The Unofficial Guide to Doing SXSWi Unofficially – Part 1

The halls have that "new geek" smell.

This is my second year at SXSWi, and though things are just beginning, I can already tell that the convention is turning into something it did not set out to be in the first place. It certainly feels more like “Geek Spring Break” than it did last year. Now, don’t get me wrong: SouthBy is awesome, and it’s a great time from start to finish. I’m definitely here because there is so much to learn and experience. On top of that, Austin is an amazing and vibrant place already full of kind, genuine and often weird people. So adding 14,000 nerds to the mix is just a way for the city to show what it’s got.

This year, I’m here “unofficially” – that is to say, I don’t have, nor do I plan to get a badge. Now, you might say that I’m a fool for missing out on all the great panels and networking opportunities and the best parties. However, I don’t think that I am the fool here at all. Instead, by doing things this way –off the grid—I feel like I have an opportunity to document and take in much more than I would if I were sitting in a stuffy convention room with 300 other Internerds listening to a panel of smartypantses* talking about what people should talk about.

My decision to skip the badge was born out of my cheapskatery, but it has manifested into something much grander and more interesting. I like the idea of becoming a documentarian and a spectator than someone who is actively involved. But then again, I am also mired in the depths of social media, so I am still a part of this festival. I’ll look out for tips and hints and things to do, and I will continue to update you on the perks and downsides of doing SXSWi the unofficial way.

Observations: Day 1

So far, here are a few notes from what I’ve noticed this year:

  • Lots of newbies here. I met a Korean guy on my shuttle who’s on his first trip to the US. I told him he was in the perfect place to start, as it encompassed a lot of what is happening in America right now when it comes to culture and technology. He smiled at me.
  • I found an outlet in the main convention center hall. There were 4 outlets inexplicably not being used. I know it’s early, but didn’t anyone tell you ABC (Always be charging)? You’re going to have a hard time updating your status and checking in to parties when you don’t have any power.
  • Geek fashion is no different than last year, from what I can tell.
    • For guys: plaid western shirts, dark rimmed glasses and sneakers. Beards.
    • For gals: When in Austin, do what the Aus-teenies do – boots, sundresses, and flat, shoulder length hair.
  • As far as trends are concerned, I’m already seeing a lot of buzz about social texting apps (Beluga & GroupMe) as well as photo sharing apps (Hipstamatic & Instagr.am). I’m interested to see how the geolocation apps fare this year. I’m sure there will be no shortage of check-ins, but I’m also starting to see how the model is flawed (more thoughts on this to come).
  • Pitches seem to be more deliberate and stilted. You’d think that in one of the biggest tech conferences in America, there would be more creativity when it comes to marketing. Especially when you are marketing to marketing people. Sorry folks, pretty girls and fliers aren’t going to make me want what you’re selling. Nice tights, though.

Stay tuned for more soon!

-JSG

(follow me on Twitter for more insight and more SXSWiU updates: @jsgriffin)

*I mean this in the kindest possible way. 🙂



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