Photo by TheSimpleSol
Welcome to South By Southwest! If this is your first time attending the conference, it can be very overwhelming. This is my third year and it’s even more popular than the years before. Over 100,000 attendees! I was thrilled to be at SXSW this year as a mentor on social media.
Here’s a couple of tips and tricks to surviving SXSW.
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Free Pedicab Rides!
The roads are congested with traffic and the last thing you want is to be blocked in on the road. Park your car and hope in a SkinnyPop Popcorn pedicab!
SkinnyPop Popcorn is offering free pedicab rides to SXSW partiers from noon to 8 p.m. on March 11–13 and March 18–20. You will also receive a complimentary SkinnyPop popcorn to help fuel your completely responsible debauchery.
Wear comfy shoes.
Girls, do not even attempt to wear heels. You’re going to be walking from venue to venue, and your feet are going to hurt. Slip on sandals, flats, or espadrilles (trendy right now!).
Bring snacks.
The lines are going to be long and you don’t want to lose your spot in line. SkinnyPop’s mini popcorn bags are perfect to stash in your bag and munch on while you’re waiting for your favorite band.
Eat local.
SouthBites (only open for SXSW) features both Austin and out of town food trailers like Chi’lantro, Veracruz, Burro Cheese Kitchen, Doughmaker (Houston), and Salt & Straw (LA/Portland). Check out my guide on Best Downtown Austin Restaurants To Eat At SXSW. I also post local eats daily on my Instagram: atasteofkoko!
There’s tons of free food and drinks options during SXSW, and your go-to person for all the happenings is @thefreenoms!
Photo credit: Mark Wilson
Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself.
SXSW is all about networking and meeting new people. I hosted the 2nd Annual Downtown Austin Photowalk with @visitaustintx again this year and we had so much meeting everyone that came out!
Created in collaboration with SkinnyPop Popcorn, a delicious ready-to-eat popcorn that is free of GMOs, artificial ingredients, colors, flavors, preservatives and all major allergens including peanuts, tree nuts, dairy and soy. I love the white cheddar!
