I’m feeling exhausted and achy, have very little voice left and can’t wait to sleep in my own bed! But the weirdest thing is that I still want to turn around and get back to Austin! In fact, if I were able to, I’d have already booked my flights and hotel for next year… unless we decide to pack up Big Teeth and actually MOVE down to Austin before 2011.
What an experience! And one without a BADGE. I read several blogs prior to heading to Austin about people’s experiences without badges, most seemed positive – and my experience was no different. Being in Austin only 3.5 days, there were only a handful of panels I really wanted to attend and I didn’t think I could hit more than 2-3 films a day plus wasn’t that particular about which ones -so costs didn’t add up. Waiting in line even with a film badge wasn’t appealing – but going 15 minutes before a show to see if there are extra tickets, seemed to be the way to go – especially if the film was at the Paramount.
I had no badge but I WAS armed with business cards, bookmarks, recipe cards, stickers and pins for both Big Teeth and Fooditude. It was especially funny to meet people, then figure out if they’d rather me put on my Big Teeth or Fooditude hat. One thing was certain, I met way more people than I’d ever imagined meeting and people that may have NEVER known about either of my companies had we not ended up in the same elevator, shuttle, line for a film or in the same row at a panel.
I made it to 4 Film Screenings (all of which were great) and 3 Interactive panels, and a handful of parties (only one that I tried to go to and couldn’t, being badgeless). I can only imagine how much I’ll be able to do next year if I have a little more time to plan and don’t have to spend a day just trying to get the lay of the land.
A few things I learned:
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I really like Austin!
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If badgeless and you can handle the anxiety and you only have a few panels you really want to go to, hide behind a tall friend and carry a very large bag in front of you.
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If you have a friend that stays out later than you and you KNOW won’t be up first thing in the AM for a panel you want to go to, convince them to lend you their badge!
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Make friends with people that are only there for a couple days, seems everyone wants to share the love and offers up their badges or shuttle bracelets to others before they head out of town. WHY NOT?!?!
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The shuttles from hotels outside of the city were wonderful, but I’d still prefer to stay in the city!
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Never be afraid to chase a car down that's leaving an event you're to ask for a ride, especially if its raining
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If you like food, Austin is a great town, but don’t just eat on 6th street, that’s not where the good stuff is.
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Austin is a really great city for vegetarians and breakfast lovers! (2 things I am) Even if I didn’t have a chance to hit up any of Citizen Taco (Austin Food blogger) I’d read before my trip but had the privilege of meeting in person while there)’s top spots for breakfast tacos, I found that even the bad ones were great.
I see my experience as a taste of what is to come in the future. Until next year SXSW!
Posted by Josh Greenberg on May 25, 2011 at 08:55 AM
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