Pack For Every Occasion - Be Weather Ready
SXSW EDU is more than just a conference. You’ll be attending sessions, meeting potential clients, viewing films, networking at events, and more. If you’ve ever been to Austin, you know that the weather can be unpredictable — be sure to check weather forecasts before you set off each day. That being said, Austin is a really casual city. If you want to attend panels in your pajamas, we won’t judge.
Plan to Walk... A Lot
For those of you in fitness challenges counting your steps — get ready to score big this March! You’re going to be doing a lot of walking, so be comfort-conscious when selecting footwear. If you can manage it, you may want to have a change of shoes (and socks!) available. Your feet will thank you.
Stay Hydrated
We strongly recommend that you pack sunscreen and a reusable water bottle. The Texas heat can be dehydrating and the air in the convention center can be quite dry, but you’ll find water stations throughout the building to refill your bottle and stay hydrated.
Make a Schedule
You don’t have to stick to it, but having a place to start will make all the difference. The process of making your schedule is a useful discovery tool for events you may not otherwise hear about. Use the SXSW EDU Schedule or SXSW EDU GO mobile app to build your customized schedule. Events can be filtered by track, format, venue, day, and time. Simply click the star to the left of an event’s listing to add it to your schedule.
Wondering what events to schedule? Think about what you want out of your SXSW EDU experience. Are you here to network? Are you here to learn? Or, are you just here to have the best week of your year? The sheer number of events can be daunting, but using the right filters in the scheduling tool will help you identify the events you’ll enjoy the most.
Use event navigation tools to help you navigate and access conference and festival events. Review our Attendee Safety page for general safety guidelines and resources.
Find a New Collaborator
SXSW EDU provides unlimited networking opportunities in an eclectic, social atmosphere. Even if you arrive in Austin on your own, you’ll be saying heartfelt goodbyes at the end of the week. Connect with other registrants at the Expo, during sessions, including mentor sessions, meet ups, lounges, parties, and more. Search the SXSW EDU GO mobile app attendees directory.
Pace Yourself
You will have the urge to hit the ground running and try to cram as much into your first day as possible. Resist it! You will only be overwhelmed and disappointed with yourself that you don’t have the energy to go to that great evening event you had your heart set on. Experienced registrants know that SXSW EDU is a marathon, not a sprint.
