Houston@SXSW 2010

Every year since 1994 (when Interactive launched), web workers – designers, developers, marketers and technologists converge on the city of Austin for five days of a Shiner-fueled experienced that is like no other on the planet. It’s sometimes called “Geek Spring Break”, and it has become the premiere destination for tech startups, digital media and the forward thinking business people to find out “What’s Next”. Imagine 20,000+ conference goers (and those that come just for the free off-site events) from around the world who all talk the same language and simply ‘get it’. Houston has always had a good showing, but in the last two years we’ve really turned up the heat by coming out in force and proudly proclaiming that we’re the ‘other’ startup community in Texas.

To that end Houston@SXSW is an open event (sponsorships still available) being planned by several Houston community leaders and local startups – names you should all know:

Grace Rodriguez, JR Cohen, Matthew Wettergreen, Chad Farrell, Brooke Farrell, Brandy Brazell Obvintsev, Bridgette Penel, Travis Skweres, Teddy Boxberger, Jim Prather, Trae Nickelson, Tony Hodgson, Marc Nathan

Houston@SXSW
Monday, March 15, 2010 at 7:00 PM
Hudson on Fifth
301 W. 5th
Austin, TX 78701
RSVP: http://houstonsxsw2010.eventbrite.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HoustonSXSW
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/houstonsxsw
Hashtag: #SLGT (Support Local, Grow Together)

SXSW is exhilarating, but oftentimes overwhelming to first-timers and even seasoned attendees. Here is a hand-picked list of sites that offer tips for managing your experience at SXSW, but first some obvious tips:

1. Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be walking in them for 18+ hours a day and ladies, leave the high-heels at home
2. Dress comfortably – jeans and T-shirts are the order of the day. Even ‘business folk’ don’t wear button-downs
3. Drink lots of water – this is between the other two liquids – coffee and beer
4. Don’t make specific plans – go with the flow. This is the real magic of SXSW, the serendipity of chance meetings in lines, hallways, restaurants and even bathrooms (wash your hands before shaking them please). Not everyone with a badge (SXSW-speak for paid attendee) will be cool in the traditional sense, but they will all be friendly.
5. Make some plans – if there is a must-see panel, get there early; if you absolutely must meet someone face-t0-face, set up a meeting before you leave.
6. Bring lots of business cards – you never know who you’ll meet – I am still in touch with people I’ve meet in cabs, restaurants and the trade show floor.

Now to the links:
Planning:

Thanks again to Ed Schipul and his Schipulitesfor creating a page of all Houston-based panels: http://www.schipul.com/sxsw2010/

http://my.sxsw.com

http://www.sxswbaby.com/index.php/forums/viewcategory/10
http://sxsw.alltop.com
http://plancast.com/sxswinteractive
http://www.ningrvip.com/
http://sxsw.razorfish.com

Tips and Advice:

http://kevnull.com/2009/03/getting-the-most-out-of-sxsw-interactive.html
http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2009/03/eight-things-to-remember-for-sxsw-2010.html
http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/sxsw_2010_for_noobs.php
https://adage.com/smallagency/post?article_id=141851
http://krynsky.com/my-thoughts-and-experience-as-a-newbie-at-sxsw-2009