Yes, I’m attending SXSW — as I have every year since 2009. I’m hardly an expert about the conference or the city of Austin, but I reckon I have obtained some decent experience during the past three years; albeit badgeless (I had the opportunity to share a friend’s SXSWi badge last year. I did meet some great people on the expo floor, but otherwise the badge wasn’t advantageous to me.)

I read C.C. Chapman’s post regarding parties at the event, and I felt compelled to share my own thoughts.

Last year, Rachel and I RSVP’d and organised our schedule (mostly the parties/nightlife aspect) with a lot of detail. This year, we’ll be just as organised, but I’m slashing the amount of parties I attend.

Noisy environments (concerts, clubs, crowded rooms) have never been pleasing to me (especially for my ears), and my fondness of schwag has decreased significantly over the past few years. Being badgeless and trying to get in to badge-only parties was a challenge, but it ultimately comes down to who you know. When we weren’t able to enter a specific party (badge-only or not) then Rachel and anyone else with us would get very disappointed.

“I just prefer smaller gatherings where you can actually get to know the people around you.”
—C.C. Chapman

The Bigg Diggnation Shindigg was always the best party because it had something interesting and interactive (makes bloody good sense, right?) during the duration of the party. Sadly, our position at the front of the mosh pit resulted in my iPhone screen shattering on the ground last year. I digress. Diggnation concluded at the end of last year, so I’m not sure if Revision3 will be hosting an event this year. If they do, then I’m not even sure I’ll attend.

The other only other event I have interest in is the Austin on Rails Happy Hour. They always have a decent selection of food (chicken wings, fries, chips, salsa, cookies, etc.). We don’t have much experience with Ruby on Rails nor are members of the Austin on Rails community. That’s not a problem though; as long as you register and know the secret word (2010) or the name of the party (2011), then you’re in.

Another event-that’s-not-a-party-but-will-be-partyrific I will be attending is Trey Ratcliff’s Austin Photowalk on Saturday, March 10th… I don’t care how many badges or invites to 12-star hotel rooftop parties you have on this night. This is a free, badgeless event you won’t want to miss.

So, what will I be doing while everyone else is losing their voices at parties. Well, either working, stalking The Ice Cream Man, and/or exploring more of Austin (it’s a great city!).

Will you be joining me?

Short URL: http://djsteen.com/wp/p/3010

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