SXS WHAT?

For those of you who have been living under a rock and don't know what SXSW is, here's a look at what it entails...



As summarized from the SXSW "first timers" Web page, Here are some pointers that you should know:

-Register early and online; it's easy , saves paper, and the earlier you register, the earlier you get a hotel, which leads to the next point

-Book a hotel with SXSW; again, the earlier the better. I'm talking a few months in advance.

-Upload your BADGE photo; there are two different photos that you can upload, your profile picture on my.sxsw.com and the badge photo, which can also be found there. Make sure its the right one and do it no later than a week before the festival just in case. Once the festival starts you have to take your photo onsite which slows down the badge-pickup process and takes a not-so-groovy web-cam photo of you with your eyes closed and a double chin.

-Wear comfy shoes; There's a lot of walking around so be prepared. Please don't be that girl in high heels. Not only will you be uncomfortable, but you will look ridiculous when everyone else is dressed so casually. If dress up is necessary for business or whatever reason, bring an extra pair of comfortable shoes to change into when your done.

-Slow and steady wins the race, pace yourself; Don't try to cram as much into your day as possible. If you do you'll end up with little energy and you may miss out on something you really wanted to do all because you were too tired. Be smart about it, you may have to decide between show here and there, but it's going to be worth it in the end.

Also my personal note of advice, since many of you are traveling in from afar and it might be your first time in Austin, take advantage of the local downtown bars and restaurants. There are so many delicious places to eat here in Austin and downtown is the prim elocation for many of those places. The notorious "6th Street" is only a block and a half from the convention center. Moonshine has good brunch and Iron Works has great barbecue and they're both across the street from the convention center.

For more official information and pointers from SXSW visit the SXSW Web site.