For two years in a row now, I’ve missed out on going to SxSW. For those of you who don’t know what it is, it’s pretty much the largest technology / music conference in North America, and it happens once a year down in Austin, Texas. Last year, while watching everyone talk about it online, I decided that I would go this year and check it out.
That being said, I still haven’t done anything about it, nor am I entirely sure I could afford to go to it (although I *do* have a pre-paid flight ticket in the US, so my flight is pretty much covered). Pretty much all my friends from Vancouver end up going, and it would suck to miss it another year. So maybe I’ll go work a corner downtown somewhere and see if I can pull together some extra scraps to attend.
That being said, if you’re heading down there, drop a comment and let me know. Peer pressure is an effective motivator with me, and it might just get my butt in gear enough to try and pull together the funds and make it down there this year. Also, if you’re a media company with a pile of cash burning a hole in your pocket, and want to send me there, drop me a line! I’d be happy to take photos for a week and do a bunch of write-ups.
I’m going and just need to book the flight to Austin…everything else is booked.
Arieanna and I would like to go, but it’s hard to justify the expense of flights and hotel for 2 people for what is basically a party. Still undecided.
I’m going! I have a panel this year and its my hometown so I’m staying with my parents.
@John – Are you doing just interactive again, or staying for music as well?
Just interactive…I’m paying my own way this year and can’t swing the music dates anyways.
@Laura – yah I saw your Tweets about it. For those interested, here’s a link to Laura’s panel.
Also, Rain City Studios (Vancouver) generally has one of the biggest parties down at SxSW (apparently they just booked the Hillary Clinton Suite), so make sure you swing by and check it out.
I wish I could go. But I only recently started my totally awesome job, so not enough money ( or vacation time ) to go.
If you don’t go, we should organize NxNW ( North by North West ): SxSW For Those Stuck In Vancouver! =P
But yeah, it’d nice to be able to go. I’ve always wanted to go to a tech conference.
From a music perspective, any fan of music exploration should go to SXSW at least once. Not only is it North America’s biggest showcase of up and coming music, it’s also in Austin which has one of (if not THE best) the best independent music scenes around. If you can, GO GO GO. Or i’ll walk by your desk and snicker softly at you.
I would love to go, unfortunately Austin seems so far away from Sydney, Australia. I do plan to get there for music and tech one year.
Have fun!
I concur with Sean. We should organize NxNW!
@ Raul – Well there’s Northern Voice, it’s SxSW without the barbecue, swag, booths, music, and Texans. There’s also NxNE in Ontario.
I still think I’d prefer to try out Southby at least once…
Going to interactive, but the cost of that is I’m bunking with @retrocactus ;). Get a ticket and we could try to jam you into the hotel room, course if it comes down to it you’re sleeping with him, man.
It’s unlikely I’ll be able to go, but if you guys are offering a floor for a reduced cost, that might make it easier!