Every year around the second and third weeks of March, an influx of thousands of people descend upon Austin for 10 days to celebrate film, music and emerging technology at South By Southwest (SXSW). This year’s event kicks off today and of course, it’s projected to be a bigger and better event. The festival is divided into three overlapping portions: interactive, film and music, and although the festival started as an event for music, interactive has become the largest portion. This year, the interactive portion of SXSW is expected to have more than 500 panel sessions, 300 vendor booths and 15,000 attendees.
The benefit to Austin’s economy isn’t the only reason why SXSW is important. The festival is also an ideal place to learn about new technology, artists, and films and the innovative and world-changing people behind them. From hundreds of panel sessions, company showcases, parties and networking events, and a congregation of some of the brightest minds in the world, SXSW is a great place to meet, discuss and learn. Although many of the activities require a badge for attendance, there are plenty of activities that don’t require a badge that you can attend.
How can you take advantage of the opportunities during SXSW?