Community Breakfast February 2011 - Getting the most out of SXSW - Notes

Hosted by UserVoice

Attendees

Evan Hamilton

Jeremy Hicks

Meghan Krane

Riccardo Fabi

Sarah Dopp

Choices

 * It's hard to go to parties AND go to panels. You kinda have to make a choice. (Sarah)
 * Don't be running to the next party or you'll spend all day walking rather than enjoying yourself (Evan)

Panels

 * Don't go to panels in your area of expertise, they're usually 101-level (Sarah)
 * Go to panels with people you're interested in (Sarah)

Promoting yourself

 * There's a lot of noise
 * People will take free stuff, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything for your business (Evan)
 * Memorable promotions:
 * The party RV that rolls out a red carpet, then drives you somewhere while you drink and sing karaoke
 * Zappos giving out branded raingear right before it rained
 * Service for printing business cards on the spot

Beer

 * Don't overdo it your first night - it's a long conference.
 * Don't chase free beer, it's often unavailable or not worth the effort

Austin

 * Awesome city, awesome food, very walkable.
 * Several parking structures in downtown. Park once, don't drive around downtown, it's crazy.