentals, and hostels. Keep in mind that prices may be higher during the event, so it's a good idea to book early to get the best rates.

Plan your transportation: Austin can be a busy city during SXSW, so it's important to plan your transportation in advance. Consider using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, or use public transportation options like buses or the metro rail. If you're driving, make sure to allow extra time for traffic and parking.

Pack smart: SXSW can be a long and tiring event, so it's important to come prepared. Pack comfortable shoes, as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking. Bring plenty of water and snacks to keep yourself hydrated and energized. It's also a good idea to bring a power bank or extra phone charger, as you'll likely be using your phone a lot to stay connected and navigate the event.

Network and make connections: SXSW is a great opportunity to meet and connect with people in your industry. Bring business cards and be prepared to network with others at the event. Attend networking events and make an effort to strike up conversations with people you meet. You never know who you might meet and what opportunities may come your way.

If this is your first time attending, it’s important to prepare properly and get all the information possible. And you’re in luck, we’ve also compiled a list of a few things you should know before you go.

It's a big event: SXSW is one of the largest and most influential events of its kind in the world, and attracts a diverse mix of attendees from around the globe. With so many people in attendance, it can be overwhelming trying to navigate the event, so it's important to come prepared and have a plan.

There are multiple events: SXSW is made up of a series of events, including film festivals, music festivals, and interactive conferences. Each event has its own schedule and set of activities, so it's important to familiarize yourself with what's happening and were.

It can be expensive: SXSW can be an expensive event to attend, especially if you're traveling from out of town. In addition to the cost of tickets, you'll need to factor in the cost of accommodations, transportation, and meals. If you're on a tight budget, it's a good idea to plan ahead and look for ways to save money, such as by booking accommodations early or sharing a room with friends.

The weather can be unpredictable: Austin can be quite warm during the spring, but the weather can also be unpredictable. Be prepared for both warm and cooler temperatures and bring layers that you can easily add or remove as needed.

It's a great opportunity to network: SXSW is a great opportunity to meet and connect with people in your industry. Take advantage of the networking events and make an effort to strike up conversations with others. You never know who you might meet and what opportunities may come your way.

One of the best things you can do when attending SXSW is utilize the vast diversity of people you’ll meet. Network with entrepreneurs, high-spirited people, and other professionals you wouldn’t normally encounter. Market yourself, your product, your business.

For businesses and organizations, SXSW can be a great opportunity to increase brand awareness and connect with potential customers and partners. Here are some tips on how to utilize the event for marketing and brand awareness:

Have a plan: Before you head to SXSW, it's important to have a clear plan for how you want to use the event to increase brand awareness. Consider what goals you want to achieve and what strategies you'll use to reach them. This could include things like hosting a booth or panel discussion, sponsoring an event, or hosting a party.

Create buzz: There will be a lot of competition for attention at SXSW, so it's important to stand out and create buzz around your brand. Consider using social media and other online channels to promote your presence at the event, and come up with creative ways to get people talking about your brand.

Engage with attendees: SXSW is a great opportunity to connect with potential customers and partners in person. Take advantage of this by engaging with attendees and building relationships. This could include hosting a booth where you can showcase your products or services, or participating in panel discussions or other events.

Collect leads: Use the event as an opportunity to collect leads and gather contact information from potential customers and partners. This could include using lead generation forms or collecting business cards.

Follow up: After the event, be sure to follow up with the leads you've collected and continue to engage with attendees. This could include sending them information about your products or services or connecting with them on social media.

In conclusion, South by Southwest (SXSW) is a huge event that attracts a diverse mix of attendees from the film, music, tech, and media industries. It can be a fantastic chance for companies and organizations to communicate with new clients and partners while raising brand recognition. Having a strategy and concrete objectives in mind can help you make the most of the event. You should also promote your brand, interact with participants, gather leads, and follow up after the event. Additionally, it's critical to organize your travel, arrange lodging, and familiarize yourself with the event's schedule and activities in order to be fully prepared. By following these tips, you can effectively use SXSW to market yourself and your business and make the most of this unique opportunity.

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