Travel & Culture: The Austin Experience | SXSW 2013
I rarely (if ever) post about my day job (digital marketing & media). But I got to attend SXSW this year for work so I had to write about it!
I've never been before and was a total newbie, but was lucky enough to be well-planned and cared for by my friends at Click 3X and Heard City (woot Clickers!) who basically taught me everything I'd need to know to survive AND included me in every party invite. Sidebar: the party itinerary is completely separate from the SXSW programming and justified an 5-page spreadsheet, broken out by day.
I hung out with old friends who I hadn't see in ages - shout out to @ErinEndres and Lauren Fernandes - and made new friends and contacts. I learned about the Gross National Happiness Commission, an innovative organization highlighted in a talk by John Gerzema, and heard WWE Star John Cena speak about his social media prowess and the WWE's digital org structure. But my favorite may have been seeing the guys from Deadliest Catch give a talk called 'Twitter for Tough Guys', which presented a totally different spin on social media, the environment, and reality TV.
I'd love to summarize my experience with some profound statement, but really it was just FUN. Lots to learn, tons of people to meet, and creative energy everywhere. But - I want to leave you all with something tangible, so here's a quick Top 5 of SXSW Survival Tips:
Hydrate and pace yourself - stamina is a requirement
Stay at the Driskill - awesome place, awesome location, awesome scene!
Let Peter Corbett plan your itinerary
Use GroupMe and Foursquare
Have a bloody mary at Frank
Looking forward to SXSW '14!
xx
Heather
