SXSW Dos and Don'ts!

Hey guys, here are a few videos and advice from SXSW 2K9!

Here's a video of Robert, who was a volunteer at SXSW this year. He quite enjoyed it. He also enjoyed getting married to John this summer!

OH JOHN from Priya on Vimeo.

DO!

Bring sneakers! Wear them!

Take the bus in Austin if at all possible. It's super cheap, and the day pass lasts for 24 hours from the time of purchase - it doesn't run out at 3AM like the ones in LA do.

Go to panels, if you paid for it. I know you have to get up in the morning, but, even if you're not an industry professional, you can learn LOTS of really neat stuff.

Wear something with protected pockets.

Write down your schedule (include the address of each venue).

Double- or triple-book yourself, and list your plans in order of how much you want to see each act/panel/exhibition.

Take walking distance between venues into account. Yes, they're all close together, but not THAT close.

Research bands that you don't know yet - even if it's just by genre. The whole point is to make discoveries!

RSVP to parties and make note of when and where they are. They're good for free food and drinks, and clean(ish) bathrooms.

Document your trip in as much detail as possible! I tweeted, journaled, filmed and blogged (in my Blackberry - that's actually where this list is coming from).

Mingle with strangers: you will get helpful tips, entertainment, and commiseration.

Get a pedicure when you get home. It will be WORTH IT.

Here's a video of Kyle, Lauren, Marion and I eating lunch at the Mellow Mushroom last Tuesday.

At the Mellow Mushroom from Priya on Vimeo.

DON'T!

Bring a purse. Marion did and she seemed to get on okay, but I was glad to have one less thing to worry about.

Have more than a few important things on your person at a time. It'll give you less to think about during a show so you can be in the moment and enjoy your surroundings. My important things were: phone, video camera, ID and money. And sunglasses.

Be a fashion victim! Be realistic about weather changes throughout the day and - this bears repeating - WEAR SENSIBLE SHOES!

Get a manicure before you go. That is so not rock n' roll at all, and it will make you like those girls you'll inevitably see staggering around in short skirts and 5 inch heels, looking puffy and thinking they're quite impressive.

Get uppity with volunteers. They have the power to do you major favors if you are polite.

Here's a parade of Assholes in downtown Austin.

OH JOHN from Priya on Vimeo.

HAHA! Just kidding. That was an accident; here are the Assholes!

Segway Segue from Priya on Vimeo.

What do you think, guys? Did I miss anything?