Top 10 Recommendations for SXSW

SXSW has finally arrived. The Austin, Texas based annual affair is one of the world's largest digital conferences. Each year the five-day event draws more and more international participants and entrepreneurs, and if you’re one of them there’s good reason to get advice on how to navigate the city before you arrive. Here are our tips on everything you should do to minimize complications and maximize your time:1. Pick out small events and MeetupsIf this is your first time attending we’re afraid to say that all of the rumors are true. With more than 900 sessions, the schedule of the conference program alone is overwhelming. While planning ahead to get a general overview is helpful, attending every event just won’t happen. We recommend that you don’t try to attend the mega sessions unless you are prepared to wait for hours in line; many of them can be viewed online at a later time. Instead, leave the beaten path and attend Meetups and small events; the chance of talking to someone at depth is much higher in a more personal setting. We recommend NY Tech Meetup or you can also check out websites listing events such as Gary’s Guide.2. Be open mindedThe Interactive events don’t only happen at the conference site, but all over town. You will run into people at a taco stand or just crossing the street, and most importantly you’ll see some pretty interesting new marketing ideas. From 3D printing, to retail concepts, to energy sufficiency, a lot of brands are trying out new concepts and are showcasing them along the roads leading to the conference center and in front of the major hotels. Do things you normally wouldn’t do and if you do attend sessions, go to those topics you’re not already very familiar with.3. Talk to anyone and everyoneThis is America, so talking to complete strangers is perfectly fine—if you have a good product, idea or topic to talk about that is. Don’t wait to get introduced at one of the ‘official’ parties, or events; instead introduce yourself to the people in front and behind you while waiting on line for your lunch or a snack. Try not to bore anyone, and you’ll be fine. Be genuinely interested in what the person you’re talking to does. These casual meetings might be more meaningful and helpful than any scheduled appointment.4. This place is for discovery, not for deal makingWhile some hotels have started catering to business meetings, it is still incredibly tricky to focus one's attention for longer than 30 minutes at any given time of the day. So don’t try to find your new business deal, but think about it in terms of expanding your contacts and connections. Sharing five (funny) minutes at party might be just enough to get you into a meeting with deal makers at the company you always wanted to talk to.5. Think globallyNumerous countries are set to host parties, exhibitions and discussions at this year’s festival. The change comes as many countries are taking queues from this City of Austin, which has always publicized its thriving startup community at SXSW. The Canadians were probably the first to host parties and since then many others have followed: Chile, Brazil, Ireland, New Zealand, France, the UK, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands and a consortium of Latin countries are all officially participating with large delegations. The Germans and Dutch have each reserved locations on Rainy Street, a popular thoroughfare in Downtown Austin, converting homes into interactive presentation spaces showcasing the best of digital, film and music their country has to offer. It’s wonderful to discover international talent off the beaten track.6. Be creativeFrom housing to transportation, nothing is easy when a smaller sized city is overrun with thousands of visitors. But Austin is still quite different when it comes to accommodating the influx. From Airbnb parties to bike and car sharing, you can have it all, if you ask for it. Finding a place in an apartment or a house (even downtown!) is still possible if you place an ad on Craigslist and make sure to be a respectful and nice guest.7. Austin parties are pretty inclusiveDon’t be intimidated by not holding an invitation to the hottest five parties in town. In most cases you can get to really nice (Austin style) parties by signing up via the SXSW calendar or by just showing up at the right time – if you’re a badge holder that is. Things get trickier if you’re trying to get in without a badge, but the entire atmosphere is still very relaxed and a smile and a business card still works–even in the digital age.8. Walk the floorYou might be exhausted after the first weekend of walking from A–Z all over town, but when the exhibition space opens on Monday, go and talk to at least 50 percent of the companies that are exhibiting. And we mean it; Go talk to them. All of these entrepreneurs and startups are eager to showcase their products and discuss common challenges.9. Give back and follow upThe most successful SXSW meetings happen AFTER SXSW. Make sure to follow up with each and every person you met during the events (ok, you may exclude five percent of people you really don’t want to see again). But this is the point of why you came: Send an email, make an introduction, connect on LinkedIn and do all the things you would normally do after a real meeting. If you help someone find their first business deal, this person will most likely never forget you.10. There is no dress code Really, you can wear whatever you want. If you are short of T-Shirts, you will have 10 brand new ones after 15 minutes in Austin. And lots of 3D gadgets. Enjoy Texas!