Do Use your computer to blog, twit, post photos to flickr, fill up your evernote page with notes and share your experiences of SXSW with others back home.
Don’t use your computer every single waking moment. Look up! Attend a session with a note pad, attend a session without a computer, ask the presenter questions, and talk to your neighbor. Generally experience the sessions.
Do go to as many parties as possible.
Don’t spend your night waiting in line for that “Epic Blogger Party”! If the Threadless party is line-up around the block, look at the calendar and find another one. There’s a good chance you’re going to find a smaller venue with some more elbow room and people a little more willing to talk. Hey and you’ve even got an ice breaker “Hey did you see the line at the Etsy party, it was ridiculous”.
The Essentials for the SXSW Interactive Confrence
Do pick up swag.
Don’t flaunt the swag like it’s like a secret treasure you’ve won. Chances are 400 other attendees received the exact same fanny pack. Wait till you get home before flaunting it.
Do bring business cards. SXSWi is all about interaction and networking. Use it to your advantage; you never know when you’ll be collaborating on a compressive SXSW guide with friends in Canada, US, and the UK.
Don’t shove business cards down every person you meet’s throat. A good idea would be to bring business cards and also a non-formal card with your Twitter name on it. Had those out to friends, save the business cards for the suits.
Do plan ahead and make a schedule for the event. List the key talks you want to see and parties you’d like to be at.
Don’t let that schedule dictate your time. Be flexible. If a room is packed, check out another session. If nothing interests you ride the ‘dillo to the U of T. If someone offers to grab lunch, take their offer.
Do talk to your ideals or industry leaders after their session. Tell them their presentation was solid and provide feedback after a session.
Don’t talk to them for 40 minutes or show them pictures of your fiance’s cat. They’re people too and are probably not used to this sort of attention. Plus you’ll look like a Muppet to 5 other people waiting in line to talk to them.
Try a Nuke Taco ... Just watch your colon
Do enjoy at least one nuclear taco.
Don’t expect painless bowel movements the next day.
Do remember to check out BarCampAustin, running at the same time as SXSWi.
Don’t assume that the entire tech community in Austin is huddle at the convention centre. This city’s tech community is vibrant and exciting … and not everyone can cough up the $400 for a shiny lanyard. So if you’ve got some down time check out what’s going on a couple of streets over.
