Field Notes Inside an Integrated Communications Agency

As a SXSW newcomer, I wanted to take a minute and share with you the basics of having a great SXSW experience.  SXSW is a big event with more stuff to do than you can imagine. If you have a bad experience, it's probably your fault.

Here are my thoughts:

1. Plan ahead.  It's easy to miss events because you spend too much time trying to figure out where to go and what to do.  Make a schedule and stick to it (unless something awesome compels you to change it).

2. Wear comfortable shoes.  The Austin Convention Center is a big place and you'll be doing a lot of walking.

3. Bring a backpack.  You'll want to carry around your laptop, a jacket and various other things you pick up along the way.

4. Bring a Mac.  I'd estimate an 8-2 Mac to PC ratio.  If you want to fit in, visit Steve Jobs first.

5. Speaking of Steve, I'd estimate that 90% of US iPhone owners are here.  Okay, maybe that's a bit inflated, but there are a lot of them.  So many that the 3G network is simply clogged.  Mine's been pretty useless at times.

6. Tweet.  Twitter is the official language of SXSW.  If you're not tweeting, you're missing out.

7. Bring your battery chargers.  With all of this Tweeting and blogging, you’ll need to recharge.

I'm sure there's more, but that's all I have for now.  Feel free to comment with others.