7 Things to Not Miss at SXSW Interactive

If you’re headed to SXSW Interactive, have fun! There are so many things happening at any given time, and you can’t possibly see everything and be everywhere. Nevertheless, I recommend you make time to try or do the following things, even at the expense of a session or two. (I’m assuming you’re already attending keynotes and sessions/panels.)

1. Sign up for and attend a Mentor Session. Get some one-on-one guidance from amazing people. Be prepared with questions ahead of time. (Unlike many other flexible SXSW RSVPs, if you sign up for a Mentor Session, be sure to attend!) Read more here: Why I Love the SXSW Mentor Sessions (and you will, too!)
2. Go to a Meetup. Depending on how the meetup session is run, you’ll meet lots of people and make some awesome connections.
3. Visit SX Create at the Palmer Events Center. It runs on the weekend and is open to the public. It’s a bit of a hike from the main conference, but you’ll be rewarded with an amazing collection of wonderful ideas and excited people.
4. See the SXgood Hub and SXSW Eco. Social innovation FTW.
5. RSVP to and attend the IEEE Party at The Driscoll. It’s a lot of fun! Technical demonstrations line the walls of a social event. This is the way parties for geeks should be run.
6. Go to the Expo’s. Last year, there was a Health and Med Tech Expo, and a VR Theater Expo. Definitely worth experiencing.
7. Eat at SouthBites. Lots of good food, and you’ll meet fellow attendees sitting at the tables.

You might also be interested in 18 Tips for Making the Most of SXSW.