SXSW - A Veteran's Survival Guide

It's that time of year again. That's right, it's time to book your flight to Austin, Texas, fill out your registration, put your liver through some serious strength conditioning, and strategize your game plan for South By Southwest 2007.

Whether you're heading to Austin from March 9 through 18 to promote your film or music, check out the wares at the trade show, or simply to consume as much live entertainment (and tasty libation) as possible, without a strategy planned with military precision, your chances for survival at SXSW are slim at best. As a multi-year veteran (that's how much fun I've had at SXSW in the past. Thanks to all those jello-shots at the Paradise, I can't even remember how many years I attended), my recommendation is to put your battle plan together before you get on the plane.

This year's SXSW looks like it's going to be another banner event. With speakers including Pete Townshend, Rickie Lee Jones, Booker T, Emmylou Harris, David Byrne, and too many film and television big-wigs to mention, it's really easy to over-book your itinerary. And that's before you even get started checking out all the great live music on 6th.

Depending on whether your motivation for attending SXSW is to network with business associates and make new ones or to keep your finger on the pulse of emerging music, tickets range from $225 to $950 and this reporter feels that it's a real bargain for music and film lovers.

If you've never been to SXSW and are currently considering attending, don't hesitate. You won't be disappointed by the knowledge you can gain by attending the panels and lectures, and there's arguably no other festival like it when it comes to variety of music. The atmosphere in downtown Austin is always very laid-back, and during SXSW everybody's your friend. It's just a really great hang.