My First SXSW Experience

I am fresh back from SXSW and I loved everything about it. So, when I tell you there is so much information to process. Let me tell you my highs and lows of the trip, suggestions for making SXSW smaller, and more. 

What is SXSW?

It is called South by Southwest or South By. It is a yearly venture that combines film, interactive media, and a music festival. This is the place to be if you are a creative in all genres as well as professionals in their field including stars and more. It can be overwhelming. When you attend know it is pricey. However, depending on what you go for the price does make sense for what you have access for. There are a few things to keep in mind when there. So herein lies the tips.

Is SXSW overwhelming?

It most definitely can be. There is a lot to see and do. From the celebrities to the interactive booths, SXSW will not disappoint if you like to walk around, network, and more. There are ways to cut it down. One thing you should do is know what your purpose is. Stick to it and when it is time to attend events prioritize your number one choice along with other things you don’t mind seeing.

There are a lot of events happening at the same time. Consider what companies matter to you like Hulu, MielleOrganics, and more. There are also ways to be interactive online. If you want to travel to attend some of the free events, you can do so as many companies make their mark and hold interactive booths. Also at events priority is given to badge holders first.

I would caution if you were traveling a distance to travel just for the free events without partnering with one company to do things with. Depending on where you are, the hotels and airfare could cost you some money.

Traveling to SXSW

I personally traveled from Philadelphia. The prices for the hotel and airfare were high. However, there were plenty options for the conference. The closer you stay to the conference, the more expensive it is. I would suggest considering one thing I didn’t was, transportation. I knew there would be Ubers. In addition, SXSW also had shuttle services for those who had their bands. This is to help you get from one location to the next. SXSW is all over downtown Austin. I probably spent about $150-200 on Uber, and I was less than 15 minutes away from the conference location. 

SheMedia x SXSW

They had a collaboration that supported women’s health and wellness with This Flow Space. 3 full days of activations, conference like atmosphere and enrichment. Some of the best of the best came together to speak on topics like menopause, mindfulness, rare diseases, nutrition, and encouraging women to be as healthy as possible to live their lives at the best quality.

Personal Take Aways

One thing I do is sit in the front. It’s about the way that I learn. So, I absorbed a lot of information. The things that I took back home with me were a few themes:

• Work out and take care of yourself as if you have nothing to lose
• Ask questions and get a second opinion
• Go and get all of your tests done including genetic testing
• Movement is essential

SheMedia Partner

I am a SheMedia Partner. This means I have the backing of the company, resources, and more for the things I need to make my business stronger every day. From the website upheaval to collaborations, and bylines and more I feel supported by them. One of the things that I loved was the PMC partner luncheon. One the food at Austin Proper Hotel is one of the most stunning hotels. If you are in the Austin area place them at the top of the list. They will treat you well. Their restaurant is stunning. We had so many amazing tacos, quesadillas, and margaritas. The customer service was unmatched.

We spoke to executives regarding content creation, being amazing writers, and remembering our why. It is hard in this world of numbers to stay the course. 

Some of the Traveling Lows

I was not a fan of the hotel I chose. Again, in the spirit of saving money I chose to stay at the Wyndham Gardens. Normally Wyndham’s name is fine, but this is not the place to stay. It wasn’t awful. There was an outdoor pool, workout facility, and breakfast every morning. The property needs an upgrade. It was a little more worn and not to my liking. Staff was great but I am an aesthetic girl, and this didn’t meet my standards.

The actual travel there and home on American Airlines was bad. Turbulence was so bad getting to Austin. I can’t blame the pilots, but the plane itself there and back was so small that it ignited my anxiety. For the first time I start hyperventilating. I had severe panic attacks and thankfully ignited my tools to help me calm down. I went to sleep on the ride to Austin but couldn’t sleep back home. 

Traveling Highs

This was the first time where community meant the world. I didn’t feel alone even though I traveled alone. There were many luncheons, dinners, meet ups and more that I really felt I left with more than I came with. Anytime I go to a conference I make sure it is financially worth my while. I signed a contract in the airport before I came home. A win is a win. There were times that we worked out and that sweat equity helped my mental health too.

Freedom Forum

This was my first stop of SXSW after registration. I was invited by the brand before I went to Austin through my work with Social Currant. I have done things with them through Priorities USA. They had a wonderful display called Yours to Lose. This interactive theatre allowed us to test what we believe in collaboration with the First Amendment. The show was amazing and started necessary conversations. In addition we also enjoyed learning, cocktails, bites, and live music.

Would I go back to SXSW?

Absolutely. Pro tip: pack a bag and leave space to travel home with goodies. I got so many wonderful items. Items that I would have used anyway thus saving money. I brought home at least 3 full bags of products, and I packed my bag accordingly. FYI, I never went over the weight requirements for the win. I felt like I got so much out of this conference that you will see things come up that I will reference to especially in the health and wellness field. 

I had this on my Vision Board and to cross it off my list was wonderful. Look for some more travel with brands coming up too. Thank you SXSW and SheMedia for a great time.