February 26, 2015 Jane Carter

The Tech

1.) Follow these Twitter handles

@rsvpster

@SXSWISLIFE

@SXSWPartyList

@CameronatSX

@mxdwn_atx

@SXSWhoa

@MissKrisSXSW

@martyrAtSXSW

@do512

@andylanger

@snow2go

@SXSWMF

@FreeatSXSW

@SouthByFreeNOMS

@SXSWPARTYGIRLS

@ulovei

@sxswfreedrinks

@Chuparkoff

@SXSWbby

@unofficialSXSW

@SXSJess

@hippohonk

@atxshhh

@jackievanz

@SXSWHIPHOP

@mischiefonline

@deborific

2.) Create a list from those Twitter handles

3.) Hashtags

#SXDrinks - tips on where the free drinks are at

#SXLines - updates on lines

#SXSWmafia

#sxsw

#RBxBR - Ray Ban party hashtag

#sxsw2015

#SXSWTIPS

#SXFn

4.) Phone batteries: Get 'em!

5.) Keep tabs on your Snapchat

6.) We’ve been hearing some noise from SkoopApp

7.) Download those anonymous messaging apps (YikYak, Secret, Whisper)

8.) HippoHonk if you're looking to discover new music

9.) Use Foursquare/Swarm to track abnormal foot traffic

10.) Get the apps that startups tell you to download for entry

11.) Setup your Ridesharing App

The Parties

12.) Fader Fort

16.) House of Vans

17.) SPIN's Annual Day Party

23.) Waterloo Records

The Tips

blue

24.) If you're lazy about RSVPing, get RSVPster.

25.) Stay far away from Dirty 6th street on music weekend

26.) Want a free badge?

Words of wisdom from Ian Carrico of @sxswfreedrinks

27.) Don't leave someplace just because there is a rumor of an event across town.

28.) The drinks might be free, but your bartenders are still working hard all week.

Make sure you bring some ones with you to tip your bartender— and always, always, always be kind to them

29.) If you identify as a wino, follow @garyvaynerchuk during Interactive.

He usually throws a secret wine party that’s announced last second. You’ll probably rub shoulders with a lot of super successful tech people there.

30.) Be aware of the logistics for going to stuff outside of downtown.

31.) If you see this at SXSW, run in the complete opposite direction.

5 Very Actionable Tips from Cameron Clark ( @CameronAtSX

32.) Look for a second bar before getting in line for free drinks.

33.) Take screenshots of all the important info you might need throughout the day (schedules, venue addresses, maps, etc)

34.) When you party-hop without a badge or wristband, you will spend a ton of time in lines and miss a lot of artists you want to see.

35.) A lot of official showcases that are "badges only" will sell a limited number of tickets at the door to those without badges, usually $5-$10.

36.) Didn't make it in for a show you wanted to be at? Use that time to wander into less crowded venues and discover new music.

37.) Hang out at the Four Seasons while your’e taking a break.

38.) Read AustinBloggyLimits epic post

39.) If you're in full-on rage mode the entire week, find some of the week-long day events.

40.) Front-Gate’s morning after party is a best kept secret.

41.) If you're an Austinite, get the damn music wristband.

Smart Suggestions from Lucid Routes ( @LucidRoutes

42.) The key is to keep those hands as empty as possible so that you can consume as much of the complimentary food and libations SXSW has to offer.

43.) We suggest a regimen of Vitamin C, caffeine and lots of water.

44.) Snag those pajama/workout shirts from all the swag happy startups.

45.) Don't sleep on the small unofficial stuff.

Miguel Angel's cheats (See the rest of his legendary cheats here

46.) Use a badge from a previous year. Not every party scans for badges.

47.) Change a friend's name in your phone to the name of a person producing the event, then text yourself this.

48.) Pedicabs move faster than cabs during SXSW

49.) Go to Party City and buy different color assorted tickets. Get free drinks all week.

50.) Setup a new Gmail address just for the purpose of SXSW events.

51.) Get into unofficial interactive parties by saying your’e a customer or prospect of the sponsor

52.) Fuggedabout official music showcases with big name artists.

53.) Prep for the late afternoon lull.

54.) Read this post if you're looking to rent a home for SXSW

55.) Try catching the later showings during the film festival

56.) Check out Operation Every Band if you want the lowdown on all the bands

57.) If you have a list of must-see artists, try catching their day shows first.