I’ve got a half dozen blog posts I want to add to this site including my synopsis of my trip to SXSW, a post about online identities, and my experience at startup weekend Boulder.
In fact I’ve even started writing the content but as of late time seems to be on limited supplies and in high-demand.
Here’s what’s holding me back:
So stay tuned.
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As most of you know I went down to SXSW this year and being my first time I had no idea what to expect but at the same time had many expectations, let me explain.
First let me state what I expected.
After reviewing all of the panels and discussions on the sxsw site, sched.org, and other sites such as ning and sxswbaby I was overwhelmed but had anticipated attending a panel for every block of time — ya I know, insane but that’s what I had expected to do and with ease.
I also, expected the experience to be a lot like going to class — walk in, sit down, learn, ask questions, pack up and head off to the next class. In a way it was somewhat like this but it wasn’t a school (and some of the speakers didn’t say much), it was a conference — and I have never attending anything like this before because a lack of personal funds and/or the fact I was working for a company (at the time) that didn’t care to send it’s employees to such functions.
I also expected to walk away with handouts or copies of the presentations, or at least links to them (hint, hint, presenters — give your attendees something to use as a resource especially for those of us who need to communicate back to team members back home or missed it due to another panel or for those that just need to refer back).
Next, I was told there would be free food and drinks. True on the drinks if you were lucky to get into a party but where was the food??? Good thing I had a few cliff bars with me.
Now even though those were my expectations I really and honestly had no idea what to expect because the whole conference just seemed so big, overwhelming, and daunting. Furthermore, I had never been to Austin and my two friends who were going to attend with me bailed forcing me to shack up with complete strangers (because of cost) thus multiplying the feeling of worry and confusion.
What I did do was attend about four panels/discussions each day and spent the rest of the time having conversations with people. And in all honesty I learned more from these conversations then I did from the panels. Also, I stayed relaxed, had fun, and enjoyed my time there — I let it be a free form experience. I think this made it easier for me to meet "that person" and if I didn’t then no worries I made other friends along the way.
In the end, I have to say I had a great time, meet lots of great and talented people, and would recommend sxsw to anyone about to launch their career, looking to revamp their career, or are currently in the web industry attendee at least once. Even if you don’t attend the panels, the networking alone justifies the cost.
Anyway, here are some of the Big Take Aways, things people I met who seem to be living the life I want said to me…
As simple as these sound sometimes it helps to have someone else say it if not to reaffirm them.
Thanks Austin and SXSW — see you next year (crossing fingers).
