Are you ready for SXSW 2014? This year boasts to be bigger than ever before and once again, we’ve got some tested tips to hack your way through SXSW like a pro and get the best experience possible in the process. Want to figure out the best way to build your session schedule? What about finding free food and drinks? Get all the tips and tricks to hack your way through SXSW 2014 below.
Hacking Through SXSW Sessions
A sad fact of SXSW is that you can’t attend all the sessions. Do your research now and find three sessions a day that you must hit in order to get your return on investment. As a friendly reminder, you’ll need to walk between hotel convention centers, restaurants, and the main convention center, which takes time. So, plan your priorities and backup options because popular sessions will reach capacity.
Here are a few can’t miss sessions that are sure to be informative as well as entertaining…
How Twitter Humorists Landed Sweet Real World Gigs (Friday)
When: 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Who: Jenny Johnson, Josh Hara, Matt Silverman and Megan Amram
Where: ACC 12AB
Why: Learn how funny people leveraged social media in order to land their dream jobs and high praise from Rolling Stone, TIME and the Wall Street Journal. They’ll give you inside tips and ideas for how to use digital media to build a personal brand — while undoubtedly cracking you up in the process. All the speakers are terrific, making for a great end-of-day panel.
Fearlessly Funny: The Women Changing Digital Humor (Saturday)
When: 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Who: Issa Rae, Jane Pratt, Kristina Wong, Mandy Stadtmiller
Where: Austin Convention Center, Room 18ABC
Why: This panel, convened by xoJane.com’s editor-in-chief, promises to be sassy, funny and honest. Bring smart questions to the Q&A and expect to spend some time laughing.
Hacking Through The Connections
The Gadgets: Stay charged and connected. A mobile battery is a great way to stay on top of your game. You’ll be Tweeting, checking emails, consulting the SXSW app, texting or Snap-chatting people you just met over free food and drinks. If you’re not sure which one you should buy, I’d suggest two external battery options that’ll keep you powered throughout SXSW. Mophie’s Juice Pack Plus is a great source for power on the go. The 2100mAh battery case with added power and protection is equipped with up to 120% extra battery to make it through the busy SXSW week. The Samsung Universal USB Extended Battery Pack isn’t just for your smartphone, but it’s also portable power for your tablet (or any devise with a USB port) when you need, it where you need it
The Networking: Looking for a few SXSW tips from a Pro? Here’s one! TIP #4 – Be OUTGOING, but don’t be a DOUCHEBAG! You’ve seen those people that just have to be the center of attention, yeah – you don’t want to be them. Be unique, humble, memorable but most importantly – be yourself!
[Discover more tips: SXSW Survival Of The Fittest Tips To Make Your Experience Unforgettable!]
Hacking Through The Parties
Food and drink. If you do it right, you shouldn’t have to pay for a single meal or beverage. Luckily, there are entrepreneurs who streamlined the unofficial and offsite SXSW parties.
There are plenty of SXSW party source sites. Do512 is a pretty good source and you can check out the parties here. Also, you can find events on Gary’s Guide, RSVPters and even Eventbrite. The same rule with sessions holds true with parties—find a few that you need to attend and make them a priority.
Are you a SXSW pro? If you’re a returning SXSW attendee and want to help our readers get the most out of their experience, share your survival wisdom in the comments section below.
