How To Do SXSW Interactive On A Budget That’s A Close To Zero As Possible

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There’s a lot of talk online at the moment about the big Austin conference, South by Southwest. Naturally with the online crowds I hang around at online, the Interactive part of SXSW has gained credibility over the last few years.

Let’s be honest, taking out 5 days for the conference, and a day or two extra for travel, is not a small undertaking. With a Film conference running side by side with Interactive, and the Music people coming into tow, it takes planning to a good hotel and all the other paraphernalia sorted for an easy trip.

But what if you want to go and you’ve got no plan, no reservations, and no budget? Let’s have a ponder…

Decide You Need to Be At SXSW

This is the most important call. If you have to be there, you have to be there, and you’ll do almost anything. There’s no point jumping through hoops if it’s not for you. Now do you need to be there? If you work online, and especially if you are ‘Social Media’ then yes, be there.

Get There

Which really, given it’s America, means you need to fly there. Jet Blue and Southwest fly to Austin, as well as the legacy carriers. If you were looking for a late attendance at Music, fares would be tough, but Interactive is a bit easier (unless you’re flying from the SF bay, in which case be prepared to look at flights from SFO, Oakland or San Jose, probably with a change at Dallas, Chicago or LA). Head to the airline sites to check as well as Expedia.

Will You Sleep?

This is a tough call. To be honest you could probably arrive on the Friday (and sleep on the way), power your way through Friday, Saturday and Sunday with caffeine and all night diners, and then fly home on Sunday (and sleep on that flight). That also takes care of your Hotel bill.

Looking to stay longer? Then you will need either a Hotel (probably in excess of five miles out of town and a $17 taxi ride) or find a buddy with crash space. And no you can’t share my floor. Try asking on Twitter.

Are You Going To Conference or Lobby Con?

A SXSW Interactive ticket is around $500. With so many people at the Conference, there’s every chance you’ll be able to meet everyone in the halls of the Austin Convention Centre. Do you really need to head into the sessions or witness a keynote? If not, then that $500 might not be needed. Okay you’ll need to be a touch brazen and work at making sure you meet people, but it’s an option.

How To Party Like A Pro

Whether you have an interactive pass or not, there are a huge number of official and unofficial parties going on. More than enough for all your schmoozing and promotion needs. start on Upcoming, ask your Twitter friends, or just keep your ear to the ground when you get to Austin.

No matter what you do, get yourself to SXSW – I’ll see you there,