SXSW 2012: The Basics

February's over.  That means South by Southwest is around the corner.  SXSW -- particularly SXSW Music -- is BIG, so preparedness is key.  If you haven't started planning already, better get your butt in gear.

SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST 2012 BASICS

SXSW ][ MUSIC ][ FILM ][ INTERACTIVE

March 9-18

Interactive: March 9–13
Film: March 9–17
Music: March 13–18

Attending

For a Platinum Badge (access to all three festivals), this late, expect to pay well beyond a G.  The coveted piece of laminated paper will cost you $1395.  Gold badges are $1150.  If you're more the single-event type, price depends on the festival you're interested in: Interactive = $950.  Film = $595.  Music = $750. 

The Second-Hand Market:

• Craigslist
• StubHub
• eBay

Headquarters

Austin Convention Center

500 East Cesar Chavez St.

Events during SXSW take place all over the city, mainly downtown, but the nerve center of the festival is the Convention Center. Lots of panels, the Day Stage, the Music Gear Expo, Flatstock poster show (see below) and other fun stuff take place at the sprawling center, plus it's the place to go to handle registration and other logistics.

Convention Center area (including parking)

Some More Basics


The official SXSW First-Timer's Guide is full of helpful info for SouthBy virgins.  Another good tool for attendees is SXsocial, "a SXSW registrant tool that allows users to search for and message other SXSW attendees, update contact information, and book hotel accommodations."  There's also SXSW GO, "the official mobile app for getting the most out of attending SXSW 2012 [that] allows you to view/build your schedule, see a map of what’s happening and how to get there, navigate the tradeshow, stay connected to the social world and more."

One of my favorite tools is Austin360's SXSW 2012 Side Parties Database.  Search for unofficial parties by festival category (e.g., Interactive, Film, Music), date, whether free or not, and whether free food/drink are provided.  Click on each party for all the good details -- date, time, bands, where to RSVP, etc. So go find out what music parties are going on during weekend and hunt down free beer!  Great free tool -- use it!

Follow SXSW

We'll be posting SXSW-related goodies from now through after the festival. Here are some other good places to go for festival news, information, gossip, BS, etc.

Official SXSW News ][ Facebook ][ Twitter ][ MySpace ][ YouTube

Blogs covering SXSW:

• Operation Every Band - Had to start here. These guys have set a daunting goal: Review every band playing at SXSW in 2012. That means nearly 2,000 reviews. That's a whole lotta listening. Sounds like ... fun?  Too much?
• Austin Chronicle's SXSW Blog - What you'd expect from the Chronicle.
• Consequence of Sound - Also hosting a show I think.
• SXSW Baby - "An unofficial weblog for South by Southwest."
• Houston Press - SXSW coverage from Houston arts & entertainment news outlet.

More will pop up.  Trust us.